Hey, you Scripture-memory buffs! I pray that your verses are bearing fruit and that they’re right there on the tip of your tongue when you’re tempted to say something the polar opposite of God’s will. That’s one of many things I like about memory work. It’s seems out of place to use the same mouth that has been spouting Scripture to spout off a bunch of trash. That doesn’t mean we never do it but it does mean we’re likely to feel miserable over it and think twice the next time.
Two times in a row our SSMT has fallen on a Bible study day so I am forced to be much briefer than I’d like. My heart toward you is bigger than my words, particularly today. Tonight’s lesson is especially pressing because I’m further behind in preparation than I’d normally be if I hadn’t had a taping over the weekend and spent the end of last work-week getting ready for it. Yada yada yada. I am woman, hear me whine.
I bet some of you feel the same way I’ve felt over the last week: too much on your plate. Looking at all of it in one big heap on your desk or your calendar can be demoralizing. Thursday I had one of those days when you can hardly make it to your car after work without bursting into tears. On the way home I felt like God was telling me to humble myself and get the word out that I needed prayer and by the next day I felt a world better. (Some nights you just go to bed early out of love for the people who live with you.) A couple of other things have really helped me today. They seem elementary but, if so, why don’t we ever seem to learn them once and for all? Here’s what they are: Remembering to…
1) TAKE ONE THING AT A TIME! God’s grace really is sufficient and He really does meet all our needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus. As much as we want to see all that manna heaped up in a mountain of provision a week in advance alongside those upcoming demands, His promise in Philippians 4:19 is to meet each one AT THE TIME WE NEED IT. Thank You, Lord. If we could learn to live in this present moment with this present provision, oh, man, life would be so much less stressful, wouldn’t it?
2) SAY NO. I have managed to get that most distasteful word for the people-pleasure out of my mouth two times today to people I really, really, really didn’t want to say no to. People I love a ton. People I want very much to please. But the fact is, I don’t have a single other yes in my pocket right now. Not one. For this moment, I am completely bereft of extra yeses. Anybody else? So it’s got to be no. Help us, Lord. We need so much help to say yes to no.
Anyway, that’s not what we’re doing on here today. We’re on here to spout off our Siesta Scripture Memory Team Verse 4!
I am continuing out of the Book of James. This round I’m going with James 3:17 –
Beth, Houston. “But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, accommodating, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial, and not hypocritical.” James 3:17 The NET Bible (Is that a mouthful or what??)
For any of you who could use some ideas, the alternative verse I’m selecting for today outside of James may as well be the one I mentioned a couple of paragraphs earlier. If you’ve never memorized this one, stick it toward the top of your list. It’s a staple in the mental pantry of the believer.
“And my God will supply your every need according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:19 The NET Bible
And from The Message:
You can be sure that God will take care of everything you need, His generosity exceeding even yours in the glory that pours from Jesus.
And that is a promise, Sweet Thing. Eyes up. Chins up. Joy up.
And maybe…just maybe…say yes to no.
Just for fun, here are a couple of pictures from Valentine’s dinner last night. We didn’t have the Fitzpatricks with us because they had their own plans for their third anniversary. Can you believe it’s been that long? We missed them but had a ton of fun anyway. Here are two darling couples I got to stare at across the table. I love them each so much.
We are ecstatic to have Travis and Angela in town and the rest of the worship team lands today. They’ll lead us tonight at Bible study. Wooooohooooooo!
Are they darling or what? For any of you newcomers, that’s Amanda, my firstborn, and Curtis, her wonderful man.
This picture didn’t come out well because the lighting was so bright so I did it in black and white and it looked even goofier but, anyway, at least you know I really did go with them to dinner.
And, in case I haven’t yet bored you to utter oblivion, here is one more that Trav took with his phone:
OK, that’s it! If you’re missing my Valentine, he had to be out of town for a work thing but I will see him soon and got beautiful roses and funny text messages all day.
Let’s hear each of your fourth verses, Siestas! Name, city, verse and translations please!
I love you guys.
waylene-loma linda: Let the beloved of the LORD rest secure in Him, for He shields him all day long, and the one the LORD loves rests between his shoulders. Deuteronomy 33:12 (NIV)
Zion,IL
Ezekiel 36:25-26
25)I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you;I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh
26)And I will put my Spirit in you and move you to follow my decrees and be careful to keep my laws. (NIV)
Jennifer, New Orleans “I will lie down and sleep in peace, for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell safely. NIV Psalm 4:8
Julie
Marion, IA
Hear, O Israel, the Lord is our God, the Lord alone!
You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul and with all your strength.
Deuteronomy 6:4-5 (New King James)
Jan, Gulf Breeze, FL. “Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, NIV
Fullerton, CA
Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.
Colossians 3:15 NIV
Charlotte, Ridgecrest, Ca
Be strong and of good courage, do not fear nor be afraid of them; for the LORD your God, He is the One who goes with you, He will not leave you nor forsake you. Deuteronomy 31:6 NKJ
Wait patiently for the Lord. Be brave and courageous. Yes, wait patiently for the Lord.
Psalm 27:14 NLT
Judi
Lancaster,PA
Tisha ~ Pilot Mtn, NC
If you, O LORD, kept a record of sins, O Lord, who could stand? But with you there is forgiveness; therefore you are feared. Psalm 130:3-4 (NIV)
Cathy S. Terra Ceia, FL
So you’ll go out in joy, you’ll be led into a whole and complete life. The mountains and hills will lead the parade, bursting with song. All the trees of the forest will join the procession, exuberant with applause. Isaiah 55:12 (The Message)
Vanessa – Florence, SC
“Be cheerful no matter what; pray all the time; thank God no matter what happens. This is the way God wants you who belong to Christ Jesus to live.” 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (The Message)
Thanks! I needed that verse today!!
Heather, Cleveland, GA
Psalm 139:4
Before a word is on my tongue, you, Lord, know it completely.
From lovely Dallas — You have made known to me the paths of life, you will fill me with joy in your presence. Acts 2:28 NIV
Heather, Leawood, Kansas: And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19 (NIV).
Beth, Oklahoma City
2 Timothy 1:7 – For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. (NKJV)
Nakisha, Zeeland, MI
“Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer” Romans 12:11-12 NIV
“Wisdom is the principle thing; therefore, get wisdom, and in all your getting, get understanding” (Proverbs 4:7-8)
Amanda, Colorado Springs
“For God did not give us a spirit of timidity (of cowardice, of craven and cringing and fawning fear), but (he has given us a spirit) of power and of love and of calm and well-balanced mind and discipline and self-control.
2 Timothy 1:7 amplified
Alyssa, Blaine, MN
“Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, ‘He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.'” – Ps 91:1-2 (NIV)
Amber, Warsaw, IN
“A man’s heart plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps.” Proverbs 16:19 NIV
Patty, Granite Bay,CA Proverbs 3:5 NIV “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.”
Michelle, Charlotte, NC. “If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you.” John 15:7 (NKJV)
Connie,Chariton,Jude 25 To God our Savior, Who alone is wise, Be glory and majesty,Dominion and power, Both now and forever. Amen NKJV
Shanna, West Bloomfield,
“We will not compare ourselves with each other as if one of us were better and another worse. We have far more interesting things to do with our lives. Each of us is an original.” Galatians 5:26 (MSG)
Melanie in Macon, Ga.
The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.
Deuteronomy 31:8 NIV
Gina – Kingwood, Tx.
Where can I go from your spirit? Where can I flee from your presence?
Psalm 139:7 -NIV
Is. 41:10
So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
Stacey, Midlothian ~ The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs – heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him. (Romans 8:16-17)
Four of us are memorizing these verses, or part of them. The other names are Becky in Owasso OK and Farrah-Jackson, MS if you want to be praying for all of us.
Deanna, Maytown AL
“Satisfy us in the morning with your steadfast love, that we may rejoice and be glad all our days.”
Psalm 90:14 ESV
Amen I love that verse so much thanks for picking it!!
“Listen to advice and accept instsruction, and in the end you will be wise.” Proverbs 19:20 NIV
Tina, Monroe, LA:
I will sing to the LORD, for he has been good to me.
Ps. 13:6 NIV
Beth, Oxford, MS: “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” Psalm 46:10 (NIV)
Barbara
Winnipeg, Canada
“I have swept away your sins like a cloud. I have scattered your offenses like the morning mist. Oh, return to me, for I have paid the price to set you free.” Isaiah 44:22
Helen, Cambridge, UK: The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Deuteronomy 31:8, NIV. I would really value your prayers for an English siesta…we are in the same situation as Angie Smith was with her baby Audrey – our 3rd son, Jeremiah, is due Mar 23 with a severe heart defect and medically speaking won’t live for more than a day or so before going home to heaven. Thank you x
Kerry, Waldorf
Verse 4: “Lord, who may dwell in your sanctuary? Who may live on your holy hill? He whose walk is blameless and who does what is righteous, who speaks the truth from his heart.”
Psalm 15:1-2 (NIV)
“Moreover, keep me from committing flagrant sins; do not let such sins control me. Then I will be blameless, and innocent of blatant rebellion.” Psalm 19:13 NET Bible
Dori Cook
Spring Hill, TN
(Tell Angela I miss her and our Friday morning prayer times!)
Lisa, Greensburg Pa. Do you not know that you are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you? If anyone defiles the temple of God, God will destroy him. For the temple of God is holy, which temple you are. 1 Corinthians 3:16-17(NKJV)
Phl 4:19 (NASB) And my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.
Hilda, Pearland
Kerri, Nichols, NY
“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” 2 Timothy 1:7 NKJV
Lisa Elmhurst, IL
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged for the Lord you God will be with you wherever you go.
Joshua 1:9 NIV
Debbie, Sevierville
Pray also for me, that whenever I speak, words may be given me, so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the Gospel.
Ephes: 6:19 The Message Bible
Cathy
Winona Lake, IN
Colossians 3:5
So put to death the sinful, earthly things lurking within you. Have nothing to do with sexual immorality, impurity, lust, and evil desires. Don’t be greedy, for a greedy person is an idolater, worshiping the things of this world.
Tess
Cartersville, GA
PSALM 25:5 NIV
Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior and my hope is in you all day long.”
Brandee from White House, TN “Today I have given you the choice between life and death, between blessings and curses. Now I call on heaven and earth to witness the choice you make. Oh, that you would choose life, so that you and your descendants might live!” Deuteronomy 30:19 NLT
Dawn in Chambersburg, PA
Psalm 40:5 (NIV)
“Many, O Lord my God, are the wonders you have done. The things you plan for us no one can recount to you; were I to speak and tell of them, they would be too many to declare.”
Psalm 27:13
I remain confident of this:
I will see the goodness of the
LORD in the land of the living.
Sara, Fisherville, KY: “persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not detroyed.” 2 Cor. 4:9 NIV
“And my God will supply your every need according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:19 The NET Bible
Lis, London. “So do not throw away this confident trust in the Lord. Remember the great reward it brings you! Patient endurance is what you need now, so that you will continue to do God’s will. Then you will receive all that He has promised.” Hebrews 10:35-36 (NLT)
Heather, Lansing MI- Psalm 34: 1-3 (NLT)
I will praise the Lord at all times. I will constantly speak his praises. I will boast only in the Lord; let all who are helpless take heart. Come, let us tell of the Lord’s greatness; let us exalt his name together.