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.
Anne, Conway, Ark
Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction,
faithful in prayer.
Romans12:12 NIV
Sadee, Celebration, FL
Colossians 1:21-22 (English Standard Version)
And you, who once were alienated and hostile in mind, doing evil deeds, he has now reconciled in his body of flesh by his death, in order to present you holy and blameless and above reproach before him,
Joy, Fayette, AL
Yours, O Lord, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the victory and the majesty, for all that is in the heavens and in the earth is yours. Yours is the kingdom, O Lord, and you are exalted as head above all.
1 Chronicles 29:11 (ESV)
Ami – Cowpens
If God is for us, who can be against us? Romans 8:31b NIV
Wanda – Eureka, MO: Therefore, I urge you brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God – this is your spiritual act of worship. Romans 12:1 NIV
Karen Ocean Springs MS
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” NKJ
Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise, give thanks to him and praise His name.
For the Lord is good and His love endures forever, His faithfulness continues through all generations.
Psalms 100:4-5 NIV
Kerri, Douglasville, GA
“Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need” Hebrews 4:16 NIV
Emily, McKenzie TN “May the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart be pleasing to you, O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer” Psalm 9:14 (NIV)
Heather, Camden, Yes, Lord walking in the way of your laws, we wait for you; Your name and renown are the desires of our hearts.
Isaiah 26:8 NIV
And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:19 ESV
Lynette – Aurora, CO
Isaiah 43:18-19 (New American Standard Bible)
18″(A)Do not call to mind the former things,
Or ponder things of the past.
19″Behold, I will do something (B)new,
Now it will spring forth;
Will you not be aware of it?
I will even (C)make a roadway in the wilderness,
Rivers in the desert.
Lara Harris Spring Hill, TN
“And my God will supply your every need according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:19 The NET Bible
Nancy, Perry, GA, “A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good things, and an evil man out of the evil treasure brings forth evil things.” Matthew 12:35 (NJKV)
Abigail, Katy, Tx
“Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life”
Proverbs 4:23
NIV
Debbie, Mildenhall, England: Why spend money on what is not bread and your labor on what does not satisfy? Listen, listen to me, and eat what is good, and your soul will delight in the richest of fare. Isaiah 55:2, NIV
Col 3:13 NIV: Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.
Valerie, Altoona, IA
My son, if you accept my words and store up my commands within you, turning your ear to wisdom and applying your heart to understanding, and if you call out for insight and cry aloud for understanding, and if you look for it as for silver and search for it as for hidden treasure, then you will understand the fear of the LORD and find the knowledge of God. Proverbs 2:1-5
Psalms 61:1-2 NIV God is our refuge and strength,
an ever-present help in trouble.
2 Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way
and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea
Jennifer
Lutz, Florida
“For I know the plans I have for you”, declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11 NIV
Betty, Soddy Daisy, TN
So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature.
Galatians 5:16 NIV
Ann, Fez (Morocco)
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge,
but fools despise wisdom and discipline.
Proverbs 1:7
Ginny, Ooltewah, TN: “Having hope will give you courage. You will be protected and will rest in safety.” Job 11:1 NLT
Isaiah 64:4 NIV
“Since ancient times no one has heard, no ear has percieved, no eye has seen any God besides you, who acts on behalf of those who wait for him.”
Sandy-Gettysburg, SD “When you talk, do not say harmful things, but say what people need – words that will help others become stronger. Then what you say will do good to those who listen to you.” Ephesians 4:29 (NCV)
No, no! It’s actually Job 11:18, not 11:1. Sorry!
Colossians 3:12 NIV
Therefore, as God’s chosen people,
holy and dearly loved,
clothe yourselves with compassion,
kindness,
humility,
gentleness
and patience.
Rebecca, Columbia, Missouri
1 Peter 2:23 (ESV)
When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly.
Jean, Fairfax, VA Psa 19:14 NASB “Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O LORD, my rock and my Redeemer.”
Kelly is hurting….no word from her on her verse yet. 🙁
Michelle, New Richmond “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
Karman, Little Rock, AR
2 Timothy 4:17 (New International Version, ©2010)
“But the Lord stood at my side and gave me strength, so that through me the message might be fully proclaimed.”
Michelle Calgary(Aidrie)Alberta Canada
God is within her, she will not fall; God will help her at break of day. Psalm 46:5 NIV
Lacey, Leonard, TX
“Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works and glorify your Father who is in heaven.” Matthew 5:16 NASB
Kristy, Princeton NC
“Do everything without grumbling or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, “children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.”Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky…”
Phil 2:14-15 NIV
Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death. 2 Corinthians 7:10
Wendy, Glendora, CA
James 3:17 But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. (NIV)
Theresa, Brandon, MS: “For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.” ~2 Timothy 1:7 (NLT)
Salena, Livonia, MI
Psalm 127:3 NLT
Children are a gift from the Lord; they are a reward from him.
Christy, Pennsylvania. “God is not a man, so he does not lie. He is not human, so he does not change his mind. Has he ever spoken and failed to act? Has he ever promised and not carried it through?” Numbers 23:19 New Living Translation
My purpose will stand, and I will do all that I please.
Isaiah 46:10
Shawn Covington, Ga
Amanda, White Rock BC, Canada, “You have given me greater joy than those who have abundant harvests of grain and new wine.” -Psalm 4:7 NLT
Dana, Louisville, KY
“So he said to me, ‘This is the word of the Lord to Zerubbabel, Not by might nor by power, but my Spirit, says the Lord Almighty.’ ”
Zechariah 4:6 NIV
Erin, Dallas. “In you, Lord, I have taken refuge; let me never be put to shame. In your righteousness, rescue me and deliver me; turn your ear to me and save me. Be my rock of refuge, to which I can always go; give the command to save me, for you are my rock and my fortress.” Psalm 71:1-3, NIV
Floyds Knobs, IN
“Oh Lord, you are my God. I will exalt you and praise for your name. For in perfect faithfulness you have done marvelous things, things planned long ago.”
Isaiah 25:1
Nicole Q., Henderson, NE
“Out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks.” Matthew 12:34 NIV
Andrea, Hobe Sound
1 Peter 5:8-9 (NIV)
Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith.
Charne; Standerton (South Africa) – For in Christ all the fulness of the Deity lives in bodily form, and you have been given fulness in Christ, who is the Head over every power and authority. Col 2:9 & 10 NIV
Lea
Lamar, Arkansas
Philippians 4:8 (NKJ)
“Finally brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy, meditate on these things.”
Ohio – Humility and the fear of the Lord bring wealth and honor and life. Proverbs 22:4 NIV
Angie, Wilmington: “Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.” Matthew 6:33 (NLT)