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.
Dawn, Zionsville.
Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Finally, brotheres, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable – if anything is excellent or praiseworthy – think about such things. Philippians 4: 4-8
For this reason, since the day that we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you. We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of His will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives, so that you may live a life worthy of the Lord pleasing in every way bearing fruit in every good work and growing in the knowledge of God.
Colossians 1:9-10 NIV
Lisa D., Alpharetta, GA
“For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the power of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” Ephesians 6:12 (NIV)
Pam – New Braunfels 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
Kristi, Elba, AL: Your eye is the lamp of your body. When your eyes are healthy, your whole body is also full of light. But when they are unhealthy, your body is also full of darkness. Luke 11:34 (NIV)
Chyrll, Memphis
(Beth, I’m using your verse these next two weeks, because I desperately need it!!)
“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
Posting for my friend: Sandy R., Eatonton, GA
“For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the power of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” Ephesians 6:12 (NIV)
Richmond, VA “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.” Phil. 2:3-4 NIV
Ann, Fez (Morocco)
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge,
but fools despise wisdom and discipline.
Proverbs 1:7 NIV
Danielle, Ousden (UK)
He who is slow to anger is better than the mighty, And he who rules his spirit, than he who captures a city.
Prov 16:32 (NAS)
Tami, Palm Coast, FL: Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. Matthew 6:19-21 (NIV)
Stephanie, Beaumont, TX: “The weapons we fight are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds.” 2 Cor. 10:4 NIV
Cheryl, Vancouver, BC Canada
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (NIV)
Katie, Crawford, Texas – “He alone is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will not be shaken.” Psalm 62:6 (NIV)
Melissa, Vicksburg, MS: “Let us then approach God’s 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
Laurie, Spokane
“Let all that you do be done in love.”
1 Corinthians 16:14 NASB
Lisa, Jacksonville FL
Romans 12:11-13 NIV
“Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with God’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.”
April, Vermilion
They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit.”
~Jeremiah 17:8 (NIV)
Vicki, Cynthiana, KY. “Because your steadfast love is better than life, my lips will praise you. So I will bless you as long as I live; in your name I will lift up my hands. My soul will be satisfied as with fat and rich food, and my mouth will praise you with joyful lips.” Psalm 63:3-5 (ESV)
Karla, Waco, TX:
O Lord, open my lips, and my mouth will declare your praise.
Psalm 51:15
“Oh Lord, you are my God. I will exalt you and praise your name. For in perfect faithfulness you have done marvelous things, things planned long ago.”
Isaiah 25:1 NIV
Cassie McLelland, Mansfield TX: “But I trust in your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in your salvation. I will sing to the LORD, for he has been good to me.” Psalm 13:5-6
Amy, Orlando: “Commit your way to the Lord [roll and repose each care of your load on Him]; trust (lean on, rely on, and be confident) also in Him and He will bring it to pass.”- Psalm 37:5 (The Amplified Bible)
Ingrid from Redmond,WA
My verse is Ps. 51:6 out of the NLT: But You desire honesty from the heart, so You can teach me to be wise in my inmost being.
Carmen, Knoxville
“For I am the LORD, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you.” Isaiah 41:13 NIV
I memorized this one when I was so very fearful of a painful childbirth. I just pictured the Lord in there with me, holding my hand:)
Runia, Silsbee, “I have no greater joy than this; to hear of my children walking in the truth.” 3John1:4, NIV
A good name is more desirable than great riches, to be esteemed is better than silver or gold. Proverbs 22:1
Jenny, Wellington FL
Acts 4:13 NIV
When they saw the courge of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus.
Jenni, Vivian, LA “If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.” 2 Chronicles 7:14 NIV
Mandy, Idabel “Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” 1 Thes 5:16 NIV
Debbie, Calgary:
Remember this, fix it in mind, take it to heart, you rebels…I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me.
Isaiah 46:8,9b NIV
P.S. I know that this is just for memory verses but I just have to say this…Miss Beth, you are so cute!!!!
Lauren, Apex, NC. “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.” Ephesians 2:10, ESV.
Diane, Clay Center, KS
Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life.
Prov 4:23 NLT
Cathi, Morristown TN – “Consider it pure joy my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.”
~James 1:2-3~ (NIV)
Tina, Houston, “But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumphal procession in Christ and through us spreads everywhere the fragrance of the knowledge of him.” 2 Corinthians 2:14 NIV
Darlene T., Pittsburgh, PA
So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. NIV
1 Corinthians 10:30, NIV
Jessica, Fort Worth: “The Lord appeared to us from afar saying, ‘I have loved you with an everlasting love. I have drawn you with loving kindness.'” Jeremiah 31:3, NIV
Christine, Union, MO. “And my God will supply your every need according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:19 The NET Bible
Anita, Big River, Saskatchewan
Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in this crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe
Philippians 2:14,15 NIV
Aimee, Columbus, Ohio
Proverbs 4:23 NIV
Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life.
Melissa, from Atlanta,
“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.” Phil. 2:3-4 NIV
Amanda Edmond Oklahoma
“…He chose them to become like His son…” -Romans 8:29
God chose us to look like Jesus. I pray we all live our lives to look like Jesus.
Kim, Laguna Niguel, CA “O Lord, be gracious to us; we long for you. Be our strength every morning, our salvation in time of distress.” Isaiah 33:2 NIV
Cynthia
Greenwood,AR
Stop at the crossroads and look around. Ask for the old, godly way and walk in it. Travel its path and you will find rest for your souls.
Jeremiah 6:16 NLT
I’m using this verse, too! Thanks for pointing me in the direction I needed.
Dedra, Madison, AL, “Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is Christ.” Ephesians 4:15 NIV
Love your verse.
Kaye, Stone Mountain
“I have swept away your offenses like a cloud, your sins like the morning mist. Return to me, for I have redeemed you.” Isaiah 44:22 NIV
Susan, Ellensburg
“Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.”
Romans 12:2 NIV
Pat from Bigfork, MT says:
“But He was pierced for our transgressions.
He was crushed for our iniquities.
The punishment that brought us peace was upon Him,
and by His wounds,
we are healed.”
Isaiah 53:5
NIV
CeCe, Girdwood Alaska
Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. NIV
Bettie
Pasadena, TX
NIV
Psalm 142:2-3
“I will pour out my complaint before Him; before Him I tell my trouble. When my spirit grows faint within me, it is You who knows my way.”