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.
Sarah, Abilene, TX
(working on all of Psalm 23 — to v. 3 and 4 now):
Psalm 23: 3,4 NIV
“he restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.”
Lynette, Alton, IL
Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thess. 5:16-18 (NIV)
Carole, Imperial, CA: “The more the words, the less the meaning, and how does that profit anyone?” Ecclesiastes 6:11 NIV
“Trust in the Lord & do good;
Dwell in the land,
& feed on His faithfulness.
Delight yourself also in the Lord,
And He shall give you the desires of your heart.
Commit your way to the Lord,
Trust also in Him,
And He shall bring it to pass.” Psalm 37:3-5 NKJV
jenn, chapin, sc
Sarah, Marion, KS, “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.” Philipians 4:8 NKJ
Annemarie from Thompsons Station, Tn.
Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart! Psalm37:4 The NLT Bible
Sandra, Round Rock – The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance. For to this end we toil and strive,because we have our hope set on the living God, who is the Savior of all people, especially of those who believe. 1 Timothy 4:9-10 ESV
Donna
Loganville, PA
Ephesians 2:10
For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which Christ prepared in advance for us to do.
NIV
“May the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you.” 1 Peter 5:10 (NKJV)
Ashley – Brentwood, TN
“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is – his good, pleasing, and perfect will.” Romans 12:2 Today’s NIV
Dana from Ashland, KY “If it is true that You look favorably on me, let me know Your ways so I may understand You more fully and continue to enjoy your favor. And remember that this nation is Your very own people.”
Exodus 33:13 NLT
Marcia, Portland, OR
I Corinthians 6:19b – 20 NIV
You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies.
Ashland, KY “If it is true that You look favorably on me, let me know Your ways so I may understand You more fully and continue to enjoy your favor. And remember that this nation is Your very own people.”
Exodus 33:13 NLT
Carrie, Eure, NC – just started Stepping Up so Psalm 121 it is…
I raise my eyes toward the mountians.
Where will my help come from?
My help comes from the LORD,
the maker of heaven and earth.
He will not allow your foot to slip;
your Protector will not slumber.
Indeed, the Protetor of Israel does not slumber or sleep.
The LORD protects you;
the LORD is a shelter right by your side.
The sun will not strike you by day,
or the moon by night.
The LORD will protect you from all harm;
He will protect your life.
The LORD will protect your coming and going
both now and forever.
Psalm 121 (HCSB)
Mary Anich, Port Angeles, WA
7 for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control. 2 Timothy 1:7 ESV
Cumming, Ga
The wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable,gentle, reasonable, full of mercy and good fruits, unwavering without hypocrisy. James 3:17 (NASB)
Jeanie
Sparta, TN
“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.”
James 1:2&3 NIV
Anne, Minneapolis
For the Lord takes pleasure in His people;
He adorns the humble with salvation.
Psalm 149:4 ESV
Leslie R, Norwood Young America, MN
“Lord, accept my grateful thanks and teach me your law.”
Psalm 119.108 NLT
D’Lane, Kyle, TX James 3:17 (The Message)
17Real wisdom, God’s wisdom, begins with a holy life and is characterized by getting along with others. It is gentle and reasonable, overflowing with mercy and blessings, not hot one day and cold the next, not two-faced.
Debbie, Forest City, NC
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.
Isaiah 41:10 (NIV)
Keeley, Tucson, AZ:
(this verse is my husband’s pick, as we are doing this together!)
Therefore as you have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, having been firmly rooted and now being built up in Him and established in your faith, just as you were instructed, and overflowing with gratitude.
Colossians 2:6-7 (NASB)
Becky, Fort Collins, CO
“My flesh and my heart may fail; but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.” Psalms 73:26
Jennifer, Marianna, FL~ “For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord” Romans 8:38,39
Kelley, Gainesville, Florida
You’re blessed when you are at the end of your rope. With less of you there is more of God and His rule.
Matthew 5:3(msg)
Zan from Franklin, TN
And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ—to the glory and praise of God.
Phil 1:9-11 NIV
Amy, McDonough, GA
Philippians 4:6-7
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, 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)
But the one who looks intently into the perfect law of freedom and perseveres in it, and is not a forgetful hearer but a doer who acts—this person will be blessed in what he does.
James 1:25 (HCSB)
Yes, this one spoke to me in my HW, Beth!
Sherri, Modesto, CA, Isaiah 45:4 (CEV)
“I will still be the same when you are old and gray, and I will take care of you. I created you. I will carry you and always keep you safe.”
Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouth, but only what is helpful for building others up, according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.
Eph 4:29 NIV
Tobi, Rodenbach, Germany
“Whatever you do work at it with all your heart as working for the lord, not for man since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.” Col. 3:23,24
Renita
Prattville, Alabama
Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe.”
John 20:27 NIV
Erin, Lolo, MT “…for it is God who works in you to will & to act according to his good purpose.” Philippians 2:13 NIV
Carla, Pierre, SD
O Sovereign Lord, you are God! Your words are trustworthy, and you have promised these good things to your servant. 2 Samuel 7:28 NIV
Shelly Bliss, San Dimas, Ca., It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery. Galatians 5:1 NIV
Lisa, Brazoria, TX
“Praise the LORD , O my soul, and forget not all His benefits– who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion.”
Psalm 103:2-4(NIV)
Jeanene, League City, TX
“Blessed is everyone who fears the Lord, who walks in His ways.” Psalm 128:1 NKJV
Shaunta’, Montgomery
Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and Timothy our brother,
To the saints and faithful brethren in Christ who are at Colossae: Grace to you and peace from God our Father.
Colossians 1:1-2 (NAS)
Aimee, North Aurora, IL
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.
Philippians 4:6 NIV
Psalm 91 :1-2 He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say to the Lord, “My refuge and my fortress, My God in whom I trust !”
Patty Pierce
Searcy AR
Do everything with out complaining or arguing so that you may become blameless and pure children of God with out fault in a crooked and depreaved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe.
Phillipan 2:14-15 NIV
Stephanie, Lewisville, TX
Grace mixed with faith and love poured over me and into me. And all because of Jesus.
1 Timothy 1:14 The Message
I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people,
Ephesians 1:17-18 NIV
“Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight O Lord, my strength and my redeemer” Psalm 19:14 NKJV
Jetta, Atlanta, GA “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.” Proverbs 3:5-6 NIV
A friend of mine just told me about this challenge. I love it! I will start with my life verse, Jeremiah 29:11. “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.”
Cheri, Lubbock TX
“Who is like you, O LORD, among the gods? Who is like you?
-majestic in holidness, fearful in praises, working wonders?”
Exodus 15:11 (NET)
Susie, Longwood, FL “Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love Him.” James 1:12 NIV
Marceil, Cedar Rapids Psalm 34:8 NASV “O taste and see that the Lord is good; How blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him!”
Tomi, Des Moines, IA
“The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul. The statutes of the Lord are trustworthy, making wise the simple. The precepts of the Lord are right, giving joy to the heart. The commands of the Lord are radiant, giving light to the eyes. The fear of the Lord is pure, enduring forever. The ordinances of the Lord are sure and altogether righteous. They are more precious than gold, than much pure gold; they are sweeter than honey, than honey from the comb. By them is your servant warned; in keeping them there is great reward.”
Psalm 19:7-11 NIV