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.
Donnicia /Raleigh
Joshua 1:9 (New International Version, ©2010)
9 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.”
Proverbs 14:30
A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones. (NIV)
Newnan, GA
“Those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on what the flesh desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spritit is life and peace. Romans 8: 5-6 (NIV)
Carla Ritz, Lock Haven PA – “Now for this very reason also, applying all diligence, in your faith supply moral excellence, and in your moral excellence, knowledge;” – 2 Peter 1:5 (NASB)
Rachel, New Castle IN
“So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.” John 13:34-35
Lanie, Georgia
For I know the thoughts that I think towards you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope. Jeremiah 29:11
Leslie, Wisner, La.
At all times and for everything giving thanks in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to God the Father.
Eph. 5:20, Amplified
Barb, Ann Arbor, Mi
Isaiah 26:3
“You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you”
Jane, Milton,GA: “You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you.” Isaiah 26:3 NIV
“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
Jill
Vandalia, MO
Margo, Burlington Ontario, “Those who sow in tears will reap with songs of joy. He who goes out weeping carrying seed to sow, will return with songs of joy, carrying sheaves with him.” Pslam 126: 5,6 (NIV)
Dawn from Clinton, PA:
You have also given me the shield of Your salavation; Your right hand has held me up, Your gentleness has made me great. ~~~ Ps. 18:35, NKJV
Kim, Hickory, N.C. – 1 Peter 5:7 Cast all your anxiety on
him because he cares for you. NIV
Cortni, Coden, “Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.” Philippians 4:5 NIV
Cindy, Alton NH
And when ye pray, forgive if you have anything against anyone, that your Father also which is in heaven, may forgive your trespasses.
But if ye do not forgive, neither will your Father which is in heaven forgive your trespasses. Mark 11:25-26 KJV
The Spirit himself testifies with out spirit that we are God’s children. Romans 8:16 NIV
That would be: testifies with “OUR” spirit — not ‘out’. The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. Romans 8:16 NIV
Roni from Demopolis, AL: Because of the Lord’s faithful love we do not perish, for His mercies never end. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness. HCSB Lamentations 3: 22 – 23
Lori, Knoxville, Iowa
Psalm 122:1, ESV
I was glad when they said to me, “Let us go to the house of the LORD!”
“Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart.” Psalm 37:4 NIV
Karen R.
Coffeyville, KS
(continuing a set of scriptures from 1 Peter)
2 Peter 1:10-11 (NIV)
Therefore, my brothes, be all the more eager to make your calling and your election sure. For if you do these things you will never fall and you will receive a rich welcome into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Ange, Louisville KY – Happy are the people whose strength is in You, whose hearts are set on pilgrimage. Ps. 84:5 HCSB
Cheryl in Fairhope, AL – This is what the LORD says— your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel: “I am the LORD your God, who teaches you what is best for you, who directs you in the way you should go. – Isaiah 48:17 NIV
Ginny- Georgia
“Love has been perfected among us in this: that we may have boldness in the day of judgment; because as He is, so are we in this world. There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love.” 1 John 4:17-18 NKJV
Joyce
Oklahoma
Wonderful post, for someone so busy. Looks like you, family and friends had a beautiful time together and those pictures say it all. (By the way, that nice white
thingy you have on, can I borrow it? It’s really cute and looks great on you, Beth!)
I have been reading “Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World”. We really do live in a busy world and we find time to stop for a snicker bar_such as shopping, friends, and other books. Yet, our Lord seems to be on side-lines at time. Having a balance and listening to God, drawing closer to our Lord, strengthening our service can bring less stress and greater joy. Being obedience is the key, so I am working on being closer to my Lord. The Bible verse I picked out is:
Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up. James 4:10
For the LORD GOD is a sun and shield. The LORD gives grace and glory; He does not withhold the good from those who live with integrity. Ps. 84:11 HCSB
Ginger
Wetumpka, Alabama
Sharon – Clinton ON Canada
Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.
Ephesians 5:1,2 NIV
Anita, Lawrenceville, “Walk as children of light (for the fruit of light is found in all that is good and right and true), and try to discern what is pleasing to the Lord.”
Ephesians 5:9-10 ESV
Jeannette, Land O Lakes, FL
For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than a double-edged sword, it penetrates even to divide soul and spirit, joints and marrow. It judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. Hebrews 4:12 (NIV)
Betsy, Katy, TX I had only heard about you before, but now I have seen you with my own eyes! Job 42:5 NLT
Donna, Raleigh
Don’t worry about anything; instead pray about everything. Tell God what you need and thank Him for all He has done. Phil 4:6 NLT
Crystal…Mullica Hill, NJ…2Peter 1:3…His divine power has granted to us all things for life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to His own glory and excellence,…ESV.
Erin, Springfield MO
“For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.
Jeremiah 29:11
For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast. Ephesians 2:8-9 (NASB)
Susan
England, U.K.
Sarah, Avon Park, FL:
“Blessed are the pure in heart, because they will see God.”
-Matthew 5:8 (HCSB)
Brooke from Clinton, PA:
The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. ~~ Jn. 10:10, NIV
You must not fear them, for the Lord your God himself fights for you. Deut. 3:22 NIV
Laura Tuscaloosa, Alabama
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. Philippians 4:19 The Message
Paula from Hendersonville: O God, YOU are my God, earnestly I seek You; my soul thirsts for You, my body longs for You, in a dry and weary land where there is not water. Psalm 63:1
Kim, Lawrence, Ks “finally, brothers, 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. Phil. 4:8 NIV
Janet, Georgia: “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.” –1 Corinthians 13:4-7 (NIV)
Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.
Roman 12:12 (NIV)
Mary Watkins
West Memphis, AR
You are my shelter and my shield; I put my hope in your word. Psalm 119:114
Have mercy on me, O God, according to your unfailing love;according to your great compassion blot out my transgressions.
-Psalms 51:1 (NIV)
Kay Groce, Dallas, Texas
“You only need to remain calm – the Lord will fight for you.” Exodus 14:14 NCV
Lacey in Indiana
“Above all, love eachother deeply, because love covers a multitude of sins. 1 Peter 4:8 (NIV)
Amy, Dayton, OH
When I think of the wisdom and scope of God’s plan, I fall to my knees and pray to the Father, the Creator of everything in heaven and on earth. Ephesians 3:14-15 (NLT)
And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:7 (NASB)
Cara, Highlands Ranch, “To you who are ready for the truth, I say this: Love your enemies. Let them bring out the best in you, not the worst.
When someone gives you a hard time, respond with the energies of prayer for that person.
If someone slaps you in the face, stand there and take it. If someone grabs your shirt, giftwrap your best coat and make a present of it.
If someone takes unfair advantage of you, use the occasion to practice the servant life. No more tit-for-tat stuff. Live generously.” Luke 6:27-31, The Message
Angie
Albertville, AL
Since we have these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from every defilement of body and spirit, bringing holiness to completion in the fear of God.
2 Cor 7:1 ESV
Oops! I entered in my OLD verse up there… Sorry, y’all!
Sarah, Ditz-ville, FL
“So be very diligent to love the LORD your God for your own well-being.” -Joshua 23:11 (HCSB)