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.
Denise, Skiatook, OK “But those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles, they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. Isaiah 40:31 NIV
Because I feel God showing ME some NEW things….
“Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not pereive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the dessert”.
Isaiah 43:19 ESV
Lynn, Rochell GA
Meghan, Lexington Kentucky
“For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit between joint and marrow. It exposes our inner most thoughts and desires.”
Hebrews 4:12
NLT
Stacey – Fredericksburg, VA
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. James 3:17 NIV
Jill, Sioux City Iowa
“Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity.” 1 Timothy 4:12 (NIV)
Alicia, McDonough, GA
Deuteronomy 32:46-47 NIV
He said to them, take to heart all the words I have solemnly declared to you this day…they are not just idle words for you- they are your life. By them, you will live long in the land you are crossing the Jordan to posssess.
Heather Liberty, TX
James 3:17
“But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, accommodating, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial, and not hypocritical.”
Kris, Carmel, IN; “If your heart is broken, you’ll find God right there; if you’re kicked in the gut, He’ll help you catch your breath.” Psalm 34:18 (Message translation)
“The Lord bless you and keep you, the Lord make His face shine upon you and be gracious to you;the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.” Numbers 6:24-26 NIV
Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. Colossians 3:13 (NIV)
None of us liveth to himself. Romans 14:7
Valerie, Farmington
If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.
Romans 10:9, NIV
Sarah- Westwood Hills, Kansas
Proverbs 10:9 (New Living Translation)
“People with integrity walk safely, but those who follow crooked paths will slip and fall.”
Psalm 40:4-5 NIV “Blessed is the man who makes the LORD his trust, who does not look to the proud, to those who turn aside to false gods. Many, O LORD my God, are the wonders you have done. The things you planned for us no one can recount to you; were I to speak and tell of them, they would be too many to declare.”
Brandy- Prattville, AL.
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 path straight. Proverbs 3: 5-6 (NASB)
Tanya Lakeville,Ohio
” 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
Denise – Key Largo
Psalm 119:36-37 (New Century Version)
Make me want to keep your rules instead of wishing for riches. Keep me from looking at worthless things. Let me live by your word.
Carol, Phoenix, AZ: Psalm 112:6-7: “Surely, he will never be shaken; a righteous man will be remembered forever. He will have no fear of bad news; his heart is steadfast, trusting in the Lord.” (NIV)
*My 13-year-old daughter is memorizing with me…she suggested this one…after some difficult weeks with bad news, it seems more than appropriate! Love that she understands the value of scripture memory!*
Janell, Frisco
“we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance;perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given to us!” Rom 5:3-5 NIV
Kim Dickinson, ND
“Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.” Eph. 6:14-15 NIV
Kristen, Tuscaloosa:
For as the heavens are higher than the earth,
So are My ways higher than your ways
And My thoughts than your thoughts.
Isaiah 55:9 (NASB)
Katie, Durham, NC: ““Do not fear, for I am with you; do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely I will help you, surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand” Isaiah 41:10 NASB
Nicole, Kitchener, ON (Canada)
The secret things belong to the Lord our God, but the things revealed belong to us and to our children forever, that we may follow all the words of this law. – Duet 29:29 (NIV)
Melany, Garrison, MO… In your teaching show integrity, seriousness, and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned, so that those who oppose you may be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say about us. Titus 2:7-8 NIV
“And my God WILL supply your EVERY need according to HIS GLORIOUS riches in Christ Jesus!” Philippians 4:19 NET…(Thanks Beth! I’d been trying to decide my verse for this week, & I really need this one to remind me that HE will supply for every need, just what I need & WHEN I need it!”)HUGS! Kay
Katherine, Houston, TX
I swear I picked this verse before I even read the blog.
Philippians 4:19 (NKJ)”And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.”
Christy, Clay Center
Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank Him for all He has done.
Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts & minds as you live in Christ Jesus. Phillippians 4:6-7 (NLT)
Kristin, St. Louis
Satisfy us in the morning with your unfailing love, that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days.
Catherine
Bethlehem, PA
You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is
steadfast, because he trusts in you. Isaiah 26:3( NIV)
The LORD makes firm the steps of the one who delights in him (NIV) Psalm 37:23
Kelly, Birmingham, AL
Sarah, Russellville, AR
I Thessalonians 5:23
“May God himself, the God of peace, sactify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul, and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.” (NIV)
Amy H. Oklahoma City, OK
Isaiah 55:18-19 NET
“Indeed,my plans are not like your plans,
and my deeds are not like your deeds,
for just as the sky is higher than the earth,
so my deeds are superior to your deeds
and my plans superior to your plans.”
Sherri, Mechanicsville, VA
…and provide for those who grieve in Zion- to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair, They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of his splendor. Isaiah 61:3 NIV
“Order my steps in Thy Word; and let not any iniquity have dominion over me.”
Psalm 119:133 KJV
Heather G
Charlotte NC
Kathy, Akron, Ohio
Psalm 91:2
I will say of the LORD, “He is my refugeand my fortress, my God in whom I trust.” (NIV)
Lorna Beth
Chicago, IL
Whom have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besides you. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.
Psalm 73:25-26 (NIV)
Karen, Enid OK
“Finally, brothers and sisters, 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
Carrie Hunter, Hindman, KY
For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.
Hebrews 4:12 NIV
Tammy
Gadsden, AL
“The LORD is my strength and my shield;
my heart trusts in him, and he helps me.
My heart leaps for joy,
and with my song I praise him”. Psalm 28:7 NIV
Sarah, Greensboro, NC
“Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done.” Phillipians 4:6 NLT
Amy
Fullerton, CA
“Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.”
Romans 12:12 (ESV)
Hope in Washington: “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
Please pray God grants me some wisdom from above! That’s why I chose this verse. God bless you REALLY good!
Joni, Bradenton, FL
Psalm 84:1-3 NIV
How lovely is your dwelling place, O Lord Almighty! My soul yearns, even faints for the courts of the Lord; my heart and my flesh cry out for the living God. Even the sparrow has found a home, and the swallow a nest for herself, where she may have her young – a place near your alter, O Lord Almighty, my King and my God.
Philippians 1:9,10 (NLT)
I pray that your love will overflow more and more, and that you will keep on growing in knowledge and understanding. For I want you to understand what really matters, so that you may live pure and blameless lives until the day of Christ’s return.
Slinger WI
Katie from Oxford, MS “The Lord your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing.” Zeph. 3:17 NIV
Laurice Ray- Atlanta, GA
You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you!
Isaiah 26:3 NLT
Heather, Lancaster PA
Psalm 62:1
Truly my soul finds rest in God;
my salvation comes from him.
Pat,Green Bank,WV
When the Lord saw her,
his heart went out to her
and he said, “Don’t cry.”
Luke7:13,Hebrew-GreekKeywordStudyBible,NIV,p.1206.
Helen,Dunmore,WV
Blessed are the pure in heart for they shall see God.
Matthew 5:8,NKJV
Ask and it shall be given to you;
Seek and you will find;
Knock and it will be opened to you.
Matthew 7:7,NKJV
Brittany, Dallas
“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) NIV
Crevolyn, Gainesville, GA: “It is for freedom that Christ has set up free. Stand firm, then and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.” Galatians 5:1 (NIV)