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.
Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.
James 1:22 (NIV)
Flower Mound TX
My soul finds rest in God alone; my salvation comes from him.
Psalm 62:1 (NIV)
Jennifer, Wilmington, DE. “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 NIV… (couldn’t stop at the end of verse 38!!)
Alta, Sharpsville, In.
“And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we saw His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father full of grace and truth.”
John 1:4 NLT
Pam – Hatton, MO
Proverbs 9:10 (New International Version)
The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom,
and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.
Melissa, Hampton Roads, VA:
“So be truly glad: There is a wonderful joy ahead, even though you have to endure trials for a little while.”
1 Peter 1:6 (NLT)
Jan, Littleton, CO
“The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”
Psalm 34:18 (NIV)
Sue, Earlysville, VA
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
Jennifer, Colorado Springs, CO- Psalm 40:5 TNIV -“Many, Lord my God. are the wonders you have done, the things you planned for us. None can compare with you; were I to speak and tell of your deeds, they would be too many to declare.”
Sandy, Dallas, This is my 2/15/11 verse, 2 Cor 4:18, NIV, “So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.”
Jer 30:17 For I will restore you to health & I will heal you of your wounds, declares the LORD.
Patty, Canton, MA: But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. 1Peter 2:9 NIV
Paula from northern Maine
She who sacrifices thank offerings honors me. She prepares the way that I may show her the salvation of God.
Psalm 50:23
Kristi, Texas
Pleasant words are a honeycomb,
Sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.
Proverbs 16:24
John 10:10 NIV
“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.”
Tracy
Fort Mill, SC
Deborah, Kennewick. “Sow for yourselves righteousness, reap the fruit of unfailing love, and break up your unplowed ground; for it is time to seek the Lord, until he comes and showers righteousness on you.” Hosea 10:12 NIV
‘But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our sins; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed.’
Isaiah 53:5
Caitlin, Omaha NE
Numbers 23:19 (ESV)
God is not man, that He should lie,
or a son of man, that He should change His mind.
Has He said, and will He not do it?
Or has He spoken, and will He not fulfill it?
Kristy Dorminy
Alpharetta, GA
Acts 28:1
“When they had been brought safely through, then we found out that the island was called Malta.” (place of refuge)
Jen and Tyler; Easton, MA: “Don’t be deceived, my dear brothers. 17 Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.” James 1:16-17 NIV
Jessica
Westminster, MD
“For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace.” – Romans 8:6 ESV
Stephanie, Elkins: Not that I am looking for a gift, but I am looking for what may be credited to your account. Phil 4:17 NIV
Moose Jaw, Sask
John 13:7 NIV
Jesus replied, ” You do not realize now what I am doing, but later you will understand. “
Kalonni, Van Meter, IA: “Therefore let us keep the Festival, not with the old yeast, the yeast of malice and wickedness, but with bread without yeast, the bread of sincerity and truth.” 1 Corinthians 5:8 NIV
Tammy, Kenosha, WI
‘But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our sins; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed.’
Psalm 53:5 NIV
Makaela, Lynchburg, VA “ascribe to the Lord the glory due his name. Bring an offering and come before him; worship the Lord in the splendor of his holiness.” 1 Chronicles 16:29 (NIV)
Amanda Drummonds, TN
Pleasant words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.
Proverbs 16:24 NIV
Cheryl, Peoria “Give away your life; you’ll find life given back; but not merely given back-given back with bonus and blessing. Giving, not getting , is the way. Generosity begets generosity.” The Message
Tarah- Rib Lake, WI
But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
2 Corinthians 12:9 ESV
Ashley, Auburn “He humbled you, causing you to hunger and then fed you with manna, which neither you nor your ancestors had known, to teach you that man does not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of the LORD.” Deut. 8:3 NIV
Brenda, Hilton Head, “Before I shaped you in the womb, I knew you. Before you saw the light of day, I had holy plans for you: A prophet to the nations-that’s what I had in mind for you.” Jeremiah 1:5 The Message
Rachel, Billings
“Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up, do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.” ~Isaiah 43:18-19 NIV
Angie, Orlando, FL
The mind of sinful man is death, but the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace.
Romans 8:6 (NIV)
This is my first time leaving a comment. Hello Siestas!
I can relate to being so tired and drained – mentally. I’m in the financial world and getting ready for auditors. My eyes have been so tired that its interfered with some Bible reading so instead I watch Beth’s DVDs and I happen to fall asleep about the same time every night, (sorry Beth)I so wish that I could fast forward but it doesn’t allow it. I’ve also watched “Secretariat” -I really enjoyed the movie and loved the part where she is quoting from Job (Chap 39:19-24). Those are the verses I’m memorizing (but I have to admit – they have been a challenge for me). The Lord questions Job “Do you give the horse his strength or clothe his neck with a flowing mane?” That’s verse 19 – so when I’m tired or having a bad day, I hear “Tammy, Do you give the horse his strength?…..”
Thank you Beth for all you do!
Tammy
I love Jesus and so happy that I have met my deadlines again! He has never failed me.
Tiffany, Columbus: “This is the message of Good News for the people of Israel-that there is peace with God through Jesus Christ, who is Lord of all.” Acts 10:36, NLT version.
Turn my eyes from worldless things and give me life through your word. Psalm 119:37 Message
Teresa, Mississippi “And my God will supply your every need according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:19 The NET Bible
Pauline, Kearney, NE
“Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away, Behold, all things have become new.” 2 Corinthians 5:17 NKJV
Amy Storms
Santa Clarita, CA
For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. (2 Timothy 1:7, NKJV)
Carolyn,Terrace BC Canada
Romans 5:1 (NIV)
Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.
Taylor, AZ
Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever!
Hebrews 13:8 NKJV
Katalla, Fairbanks Alaska: “The Lord gives strength to his people; the Lord blesses his people with peace.” Psalm 29:11 NIV
Julie, Carthage, MO
‘Very truly I tell you, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds.’ John 12:24, NIV
Elizabeth, Atlanta
Can all of your worries add a single moment to your life?
Matthew 6:27 (NLT)
Kalyn – Binghamton, NY
“The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds.” 2 Cor. 10:4 (NIV)
Casey, Ooltewah, TN: Rejoice in hope; be patient in affliction; be persistent in prayer. (Romans 12:12, HCSB)
amber r., winter park fl
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 4:18 (the message)
Emily, Kalispell, MT
“Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee; because he trusteth in thee.”
Isaiah 26:3
Angie, Cincinnati, OH~ 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. Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of Him to whom we must give account. Hebrews 4:12-13 NIV
Meredith Smith
Gridley, CA
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13 (NIV)