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.
” ‘Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.’ ” John 8:32, NIV
oops! Forgot to “say”
Kathy
St. Louis, MO
Cindy, Virginia Beach, VA
And my God will supply your every need according to His glofious riches in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19
Tracie, Birmingham
Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank Him for all He has done. If you do this, you will experience God’s peace, which is far more wonderful than the human mind can undersatnd. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus. Phillipians 4:6-7, NLT
Lyndsey, La.,Psalm 51:12 NIV
Liz, Overland Park, KS – Matthew 10:31 (ESV) “Fear not, therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows.”
Allayne, Bangkok, Thailand:
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.
Philippians 4:8 (NIV)
Kathy, Hendersonville.
“The sinful mind is hostile to God.
It does not submit to God’s law,
nor can it do so.
Those controlled by the sinful nature
cannot please God.”
Romans 8:7-8 NIV
Anne Samuelson from Cedarburg, WI “And my God will supply your every need according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:19 NET Bible
Kim, Richmond, Tx, “I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being,” Eph 3:16,NIV
Mary Ann
Ringgold
Weeping may remain for a night, but rejoicing comes in the morning. Ps 30:5 NIV
Charlotte
Memphis, TN
For I will pour out water on the thirsty land and streams on the dry ground; I will pour out My spirit on your offspring and My blessing on your descendants. Isaiah 44:3 NIV
AND MY GOD WILL SUPPLY YOUR EVERY NEED ACCORDING TO HIS GLORIOUS RICHES IN CHRIST JESUS. PHIL 4:19 THE NET
STACY
CHAPIN SC
Krista, Jamesburg, NJ
Show me the right path, O Lord; point out the road for me to follow. Lead me by your truth and teach me, for you are the God who saves me. All day long I put my hope in you.
Psalm 25:4-5 NLT
Karen, Hendersonville The LORD appeared to him from afar, saying, “I have loved you with an everlasting love; Therefore I have drawn you with lovingkindness.” Jeremiah 31:3
Karen, Vancleave, MS
“For I am convinced that neither death or life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor present things, nor future things, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
Romans 8:38-39 NAB (Catholic Edition)
“Lead me by your truth and teach me, for you are the God who saves me. All day long I put my hope in you.”
Psalm 25:5 NLT
Amy Sullins
Gadsden, AL
Kathy, South Bend, “He gives power to the faint and weary and to him who has no might He increases strength (causing it to multiply and make it to abound.” Isaiah 40:29 NIV
Sarah, Colorado Springs
Romans 11:36 For from Him and through HIm and to Him are all things. (for all things originate with Him and come from Him, all things live through Him and all things center in and tend to consummate and to end in Him). To Him be Glory forever. Amen. Amplified Version
“Cast your cares on the Lord and He will sustain you; He will never let the righteous fall.”
Psalm 55:22 NIV
Michelle: Sylacauga, AL And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus. Phil. 4:19 NIV
Niki L
Frederick, MD
Hebrews 4:16 NIV
Let us 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.
Chantel, Austin, TX
“Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be afraid for I am your God. I will strengthen you and protect you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand”. – Isaiah 41:10 (NLT)
Pittsburgh, PA
Matthew 6:33 (New International Version)
33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.
Kathy Cupit
Hazlehurst, MS
Matthew 11:28 (NKJV)
Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
Kayra, Hazlehurst, MS
Isaiah 41:10 (NLT)
“Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will you up with my victorious right hand”.
Nicola, Calgary Alberta
Rom 4:16-17 AMP
Therefore inheriting the promise is the outcome of faith and depends entirely on faith in order that it may be given as an act of grace, to make it stable and valid and guaranteed to all his descendants, not only to the devotees and adherants of the Law but also to those who share in the faith of Abraham who is the father of us all.
As it is written, I have made you Father of many nations, he was appointed our father in the sight of God in Whom he believed, Who gives life to the dead and speaks of the non-existent things that He has foretold and promised as if they are already exisited.
Cindy; Valdosta, GA. 1 Thessalonians 5:18 Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
Kate, Ottawa area, Canada. And as we live in God, our love grows more perfect. So we will not be afraid on the day of judgment, but we can face him with confidence because we live like Jesus here in this world. 1 John 4:17 (NLT)
Denise McManus
Georgetown, MS
Romans 8:31 (KJV)
What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?
Heather from Conway, SC: “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)
Sara from Knoxville, TN
Philippians 4:19
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. (The Message)
Leigh, Olathe, KS
Blessed is she who has believed that what the Lord has said to her will be accomplished! – Luke 1:45, NIV
“Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need.” Acts 2:45 NIV
Lisa H, NC
“Behold, I am the Lord, the God of all flesh. Is there anything too hard for Me? Jeremiah 32:27 NKJV
Romans 3:23 NAS
For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.
Romans 6:23 NAS
For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Lisa S Sparks, NV
“And we pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord
and please him in every way bearing fruit in every good work,
growing in the knowledge of God.” Col 1:10 NIV
Midland, TX
But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19 (KJV)
Randee, Norwood, MN
A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another. John 13:34-35 (NIV)
Sherri, Ayden,NC, Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord! Psalm 27:14 ESV
Romans 12:12
Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. (NIV)
The LORD protects and preserves them—
they are counted among the blessed in the land—
he does not give them over to the desire of their foes. Psalm 41:2
Rissa, Boaz: “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
Shelly, Orange, Psalm 27:8 “My heart has heard you say, “come and talk with me.” And my heart responds, “Lord, I am coming.” NLT
Shanda from Tyler, TX:
The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. Psalm 34:18 NIV
Nelli, Kingsport, TN
“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.” Phillipians 4:19 The Message
Brandi, Auburn, GA:
“When you’re in over your head, I’ll be there with you. When you’re in rough waters, you will not go down. When you’re between a rock and a hard place, it won’t be a dead end- because I am God, your personal God, the Holy of Israel, your Savior. I paid a huge price for you: all of Egypt, with rich Cush and Seba thrown in!” Isaiah 43:2-3 (Message)
Lacey, Keller TX: I wait for the Lord,
my soul waits, and in his word I put my hope.
Psalm 130:5 NIV
Denise, Bostic NC
And my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus. NASB
Valerie, Yuma
She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness.
Proverbs 31:27, NIV
Kristen, Los Angeles, CA
Colossians 3:16 (NIV)
Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts.