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.
Katie
Firestone, CO
Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe. Philippians 2:14-15 (NIV)
Lynette, Nashville
But now they desire a better, that is, a heavenly country. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for He has prepared a city for them.
Hebrews 11:16 NKJV
Andi, Lincoln NE
Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed, says the Lord, who has compassion on you.
Is. 54:10 NIV
Even to your old age and gray hairs I am he, I am he who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you.
Isaiah 46:4 NIV
Lindsey
Hamshire, TX:
And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19, NIV
(What a great reminder!)
Jill – Noblesville: “The LORD is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in him,…” Nahum 1:7 (NIV)
Jennifer – Lansing, MI
“Since you are my rock and my fortress, for the sake of your name lead and guide me.” Psalm 31:3 NIV
Awesome verse. What an awesome reminder! thanks for posting it
Thanks for the inspiration! I’m joining you in this one. And praying for you as I meditate on it!
1 Peter 3:12-13 For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and his ears are attentive to their prayer, but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil. who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good?
Shawna Longmont CO
Therefore he is able, once and forever, to save those who come to God through him. He lives forever to intercede with God on their behalf.
Hebrews 7:25 NLT
Proverbs 31:25-26 “Strength and honor are her clothing; she shall rejoice in time to come. She opens her mouth with wisdom, and on her tongue is the law of kindness.” ESV
Brenda,
Flemington, NJ
“I pray that you may be active in sharing your faith, so that you will have a full understanding of every good thing we have in Christ.” (Philemon vs. 6)
Call to me,
and I will answer you,
and show you great and mighty things,
which you do not know.
Jeremiah 33:3 NKJV
Elaine Kiley~Marietta GA
Psalm 18:29-30 NIV
“In your strength I can crush an army; with my God I can scale any wall. As for God, His way is perfect. All the Lord’s promises prove true. He is a shield for all who look to Him for protection.”
Cara
Edmond, OK
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 1:7
Sandee, El Dorado Hills, CA
You, O LORD, will not withhold Your compassion from me;
Your lovingkindness and Your truth will continually preserve me.
Ps 40:11 NASB
Marianna, Clinton, MS
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
Gretchen in Buffalo, NY
thanks Beth for coming up with the right verse at the right time!
“And my God will supply your every need according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:19 The NET Bible
Wollaston, MA ~ Therefore gird up your mind, be sober, and rest your hope fully upon the grace that is to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. NKJV
Hannah, Knoxville, TN. “Delight yourself in the Lord; and He will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord, Trust also in Him, and He will do it. And He will bring forth your righteousness as the light, and your judgement as the noonday. Rest in the Lord and wait patiently for Him; do not fret because of him who prospers in his way, because of the man who carries out wicked schemes. Cease from anger, and forsake wrath; Do not fret it leads only to evildoing.” Psalms 37:4-8 NASB
Teresa Smith
Spanaway, WA
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
Lauren from Spartanburg, SC: Psalm 71:14-15 NIV “But as for me, I will always have hope; I will praise you more and more. My mouth will tell of your righteousness, of your salvation all day long, though I know not its measure.”
Robin, Littleton
“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
Melisa, Roanoke VA
If I speak the languages of men and of angels, but do not have love, I am a sounding gong or a clanging cymbal.
I Corinthians 13:1 Christian Standard Bible
Christy, Katy TX “And, after you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace who called you to his eternal glory in Christ will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.” 1 Peter 5:10 (the NET Bible)
Heather, Austin, “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
Hebrews 13:1 NKJV
“Let brotherly love continue.”
Shannon, Chino, California
“Now may the God of peace who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great shepherd of the sheep, by the blood of the eternal covenant, equip you with everything good that you may do His will, working in us that which is pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.”
Hebrews 13:20-21 (ESV)
Jennifer, Kansas City, MO “Do not merely listen to the word and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.” James 1:22
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. Phil 4:6 NIV
Gretchen, Cincinnati
“For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline.”
2 Timothy 1:7 NIV
Melanie Toups
Bridge City, TX
Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect. Romans 12:2 (NASB)
Julianne, St. Louis, MO
“Consider it pure joy my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.”
James 1:2-3 (NIV)
Mary, Chattanooga, NIV
2 Corinthians 10:5
We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.
Kara, Aurora
Psalm 25:20: Guard my life and rescue me, O Lord. Let me not be put to shame for I take refuge in You.
Kristen Keeling, Covington Ga:
“They will have no fear of bad news;
their hearts are steadfast, trusting in the LORD.”
Psalm 112:7 (NIV)
Question-Can I personalize this & instead of using ‘they’ and ‘their’, use ‘she’ and ‘her’? Or is that adding/changing God’s Word?
personalize ALL the time. It is God’s word speaking to me!
Kristen, I think it’s fine to change the they/their. I know Beth has personalized scripture in books before to make it more real (subbing in “her” for a “him.”) You aren’t changing the meaning or altering the truth of the passage. So I say go for it if it makes it more real for you! Certainly The Message has done the same.
Today at our little Bible Study at work we talked about Philippians chapter 4. I already had my verse ready and it is Phil 4:19 How precious we had the same one picked out!!
BUT MY GOD SHALL SUPPLY ALL OUR NEED ACCORDING TO HIS RICHES IN GLORY BY CHRIST JESUS. We do not have to worry because He is here to meet our needs!!
Lydia, Vicksburg, MS
“And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:19
Sandy – Warwick,RI
And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up:
John 3:13 KJV
Melanie, Auburndale
Hebrews 4:12 (ASV)
For the word of God is living, and active, and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing even to the dividing of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and quick to discern the thoughts and intents of the heart.
Lori, Lexington, KY
“Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing!”
Isaiah 43:18-19, NIV
Olivia, Tennessee
Charm is deceptive and beauty does not last; but a woman who fears the LORD is greatly praised. Proverbs 31:30 NLT
Bless you, Olivia! Keep those words written on your heart and at the forefront of your mind. 🙂
Melissa
Greer, SC
The Lord is my chosen portion and my cup;
you hold my lot.
The lines have fallen for me in pleasant places;
indeed, I have a beautiful inheritance.
Psalm 16:5-6 ESV
Beth I needed this one!!! And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus. Phil 4:19 NIV
Dale, Henderson, KY
Ecclesiastes 7:9 Do not be eager in your heart to be angry, for anger resides in the bosom of fools. (NASB)
Eleanor
Vero Beach, FL
John 21:22
Jesus answered, “If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you? You must follow me.” (NIV)
Nicole, Winnipeg, 1 Peter 1:2 Message
God the Father has His eye on each of you, and has determined by the work of the Spirit to keep you obedient through the sacrifice of Jesus! may everything good from God be yours!
Stephanie Spitaletto
Sachse, TX
“Anyone, then, who knows the good he ought to do and doesn’t do it, sins.” James 4:17 (NIV)
Kathy, Cochran, GA
But you should be strong. Don’t give up, because you will get a reward for your good work.
2 Chronicles 15:7 (NCV)
Nicole, Seattle
“We love because he first loved us. Whoever claims to love God yet hates a brother or sister is a liar. For whoever does not love their brother and sister, whom they have seen, cannot love God, whom they have not seen. And he has given us this command: Anyone who loves God must also love their brother and sister.” 1 John 4:19-21 NIV
Forget the former things, do not dwell on the past, see I am doing a new thing!
Isaiah 43:18-19 NIV
Lori from NC.- Hebrew 12:1-2a. Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that sows us down, especially the sin that so easily hinders our progress. And run with endurance the race that God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, on whom our faith depends from start to finish.
2-15-2011 Jeremiah 29:11 KJV
ForIknow the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end