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.
Noemi, Colorado Springs:
“As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy” 1 Peter 1:14-16 NIV
Kathy-Aurora,CO
Trust in the LORD with all your heart And do not lean on your own understanding.
Proverbs 3:5 NASB
Sheryl, Rocky Mount,NC, Isa 41:10 Fear not[there is nothing to fear], for I am with you; do not look around you in terror and be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen and harden you to difficulties, yes, I will help you; yes I will hold you up and retain you with my [victorious] right hand of rightness and justice. (Amplified)
Brenda from Jordan, MN
Proverbs 18:21 (The Message) “Words kill, words give life; they’re either poison or fruit — you choose.”
Maxie,Montgomery,AL
“Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love neve fails.” I Corinthians 13:6-8a
Lyndsay, New Castle, IN.
“He has given me a new song to sing, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see what He has done and be astounded. They will put their trust in the Lord.” -Psalm 40:3–NLT
Mary Anne, Gilbert, LA “so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.” Isaiah 55:11 NIV
That was suppose to be Mary Anne Jester says, lol, not Yvonne Ellerbe. Yvonne is my mom, lol! I guess that is what I get for trying to type in all my information and keep a 1 and 2yr old from climbing and falling off furniture. Sorry, :)!
robin, scottsdale, AZ:
“welcome with open arms fellow believers who don’t see things the way you do…remember, they have their own history to deal with. treat them gently.”
romans 14:1 (the message)
I have set the Lord always before me. Because he is at my right hand, I will not be shaken.
Psalm 16:8 (NIV)
Jen, Dublin VA
Alexander City, AL
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’. NIV
Maureen, St. Clair Shores, “Never walk away from someone who needs help; your hand is God’s hand for that person. Don’t tell your neighbor “maybe some other time” or “try me again tomorrow”, when the money’s right there in your pocket.” (Proverbs 3:27-28 Msg.)
1 Peter 5:9-10 (New International Version, ©2010)
9 Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings.
10 And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.
Emily, Tulsa, OK
“Therefore let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in time of need.” -Hebrew 4:16 NASB
Pam
La Grange, KY
“And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus”
Philippians 4:19 NIV
Lisa, Van Buren, AR
Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
Romans 12:21
NRSV
Gena, Houston – Colossians 1:13 (NLT) For he has rescued us from the kingdom of darkness and transferred us into the Kingdom of his dear Son…
Abby Webb
Alice, TX
“I desire to do your will, my God;
your law is within my heart.” Psalm 40:8 (NIV)
Janice, Richmond,VA
“All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work.” 2 Timothy 3:16,NLT
Susie Webb
Alice, TX
“I desire to do your will, my God;
your law is within my heart.” – Psalm 40:8
Amber, Pearland
“My lips will shout for joy when I sing praise to you-I whom you have delivered.” -Psalm 71:23, NIV
Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. Colossians 3:16 NIV
Carolyn
Oceanside, Ca
Abby, Indianapolis, “So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.”
I Corinthians 10:31, NIV
Terri Clark, Florence, AL:
“If we live, we live for the Lord; and if we die, we die for the Lord. So, whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord.” Romans 14:8
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
Tamela, Piedmont: Lean on, trust in, and be confident in the Lord with all your heart and mind and do not rely on your own insight or understanding. Proverbs 3:5 (Amplified Bible)
Joy
West Monroe, LA
Philippians 4:8 NIV
“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whateveris noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable-if anything is excellent or praiseworthy-think about such things.”
Dixie Rochester
Alice, TX
“I desire to do your will, my God;
your law is within my heart.” – Psalm 40:8 (NIV)
Cherie, Washington D.C.
[Jesus said,] “Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” (Mt 11:29-30 NRSV)
though he fall, he shall not be cast headlong,
for the LORD upholds his hand.
(Psalm 37:24 ESV)
Philippians 4:19 (New International Version, ©2010)
19 And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.
Liz Gladstone Oregon
Sarah, Chocowinity, NC, John 1:16 NIV
“From the fullness of His grace we have all received one blessing after another.”
Inspired from Beth’s Bible Study: John 90 Days with the Beloved Disciple
Galilee Webb
Alice, TX
“I desire to do your will, my God;
your law is within my heart.” – Psalm 40:8 (NIV)
Jana, Quitaque, Texas
Hebrews 2:14-15 NIV
Since the children have flesh and blood, he too shared in their humanity so that by his death he might destroy him who holds the power of death–that is, the devil–and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death.
Martha, Birmingham, AL
“Love is patient, love is kind; it does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, 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. Love never fails.” 1 Corinthians 13:4-8 NIV
I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only that I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me, the task of testifying to the gospel of God’s grace. Acts 20:24 NIV
Lexington, Ky
NIV — Romans 8: 18-19 I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. The creation waits in eager expectation for the sons of God to be revealed.
Pam,Greensboro,NC
“But now,this is what the Lord says-He who created you,O Jacob, He who formed you, O Israel:’ Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine.
When you pass through the waters,I will be with you;and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you.When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. For I am the Lord, your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior'”
Isaiah 43:1-3a NIV
Helen
Portland, OR
Now to him who by the power at work within us is able to accomplish far more than all we ask or imagine, to him be glory in the church, and in Christ Jesus to all generations,
forever and ever. Amen.
Ephesians 3: 20-21 (RSV)
The Lord will fulfill his purpose for me, your love, O Lord endures forever do not abandon the works of your hands Psalm 138:8 NIV
Vicki Colorado Springs, Co.
Teach me, O Lord, to follow your decrees; then I will keep them to the end. Give me understanding, and I will keep your law and obey it with all my heart. Direct me in the path of your commands, for there I find delight. Turn my heart toward your statutes and not toward selfish gain. Turn my eyes away from worthless things; preserve my life according to your word. Psalm 119: 33-37 (NIV)
Janice, Bakersfield, CA
1 Corinthians 6:12
Everything is permissible for me: but not all things are helpful. Everything is lawful for me, but I will not become the slave of anything or be brought under its power. Amplified Version
Gigi, Franklin, TN
Knowledge puffs up while love builds up. Those who think they know something do not yet know as they ought to know. But whoever loves God is known by God. 1 Cor 8:1-3 NIV
Royana
Grand Prairie, Texas
Revelation 17:4 ESV
They will make war against the Lamb, but the Lamb will overcome them because he is Lord of lords and King of kings – and with him will be his called, chosen and faithful followers.
Selena- Albany, GA
May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart
be acceptable to You, Lord, my rock and my Redeemer.
Psalm 19:14, HCSB
Karen from Richmond, VA
“This is the day the Lord hath made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.”
Psalm 118:24 NIV
Michele Mizell
Elyria, OH
Surely He will save you from the fowler’s snare and from the deadly pestilence. Psalm 91:3 NIV
Janie, Lubbock -“The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me, because the Lord has anointed me to bring good news to the affllicted; He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim libery to captives and freedom to prisoners.” Isaiah 61:1 (New American Standard Version)
Maria – New York, NY
2 Corinthians 4:8-10 (NIV)
8 We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; 9 persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. 10 We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body.
Dawn, Owensboro,KY
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 paths straight.
Proverbs 3:5-6 NIV
Annalee in Houston, TX
Proverbs 3:24
When you lie down, you will not be afraid;
when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet.