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.
Mandy, Cottondale, AL: Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone. Colossians 4:6 NIV
Colette, Mesa, AZ.
1st John 4:16 NIV
And so we know and rely on the love God has for us.
God is Love.
Whoever lives in love, lives in God and God in him.
Chrystal, Lexington, KY
Psalm 118:24
This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.
Renee, Uvalde, TX…Philippians 4:19 (NCV)
My God will use his wonderful riches in Christ Jesus to give you everything you need.
Maria, Whitmire, SC
Philippians 3:7-11 (NIV) sorry so long…but felt God-led:
But whatever was to my profit I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ, and be found in Him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ – the righteousness that comes from God and is by faith. I want to know Christ and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in His sufferings, becoming like Him in His death, and so somehow, to attain to the resurrection from the dead.
Melissa, South Korea
And he said to him, “Daughter (Son), you are always with me, and all that is mine is yours.” Luke 15:31 ESV
Continuing in Isaiah 40…..
“And the glory of the LORD will be revealed,
and all mankind together will see it.
For the mouth of the LORD has spoke.”
Isaiah 40:5 NIV
Melana
Sheridan Wyoming
“There you saw how the LORD your God carried you, as a father carries his son, all the way you went until you reached this place.”
– Deut. 1:31 NIV
Ladonna, Cottondale, AL: And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away. Revelation 21:4 NKJV
Viola, Lubbock. “The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.” Exodus 14:14 NIV
Shelley, Springfield MO
Psalm 121: 1-2 (HCSB)
I raise my eyes toward the mountains.
Where will my help com from?
My help comes from the LORD
the Maker of heaven and earth.
Missy S, Winston-Salem, NC
“[She] did not waver in unbelief at God’s promise, but was strengthened in [her] faith and gave glory to God, because [she] was fully convinced that what He had promised He was also able to perform.” Romans 4:20-21 (HCSB)
This morning, I woke up so excited that today was SSMT day! I need the fresh hope that a new memory verse provides! 🙂
(P.S. I changed the “He(s)” in this verse referring to Abraham to “She(s)” so that I can claim it over my life right now.)
Kristi, Lenoir City, TN
Praise the Lord, o my soul, and forget not all His benefits-who forgivesall your sins, and heals all. Your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion, who satisfys your desires with good things so your youth is renewed like the eagles.
Psalm 103:2-5 NIV
Jan
Hawkinsville, GA
Psalm 33:20 (NASB)
Our soul waits for the LORD;
He is our help and our shield.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MY MAN TODAY!!!
I love you too, Bethie 🙂 🙂 🙂
Take care of yourself – and NO is a complete sentence! Proud of you 🙂
Judy Baggett, Irving, Texas
“And now these remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love”
1 Corinthians 13:13
NIV
Chrissy, Clemmons, NC:
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
Hebrews 12:1-2, NIV
Julie Hodges- Eden, Texas
Isaiah 43:18-19 (GOD’S WORD Translation)
18Forget what happened in the past,
and do not dwell on events from long ago.
19I am going to do something new.
It is already happening. Don’t you recognize it?
I will clear a way in the desert.
I will make rivers on dry land.
Jeanette, Indian Trail, NC. “Take delight in the LORD,and he will give you the desires of your heart.” Psalm 37:4 (NIV)
Debra, Ponte Vedra- Here are my directions: Pray much for others, plead for God’s mercy upon them; give thanks for all He is going to do for them. 1 Timothy 2:1 The Living Bible
Janae – Riverside,PA
1 Thessalonians 4;12(NIV) “so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody.”
Ginny, Cape May, NJ
When you pass through the waters,
I will be with you;
and when you pass through the rivers,
they will not sweep over you.
Isaiah 43:2 NIV
Jean, Carlisle PA
Psalm 54:4 (NIV)
Surely God is my help; the Lord is the one who sustains me.
Faith, Eau Claire
Walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.
Galatians 5:16 (NIV)
Tina, Gahanna Ohio: Deuteronomy 33:27
The eternal God is your refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms. He will drive out your enemies before you, saying, “destroy them!”
Ginger, Charlotte, Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 NIV
Kierstan
Portland, Oregon
No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.
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 8:37-39
NIV
Jean, Maryville
John 16:33 (NIV)
“I have told you these things so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But, TAKE HEART! I have overcome the world!”
Glenda ~ St.Charles, MO
Do not judge so that you will not be judged.
For by the standard you judge you will be judged,
and the measure you use will be the measure you receive.
Matthew 7:1-2
The Net Bible
James 1:20 NIV
“For man’s anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires.”
joyce, jacksonville fl
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
John 3:16 KJV
Vicki, Surprise, AZ
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28 NIV
Sandra, Swainsboro,GA
Do not be anxious about everything, but in everything by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7 NIV
Shelby Ft Myers “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
I needed this in a HUGE way today!
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
Dawn
Wausau, WI
Emily – Des Moines, IA
…God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” So we say with confidence, “The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. WHAT CAN MAN DO TO ME?”
(emphasis completely necessary 🙂 )
-Hebrews 13:5-6
Kathy, White House,Tn Beth, you stole my thunder! LOL!
Phillippians 4:19
And my God will meet all your needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus.
Phyllis, Gilmer, Tx
Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it keeps no record of wrongs.
1 Corinthians 13: 3,4,5 NIV
Cary, Celina: I have told you these things so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world. John 16:33 NIV
Cindy
Newton Tony, England
“What other nation is so great as to have their gods near them the way the LORD our God is near us whenever we pray to him? And what other nation is so great as to have such righteous decrees and laws as this body of laws I am setting before you today?”
–Deuteronomy 4:7-8
Debbie in Florida
Phil. 4:12b-13 (the Message)
I’ve found the recipe for being happy whether full or hungry, hands full or hands empty. Whatever I have, wherever I am, I can make it through anything in the One who makes me who I am.
Kim; Poplar Bluff, MO
“For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” Ephesians 2:10 (NIV)
MarySue, Auburndale, FL “And my God will supply your every need according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:19 The NET Bible
Barbara, Arcadia, CA
The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.
He makes me lie down in green pastures.
He leads me beside still waters,
He restores my soul.
He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.
Psalm 23:1-3 NIV
Traci
Vadnais Heights, MN.
Colossians 2:6-7(NAS)
“Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord,
so walk in Him,
rooted and built up in Him,
and established in the faith just as you were taught,
abounding and overflowing in it with thanksgiving!”
Gay, White Oak, Texas David said about Him, “I saw the Lord always before me, because He is at my right hand, I will not be shaken. Therefore, my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices; my body also will live in hope, because You will not abandon me to the grave, nor will You let Your holy one see decay. You have made known to me the paths of life; You will fill me with the joy of Your presence.”
Kim, Atlanta
“This is the day which the Lord hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.”
Psalm 118:24 (KJV)
Jennifer, Orlando FL, “You will pass through deep waters. But I will be with you. You will pass through the rivers. But their waters will not sweep over you. You will walk through fire. But you will not be burned. The flames will not harm you. Isaiah 43:2 NIRV
Angie, Kansas City, MO: And whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through him to God the Father. Colossians 3:17 NLT
Dawn in Monett, MO
KJV Psalm 71:1
In thee, O Lord, do I put my trust: let me never be put to confusion.
Jennifer, Niceville, Florida Hebrews 7:23-25 ESV The former priests were many in number, because they were prevented by death from continuing in office, but he holds his priesthood permanently, because he continues forever. Consequently, he is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them.
Adria, Houston “And my God will supply your every need according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:19 The NET Bible