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.
Patricia – Midland, TX
“He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end.” Ecclesiastes 3:11 NIV
Westminster, Colorado
The Lord is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in Him.
Nahum 11:7 NIV
But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and not hypocritical.
James 3:17 NET
Denise – Meredith NH Psa 130:5 (NIV) “I wait for the LORD, my soul waits, and in his word I put my hope”.
Jeremiah 17:7
“But blessed is the one who trusts in the LORD, whose confidence is in him.
Kelley, Tampa, FL- Phillipians 4:6-7- “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding,will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (NIV)
Jenell, Springfield, MO – Colossians 1:13,14 (NIV) For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.
Tammy Cosby / Siloam NC: Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and your plans will succeed. Proverbs 16:3(NIV)
Patty, Ada, OK
“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.” Galatians 6:9-10 (NIV)
Leah, Indianapolis
Praise be to the Lord, to God our Savior, who daily bears our burdens.
Psalm 68:19 NIV
For where your treasure is, your heart will be also.
Luke 12:34 (NIV)
Julia, Wellington
“O Israel [Julia], stay away from idols! I am the One who answers your prayers and cares for you. I am like a tree that is always green; all your fruit comes from Me.”
Hosea 14:8 NLT
Kim, Charlotte, NC: And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him. Hebrews 11:6, NASB
Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. (Colossians 3:12 NIV)
Carolynn, Holland, MI
Carolyn, Warwick, RI Psalm 6:16 NIV
“The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; surely I have a delightful inheritance.”
Cindy, Lake City, FL
“Give your entire attention to what God is doing right now, and don’t get worked up about what may or may not happen tomorrow. God will help you deal with whatever hard things come up when the time comes.”
Matthew 6:34 (The Message)
Isaiah 26:3 (NIV)
“You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you.”
Michelle
Bossier City
Matthew 11:28-30 (NIV)
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 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.”
Georgine
Austin, TX
Sue R. in Magalia, CA Phil 4:19 NIV
And my God will meet all your (my) needs, according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.
Amy GA
Psalm 91:1-2 NRSV
“You who live in the shelter of the Most High, who abide in the shadow of the almighty, will say to the Lord, ‘My refuge and my fortress; my God, in whom I TRUST'”.
Linsey from Huntington Beach, CA
Always be joyful
1 Thessalonians 5:16 NLT
Jennifer, Avon Park, FL
Am I trying to win the approval of men or of God? Or am I trying to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a servant of Christ.
Galations 1:10 NIV
Esabelle
Louisville, Ky.
And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that HE IS and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him.
Hebrews ll:6
NASB
Terri, Pleasant Hope, MO
Though you have not seen Him, you love Him; and even though you do not see Him now, you believe in Him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy –1 Peter 1:8 (NIV)
Jocelyn, Huntsville, AL
I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart; I will recount all of your wonderful deeds. I will be glad and exult in you; I will sing praise to your name, O Most High! Psalm 9:1-2, ESV
Brandie, Longmont CO
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. Phil 4:19, The Message
(thank you, Beth, this is the rhema i need right now!)
Sarah, Burlington, ON: “My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit’s power.” (1 Cor 2:4, TNIV)
Ashley, Ponca City, Oklahoma:
And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.
Hebrews 11:6 (niv)
Unless the LORD builds the house, They labor in vain who build it; Unless the LORD guards the city, The watchman keeps awake in vain. Psalm 127:1 NASB
Sheri, Bolivar, MO
We wait in hope for the Lord, He is our help and our shield. In Him our hearts rejoice, for we trust in His Holy name. Psalm 33:20-21 NIV
Kokomo,IN
“Come to me, all you who are weary and heavy burdened and I will give you rest.” Matt 11:28 (NIV)
Becky, Norfolk
“Finally, brothers (sisters), 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)
Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. 2 Corinthians 4:16-18 NIV
Carla
LaFayette, Al.
Be joyful always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:16,17,18. NIV
Laura, Southaven, MS: “You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off you old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of you minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.” Eph. 4:22-24 NIV
Krista, League City, Tx. NASV 2 Tim 3:16-17
All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work.
Cindy, Oklahoma City
Psalm 51:10
Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.
NIV
Christa, Kansas City, MO:
For it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose. Philippians 2:13, NIV
Rachael, Cincinnati, OH
“And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:19 NIV
Marcia, Grand Rapids, Michigan – Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for He who promised is faithful. Hebrews 10: 23 NIV
Bev Brandon, ATX
Have I not commanded you?
Be strong and courageous.
Do not be frightened,
And do not be dismayed,
For the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.
Joshua 1:9 ESV
Jen – Prairie Grove, Arkansas
Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3:5-6 NIV
Kari, Winchester CA
My eyes are ever on the LORD, for only he will release my feet from the snare. NIV
Psalm 25:15
Deborah, Dublin
He said, “Who are you?” And she answered, “I am Ruth, your servant. Spread your wings over your servant, for you are a redeemer.”
Ruth 3:9
Ruth 3:9…taken from the English Standard Version
Carrie-Piqua,OH Praise the Lord; praise God our savior! For each day he carries us in his arms. Psalms 68:19
Lene, Tulsa, Romans 13:14 The Message
Get out of bed and get dressed! Don’t loiter and linger, waiting until the very last minute. Dress yourselves in Christ and be up and about.
Amy,Perrysburg, OH
And my God will supply your every need according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:19 NET
Andrea, Roscoe, IL
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
Ann, San Antonio, TX
The LORD protects you;
the LORD is a shelter right by your side.
The sun will not strike you by day,
or the moon by night.
The LORD will protect you from all harm;
He will protect your life.
The LORD will protect your coming and going
both now and forever.
Psalm 121:5-8 (HCSB)
Bev N, Mpls
1 Corinthians 3:9a For we are God’s co-workers. (HCSB)