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.
Laura, Centerline, Mi NIV Colossians 3:15
Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.
Olathe, Ks.
1John 5:14 NASB
This is the confidence which we have before Him, that, if we ask anything accordion to His will, He hears us.
Starla, Parsons
The Lord is good, A stronghold in the day of trouble, And he knows those who take refuge in Him. Nahum 1:7 NASB
Samantha, Newnan, GA
“For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.” Ephesians 2:10, ESV.
Sonya, IL
Phil 4:8 NLT
Fix your thoughts on what is true and honorable and right. Think about things that are pure and lovely and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.
Carla
Corryton,Tn.
Psalm 19:14 NIV
“May the words of my mouth and the meditaions of my heart be pleasing in your sight O LORD, My Rock and my Redeemer.”
Janet, North Vancouver, BC: “He will be the sure foundation for your times, a rich store of salvation and wisdom and knowledge; the fear of the Lord is the key to this treasure.” Isaiah 33:6 NIV
Bea says:
As the mountains surround Jerusalem,
So the Lord surrounds His people
From this time forth and forever.
Psalms 125:2 NASB
Pray for the peace of Jerusalem.
Debbie, Temple, TX
Psalm 40:1-3, NIV 2010
I waited patiently for the LORD;he turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand. He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear the LORD and put their trust in him.
Allyson, Tennessee: “Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.” 1 Peter 4:8
Kathy, West Milton, “Thanks be to God who gives us victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfasst, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your toil is not in vain in the Lord.” 1 Corinthians 15:57-58 NASB
Annie, Alabama
Teach me Your way, O Lord, and I will walk in Your truth; give me an undivided heart, that I may fear Your name.
Psalm 86: 11 (NIV)
Patti, Phoenix,AZ
Cast your cares on the LORD and he will sustain you. [NIV]
Karen, Jefferson City, TN. Isaiah 58:11, TNIV
The Lord will guide you always; he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail.
Heather
Midland, MI
And to make it your ambition to lead a quiet life: You should mind your own business & work with your hands, just as we told you, so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders & so that you will not be dependent on anybody. 1 Thessalonians 4:11-12 NIV
Lisa, Baltimore
“he makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters.” Psalm 23:2 NIV
Shana, St. Paul, Minnesota
“Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.” {I Peter 4.8 NIV}
Kelly, Paducah Ketucky –
With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in God’s likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brther, this shall not be.
James 3:9-10
Sharon
South Charleston, Ohio
Since ancient times no one has heard, no ear has perceived, no eye has seen any God besides you, who acts on behalf of those who wait for him. ~ Isaiah 64:4(NIV)
Rhonda – McCalla, Alabama – Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. Eph 4:29
Shandal from Oregon, “I have declared my ways, and you answered me; teach me your statues.” Ps119:26
Martha, Clearwater, FL
Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.
Hebrews 11:1 niv
Deneen, Pittsburgh ” Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.” Ephesians 4:29 NIV
Earlene, Wisconsin
Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord. They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.” NLT
Carmen
Brookville, OH
Ephesians 5:22
Wives, submit to your husbands as to the Lord. NIV
Meredith, Los Angeles, CA: “Flee the evil desires of youth, and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.” -2 Timothy 2:22, NIV
Norman, OK
Do everything without complaining or arguing.
Philippians 2:14 NIV
Meriam,
Archer, FL
If anyone considers himself religious and yet does not keep a tight rein on his tongue, he deceives himself and his religion is worthless. James 1:26 NIV
The Lord is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him; it is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord. Lamentations 3:25-26 NIV
Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. Eph 4:29
Genny, Troy Ohio
‘What people allow to occupy their minds will sooner or later determine their speech and actions.’
Philippians 4:8 NIV
Karen Eupora, MS
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 2010)
Ariane, Aurora, IL
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11
Renee – Charlotte, NC
Teach {me} to number {my}days, that (I) may gain a heart of wisdom. Psalm 90:12, NIV 2010 update
Tesa
Perry, GA
He who guards his mouth and his tongue keeps himself from calamity.
Proverbs 21:23
James 3:17 NIV
But the wisdom from heaven is first pure; then peace-loving, considerate,submissive, full of mercy ang good fruit, impartial and sincere.
“You know me inside and out, you know every bone in my body; You know exactly how I was made, bit by bit, how I was sculpted from nothing into something.” Psalm 139:14 (The Message)
Vevay, IN : Romans 1:20 (NAS)
For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood through what has been made, so that they are without excuse.
Selina from Barbourville, KY.
For he that will love life, and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile. 1 Peter 3:10 KJV
Alison, Grand Rapids, MI
Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. Proverbs 3:3 NIV
Andrea, Marietta,Ga: Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us Ephesians 3:20
Allison, Annapolis, MD “Everything is possible for him who believes.” Mark 9:23 NIV
Kelli
Fort Gratiot, MI
2 Corinthians 4:16 (The Message)
“So we’re not giving up. How could we! Even though on the outside it often looks like things are falling apart on us, on the inside, where God is making new life, not a day goes by without his unfolding grace. These hard times are small potatoes compared to the coming good times, the lavish celebration prepared for us. There’s far more here than meets the eye. The things we see now are here today, gone tomorrow. But the things we can’t see now will last forever.”
Kim Dallas,NC “Heaviness in the heart of man maketh it stoop: but a good word maketh it glad” Proverbs 12:25 KJV
Beth, Fort Payne, AL
Psalm 24:5-6
He will receive blessing from the Lord and vindcation from God his Savior.
Such is the generation of those who seek Him, who seek your face, O god of Jacob.
Yukon, OK
John 16:24(NASB) “Until now you have asked for nothing in My name; ask and you will receive, so that your joy may be made full.”
Jen
Anacortes, WA
“You will keep in perfect peace her whose mind is steadfast, because she trusts in you.”
Isaiah 26:3 (NIV, with a quick gender-change to make it personally applicable!) 🙂
Tracey from Knightdale, NC:
If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself, that where I am, there you may be also. John 14:3, NASB
Judy, Virginia
“Those who know the Lord trust in Him, because he will not leave those who come to Him.” Psalm 9:10 NCV
Gena, Blossom, TX
I said, “I will watch my ways and keep my tongue from sin; I will put a muzzle on my mouth while in the presence of the wicked.” Psalm 39:1