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.
Susan, Dalton, GA:
“The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” Deuteronomy 31:8 NIV
Tammy Elrod, Mechanicsville, VA
For the word of god is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.
Hebrews 4:12 NIV
1 Peter 2:1-3 (NIV)
Therefore, rid yourselves of all malice and all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander of every kind. Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation, now that you have tasted that the Lord is good.
Heather J.
Macclenny, FL
Gena, Rapid City, SD:
“The heavens declare the glory of God;
the skies proclaim the work of his hands.”
Psalm 19:1 (NIV)
Tricia, Xenia, OH
You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you.
Isaiah 26:3 (NIV)
Monica from Vidor, TX
Every wise woman buildeth her house: But the foolish plucketh it down with her hands. Proverbs 14:1 KJV
Catherine, Puyallup, WA
“Love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High, because He is kind to the ungrateful and wicked.”
Luke 6:35
Jennifer, Medford OR: Jeremiah 17:7 Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord and whose trust is the Lord
Vicki, Springfield, Mo
Come near to God and he will come near to you.
James 4:8
Do you not know?
Have you not heard?
The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the end of the earth.
He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom.
-Isaiah 40:28 (NIV)
Jasmine (my daughter) says: And I saw an angel coming down out of heaven, having the key to the Abyss and holding in his hand a great chain. -Rev. 20:1 (NIV)
Jackie & Jasmine- Newport, TN
Kamilah Houston – But you have an anointing from the Holy One, and you know all things. But the anointing which you have received from Him abides in you, and you do not need that anyone teach you, but as the same anointing teaches you concerning all things and is true and is not a lie, and just as it has taught you, you will abide in Him.
1 John 2:20, 27 (NKJV)
Amy, Birmingham. “And have you forgotten the exhortation that addresses you as sons?
‘My son, do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord, nor be weary when reproved by him. For the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and chastises every son whom he receives.'” Hebrews 12:5-6 ESV
Danna M.
Atlanta,TX.
Psalm 40:5 NIV
Many, O LORD my God, are the wonders you have done. The things you planned for us, no one can recount to you; were I to speak and tell of them, they would be too many to declare.
Jessica, Edmond, OK
“and my God will supply your every need according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus”
Philippians 4:19, NET
Bethany, Atlanta GA
“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.” Revelation 17:14 NIV
Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.
1 Peter 5:7 NIV
Siesta Stephanie from Stanford Ky
Joani & Maddie, Jacksonville, 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)
Mary Ann, Woodbury, MN
But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peace-loving, gentle, compliant, full of mercy and good fruits, without favoritism and hypocrisy.
James 3:17 HCSB
Susan, Holland, MI – “Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go, for to you I lift up my soul.” Psalm 143:8 NIV
Nanette R., Nashville, TN
“I am the LORD, I have called You in righteousness,
I will also hold You by the hand and watch over You,
And I will appoint You as a covenant to the people,
As a light to the nations.”
Isaiah 42:6, NASB
Nelly, Mission, TX, Philippians 4:19 NIV “And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.”
“Humble yourselves therefore in the sight of God that he may exhalt you in due time. Cast all your anxiety on Him because he cares for you” – I Peter 5:6-7 NIV
Brittany
Lynchburg Va
Psalm 118:5-7 (NLT)
In my distress I prayed to the LORD, and the LORD answered me and set me free.
The LORD is for me, so I will have no fear. What can mere people do to me?
Yes, the LORD is for me; he will help me. I will look in triumph at those who hate me.
Glory Hicks, Mt. Enterprise, TX
I delight to do your will, O my God; your law is within my heart.
Psalm 40:8 (English Standard Version)
Jeantelle, Lafayette, La
This is my command. Love each other.
John 15:17, NIV
Michele
North Oaks
16 This is what the LORD says:
“Stand at the crossroads and look;
ask for the ancient paths,
ask where the good way is, and walk in it,
and you will find rest for your souls.
Jabez cried out to the God of Israel “oh that you would bless me and enlarge my territory! Let your hand be with me and keep me from harm so that I will be free from pain.” and God granted his request.
I Chronicles 4:10 (NIV)
Tasha, Mission, TX, Philippians 4:19 NIV, “And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.”
Jeanie, Arkansas
The Lord is my Shepherd; I have all that I need
Psalm 23:1 NLT
Kristi- Cedartown, Georgia. And Jesus said unto them, Because of your unbelief: for verily I say unto you, If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you.” Matthew 17:20 KJV
LaQuetha Austin, Tx:
” And my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus”
Nelly, Mission, TX, Philippians 4:19 NIV, “And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.”
Amy from Easley, SC
Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. I say to myself “The Lord is my portion; therefore, I will wait for Him.” Lamentations 3:22-24 NIV
Lindsey from Dubach, LA…”Love never gives up. Love cares more for others than for self. Love doesn’t want what it doesn’t have. Love doesn’t strut, doesn’t have a swelled head, doesn’t force itself on others, isn’t always ‘me first,’ doesn’t fly off the handle, doesn’t keep score of the sins of others, doesn’t revel when others grovel, takes pleasure in the flowering of truth, puts up with anything, trusts God always, always looks for the best, never looks back, but keeps going to the end. Love never dies.” -1 Cor. 13:4-8a The Message
In the same way the Spirit also helps our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we should, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groanings to deep for words; and He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He intercedes for the saints according to the will of God. Hebrews 8:26-27 (NASB)
“Oh his robe and on his thigh he has this name written: King of kings and Lord of lords.” Revelation 19:16 NIV
Alecia, Resaca, GA;
Deut 1:31 (NIV)
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.
Marilyn, Amarillo, TX-
“Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom” Psalm 90:12 (NIV)
” Teach us to realize the brevity of life, so that we may grow in wisdom” (NLT)
Stacy in Indianapolis, IN Isaiah 55:11 “so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth;it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it.” ESV
Trina, Mansfield, TX. “I say to myself, “The Lord is my portion; therefore I will wait for him.”” Lamentations3:24, NIV
Beverly,Ohio Matthew 7:14 But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life and only a few find it. (NIV)
Cathy, Rhinebeck. “If anyone acknowledges that Jesus is the Son of God, God lives in them and they in God. 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 them.”
1John 4:15-16(NIV)
Laney
Jacksonville, FL
May the Lord direct your hearts into God’s love and Christ’s perseverance. 2 Thes. 3:5 (NIV)
Lindsey; Bowling Green, KY; Isaiah 58:11; NIV
“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.”
Guard and keep with the greatest care the precious and excellantly adapted Truth which has been entrusted to you by the help of the Holy Spirit Who makes His home in us.
II Timothy 1:14 (Amplified)
Go to work in the morning and stick to it without watching the clock. You never know from moment to moment how your work will turn out in the end.
Ecclesiastes 11:6 Message
Becca, Alma, “But the wisdom from above is first of all pure. It is also peace loving, gentle at all times, and willing to yield to others. It is full of mercy and good deeds. It shows no favoritism and is always sincere.” James 3:17
Emily, NC
“If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.” II Chronicles 7:14 (NIV)
Ann, Murrells Inlet
I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that He is able to guard twhat I have entrusted to Him for that day.
II Timothy 1:12 NIV
Anne, Squamish BC Canada
And provide for those who grieve in Zion. To bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord, for the display of His glory. They will rebuild the ancient ruins and restore the places long devastated. They will renew the ruined cities which have been devastated for generations.
Isaiah 61:3-4 NIV