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.
Candra, Marietta, GA: “A soft answer turns away wrath, But a harsh word stirs up anger.” Proverbs 15:1 NKJV
Karen, Maryville, TN
Finally , brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. Phil 4:8 NASB
Janet, Longmont,CO
But if I say, “I will not mention Him or speak any more in His name,”
His Word is in my heart like a fire, a fire shut up in my bones.
I am weary of holding it in, indeed I cannot.
Jeremiah 20:9 NIV
Toni, Benton, AR: “And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.” ESV
Cindy, Greenwood, MS
“And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.”
Philippians 4:19 NIV
Rebecca, Jacksonville, AL-NIV- “Faith is being sure of what you hope for and certain of what you can’t see.” Hebrews 11:1
Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 1Thessalonians 5:16-18 NIV
And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:19, NIV
IThes.2:4
We are not trying to please men but God, who tests our hearts.
Erin, Albion, IL
For it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose.
Philippians 2:13 (NIV)
Luann, Grand Junction CO,
Proverbs 31:11-12 (English Standard Version)
11The heart of her husband trusts in her,
and he will have no lack of gain.
12She does him good, and not harm,
all the days of her life.
Jeanette, Danville, Va.
“He will shield you with His wings! They will shelter you. His faithful promises are your armor.” Psalms 91:4 The Living Bible
Kristen Cottingham, Three Rivers, MI
22 He reveals deep and hidden things;
he knows what lies in darkness,
and light dwells with him.
23 I thank and praise you, God of my ancestors:
You have given me wisdom and power,
you have made known to me what we asked of you,
you have made known to us the dream of the king.”
Daniel 2:22-23 NIV
Dee Filler
Muncie,IN
And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus
Philippians 4:19 NIV
Lindsay, Albuquerque
“From the fullness of his grace we have all received one blessing after another.” John 1:16 NIV
Kelsie (14), Albuquerque
“But you are a shield around me, O LORD; you bestow glory on me and lift up my head.” Psalm 3:3 NIV
Alysa (10), Albuquerque
“he humbled himself and became obedient to death—
even death on a cross!” Philippians 2:8 NIV
Leigh, Grayson: Those who fear The Lord are secure; He will be a refuge for their children. Proverbs 14:26 NLT
Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Phil. 2:3 NIV
Kristi from Gardner, KS (temporarily in Cleveland, OH):
Colossians 3:23-24 (NLT)
Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people. Remember that the Lord will give you an inheritance as your reward, and that the Master you are serving is Christ.
Kristi in Abilene, Texas:
“My salvation and my honor depend on God; He is my mighty rock, my refuge.” (Psalm 62:7 NIV)
“The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous runs into it and is safe.”
Proverbs 18:10 (NAS)
I first remember reading this verse on the dreadful day- Sept. 11, during a study of the names of God. Wow!
Melissa, Thompsons Station, TN.
But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood,a holy nation, a people for His possession, so that you may proclaim the praises of the One who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light. 1 Peter 2:9 HCSB
Christy, Conroe TX
Guide me in your truth and teach me,for you are God my Savior,and my hope is in you all day long, Psalm 25:5
Kelly, Erwin, TN
“Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may givegrace to those who hear.”Ephesians 4:29
Kari, Grand Rapids, MI
Psalms 62:8 – NLT
O my people, trust in Him at all times. Pour out your heart to Him, for God is our refuge
Meghan, Tallahassee.
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 Message
Need prayer please!
Kim, Salem, OR:
Eph. 4:2 NLT – Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love.
Erica, Houston, TX
Ezekiel 11:19 NIV
I will give them an undivided heart and put a new spirit in them; I will remove from them their heart of stone and give them a heart of flesh.
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. Phil 4:6 NIV
Oops, Missy from Arkadelphia.
Beth Clark, La Verne, CA
“Therefore, I urge you brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God- this is your spiritual act of worship.” Romans 12:1, NIV
Lauren from Montgomery, Alabama
I love this one!
“And my God will supply your every need according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:19 (The NET Bible)
“Finally, all of you, live in harmony with one another; be sympathetic, love as brothers, be compassionate and humble. Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because of this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing.” I Peter 3:8-9 NIV
But I do more than thank. I ask – ask the God of our Master, Jesus Christ, the God of glory – to make you intelligent and discerning in knowing him personally,your eyes focused and clear, so that you can see exactly what it is he is calling you to do, grasp the immensity of this glorious way of life he has for Christians
The Message, Ephesians1:17-18
Robyn, Birmingham, AL
Still on Psalm 91 – in honor of Joanne.
Fear nothing—not wild wolves in the night,
not flying arrows in the day,
Not disease that prowls through the darkness,
not disaster that erupts at high noon.
Psalm 91:5-6 (The Message)
Amanda, Katy, TX
He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.” Psalm 91:1-2 NIV
Casey
Montgomery, AL
…and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. In all circumstances take up the shield of faith with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one
Ephesians 6:15-16 ESV
Tiffany, Enterprise, AL
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
A man of knowledge uses words with restraint and
a man of understanding is even-tempered.
Proverbs 17:27 NIV
Ti-Leigh
Orlando, FL
“Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.” James 1:27 (NIV)
Wendy, Peterborough,ON Canada
Jesus replied, “Anyone who loves me will obey my teaching. My Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them.
John 14:23 NIV
Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart Be acceptable in Your sight, O LORD, my rock and my Redeemer. Psalm 19:14 NASB
sorry, Theresa from Columbia, SC.
Deborah, Katy, TX
He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.” Psalm 91:1-2 NIV
Kim, New Port Richey, FL
“But the wisdom that comes from heaven 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 partiality and is always sincere.” James 3:17 NLT
Ashley, Oil City, Louisiana, “And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.” Phil 4.19 ESV
Mary Kay
Fulshear
“For just as we have many members in one body and all the members do not have the same function,”
Romans 12:4
NASB
Karen, Lutz, FL – “Therefore be careful how you walk, not as unwise men but as wise, making the most of your time, because the days are evil.” Ephesians 5:15-16 (NASB)
Alicia, Columbus, OH. ~ Romans 12:2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. (NKJV)
But blessed is the one who trusts in the LORD, whose confidence is in him. They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit. Jeremiah 17:7-8
Romans 15:4 NET
“For everything that was written in former times was written for our instruction, so that through endurance and through encouragement of the scriptures we may have hope.”
Kelly, Temple, TX
“But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.” ~1 Peter 2:9 NIV
Keep me safe, O God. for I have come to you for refuge.
Psalm 16;1 NIV