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.
“Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland”
Isaiah 43:18-19, NIV
Jennifer, Knoxville, TN: Delight yourself in the LORD and he will give you the desires of your heart. Psalm 37:4 NIV
Andrea
Chester, VA
Philemon verse 6
I pray that you may be active in sharing your faith, so that you will have a full understanding of every good thing we have in Christ.
Kim; Lakeland, FL
If the Lord delights in a man’s way, He makes his steps firm; though he stumlbe, he will not fall, for the Lord upholds him with His hand. Psalm 37:23-24 (NIV)
Heather, Fuquay-Varina, NC:
“Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old, he will not turn away from it.”
~Proverbs 22:6
Marilyn, Bradenton, FL
Lam. 3:22,23 (NIV) “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.”
Dora, Houston, TX
“And he has given us this command: Anyone who loves God must also love their brother and sister.”
1John 4:21 (NIV)
Lisa, Jefferson City MO
I can do everything through him who gives me strength.
PHILIPPIANS 4:13 (NIV)
Cari, Huntington, WV
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. Philippians 4:6 NIV
Ashley, Huddleston, VA: “…to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.” Ephesians 4:23-24 NIV
Lindsey, Charleston, SC: “And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:19, ESV
Vanessa, Rio Rancho NM
For we are God’s workmanship,created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.
Eph 2:10 NIV
Jolynn, Rowlett, Tx
“Not that I speak from want, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am.”
Philippians 4:11, New American Standard
Jerral
Winnipeg, Manitoba Canada
For this reason I kneel before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name. I pray that out of His glorious riches He may strengthen you with power through His Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith.
Ephesians 3:14-17a NIV
Katie, SC. But you, Lord, are a compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness. Psalm 86:15 NIV
Pam, Clearwater, Florida
“And my God will supply every need according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus.”
Philippians 4:19 (NET)
Connie
Austin TX
Prayer request: applied for PT school and application is being held up by transcripts. Please pray that they get there. Scripture God gave me tonight!
Overhearing[a] what they said, Jesus told him, “Don’t be afraid; just believe!!! Mark 5:36 NIV
Jennifer, Temple Terrace, FL
Philippians 4:6-7
6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (New International Version)
Ephesians 3:20 NIV
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.
Jules
Kearney, NE
Jennifer, Garland, TX
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.
Pam, Marietta, GA: Lamentations 3:22-24 “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.”
Kandi
Hillsborough, NC
James 3:1(NIV) Not many of you should presume to be teachers, my brothers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly.
Hope – Elgin, TX
And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.
Philippians 4:8 (NLT)
Stacy Featherston
Searcy, AR
“And my God will supply all of your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus”
Philippians 4:19 (NAS)
So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind
Philippians 2:1-2
Isaiah 41:10 (NIV): “So do not fear, for I am with you,
do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will
strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you
with my righteous right hand.”
SandyT/KC
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. Philippians 4:6 (NIV)
Phyllis, Charlotte
Philippians 1.19: (NASB)
For I know that this shall turn out for my deliverance through your prayers and the provision of the Spirit of Jesus Christ
Kathy, Bradford
As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. But just as He who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do.
1 Peter 1:14-15 NIV
Isaiah 26:3 “You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you.” (ESV)
Amy – San Antonio
Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too.
Philippians 2:3-4(NLT)
Shaley- Texas
“The mind of sinful man is death, but the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace.” Romans 8:6
Rachel, Fallston, MD
(Oops I posted the wrong verse previously)
“Today I have given you the choice between life and death, between blessings and curses. Now I call on heaven and earth to witness the choice you make. Oh, that you would choose life, so that you and your descendants might live!”
Deuteronomy 30:19 NLT
Houston
Isaiah 41:13
For I am the Lord, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, “Do not fear, I will help you.” NIV
Lisa Thompson, Richmond, BC
Psalm 104:1,2 (NIV)
Praise the LORD, my soul.
LORD my God, You are very great;
You are clothed with splendor and majesty.
The LORD wraps Himself in light as with a garment;
He stretches out the heavens like a tent.
2-15-2011 Jeremiah 29:11
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.
The Lord will send His faithful love by day;
His song will be with me in the night —
a prayer to the God of my life. Ps 42:8 – Holman
Bonnie Kate from South Carolina, 2 Corinthians 1:4, The Message
He comes alongside us when we go through hard times, and before you know it, he brings us alongside someone who is going through hard times so that we can be there for that person just as God was there for us.
Shelly
Hempstead, TX
For God has not given us a spirit of timidity but a spirit of power, of love and self-discipline. 2 Timothy 1:7 (NIV)
Loretta, Murrayville
But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19 KJV
Rita Faulkenbury
Hickory, NC
“I will open rivers in high places, and fountains in the midst of the valleys: I will make the wilderness a pool of water, and the dry land springs of water.”
Isaiah 41:18
KJV
Dana from Lexington
“Watch the way you talk. Let nothing foul or dirty come out of your mouth. Say only what helps,each word is a gift.” Ephesians 4:29 The Message
Miracle Quelle
Atlanta, GA
Continuing from last time–
“Not that I have already obtained it or have already become perfect, but I press on so that I may lay hold of that for which also I was laid hold of by Christ Jesus. Brethren, I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 3:12-14 NASB
Donna- Houston, TX
Kayla, Mississippi
Matthew 11:28 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”
Debbie, Fisherville, Ky.
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose. Romans 8:28 NIV
Anna, Robinson, IL
“Watch your tongue and keep your mouth shut, and you will stay out of trouble.”
Proverbs 21:23 NLT
Gina, Ridgeland, MS
“For life is more than food, and the body more than clothing.”
Luke 12:23 ESV
Meredith, Jonesboro:
Romans 8:15 NIV:
For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship. And by him we cry, “Abba, Father.”
Becky, Fairfax, VA
Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Anyone who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die.” John 11:25-26 (NIV)