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.
Holly, Williamston SC
“Therefore, since we have been made right in God’s sight by faith, we have peace with God because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us. Because of our faith, Christ has brought us into this place of undeserved privilege where we now stand and we confidently and joyfully look forward to sharing God’s Glory.”
Romans 5:1-2 NLT
Janifer, Glen Burnie, MD
2 Samuel 22:34 NKJV
He makes my feet like the feet of deer, and sets me on my high places.
Kristin, Pottsboro, TX:
Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Psalm 51:10 NIV
Nita, Corinth
But it is good for me to draw near to God; I have put my trust in the Lord God,
That I may declare all your works.
Psalm 73:28
Carrie – Kitchener, ON Canada – “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path.” Psalm 119:105 (NIV)
Sharon, Geigertown, PA
1 Thessalonians 5:15-18: “See that no one repays anyone evil for evil, but always seek to do good to one another and to everyone. Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” ESV
Patti, Newburgh, IN
For nothing will be impossible with God. Luke 1:37 (NASB)
Addie, Sulphur- we love because he first loved us.1 john 4:19 (NIV)
Sherree Hunsberger, Lilburn, GA
Proverbs 3:27 NAS
“Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in your power to do it.”
Susie, Moultrie, GA
Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men. Colossians 3:23 NIV
Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. Hebrews 4:14
Rhonda, Minnesota
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.
Cindy from Yakima, Isaiah 43:18-19 NIV
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.
Angie, Benton “Set a guard over my mouth, O Lord;
keep watch over the door of my lips.” Psalm 141:3 NIV
Diane, Gig Harbor, WA – “I have swept away your offenses like a cloud, your sins like the morning mist. Return to me, for I have redeemed you.” Isaiah 44:22 NIV
Andrew (6) Gig Harbor, WA – 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
Katelyn (8) Gig Harbor, WA – 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
Cacey, Northville, MI
“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 NIV
Amber, Fort Collins, CO
Do all things without complaining and disputing, that you may become blameless and harmless children of God. Philippians 2:14-15 NIV
Angela, Corbin, KY
Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of
what we do not see.
Hebrews 11:1 NIV
Jenn
Frederick, MD
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:6-7, NIV
Sue, Kingsport, TN. Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith.
1 Peter 5:8-9a NIV
Sarah Birmingham , Lambertville, MI
Isaiah 54:10 ESV
For the mountains may depart and the hills be removed, but my steadfast love shall not depart from you, and my covenant of peace shall not be removed,” says the LORD , who has compassion on you.
Bonnie, Seattle
So we can say with confidence, “The Lord is my helper, so I will have no fear. What can mere people do to me?”
Hebrews 13:6
Sarah, Little Rock
“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.” Ephesians 6:10,11 NIV
The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.
John 10:10 NIV
Colima, Klamath Falls, OR
Pam,Naperville,IL “I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being,” Eph 3:16 NIV
Carmen, Largo, FL
“How great is your goodness which you have stored up for those who fear you, which you bestow in the sight of men on those who take refuge in you.” Psalm 31:19 NIV
Pam, Rome GA
“I tell you the truth, you can say to this mountain, ‘May you be lifted up and thrown into the sea,’ and it will happen. But you must really believe it will happen and have no doubt in your heart. I tell you, you can pray for anything, and if you believe that you’ve received it, it will be yours.'” Mark 11:23-24
Judy, Manassas, Va.
For it is He who delivers you from the snare of the trapper and from the deadly pestilence. He will cover you with His pinions, and under His wings you make seek refuge. His faithfulness is a shield and bulwark. Psalm 91:3,4
Tracy- Waterloo, ON, Canada
“I hereby command you: Be strong and courageous; do not be frightened or dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Johua 1:9 NRSV
Katie, Edmond, OK:
But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. James 3:17 NIV
Melinda-Atlanta, TX
“Wait for the Lord; be strong and let your heart take courage; Yes, wait for the Lord.” Psalm 27:14, NASB
Cristy – Monroe, Ohio
“Be strong, all you people of the land,” declares the LORD, “and work. For I am with you,” declares the LORD Almighty.
Haggai 2:4b NIV
Sandi
Scandia, MN
“Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name; you are mine….you are precious and honored in my sight, and I love you.”
Isaiah 43:1, 4 (NIV)
Julie, Waco
“…whenever trouble comes your way, let it be an opportunity for joy. For when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be strong in character and ready for anything.”
-James 1:2-4 (NLT)
“The angel of the Lord encmaps around those who fear him, and he delivers them. Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him.” Psalm 34:7-8 NIV
Kay, Modesto CA – Do not merely listen to the word and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.” James 1:22 NIV
allie, sulphur- For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus. Romans 6:23 (NIV)
Norma – Raleigh, NC
“All your children will be taught by the LORD,
and great will be their peace.” Isaiah 54:13 NIV
Andrea
Alexandria, LA
The walls of Jerusalem were made up, and that the breaches began to be stopped then they were very wroth, And conspired all of them together to come and to fight against Jerusalem, and to hinder it. Nehemiah 4:7b-8 KJV
Hebrews 12:11 NIV
Michelle Abilene, kansas
“No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it”
Darla, Tampa, FL
Ps 119:11 NIV
“Your word have I hidden in my heart. That I might not sin against You.”
Carol, Taylors, SC Philippians 2:7 (NIV) but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness.
Sherry, Dayton,NV ~”For as the heavens are high above the earth, so great is His mercy toward those who fear Him; as far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us.” ~Psalm 103:11-12 (NKJV)
Blair, Dallas
“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.” Colossians 3: 23-24
Jessica
Birmingham, AL
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
16 Rejoice always, 17 pray continually, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
NIV
Beth, Morristown, TN
So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness. Colossians 2:6,7 NIV
Rachel, Modesto, CA:
For if, by the trespass of the one man, death reigned through that one man, how much more will those who receive God’s abundant provision of grace and of the gift of righteousness reign in life through Christ Jesus.
Romans 5:17 NIV
Raylene; Lee’s Summit, MO
“Strength and honor are her clothing; she shall rejoice in time to come. She opens her mouth with wisdom, and on her tongue is the law of kindness.”
Proverbs 31:25-26 NKJV
Joy – Whitehouse, TX
David praised the Lord in the presence of the whole assembly, saying, “Praise be to You, Lord, the God of our Father Israel from everlasting to everlasting.”
I Chronicles 29:10
Dayna, Ontario,Calif. “May the favor of the Lord our God rest upon us; establish the works of our hands for us- yes establish the works of our hands. Psalm 90:17 NIV