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.
Cathy, Colorado Springs, I lift my eyes to the hills–where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and Earth psalms 121: 1-2 NIV
Chris
Canton, NC
But He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weakness, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
2 Corinthians 12:9-10
Kelly, Eupora, MS
This is what the LORD says:
“Heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool.
Could you build me a temple as good as that?
Could you build me such a resting place?
My hands have made both heaven and earth;
they and everything in them are mine.
I,the LORD, have spoken!
“I will bless those who have humble and contrite hearts, and tremble at my word.
Isaiah 66: 1-2, NLT
Rebecca,Madison;
“But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.” I Peter 3:15, NIV
Danielle, Cypress Tx
The Lord is like a father to his children, tender and compassionate to those who fear Him.
Psalm 103:13
NLT
Jeni, White Bluff, TN
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.”
Matthew 11:28-29, NIV
Kristen, Oklahoma City “For the Lord God, the Holy One of Israel, says: Only in returning to me and waiting for me will you be saved; in quietness and confidence is your strength; but you’ll have none of this.” Isaiah 30:18 The Living Bible
Abigail, Cincinnati. “God has made everything beautiful for its own time. He has planted eternity in the human heart, but even so, people cannot see the whole scope of God’s work from beginning to end” (Ecclesiastes 3:11, NLT).
Ashley, Grand Junction, Colorado:
Love prospers when a fault is forgiven, but dwelling on it separates close friends.
Proverbs 17:9, NLT
Sarah, Tyler, TX
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.
Isaiah 41:10
Julie, Chattanooga
2 Cor 9:8 NLT And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others.
Teri from Florida
Joshua 1:8-9
Study this Book of Instruction continually. Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in it. Only then will you prosper and succeed in all you do. This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” (NLT)
Hebrews 4:15 (NIV)
For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are–yet without sin.
Carmen, Eau Claire, WI
Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For everything in the world – the cravings of sinful man, the lust of his eyes and the boasting of what he has and does – comes not from the Father but from the world. The world and its desires pass away, but the man who does the will of God lives forever.
1 John 15-17 NIV
Cara, Holland. “And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:19 ESV
I really needed this suggestion & meditation; thank you!
Ann Hayes, Garden City MI Psa 23:4 KJV Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
Kathy, Grand Ledge, MI
Though youths grow weary and tired, and vigorous young men stumble badly, Yet those who wait for the LORD will gain new strength; They will mount up with wings like eagles, they will run and not get tired, they will walk and not become weary. Isaiah 40: 30,31 NASB
Holly from Alpharetta
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 (The Message)
Leah Hayes, Taylors SC Jas 1:7-8 NET For that person must not suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord, since he is a double-minded individual, unstable in all his ways.
Lisa, Enterprise AL
Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death.
— Romans 8:1-2 (NIV)
Sheila – Dallas
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. Ps. 40:5 NIV
Lori B., Hazlehurst, Ms. Finally brethern, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there be any virtue, if there be anything praise worthy, meditate on these things. Phil. 4:8 NKJ
Everything in the heavens and earth is yours, o Lord, and this is your kingdom. We adore you as being in control of everything. Riches and honor come from you alone, and you are the Ruler of all mankind;your hand controls power and might, and it is at your discretion that men are made great and given strength. 1 Chronicles 29:11-12
Amber-Euless TX
[Because of] the lord’s faithful love we do not perish, for his mercies never end. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness! I say: the lord is my portion therefore I will put my hope in him. Lamentations 3:22-24
Gayle, Salinas
Do not merely listen to the word and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.
James 1:22 NIV
Lori in Wichita – “You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in You.” Isaiah 26:3 (NIV)
Karen, Fruit Heights, Utah: Psalm 139: 23-24 NLT
23 Search me, O God, and know my heart;
test me and know my anxious thoughts.
24 Point out anything in me that offends you,
and lead me along the path of everlasting life.
Marie in Post Falls, Idaho:
“Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, ‘I will never leave you nor forsake you.'” – Hebrews 13:5 (NKJV)
Jana, Crystal Springs, MS
Isaiah 41:10
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.
Marrissa
Orlando,FL
Luke 6:45
The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For out of the overflow of his heart his mouth speaks
NIV
Piper
Hickory, NC
Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. Matthew 6:34
Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. Col 3:1-2 (NIV)
Teresa, McKinney
Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and your plans will succeed.
Proverbs 16:3 NIV
Carissa from Houston:Isaiah 41:13 TNIV “For I, the LORD your God, hold your right hand; it is I who say to you, ‘Fear not, I am the one who helps you.”
Annabelle in Montgomery, TX
1 Corinthians 10:13 NIV
No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful, He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear.
Lisa in Montgomery, TX
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.
Beth- Fort Payne, AL
Isaiah 58:6
Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen;
to loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke;
to set the oppressed free and break every yoke?
Barbara, Norphlet,AR: 2 Timothy 1:7 “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.”
Nicole
Keller
Galatians 5:26
“That means we will not compare ourselves with each other as if one of us were better and another worse. We have far more interesting things to do with our lives. Each of us is an original. Nothing but the Cross” MSG
Christy, Manitoba, Cda
3 By wisdom a house is built,
and through understanding it is established;
4 through knowledge its rooms are filled
with rare and beautiful treasures. Prov 24:3-4 NIV
Katie, Lincoln, NE – And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19 NIV
But the fruit of the spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self- control. Against such things there us no law.
Galatans 5:22-23 NIV
Tina Marie, Gig Harbor, WA
Titus 2:11-14
For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all men, instructing us to deny ungodliness and worldly desires, and to live sensibly, righteously and godly in the present age, looking for the blessed hope and the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Christ Jesus, who gave Himself for us to redeem us from every lawless deed, and to purify for Himself a people for His own possession, zealous for good deeds. NASB
Pam, Austin, TX. Philippians 1:19 NIV
For I know through your prayers and the help given by the Spirit of Jesus Christ, what has happened to me will turn out for my deliverance.
Karen, Lino Lakes
1 Corinthians 13:5
It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.
NIV
Jeanetta, Tyler But you Lord, are a shield around me, my glory, the One who lifts my head high. Psalm 3:3 NIV
Lisa W. Surprise, AZ
2Cor.4:18 (NLT)
So we don’t look at the troubles we can see now; rather, we fix our gaze on things that cannot be seen. For things we see now will soon be gone, but the things we cannot see will last forever.
Anna, Milwaukee. “And my God will supply your every need according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:19 The NET Bible
Helen, Broxton, Georgia
I, even I, am he who blots out your transgressions, for my own sake, and remembers your sins no more. Isaiah 43:25 NIV
Kate – Ooltewah, TN
“If you wait for perfect conditions, you will never get anything done. ”
Ecclesiastes 11:4-5 NLT
Lorraine – Modesto, CA
But as for me, I will sing about your power. I will shout with joy each morning because of your unfailing love. For you have been my refuge, a place of safety in the day of distress.
Psalm 59:16 NLT