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 – Dallas
And my God will supply your needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19
Lindsay, Albion, IL “For God made Christ, who never sinned, to be the offering for our sin, so that we could be made right with God through Christ.” 2 Corinthians 5:21 NLT
Deborah,Marshall…II Corinthians 4:17-18 For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal….NIV
Rachel, College Station, TX
“You’re Blessed when you can show people how to cooperate instead of compete or fight. That’s when you discover who you really are, and your place in God’s family.”
Matt5:9 Msg
Great for difficult inter-office dynamics
Danielle, Missouri
“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” Ephesians 4:32 NIV
Sharon, Bulls Gap, TN. –
Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.” Matthew 28:19 (KJV)
Megan, Maple Valley, “Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.” Hebrews 11:1 NIV
Sharon
Lakeway TX
“And my God will supply every need of yours according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:19 ESV
Prov `8:10 NIV The name of the LORD is a strong tower, the righteous run in to it and are safe. Prov 18:10
For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the power of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of the evil in the heavenly realms. Eph 6:13
Jerri, Cookeville,TN
My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry, for man’s anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires. James 1:19-20 NIV
Erin, Clarkesville, Ga, “The faithful love of the Lord never ends, His mercies never cease. Great is His faithfulness, His mercies begin afresh each morning.” NLT
Melissa: Detroit, MI “Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.” 1 Corinthians 13:6-7 NIV
Dawn, Falmouth, KY
Romans 12:9 (NLT)
Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good.
2 Peter 3:9 for 2/15/11 NLT. Don’t repay evil for evil. Don’t retaliate with insults when people insult you. Instead, pay them back with a blessing. That is what God has called you to do, and he will bless you for it.
Autumn-Rose Titone, Castle Rock, CO “In the same way, prayer is essential in this ongoing warfare. Pray hard and long. Pray for your brothers and sisters. Keep your eyes open. Keep each others spirits up so that no one falls behind or drops out.” Ephesians 6:18 The Message Bible
Tammie, St. Peters, MO
“They do not fear bad news; they confidently trust the Lord to care for them.” Psalm 112:7 (New Living Translation)
Beth and Tori, Waco TX
“But you, dear friends, build yourselves up in your most holy faith and pray in the Holy Spirit.”
Jude 20 NIV
Help me now to understand who I am as Your child. As I read Your word, teach me by Your Holy Spirit. John 14:26 NIV
Kristi, Pocahontas, AR “I’ve put my life in your hands. You won’t drop me, you’ll never let me down.” Psalm 31:5 The Message
Lori Presque Isle Maine
Romans 12:2 (New King James Version)
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.
Debbie, Atlanta
For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Ephesians 6:12, ESV
Ashley, Deer Park
“This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters.”
1 John 3:16 NIV
Houston For by him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible; whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by him and for him. Colossians 1:16. NIV
Cassie, Keystone Heights, FL
Proverbs 16:9 NKJV
A man’s heart plans his way, But the Lord directs his steps.
Stacie, O’Fallon, IL
Acts 4:29-30 (NIV)
Now, LORD, enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness.
Stretch out your hand to heal and perform miraculous signs and wonders
through the name of your holy servant Jesus.
Kelly, Princeton, KY:
Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always try to be kind to each other and to everyone else.
I Thes. 5:15
Margie in Ohio~
Continuing on through Psalm 62
NIV
Cynthia, Russellville
“Great is His faithfulness; His mercies begin afresh each morning.” Lamentations 3:23 New Living Translation
Natalie D. Davie, Fl, “Blessed is she who has believed that what the Lord has said to her will be accomplished.” Luke 1:45
Jeremiah 1:5 (NIV)
Misti, Carlsbad, NM
“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.”
Those who know your name trust in you,
for you, LORD, have never forsaken those who seek you. Psalm 9:10 NIV
Robyn; Wichita, Kansas: Moses answered the people, “Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the Lord will bring you today. The Egyptians you see today you will never see again. The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still. Exodus 14: 13 & 14 NIV
He will not allow your foot to slip; your Protector will not slumber. Indeed, the Protector of Israel does not slumber or sleep. Psalms 121:3-4 (NASB)
Melissa, Spring
Charm is deceitful and beauty is fleeting, but a woman who fears the LORD will be praised. -Proverbs 31:30 (NET Bible)
Lois, Wausa, Nebraska
I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.
John 16:33 NIV
Janet, Norman
After this I looked and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people, and language, standing before the throne and in front of the Lamb. They were wearing white robes and were holding palm branches in their hands. And they cried out in a loud voice: Salvation belongs to our God
Who sits on the throne
And to the Lamb
Revelation 7:9-10
Lisa Macomb, MI
” 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 sins and heal their land.” 2 chronicles 7:14 NIV
Beverly from Rock Hill SC
“My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever”. Psalms 73:26 NIV
Lisa from Boerne, Tx —
“Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved.” Acts 4:12
Elisabeth – Lexington, KY
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, 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
Kjersten, Gig Harbor
“Now to our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen” Philipians 4:20
Hill, Los Angeles “but as for me, I will always have hope; I will praise you more and more.” psalm 71:14 niv
Lisa, Greer, SC
Ephesians 3:20-21
Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to the power that is at work within us,
to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.
(HCSB)
Aleese, Allen, TX – James 1:5-6 “If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind.” (NIV)
Julie – Fredericksburg, VA
“And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:19 NIV
Joyce, Abilene, TX
Verse 4.
His heart is established and steady, he will not be afraid while he waits to see his desire established upon his adversaries. Ps. 112:8 AMP
Calgary, Alberta Canada
James 3:17 – the message
17-18Real wisdom, God’s wisdom, begins with a holy life and is characterized by getting along with others. It is gentle and reasonable, overflowing with mercy and blessings, not hot one day and cold the next, not two-faced. You can develop a healthy, robust community that lives right with God and enjoy its results only if you do the hard work of getting along with each other, treating each other with dignity and honor.
Huntsville
“Even youths get tired and weary; even strong young men clumsily stumble. But those who wait for the Lord’s help find renewed strength; they rise up as if they had eagles’ wings, they run without growing weary, they walk without getting tired. Isaiah 40:30-31 (NET)
Ainslie, Oakland, TN
Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 NIV