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.
Jennifer, Acworth, GA
Mark 11:24 Amplified Bible
24For this reason I am telling you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe (trust and be confident) that it is granted to you, and you will [get it].
Phillipians 4:19 “And my God will supply your every need according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus.”
Valdese, NC
In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths. Proverbs 6:3 KJV
Hannah from Albuquerque, New Mexico:
Do not, therefore, fling away your fearless confidence, for it carries a great and glorious compensation of reward. For you have need of steadfast patience and endurance so that you may perform and fully accomplish the will of God, and thus receive and carry away and enjoy to the full what is promised.
Hebrews 10:35-36, Amplified Bible
Courtney – Tyler, TX
“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes?” Matthew 6:25 NIV
Psalm 51:16-17 NLT
You do not desire a sacrifice, or I would offer one. You do not want a burnt offering. The sacrifice you desire is a broken spirit. You will not reject a broken and repentant heart, O God.
Belton, Tx
Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you will abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13 NAS
Rhonda, Bolivar MO.
Come near to God and He will come near to you. James 4:8 NIV
Jan, Marion IA “For it is He who delivers you from the snare of the trapper and from the deadly pestilence.” Ps. 91:3 NASB
Pam
Arvada, CO
Hebrews 4:16 (NET Bible)
Therefore let us confidently approach the throne of grace to receive mercy and find grace whenever we need help.
Leah, Little Falls
And my God will supply your every need according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:19 The NET Bible
Jen W. El Segundo, “Yet in all things we are more than conquerors through HIM who loved us.” – Romans 8:37 NIV
Psalm 62:8 NIV
Trust in him at all times, o people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge.
Ann, Carrollton, TX
Phil. 4:13 NIV
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
Alyssa, Fort Worth, TX. If you say, “The LORD is my refuge,” and you make the Most High your dwelling, no harm will overtake you, no disaster will come near your tent. Psalm 91:9-10 (NIV)
Abilene, Texas
Isaiah 48:18 If only you had paid attention to my commands, your peace would have been like a river, your righteousness like the waves of the sea.
Amy, Louisville, Tn, 5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding;
6 in all your ways submit to him,
and he will make your paths straight, Prov 3:5-6, NIV
Alyson Lung from Longmont, CO
Song of Songs 2:16-17
My lover is mine and I am his; he browses among the lilies. Until the day breaks and the shadows flee, turn, my lover, and be like a gazelle or like a young stag on the rugged hills. NIV
Andrea
Woodstock, GA
James 3:17 NIV
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.
2 Corinthians 4:16-18 (ESV)
So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.
Amanda, Queen City,TX. “And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.” Ephesians 4:32 (NKJV)
Betty, Knoxville
Matthew 5:6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.
7 Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.
8 Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. NIrV
Amy,
Dade city Florida
I can’t tell you the version b/c I learned this with our childrens ministry this week to silly music and dance and IT really does work.. when you have to sing and dance to memorize scripture.
YOU YOU YOU are my friend friend friend when you do do do do what I command command. John 15:14
then you end it will “dilly dilly dilly Do wha!”
Jennifer, Houston
I desire to do your will, my God;
your law is within my heart.
Psalm 40:8, NIV
Breanne from Cypress, TX
“And forgive us our sins as we also forgive those who have sinned against us.” Matthew 6:7-9 (NCV)
Jaime, Colorado Springs, CO: “For no matter how many promises God has made, they are “Yes” in Christ. And so through him the “Amen” is spoken by us to the glory of God.” 2 Corinthians 1:20 (NIV)
Christy, Justin, TX – Ephesians 3:12: “In Him and through faith in Him we may approach God with freedom and CONFIDENCE.”
Becky, Carmel
1 Corinthians 15:1-2
Now I would remind you, brothers, of the gospel I preached to you, which you received, in which you stand and by which you are being saved IF you hold fast to the word I preached to you-unless you believed in vain. ESV
Diane, Missoula, Mt: Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit to sustain me. Psalm 51:12 NIV
Katie, Roanoke TX “Sow for yourselves righteousness, reap the fruit of unfailing love, and break up your unplowed ground; for it is time to seek the LORD, until he comes and showers righteousness on you.” Hosea 10:12 NIV
Ronda, Marion IN,
I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. Eph 1:17 NIV
Missy, Pierre, SD. “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 NIV
Kelly, Kimberly: And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ (Phil 1:9-10 NIV).
Psalm 40:2 NIV
He lifted me out of the slimy pit,
out of the mud and mire;
he set my feet on a rock
and gave me a firm place to stand.
Lori, Odessa, TX
“Our competence comes from God” 2 Corinthians 3:5b (NIV)
Pamela from California
Kerri; Greenville, MS
“How great is our Lord! His power is absolute! His understanding is beyond our comprehension!”
Psalm 147:5 (NLT)
Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. 1 Corthians 13:4 (NLT)
Isaiah 61:4 (NIV)
they will rebuild the ancient ruins and restore the places long devastated; they will renew the ruined cities that have been devastated for generations.
Sandy, Cedar Rapids,Iowa
Psalm 34:1-2 NASV
“I will bless the Lord at all times;
His praise shall continually be in my mouth.
My soul shall make its boast in the Lord;
The humble shall hear it and rejoice.”
I am the Lord your God, who brought you up out of Egypt. Open wide your mouth and I will fill it.
Ps. 81:10 NIV
I need prayer for my son and loved ones. THX
Julia, Glendora, CA. “Men of Israel, listen to these words: Jesus the Nazarene, a man attested to you by God with miracles and wonders and signs which God performed through Him in your midst, just as you yourselves know-” Acts 2:22 NASB.
Shelly, Pittsburgh, PA
“We all make many mistakes, but those who control their tongues can also control themselves in every other way” James 3:2 NLT
Gigi, San Antonio And the Father who knows all hearts knows what the spirit is saying, for the spirit pleads for us believers in harmony with God’s own will. Romans 8:27 NLT
Melissa
Chino, CA
For sin shall not have dominion over you, for you are not under law but under grace.
Romans 6:14 NKJ
Emily – Greensburg
Serve the Lord with joy. Come before Him with singing. Come into His city with songs of thanksgiving. Come into His courtyards with songs of praise. Thank Him, and praise his name. Psalm 100:2, 4 (ICB)
Nikky, Sweeny, Texas
I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world. John 16:33 ESV
Beth R., London Ontario
Psalm 8:2, Message
Nursing infants gurgle choruses about you; toddlers shout the songs
That drown out enemy talk, and silence atheist babble.
Katie
Duluth MN
Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed,” says the LORD, who has compassion on you. Isaiah 54:10 NIV
Jennifer – Greensburg
Proverbs 12:18 (NIV) “Reckless words pierce like a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.”
Linda in Gahanna, Ohio
Proverbs 3:5
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.