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.
Kimberly, Houston, TX
I would like to learn just one thing from you: Did you receive the Spirit by observing the law, or by believing what you heard? Are you so foolish? After beginning with the Spirit, are you now trying to obtain your goal by human effort
Gal 3:2-3 NIV
Cathie – Jacksonville, FL
Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!!!!! Philippians 4:4
NIV
Wow that’s mine too! Good taste Cathie!
Jessica, Winston Salem, NC
“God’s love is meteoric, His loyalty astronomic, His purpose titanic, His verdicts oceanic. Yet in his largeness nothing gets lost; Not a man, not a mouse, slips through the cracks.” Psalm 36:5-6 Message
1 Corinthians 10:31
So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.
And can I just say that your pictures are striking. What is it with you… you look younger not older!!! How’s that possible?!!! In those pictures you truly looked just as young as those young precious girls of your life!
Your statutes are my heritage forever; they are the joy of my heart. Psalm 119:111 (NIV)
Jean, Salisbury: “Teach us to number our days and recognize how few they are;help us to spend them as we should.”
Psalm 90:12 (TLB)
Kerry, Apple Creek, Ohio
2 Corinthians 10:4-5 NIV
The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have the divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.
Killen, AL
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)
Natalie, Olive Branch
“Who may ascend the hill of the Lord? Who may stand in his holy place? He who has clean hands and a pure heart, who does not lift up his soul to an idol or swear by what is false.” Psalm 24:3-4, NIV
Lisa Dalton, GA
Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous deeds among all peoples. Psalm 96:3 NIV
Terrie, Birmingham, Alabama
Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.
Proverbs 3:5
NIV
Cindy, Gold Canyon, AZ. “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of comfort. Who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God.” 2 Cor. 1:3-4
Julie – Clanton, Alabama
“For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.” Hebrews 4:12, NIV
Colossians 3:12-14 NIV
Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved,
clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility,
gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive
whatever grievances you may have against one another.
Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these
virtues put on love, which binds them all together in
perfect unity.
Barb * St Cloud MN * Ephesians 4:29 NIV “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.”
However, I consider my life worth nothing to me if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me-the task of testifying to the gospel of God’s grace. Acts 20:24 NIV
Vickey Plumerville, AR Zephaniah 3:17 NIV “The Lord your God is with you, he is mighty to save, He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing.
Marilyn from Taylor Mill, KY
Enter his gates with thanksgiving
and his courts with praise;
give thanks to him and praise his name.
Psalm 100:4 NIV
Therefore, prepare your minds for action, keep sober in spirit, fix your hope completely on the grace to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.
1 Peter 1:13 (NASB)
Cyndi in Friendswood, TX
Nancy, Denver “The Lord God is my strength, my personal bravery and my invincible army; He makes my feet like hinds’ feet, and will make me to walk (not to stand still in terror, but to walk) and make (spiritual) progress upon my high places of trouble, suffering, or responsibility.”
Habakkuk 3:19 Amp
Hey Nancy,
Another Denverite here. It makes me smile this morning to know there are other Siestas in this town.
Love this! I’ve never heard it before.
Tammy from Fort Myers, Florida: “Then those who feared the Lord spoke with each other, and the Lord listened to what they said. In his presence, a scroll of remembrance was written to record the names of those who feared him and always thought about the honor of his name.” Malachi 3:16 NLT
Kristine, La Crescent, MN:
A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. Proverbs 15:1 (NIV)
Just so you know, I have three other ladies joining me in this memorization venture, but they don’t get into blogging, to add three more to your list 🙂
Decatur, Alabama: “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.” Philippians 4:8 ESV
Jennifer; Houston; Who among the gods is like You, O Lord? Who is like you – Majestic in holiness, awesome in glory, working wonders? Exodus 15:11 NIV
Leigh Gray
Carmi, Il.
I want to know Christ and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in His sufferings, becoming like Him in His death, and so, somehow, to attain to the resurrection from the dead.”
Phil. 3:10-11 niv
Hebrews 11:6 And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.NIV
O LORD, God of Israel, there is no God like you in all of heaven above or on the earth below. You keep your covenant and show unfailing love to all who walk before you in wholehearted devotion. 1 Kings 2:23 NLT
Heather Beaumont, TX
“Now, our God, we give you thanks, and praise your glorious name.” 1 Chron 29:13 (NIV)
Patty, Vicksburg, MS
“Do nothing out of rivalry or conceit, but in humility consider others as more important than yourselves.”. Phil. 2:3. HCSB
Fonda, Biloxi, “For no word from God will ever fail.” Luke 1:37 NIV Simple but very important to remember!
Hattie, Guymon, OK “This is the day the Lord has made; let us (ME) rejoice and be glad in it.” Psalm 118:24
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.
LOIS, CRYSTAL SPRINGS, MS
Angie, New Orleans
Romans 12:1 NASB
Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship.
Anita, Lehigh, “Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves.” Philippians 2:3 NLT
Allyson, League City, TX
Romans 15:13 NIV
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”
Karen, Scottsdale, AZ
This is what the LORD says—your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel: “I am the LORD your God, who teaches you what is best for you, who directs you in the way you should go.” Isaiah 48:17 NIV
Stephanie, Youngstown, OHIO “And my God will supply all your (MY) needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:19 HCSB)
Laura, Waynesboro, VA
I Corinthians 13:4-5, NIV
Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.
Pam, Holt
“Don’t be obsessed with getting more material things. Be relaxed with what you have. Since God assured us, ‘I’ll never let you down, never walk off and leave you,’ we can boldly quote, God is there, ready to help; I’m fearless no matter what. Who or what can get to me?”
Hebrews 13:5 & 6, The Message
Tracy, Atlanta:
“Call to Me and I will answer you, and I will tell you great and mighty things which you do not know.”
Jeremiah 33:3 (NASB)
Rachel, Rochester, NY: You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. Jeremiah 29:13 (NIV)
Tammie, Virginia
2 Timothy 3:16 “All scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right.” NLT
Mindy, Sugar Land. “It is better to take refuge in the lord than to trust in humans.” Psalm 118:8 (NIV).
Cindy in Midland, TX
Speak and act as those who are going to be judged by the law that gives freedom, because judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment!
James 2:12-13 NIV
“For the Lord your God is living among you.
He is a mighty savior.
He will take delight in you with gladness.
With his love, he will calm all your fears.
He will rejoice over you with joyful songs.”
Zephaniah 3:17 (NLT)
Erin Boling
Denison, TX
Dora, Birmingham, AL
This is the promise I claim for my prodigal child:
“This is the confidence I have in approaching God: that if I ask anything according to His will, He hears me. And if I know that He hears me — whatever I ask — I know that I have what I asked of Him.” I Joh 5:14-15 NIV
Thank You, bless You, praise You, Father!
Lisa S. in McKinney,TX
Psalm 25:4-5
Teach me Your paths; guide me in Your truth and teach me, for You are God my savior, and my hope is in You all day long.
Kathy, Mansfield
“Abram believed the LORD, and He credited it to him as righteousness.” Gen 15:6 NIV (from Kay Arthur’s Covenant study)
Tammy, Lawrenceville, GA: God’s servant must not be argumentative, but a gentle listener and a teacher who keeps cool, working firmly but patiently with those who refuse to obey. You never know how or when God might sober them up with a change of heart and a turning to the truth, enabling them to escape the Devil’s trap, where they are caught and held captive, forced to run his errands. 2 Timothy 2:25-26 (The Message)
Victoria
Thomasville, NC
Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable to you, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer. (Psalm 19:15, NRSV)