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.
Kathleen, Ashland.
“He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For by Him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or rulers or authorities; all things were created by him and for him. He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together.” Colossians 1:12 NIV
For it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose. Phillippians 2:13
OOPS…
The reference to my verse is Isaiah 30:21
Erin, Tyler, Tx. Romans 12:2 (niv). Do not conform to the pattern of this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. So that you can test and approve what God’s will is – His good, pleasing, perfect will.
Martha, Indianapolis: “Whoever welcomes one of these little children in my name welcomes me; and whoever welcomes me does not welcome me but the one who sent me.” Mark 9:37 NIV
Luain, Amarillo, TX
However, as it is written: “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love Him”
I Corinthians 2:9
Jordan, Washington
They will wage war against the Lamb, but the Lamb will triumph over them because he is Lord of lords and King of kings—and with him will be his called, chosen and faithful followers.”
Revelation 17:14 NIV
Oak Ridge, Tennessee
“And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:19
Amanda Grasza
Calgary, Alberta
“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
Laurel, Phoenix, AZ
And my God will supply your every need according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19 The NET Bible
“I am the Lord your God,
who holds your right hand,
and I tell you (Brenda) ‘Don’t be afraid.
I will help you.'”
Isaiah 41:13 (New Century Version)
Becky ~ Chattanooga
Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling.
1 Peter 4:9 ~ NIV
Philippians 4:19 – NIV
“And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.”
Donna, KC:Psalm 139:4 Before a word is on my tongue you know it completely, O Lord. NIV
Beverly, Bayou Vista, TX
Whom have I in heaven but you?
I desire you more than anything on earth.
My health may fail, and my spirit may grow weak,
but God remains the strength of my heart; he is mine forever.
Psalm 73:25-26 NLT
Megan Hughes, Edina, MN
“For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge…”
2 Peter 1:5 NIV (trying to memorize all of 2 Peter 1:3-11)
Ashley Beth, Baton Rouge
“Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me and I will listen to you.” Jeremiah 29:12 NIV
Brooke, Alabama: 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. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. 1 Corinthians 13:4-7, NIV
Emily, Amarillo, TX, 11 yrs old
The Mighty One, God, the Lord, speaks and summons the earth from the rising of the sun to the place where it sets.
Psalm 50:1 NIV
Katie, Owensboro, KY
“In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will direct thy paths.” Proverbs 3:6, AKJV
Heather, McCalla, AL- The heart is hopelessly dark and deceitful, a puzzle that no one can figure out. But I, God, search the heart and examine the mind. I get to the heart of the human. I get to the root of things. I treat them as they really are, not as they pretend to be. Jeremiah 17: 9-10 The Message
Natalie Nashville
So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom. Psalm 90:12 ESV
Alana, Chillicothe. The human heart is the most deceitful of all things, and desperately wicked. Who really knows how bad it is? Jeremiah 17:9 NLT
Emma, Brisbane Australia
“Even to your old age and gray hairs
I am He, I am He who will sustain you
I have made you and I will carry you;
I will sustain you and I will rescue you.” Isaiah 46:4 (NIV)
Deanna, Denver, CO
We wait in hope for the Lord; He is our help and our shield. Psalm 33:20 NIV
Cheri, Savage, MN
Phillipians 3:7-8a NLT
I once thought these things were so very important, but now I consider them worthless because of what Christ has done. Yes, everything is worthless when compared with the priceless gain of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord.
Cathy from Loxahatchee, Florida
Ephesians 6:7 NIV
Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not men
Vickie
Russellville
He who forms the mountains, creates the wind, and reveals his thoughts to man, he who turns dawn to darkness and treads the high places of the earth, the Lord God Almighty is his name.
Amos 4:13
NIV
Stacey, Shreveport
“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
Kara, Oklahoma
“But as for me, how good it is to be near God! I have made the Sovereign Lord my shelter, and I will tell everyone about the wonderful things you do.” Psalm 73:28 NLT
Miranda Clay Center
TRUST IN THE LORD WITH ALL YOUR HEART AND LEAN NOT ON YOUR OWN UNDERSTANDING. Proverbs 3:5
But this is what the LORD says:
“Yes, captives will be taken from warriors,
and plunder retrieved from the fierce;
I will contend with those who contend with you,
and your children I will save. Is 49:25 NIV
Kristie
Sandia, Tx
And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19 (NIV)
Jessica from Rockvale, TN
Proverbs 6:4-5 (NASB) “Give no sleep to your eyes, nor slumber to your eyelids; deliver yourself like a gazelle from the hunter’s hand and like a bird from the hand of the fowler.”
Robin- Roanoke, VA
Proverbs 31:11-12 (NIV)
Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value. She brings him good, not har all the days of her life.
“Do not call to mind the former things, Or ponder things of the past. Behold, I will do something new, Now it will spring forth; Will you not be aware of it? I will even make a roadway in the wilderness, Rivers in the desert.”
Isaiah 43:18-19 NAS
Becky
Manchester TN NKJ
Psalms 51 10 Create in me a clean heart, O God,
And renew a steadfast spirit within me.
11 Do not cast me away from Your presence,
And do not take Your Holy Spirit from me.
12 Restore to me the joy of Your salvation,
And uphold me by Your generous Spirit.
13 Then I will teach transgressors Your ways,
And sinners shall be converted to You.
Cindy from Medical Lake, WA says:
And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them. Romans 8:28 NLT
Philippians 4:19
19 But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.
KJV, Christy, Orlando, Fl
Celeste, Thompson’s Station, TN: I command you — be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go. Joshua 1:9, NLT
Jenna, Spartanburg, SC. “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)
Kristi ~ Logansport, IN
For we are the aroma of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing… II Cor. 2:15 ESV
And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19, NIV
Looks like many of us are in need of this comfort.
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. Philippians 4:6 NIV
Lori, Pine Island, MN
“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
Pamela Sue, Palm Bay, Florida 🙂
“Don’t you realize that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit,
who lives in you and was given to you by God?
You do not belong to yourself, for God bought you with a high price.
So you must honor God with your body.”
1 Corinthians 6:19-20 New Living Translation
Albuquerque, NM
2 Timothy 3:16-17 (NIV)
All scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.
Houston, TX
The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; His mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. “The Lord is my portion,” says my soul, “therefore I will hope in Him.”
Lamentations 3:22-24 ESV
Johnstown, CO
The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; His mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness. “The Lord is my portion,” says my soul, “therefore I will hope in Him.”
Lamentations 3:22-24 ESV
Albuquerque, NM
2 Timothy 3:16-17 (NIV)
All scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.