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.
Proverbs 31:11-12
Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value. She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life.
Psalms 16:16 ESV
The lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; indeed, I have a beautiful inheritance.
Gail Jones
Decatur, TX
(Can you tell we just started The Inheritance Bible Study in several of our women’s groups?)
“Not so the wicked (those disobedient and living without God are not so). But they are like the chaff (worthless, dead, without substance) which the wind drives away.” AMP (FYI: I am memorizing Psalm 1, verse by verse, hence the seemingly strange random verse.)
Jenny, Cedar Rapids – Be joyful always; pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 1Thess. 5:16-18 NIV
Mara Ridgefield, WA Daniel 2:22-23
He reveals deep and hidden things, He knows what lies in darkness and light dwells with him. I thank and praise you, O God of my fathers, you have given me wisdom and power, You have made known to me what we asked of you
Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him. Your roots will grow down into God’s love and keep you strong. Ephesians 3:17 NLT
Amber
Parker, TX
Psalm 13:6 (NIV)
I will sing the lord’s praise, for he has been good to me.
Julie, Prescott, AZ
“And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.” Phillipians 4:19 NIV
Amber Marie, Hernando, MS: “Beloved, I implore you as aliens and strangers and exiles [in the world] to abstain from the sensual urges (the evil desires, the passions of the flesh, your lower nature) that wage war against your soul. Conduct yourselves properly (honorably, righteously) among the Gentiles, so that, although they may slander you as evildoers, [yet] they may by witnessing your good deeds [come to] glorify God in the day of inspection [when God shall look upon you wanderers as a pastor or shepherd looks over his flock].” 1 Peter 2:11-12, Applified Version
Ali
1 John 3:3 NIV
“Everyone who has this hope in him purifies himself, just as he is pure.”
Jennifer
Fort Worth, Texas
“He does not treat us as our sins deserve or repay us according to our iniquities.”
Psalms 103:10
NIV
Kennewick, WA
Hebrews 13:5 (NKJV)
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.”
Christina, Altoona PA
He restores my soul; He guides me in the paths of righteousness For His name sake. Psalm 23:3 NASB
“Give your worries to the Lord, and he will take care of you.
He will never let good people down.” ~ Psalm 55:22 (NCV)
Bobbie Jo
San Angelo, TX
Jennifer, Mansfield
“Without wavering, let us hold tightly to the hope we say we have, for God can be trusted to keep His promise.”
Hebrews 10:23 (NLT)
Karen, Virginia Beach, Psalm 90:14, NIV
Satisfy us in the morning with your unfailing love,
that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days.
Proverbs 31:11-12
Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value, she brings him good, not har, all the days of her life.
Sandra-Conway,AR 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. NIV
Amy, Tyler: “And we pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God” Col. 1:10 (NIV)
Lara, Aubrey, Tx: Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men; knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance. It is the Lord Christ whom you serve. Colossians 3:23-24 NAS
Amy from Florida: I John 4:19 NIV
We love because He first loved us.
Jody, Mission Viejo, Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good life, by deeds done in the humilty that comes from wisdom. James 3:13, NIV
Is. 56:4 ESV
Thus says the LORD: “to the eunachs that keep my Sabbath, who choose the things that please me and hold fast to my covenant”,
Barb, Prescott Valley, AZ
“Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long.”
Psalm 25:5 NIV 2010
Susie,Columbus, Ohio Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. 1 Peter 5:7 (NIV)
Rebecca, Abilene
But you belong to GOD, my dear children. You have already won a victory over those people, because the Spirit who lives in you is greater than the spirit who lives in the world.
1 John 4:4NLT
Sabrina
Lincoln Nebraska
Philippians 2:3-4 (New American Standard Bible)
Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves; do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others.
Annette
Maplewood, MN
There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.
1 John 4:18
NIV
Kim, E.Granby, CT: May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer. Psalm 19:14, NIV
Daphne ~ Winnipeg, Canada
And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus ~ Philippians 4:19 NIV
Jenna
Austin
“O God, you are my God; early will I seek you; my soul thirsts for you; my flesh longs for you in a dry and thirsty land where there is no water.
Nkjv
Karla, Maumee OH
The LORD is my light and my salvation—
whom shall I fear?
The LORD is the stronghold of my life—
of whom shall I be afraid?
Psalm 27:1v(NIV)
As for me, I look to the Lord for help. I wait confidently for God to save me, and my God will certainly hear me. Do not gloat over me, my enemies! For though I fall, I will rise again. Though I sit in darkness, the Lord will be my light. Micah 7:7-8 NLT.
“The Lord will guide you always; he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail”
Isaiah 58:11 NIV
Robin M.
Aberdeen, SD
Ronda, Kingman, AZ
I will instruct you and teach you in the way which you should go. I will counsel you with My eye upon you. Psalm 32:8 NASB
Tammy, Paducah – You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. Jeremiah 29:13
Cheryl from Louisville, KY
“I can do everything through Him, who gives me strength.”
Philippians 4:14 NIV
Roberta, Fanshawe,OK
I want you to show love, not offer sacrifices. I want you to know me more than I want burnt offerings. Hosea 6:6 NLT
Ginny
Rice Lake, WI
You crown the year with your bounty, and your carts overflow with abundance.
Psalm 65:11 NIV
Linda – Madison, MS
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.
Joshua 1:9 New King James
Courtney
Houma, LA
Then call on me when you are in trouble, and I will rescue you, and you will give me glory.
Psalm 50:15, NLT
Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. (1Thess.5, NIV)
Becky, Vicksburg, MS
You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance. Psalm 32:7 (NIV).
Jean, Houston, “and to knowledge, self-control, perserverance; and to perseverane, godliness;” 2 Pet. 1:6 NIV
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.
2 Corinthians 4:18 (NIV)
Shane from Suwanee, Ga
Isaiah 58:8-9: “Then your light will break forth like the dawn, and your healing will quickly appear; then your righteousness will go before you, and the glory of the Lord will be your rear guard. Then you will call, and the Lord will answer; you will cry for help, and He will say: Here am I.”
Lisa, Bethany OK
There is one body and one Spirit – just as you were called to one hope when you were called – one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.
Ephesians 4:4-6 NIV
Lara Taeuber
Oak Ridge Tn NASB Proverbs 3:5-6 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 Proverb 3: 5-6
Kristin
Clearwater, FL
“When words are many, sin is not absent; but he who holds his tongue is wise.”
Proverbs 10:19 NIV
Buffy
Rogers
May God himself, the God who makes everything holy and whole, make you holy and whole, put you together -spirit, soul & body- and keep you fit for the coming of our Master, Jesus Christ. The one who called you is completely dependable. If He said it, He’ll do it!
1 Thess. 5:24 (The Message)