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.
Grisel, Riverview – …let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverance for God. 2 Corin. 7:1 NIV
John 15:5 NIV
I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.
Shalene, Clovis CA Psalm 16:8 NKJV
I have set the LORD always before me; because He is at my right hand I shall not be moved.
Sarah, Johnstown, PA
“Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing!”
Isaiah 43:18-19 (NIV)
Susan, Longmont, CO
Ephesians 4:2 (NIV)
Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love
Katie, Frisco, Texas
“Do not be eager in your heart to be angry, for anger resides in the bosom of foods. Eccl. 7:9 NASB
Erin, Denver
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.
Romans 8:28 (NIV)
Natalie, Houston, “And my God will supply your every need according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:19 The NET Bible.
Suzanne, Arizona
“If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
-John 8:31-32 NIV
Taylor, Sarajevo. Colossians 1:11-12 NIV
being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, and giving joyful thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of his holy people in the kingdom of light.
Heather, Sedalia, Alberta
Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. Impress them on your chilren. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Deuteronomy 6:4-7
Devanee Ulysses,KS Even before He made the world, God loved us and chose us in Christ to be holy and without fault in His eyes. Ephesians 1:4 NLT
Linda, OKla. City, Zeph 3:17 NIV
We are studying “The Inheritance” and this scripture is from that study.
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.
Hannah, Kopperl, TX, “Above, all clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony. And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful” Colossians 3:14-15, NLT
Bellaire, TX – Phil. 4:19 (ESV)
“And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.
I definitely NEED Him and His supply!!!
And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:7. NKJV
Christina, Fresno, CA
Romans 8:6- The mind of sinful man is death, but the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace. NIV
11 Here there is no Gentile or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave or free, but Christ is all, and is in all.
For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. Ephesians 2:10 (New International Version, ©2010)
Emily from
Fuquay-Varina, NC
“I will lead the blind by a way they do not know,
In paths they do not know I will guide them
I will make darkness into light before them
And rugged places into plains
These are the things I will do,
And I will not leave them undone.” Isaiah 42:16 NAS
yanna,Bryan, Tx Be joyful always. I Thes 5:16 NIV
Jenny
Longmont, CO
The Message-Phil. 4:19
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.
I dropped the ball a little on verse 3 so I’m gonna continue working on it along with verse 4….teenagers/basketball/playoffs – that’s all I’m sayin 🙂
Deanna – Nora Springs, Iowa
The Lord will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you. Do not be like a senseless horse or mule that needs a bit and bridle to keep it under control Psalm 32:8-9 NLT
verse 4
Turn my eyes from worthless things and give me LIFE through your Word Psalm 119:37 NLT
Sarah, Vancouver, WA
Let the loveliness of our Lord, our God rest upon us,
confirming the work that we do. Oh yes! Affirm the work that we do!
Psalm 90:17 (The Message)
Katie – San Antonio, TX
Hebrews 12:1 (NIV) Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entagles, and let us run with perserverance the race marked out for us.
Ashley, Atlanta, GA
“And my God will supply your every need according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:19 The NET Bible
Memorizing this with my sister!! Continuing to memorize colossians 3!! Now at colossians 3:11
11 Here there is no Gentile or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave or free, but Christ is all, and is in all.
Mary, Springfield, MO
Proverbs 14:30, NIV
A heart at peace gives life to the body…
Karen
Memphis, TN
Let us approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.
Hebrews 4:16
NIV
Isaiah 43:18-19 ESV Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.
Colossians 3:11 11 Here there is no Gentile or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave or free, but Christ is all, and is in all.
Christine
Wichita, KS
“A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” Proverbs 15:1 (NIV)
I am the Alpha and Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End.
Rev.22:13 NIV
Kim, W.Richland
Marisa Parker, CO
Colossians 4:2
Devote yourselves to prayer with an alert mind and a thankful heart.
Colossians 3:11
11 Here there is no Gentile or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave or free, but Christ is all, and is in all.
“In peace I will both lie down and sleep; for you alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety.” Psalm 4:8
Kristy, Spanaway, WA
Psalm 36:5 NIV
Your love, Lord, reaches to the heavens, your faithfulness to the skies.
Sarabeth, Tacoma, WA. NIV Psalm 139:17 “Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in teh way everlasting.”
Let them sacrifice thank offerings
and tell of his works with songs of joy.
Psalm 107:22 (NIV)
Samantha. Georgia. “Sarah said, ‘God has brought me laughter, and everyone who hears about this will laugh with me.'” Genesis 21:6 NIV
Erin, Denver
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.
Romans 8:28 (NIV)
Nancy-yonges island, sc
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.
2 Cor 10:5. Niv
Lori, Owasso
James 3:17 (New Living Translation)
” But the wisdom from above is first of all pure. It is also peace loving, gentle at all times, and willing to yield to others. It is full of mercy and good deeds. It shows no favoritism and is always sincere.”
Debbie, Olathe, KS
Psalm 118:4- “Let those who fear the LORD say: “His love endures forever.” (NIV)
Amanda-Conway
“Therefore consider carefully how you listen. Whoever has will be given more; whoever does not have, even what they think they have will be taken from them.”
Luke 8:18 NIV
Billie, Kailua-Kona
“Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.”
Ephesians 6:13 (NIV)
Great reminders and yes, I will have to tell someone no this weekend and I won’t like it. I need to focus on MY writing and not someone else’s right now. I’m flattered others would ask me to write for them but I don’t think they realize how much TIME goes into writing, even for those of us who have lots words 🙂 Thanks for the reminder!
Blessings,
Mel
Please feel free to stop by: Trailing After God
Mar Jo, The Woodlands, TX And my God will meet all your needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus. Phillipians 4:19 NIV
Alisa in Clinton, MS
Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leads no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death.
2 Corinthians 7:10
NIV
Erin, Kingwood, TX
“Seek his will in all you do, and he will direct your paths.” Proverbs 3:6 NLT