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.
Fontana, CA
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. ANd the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 4:6-7
Jovin, Houston TX
Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen. 1 Tim 1:17 (NIV)
Cheryl, Everett
Tammy-Lubbock, Texas
James 1:5 NIV
If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.
Alisa, Chattanooga, TN “Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you.” Jer 29:12 NIV
Carolyn**Bismarck
This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.
1 John 4:9-11 NIV
Philippians 3:9 (NLT)
I no longer count on my own righteousness through obeying the law; rather, I become righteous through faith in Christ. For God’s way of making us right with himself depends on faith.
Philippians 2:5 NAS
Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus,
Amber, Memphis
The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me, because the Lord has anointed me to bring good news to the poor; he has sent me to bind up the broken hearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and opening of the prison to those who are bound.
Isaiah 61:1, ESV
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 entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of our faith. Hebrews 12:1 (NIV)
Liz Lyons, Houston
“You are my witnesses,” declares the LORD, “and my servant whom I have chosen, so that you may know and believe me, and understand that I am he.” Isaiah 43:10 (NIV)
Erin, New Orleans, LA
“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
“Blessed be the Lord,
Who daily loads us with benefits,
The God of our salvation.”
Psalm 68:19 NKJV
Laurie, Newburgh, In.
Ps. 103:2 “Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits.”
Shannon, Flagstaff
My soul finds rest in God alone; my salvation comes from Him. He alone is my rock and my salvation; He is my fortress, I will never be shaken. Psalms 62:1-2
Darien Lyons, Houston
“And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:19 (NIV)
Kelly, Forney, TX “But as for me, I will always have hope; I will praise you more and more. My mouth will tell of your righteousness, of your salvation all day long, though I know not its measure.” Psalm 71:14-15 NIV
Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as elaborate hairstyles and the wearing of gold jewelry or fine clothes. Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight. 1 Peter 3: 3-4 NIV
Kelsie- Corpus Christi, TX
Cheryl, Everett
“Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is-his good, pleasing and perfect will.” Romans 12:2
Kendall Lyons, Houston
“And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:19 (NIV)
Symmie, Corpus Christi, TX
“For thou art my hope; O LORD God, thou art my confidence from my youth”. Psalm 71:5 (NAS)
The Lord God has blessed us with abundance.
Tami, Arcadia
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” Matthew 11:28-29 NIV
Barrett, Plano: “For the Lord does not abandon anyone forever.” Lamentations 3:31
Soorin
Eugene, OR
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)
Tara, Monett MO
Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.~Hebrews 4:16 NKJV
Allison Todd
Denton Tx
NIV
“In him we were also chosen,[e] having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will, in order that we, who were the first to put our hope in Christ, might be for the praise of his glory.”
Ephesians 1:11-12
Abbie, Omaha
Psalm 9:10 “Those who know your name will trust in you, for you,Lord, have never forsaken those who seek you.” (NIV)
Jessica, DeWitt, Iowa
Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you my be successful wherever you go. Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrifeid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord you God will be with you wherever you go.
Joshua 1:7-9 (NIV)
“He changes times and seasons; he sets up kings and depses them. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning.”
~Daniel 2:21 NIV
Rachel – Nashville, TN
For it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose.
-Philippians 2:13
Sarah from Dallas, GA
And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Phil 4:7, NIV
Mandy, Oxford: I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. Philippians 3:14 NIV
Sherri (Frisco, Texas)
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Philippians 4:13 KJV
Katie, Loveland, CO “Be on guard. Stand true to what you believe. Be courageous. Be strong and everything you do must be done in love.” 1 Corinthinians 16:13 (NLV)
Jennifer Loveland, CO “Be on guard. Stand true to what you believe. Be courageous. Be strong and everything you do must be done in love.” 1 Corinthinians 16:13 (NLV)
“He does not treat us as our sins deserve or repay us according to our iniquities. Psalm 103:10 NIV
The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners…
Isaiah 61:1 NIV
Denise, Myrtle Creek
2 Corinthians 1:7
NKJV
Therefore having these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit perfecting holiness in the fear of God.
Lisa, Lynnwood, WA
“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)
Judy, Dallas: “Work hard to show the results of your salvation, obeying God with deep reverence and fear. For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him. Do everything without complaining and arguing, so that no one can criticize you. Live clean, innocent lives as children of God, shining like bright lights in a world full of crooked and perverse people.” Phil 2.13-15 (NLT)
Caryn, Fort Worth, TX
“Avoid godless chatter because those who indulge in it will become more and more ungodly.” 2 Timothy 2:14 (NIV)
One thing I ask of the LORD, this is what I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the LORD and to seek hIm in His temple.”
Psalm 27:4
NIV
Karen K. in Houston, TX —
Hear my prayer, O God;
Give ear to the words of my mouth.
Ps 54:2 NASB
Meg, Richmond, VA
“Are you so foolish? Having begun by the Spirit, are you now being perfected by the flesh?” – Galatians 3:3 ESV
Piedmont, OK; Isaiah 26:3-4
“Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on Thee: because he trusteth in Thee. Trust ye in the Lord forever: for in the Lord Jehovah is everlasting strength.”
(KJV)
For the LORD your God is he who goes with you to fight for you against your enemies, to give you the victory.
Deuteronomy 20:4 (ESV)
Halei, Fort Worth, TX
Those who look to Him are radiant; their faces are never covered with shame. -Psalm 34:5 (NIV)
“And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of His glory in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:19 (NIV)
Jessica in Monterrey, Mexico
Danville, KY
“For I did not speak of my own accord but the Father who sent me commanded me what to say and how to say it.” John 12:49 NIV