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.
Philippians 4:19 NASB
“And my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.”
Vicki, Burton Michigan
Darcy, Northern Virginia. “He must become greater; I must become less.” John 3:30 NIV
Belinda Smith – Jackson, LA
Do not destroy the work of God for the sake of food. All food is clean, but it is wrong for a person to eat anything that causes someone else to stumble.
Romans 14:20 (NIV)
Rachel, Wicken, UK
“He gives childless couples a family, gives them joy as the parents of children.
Hallelujah!”
Psalm 113:9 (The Message)
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. Probergs 3:5-6, NIV Study Bible
Gretchen, Gahanna, OH–We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.
2 Corinthians 10:5 (NIV)
Barb
Hermitage, PA
“Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness.”
Lamentations 3: 22-23 NIV
Sue, Fort Polk. “Everything is permissible for me, but not everything is beneficial. Everything is permissible for me, but I will not be mastered by anything.” 1 Corinthians 6:12 NIV
“Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.”
James 4:10
Karen, Southbridge
“But the wisdom that comes from God is first of all pure; then peace loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.” James 3:17 NIV
Fenton, Ashburn, VA When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, nor shall the flame scorch you. Is. 43:2 NKJ
Angela, Amarillo – Your mercy and loving-kindness, O Lord, extend to the skies, and Your faithfulness to the clouds. Psalm 36:5 The Message
Melanie from Louisville, KY
“I will remove from this city those who rejoice in their pride. Never again will you be haughty on my holy hill.” (NIV)
Natchez,MS
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
Tammy W. Clayton,NC
The wicked man flees though no one pursues, but the righteous are as bold as a lion. Prov. 28:1 NIV
“Even to your old age and gray hairs I am He, for 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
Amy, St. Augustine, FL: “Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?” Isaiah 43: 18-19, NIV
Laurie, Granby, CT
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)
Emily~ Newnan, Georgia
Do not destroy the work of God for the sake of food.
Rom 14:20 NIV
Lisa from Waycross
Donna from Albany
Nahum 1:7 “The Lord is good, a Strength and Stronghold in the day of trouble; He knows (recognizes, has knowledge of, and understands) those who take refuge and trust in Him.” Amplified Version
Rhonda, Newnan GA. Eph 3:20, 21a NIV
20 Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, 21 to him be glory
Denise from Walton, Kentucky
NIV Ephesians 4:29
Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of my mouth, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.
Peggy, Corpus Christi, TX. “The Lord is my light and my salvation; Whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life; Of whom shall I be afraid?” Psalm 27:1 (NKJV)
Holly, Texarkana…I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Phillippians 4:13NKJV
Beckie, Florence, SC
Malachi 3:10b NIV
Test me in this, says the LORD Almighty, and see if I will
not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that you will not have room enough for it.
Isaiah 41:10 NIV
So do not fear, for I am with ou; do not be dismayed for I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
Linda/Augusta
Cause me to hear Your lovingkindness in the morning, for in You do I trust; Cause me to know the way in which I should walk, for I lift up my soul to You.
Psalm 143:8, NKJV
Mikelan Overland Park, KS
Proverbs 8:34 NIV
Blessed are those listen to me, watching daily at my doors, waiting at my doorway.
Angela from Oil City, LA…2 Chronicles 26:5-As long as the king sought the Lord, God game him success.
Sally Englewood, CO
The Lord will guide you continually, giving water when you are dry and restoring your strength. You will be like a well-watered garden like an ever flowing spring. Isaiah 58:11 NLT
Leah from Decatur, Mississippi –
The words of one who speaks about others in secret are like tempting bites of food. They go down into the inside parts of the body.
Proverbs 18:8 (NLV)
Jo Laurin, Poplarville, MS: I delight greatly in the Lord, my soul rejoices in my God, for he has clothed me with garments of salvation and arrayed me in a robe of righteousness. Isaiah 61:10 (NIV)
Kelly, Rockton, IL~ Matthew 16:24-25 Then Jesus said to his disciples, “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself (daily) and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will find it.” Matthew 16:24-25
Melissa, Proctorville: “A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” Proverbs 15:1 NKJV
Julia Hamilton, Beaufort, NC
“And my God will meet all your needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus.” ~ Philippians 4:19 NIV
Psalm 71:14-15 (NIV)
“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 lon, though I know not its measure.”
Pam, Greensboro, NC
“For if you live according to the flesh, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live. For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God.”
Romans 8:13-14 NIV 2010
And I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?” Then I said, “Here am I! Send me.” Isaiah 6:8 ESV
Marlene, Ladson, SC, “To obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed is better than the fat of rams.” 1 Samuel 15:22, NIV
Melody Cleburne, TX
No temptation has overtaking you, except what is common to manking, and God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear, but when you are tempted, he will also provide the way out in order for you to endure it. 1 Corinthians 10:13
And the same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19 (NIV)
Laura, Denver, NC
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in His Mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our battle is not against flesh and blood, but against the the rulers,against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realm.
Ephesians 6: 10-12 NIV
from Mishawaka, IN…
“So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded. You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised.”
Hebrews 10:35-36
Tina/Columbus “Cast your cares on the Lord and He will sustain you; He will never let the righteous fail” Psalms 55:22 NIV
Leann (Alabama): 1 Corinthians 6: 19-20 NIV
Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought with a price. Therefore honor God with your body.
Keli from Talihina, OKlahoma
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding. Proverbs 3:5 NKJV
Jenifer B.
Frisco, TX
“Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known. And now these three remain; faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.”
1 Cor 13:12-13 NIV
Teach me good judgment knowledge: for I have believed Thy commandments. Psalm 119:66
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.
Catherine, St Paul
“For no word from God will ever fail.”
Luke 1:37, NIV