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.
Christi, Houston
oops, I’m late!
Ps 15:3-5
3 [He that] backbiteth not with his tongue, nor doeth evil to his neighbour, nor taketh up a reproach against his neighbour.
4 In whose eyes a vile person is contemned; but he honoureth them that fear the LORD. [He that] sweareth to [his own] hurt, and changeth not.
5 [He that] putteth not out his money to usury, nor taketh reward against the innocent. He that doeth these [things] shall never be moved.
Linda H., West Des Moines, Iowa
Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, serving as overseers – not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not greedy for money, but eager to serve; not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. – 1 Peter 5:2-3 (NIV)
“He who did not spare His own Son, but gave Him up for us all- how will He not also, along with Him, graciously give us all things?” Romans 8:32 (NIV)
Colleen from Spokane, WA
“For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ.” 2 Corinthians 10:4-5(NKJV)
Tracy from Wheeling, WV
For the vision is yet for an appointed time; But at the end it will speak, and it will not lie. Though it tarries, wait for it; Because it will surely come, It will not tarry. Habakkuk 2:3 (New King James Version)
Joy, Winters
I have set my rainbow in the clouds, and it will be the sign of the covenant between me and the earth.
Gen 9:13 NIV
Lift up your heads, O ye gates; and be ye lift up, ye everlasting doors; and the King of glory shall come in. Who is this King of glory? The Lord strong and mighty, the Lord mighty in battle. Psalms 24:8,9 KJV
Wendy, Mesilla Park NM
“From eternity to eternity, the Lord’s faithful love is toward those who fear Him, and His righteousness toward the grandchildren” Psalm 103.17 HCSB
Julie, Springfield MO
Psa 27:14 (KJV) Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD.
Tracie – Huntsville, AL
“Consider it pure joy my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.”
James 1:2-3 (NIV)
Stacy, Big Lake MN.
Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with a God a thing to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the form of a servant, being born in the likenss of men. Phil 2:5-7 ESV
“whom he poured out upon us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior,” – Titus 3:6, NASB
For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God.
Ephesians 2:8 (NLT)
Caroline
Waco, TX
Sorry we’re late!!
Barbra, Oxford, PA: Ephesians 1:17 NIV
I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you (me) the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know Him better.
Marti from Charlotte, NC: He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God. -Micha 6:8
Lucia, Valdosta, Georgia
2 Corinthians 12:10 (NIV)
That is why for Christ’s sake I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
Elizabeth, Oxford, PA: Psalm 108:3 NIV
I will praise you, Lord, among the nations; I will sing of you among the peoples.
For I am not ashamed of this Good News about Christ. It is the power of God at work, saving everyone who believes-Jews first and also Gentiles.
Romans 1:16 (NLT)
Jenna
Waco, TX
Lori, Pelham, NH
“For there is not a word on my tongue, But behold, O LORD, You know it altogether.” Psalm 139:4 KJV
Stephanie
Knoxville, TN
“And he said to all, ‘If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.'” (Luke 9:23, ESV)
Shirley Barry, Mooresville, NC
LORD, you alone are my portion and my cup; you make my lot secure. Psalm 16:5, NIV
Hannah, Oxford, PA: Psalm 108:3
I will praise you, Lord, among the nations; I will sing of you among the peoples.
Tammy, Bucyrus,
“Great is the Lord and most worthy of praise,
His greatness no one can fathom.” psalm 145:3 NIV
For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God.
Ephesians 2:8 (NLT)
Caroline
Waco, TX
Laura, Mason, OH
Colossians 4:5-6 (NIV)
“Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.”
Kerry, Jackson, TN
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. Before me no god was formed, nor will there be one after me.
Isaiah 43:10 NIV
MARILYN, VAN BUREN
FOR THOUGH WE WALK IN THE FLESH, WE DO NOT WAGE WAR ACCORDING TO THE FLESH. FOR OUR WEAPONS ARE NOT PHYSICAL BUT MIGHTY IN GOD FOR PULLING DOWN STRONGHOLDS. CASTING DOWN IMAGINATIONS AND EVERY HIGH AND LOFTY THING WHICH EXALTS ITSELF AGAINST THE KNOWLEDGE OF GOD, WE TAKE CAPTIVE EVERY THOUGHT AND MAKE IT OBEDIENT TO CHRIST.
NKJV/AMPLIFIED
“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
Cindy, Fort Worth, TX
Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name ; you are Mine! When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; And through the rivers, they will not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be scorched, nor will the flame burn you. For I am the LORD your God, The Holy One of Israel, your Savior. ISAIAH 43:1-3 NAS
For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.
Hebrews 4:12 (ESV)
Melissa
Waco, TX
Jeannie
Indialantic FL
1 John 4:11-13
Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and His love is made complete in us.
Charlene, Houston
Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful.
John 14:27 NAS
Heather, Whitter, CA
Proverbs 18: 6-8
A fool’s lips bring him strife, and his mouth invites a beating.
A fool’s mouth is his undoing, and his lips are a snare to his soul.
The words of a gossip are like choice morsels, they go down to a man’s inmost parts.
NIV
Chris, N. Ft. Myers, FL
2 Peter 1:3 NKJV
His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue.
Melissa from Holliston, MA
Men of Israel, listen to this: Jesus of Nazareth was a man accredited by God to you by miracles, wonders and signs, which God did amoung you, through him, as you yourselves know. Acts 2:22 (NIV)
Central, SC: “Those who know your name will trust in you, for you, LORD, have never forsaken those who seek you.” ~Psalm 9:10, NIV 1984 version.
Becky, Chattanooga, TN
“Trust in the LORD with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek His will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.” Proverbs 3:5-6 NLT
Tami, Johns Creek, GA
Isaiah 43:19 See I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up;do you not percieve it? I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland. NIV (thank you Lord, I need a new thing)
Katy, Pearland: “How blessed are those whose way is blameless, who walk in the law of the Lord.” Psalm 119:1 (NAS)
Jill from Danville, KY
She opens her mouth with wisdom, and on her tongue is the law of kindness. Pr. 31:26 NKJV
Vicki, Wilmington, NC
Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits….
For as the heavens are high above the earth, so great is His mercy toward those who fear Him.
Psalm 103:2,11 NKJV
“Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.” Colossians 3:15 NIV
Kiana, Austin
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, 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 NIV
Laura, Smyrna, TN: See, i Have engraved you on the palms of my hands; your walls are ever before me. Isaiah 49:16
Sandra, Florida. ” But the time is coming and is already here when true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and in truth. The Father is looking for anyone who will worship him in that way.” John 4:23 (NLT)
“For He know how we are formed, He remembers we are dust.” Psalms 103:14NIV
“And my God will meet all your needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus.” Phil. 4:19NIV
JV
Boston,MA.
Rachelle, Long Island – So then, those who suffer according to God’s will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good. 1 Peter 4:19 NIV
“She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come.” Proverbs 31:25 (NIV)
Becky
Murfreesboro, TN
John 15:1-2 NIV
I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, so that it will be even more fruitful.
Lisa, NY
Beth, Summerville, SC
“For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.” Romans 15:4 (NIV)