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.
We just started the study of Daniel last night and I had a question. In the DVD Beth said she was committing to not eating the rich meat from the King’s table for the next 6 weeks,would we commit to the same. But what did she mean by “rich meat”? Does that include chicken, hamburger meat, pork, and beef or is it steaks, lamb, etc? Do we just eat veggies and fish?
I love the idea and really love the study so far and can hardly wait to see what she says next Tuesday!!!
Thanks, Sue
Kim
Cypress, Texas
2Corinthians 10:4
The Weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds.
Donna, Albuquerque
“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
Jerrianne, Gastonia, NC
Matthew 28:19 Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. NIV
Bartlesville, OK
Hebrews 1:10 He also says, in the beginning, O Lord, you laid the foundations of the earth, and the heavens are the work of your hands.
Hebrews 1:14 Are not all angels ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation?
Debbie, Cheyenne – And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect. Romas 12:2 (NASB)
Nancy, Canyon Tx
Philippians 2:3-4 ESV
Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.
Michelle, New Smyrna Beach Psalm 61:4 “Let me dwell in Your tent forever; Let me take refuge in the shelter of Your wings” Psalm 61:4 NASB
Vonda, Waterford
“So then just as ye received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in Him, rooted and built up in Him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.” Colossians 2:6 (NIV)
melle
Waco, Tx.
Psalm 25:14-17 (NIV) The Lord confides in those who fear him; he makes his covenant known to them. My eyes are ever on the Lord for only he will release my feet from the snare. Turn to me and be gracious to me, for I am lonely and afflicted. The troubles of my heart have multiplied;free me from my anguish.
Kristi, League City, TX: “Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.” Ephesians 4:2 (NIV)
Kristi Rogersville,Tn
Romans 12:1-2 NIV
Therefore,I urge you brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies, as living sacrafices holy and pleasing to God – this is you spiritual act of worship.
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.
Kristen, Athens, “Instead, the Lord your God turned the curse into a blessing for you, because the Lord your God loved you.” Deut 23:5b NIV
“Let the beloved of the LORD rest secure in him,
for he shields him all day long,
and the one the LORD loves rests between his shoulders.” Deut. 33:12
Marci, Amsterdam
I Thessalonians 5:23
May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. (NIV)
1 Thess 5:16-18 (NIV)
Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for
this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
Chris, Helena,AL
Barbara, Jacksonville, FL: Do not worry about anything, but pray and ask God for everything you need, always giving thanks. Phililppians 4:6 NCV
Martha from North Dakota
Yet I am confident that I will see the Lord’s goodness while I am here in the land of the living.Wait patiently for the Lord. Be brave and courageous. Yes, wait patiently for the Lord. NLT
Suzanne; Pasadena, Tx
Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. 1 John 4:7
The heart of the wise teaches his mouth, and adds learning to his lips.
Proverbs16:23 NKJV
““And my God will supply your every need according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus.”
Philippians 4:19 The NET Bible
Stephanie, Lititz, PA
Sandra, Thompson’s Station, TN
“But Moses told the people, ‘Don’t be afraid. Just stand still and watch the Lord rescue you today. The Egyptians you see today will never be seen again.”
Exodus 14:13 NLT
Alyson, Washington, DC- Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 2 Corinthians 9:7 NIV
Debbie from Chesapeake, VA
Ephesians 3:20-21 NIV – Now to Him who is able to do immeasurable more than all we ask or imagine according to his power that is at work within us, to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus through all generations forever and ever. Amen.
Katy, TX
He is your constant source of stability; he abundantly provides safety and great wisdom; he gives all this to those who fear him.
Isaiah 33:6 (NET)
Elizabeth Richmond, VA
And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:19, NIV
Funny that I had already picked this verse and then Beth talked about!
Pattie, Converse/San Antonio, TX
Still working on 1 Cor. 1:27-29 🙂
Teresa, Haxtun
1 Peter 5:2 Care for the flock of God entrusted to you. Watch over it willingly, not grudgingly- not for what you will get out of it, but because you are eager to serve God. NLT
Cathy Carter Richmond, Va
Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as if working for the Lord, not for men.
Colossians 3:23, NIV
Jackie – Michigan – NKJV Proverbs 31: 16-17
She considers a field and buys it;
From her profits she plants a vineyard.
17 She girds herself with strength,
And strengthens her arms.
Christy, Tulsa
Isaiah 64:8 NASB
But now, O Lord You are our Father
We are the clay and you are our potter
And all of us are the work of your hand
The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.
John 10:10 NKJV
Sandra, China Grove, NC
Psalm 105:4 (NIV)
Look to the LORD and his strength; seek his face always.
Jenny, Pingree Grove, IL
Proverbs 3: 5-6 NIV 2010
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him and He will make your paths straight.
Oopsie! I’m a little late.
Nikol, Birmingham, AL: “The LORD said to Moses, ‘Is the LORD’S power limited? Now you shall see whether My word will come true for you or not.'” – Numbers 11:23 (NASB)
Tiffany, Chesterfield:
Let no one look down on your youthfulness, but rather in speech, conduct, love, faith and purity, show yourself an example of those who believe. 1 Timothy 4:12, NASB
Deb, Bremen, IN
But as for me, I will always have hope, I will praise You more and more.
Psalms 71:14 NIV
Renee, Cincinnati, OH
“Because You are my help, I sing in the shadow of your wings. My soul clings to You; Your right hand upholds me.” Psalm 63: 7-8 NIV
Karen, Silver Creek, GA: You are my lamp, O Lord; the Lord turns my darkness into light. With your help I can advance against a troop; with my God I can scale a wall. As for God, His way is perfect; the word of the Lord is flawless. He is a shield for all who take refuge in Him. For who is God besides the Lord? And who is the Rock except our God? It is God who arms me with strength and makes my way perfect. 2 Samuel 22:29-33 (NIV)
Naomi Loga- Elwood, WI
Zephaniah 3:17 (NKJ) The Lord your God in your midst, the Mighty one, will save; He will rejoice over you with gladness, He will quiet you with His Love, He will rejoice over you with singing.
Amen!!!!
Rebecca, Birmingham, AL
And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Jesus Christ.
Phillipians 4:19
NIV
Crystal, Livonia, Michigan
“See that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently”
I Peter 1:22 (KJV)
Rhonda – Lima, OH
Ps. 86:11 (NIV) “Teach me Your way, O LORD, and I will walk in Your truth; give me and undivided heart, that I may fear Your Name.”
Jolinda, Kearney, NE
James 3:17 NIV
17 But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.
Jessica, Ellis, Philippians 4:6 KJV
Be careful for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.
Suzette, Vidor
And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love 1 cor. 13:13 niv
Karen, San Angelo, TX
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 NIV
Suzy, Atlanta:
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? I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland. Isaiah 43:18-19 NIV
Kim from Bowling Green Ky: Give thanks to the Lord, and proclaim His greatness; Let the whole world know what He has done. Psalm 105:1 New Living Translation
Linda, Bartlesville, OK-So don’t get tired of doing what is good, don’t get discouraged and give up for we will reap a harvest of blessing at the appropriate time. Galatians 6:9 NLT