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.
Bethany,
Clyde, TX
“And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him.” Romans 12:1, NLT
Kelli Anchorage, AK
Romans 12:2
Do not conform 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.
Cheryl – Madisonville, Tx
Do everything without arguing or complaining so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation in which you shine like stars in the universe. Philipians 2:14-15 NIV
Julie from Abilene, KS
James 3:17 (NIV
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. Sorry I’m a few hours late!!!
Nell Fitchie, Chloe Fitchie & Abbi Fitchie,
Wichita Falls TX
Psalm 127:1-2 (The Message)
1-2 If God doesn’t build the house, the builders only build shacks.
If God doesn’t guard the city,
the night watchman might as well nap.
It’s useless to rise early and go to bed late,
and work your worried fingers to the bone.
Don’t you know he enjoys
giving rest to those he loves?
“How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we shuld be called children of God! And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know Him.” 1 John 3:1 NIV
Southlake, TX
The LORD is my strength and my shield;
my heart trusts in him, and I am helped.
My heart leaps for joy and I will give thanks to him in song. Psalm 28:7 NIV
Abigail, San Antonio, TX:
You will go out in joy
and be led forth in peace;
the mountains and hills
will burst into song before you,
and all the trees of the field
will clap their hands.
Isaiah 55:12
Melanie, Blacksburg, VA, But I trust in your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in your salvation. I will sing to the LORD, for he has been good to me. Ps. 13:5,6 NIV
Joyce
Dalton, GA
Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us.
Hebrews 12:1 NKJV
“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.” Philippians 4:19 The Message
changed my verse after reading this translation in your blog…very timely
Melissa, Columbus, OH
Therefore, remember from what high state you have fallen and repent! Do the deeds you did at the first; if not, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place – that is, if you do not repent. Rev. 2:5 NET
Sheila, Appleton, NY
Job 6:24 Teach me, and I will be quiet; show me where I have been wrong. NIV
Jani, Agate CO – Romans 10:10 – For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved. NIV
Sylvia Geide- Wichita, Ks. Proverbs 16:9
In his heart a man plans his course. but the Lord determines his steps. NIV
Kyndra Houston, TX “Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.” Colossians 3:12-14 NIV
Teresa
Texarkana, Arkansas
“This is what the Lord says—your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel; I am the Lord your god, who teaches you what is best for you, who directs you in the way you should go.
Isaiah 48:17 NIV
Georgia
For by Him all things were created, both in the heavens and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities – all things have been created by Him and for Him. And He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together.
Colossians 1:16-17 (NAS)
“Reckless words pierce like a sword,
but the tongue of the wise brings healing.”
Proverbs 12:18 NIV
Laura, Las Uvas, NM
But Jesus said to the woman, your faith has saved you; go (enter) into peace, in freedom from all the distresses that are experienced as a result of sin. Luke 7:50 Amplified
Kimberly- Prosper, TX
1 Corinthians 13:4-7 (NIV)
Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
Judge not, and you shall not be judged.
Condemn not, and you shall not be condemned.
Forgive, and you will be forgiven.
Luke 6:37
NKJV-Spirit Filled
Susan, Alabama: “Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.” Romans 12:10 NIV
Kristen St. Petersburg, FL
“Your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for me were written in Your book before one of them came to be.”
Ps. 139:16 ,NIV
Kathy – Memphis, Tn
The ungodly are not so, but are like the chaff which the wind drives away.
Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous.
Psalm 1:4-5 NKJV
Valerie from Coweta, OK
John 15:7 NIV
If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you.
Karen B.
Hope, AR
Is My Word not like fire? And like a hammer that breaks the rock in pieces.
Jeremiah 23:29 NKJV
Brenda, Chicago, IL
“Am I now trying to win the approval of men, or of God? Or am I trying to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a servant of Christ.”
Galations 1:10 NIV
Kristen, Kansas City: No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. 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 a way out so that you can endure it. First Corinthians 10:13 (NIV)
Connie, Shorewood
Romans 8:28 28 And we know that God causes everything to work together[a] for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them. NLT
Luke 11:28 NIV
He replied, “Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it.”
Angie, Missouri
Find rest, o my soul, in God alone;
my hope comes from Him.
He alone is my rock and my salvation;
He is my fortress, I will not be shaken.
Psalm 62:5-6, NIV
“A gentle answer turns away wrath.” Proverbs 15:1 (NIV)
Terri~ Gray, Ga.
Bushnell, Florida
“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.” – 1 Corinthians 13:4 (NIV)
White Owl, SD
Above all else, guard you heart for it is the wellspring of life. Proverbs 4:23 (NIV)
Ranai, Summerville. “Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.”
2 Timothy 2:15 (NIV)
Stacie- Jacmel, Haiti
Isaiah 6:8- The Message
And then I heard the voice of the Master:
“Whom shall I send?
Who will go for us?”
I spoke up,
“I’ll go.
Send me!”
Lindsey, McKinney, TX
But I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed, and I am convinced that he is able to guard until that Day what has been entrusted to me. 2 Tim. 1:12 (ESV)
Shawna, Alabama…”For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named, that according to the riches of His glory He may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being..” Ephesians 3:14-16 ESV
Casey Fayetteville, AR Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your paths. Do not be wise in your own eyes. Fear the Lord and depart from evil. Proverbs 3:5-7
Mandie Parker CO
Remember the things that I have done in the past. For I alone am God! I am God and there is none like me. Only I can tell the future before it even happens. Everything I plan will come to pass. For I do whatever I wish.
Isaiah 46:9-10 NLT
Laura, Burbank CA
Nshum 1:7 The Lord is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble, And He knows those who trust in Him. (NKJV)
anna, kansas city
“but the Lords plans stand firm forever; his intentions can never be shaken” psalm 33:11, nlt
Judi, Topeka, Ks. Let us approach the throne of grace with confidence so that we may recieve mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need. Heb 4:16
Job 13:15 Though He slay me, yet will I trust Him: but I will maintain mine own ways before Him.
Ann – Rockwall, TX Romans 14:17 For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. NIV
Sarah C., St. Paul, MN
” The Lord is gracious and righteous; our God is full of compassion. The Lord protects the simple hearted; when I was in great need, he saved me. Be at rest once more, O my soul, for the Lord has been good to you.” Psalm 116:5-7 NIV
Chonda, Fayetteville, AR, “You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you.” Isaiah 26:3, NIV
Elizabeth in Rochester NH:
Teach me, LORD, the way of your decrees, that I may follow it to the end. Give me understanding, so that I may keep your law and obey it with all my heart. Direct me in the path of your commands, for there I find delight.
Psalm 119:33-35, NIV
jenny
white hall, ar
“Don’t be afraid, Daniel,” he said to me, “for from the first day that you purposed to understand and to humble yourself before your God, your prayers were heard. I have come because of your prayers.
daniel 10:12 (hcsb)