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.
And I will give you treasures hidden in the darkness,
secret riches.
I will do this so you may know that I am the Lord,
the God of Israel.
The one who called you by name.
Isaiah 45:3 NLT
Lesa – Lebo, KS
Thanks for the scripture suggestion Beth – just want I needed today.
And my God will supply your every need according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19
Janelle, Dallas
And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ—to the glory and praise of God. Philippians 1:9-11 ESV
Donna
Eldorado, Texas
Proverbs 12:16 (NIV)
A fool shows his annoyance at once, but a prudent man overlooks an insult.
“Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.” Romans 12:2 (NLT)
Luke 6:13-16 NLT
At daybreak he called together all of his disciples and chose twelve of them to be apostles. Here are their names:
Simon (Peter)
James (son of Zebedee)
John (son of Zebedee)
Andrew (Peter’s brother)
Philip
Nathanael (Bartholomew)
Matthew (Levi)
Thomas (the Twin)
James (son of Alphaeus)
Simon (the zealot)
Thaddaeus (Judas the son of James)
Judas Iscariot
Libby Jones, Littleton: Phil 2:14-15 – Do all things without grumbling or questioning, that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation among whom you shine as light in the world… (ESV)
Julie, Kansas City
When you pass through the waters, I will be with you;
and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you.
When you walk through the fire you will not be burned, the flames will not set you ablaze.
For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel,
Your Savior.
Isaiah 43: 2-3
Shauna, Ashland KY
“Finally, beloved, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is pleasing, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.” Philippians 4:8 (NRSV)
Kristi, North Webster, IN
Remain in me, and I will remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. John 15:4
Nanette, Decatur, TX
Do everything without grumbling or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, “children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.”[a] Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky
Philippians 2:14-15
Wendy, Cody, Wyoming Psalm 51:10 NAS Create in me a clean heart, O God. And renew a steadfast spirit within me.
Jennifer, North Charleston, SC:
“I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit[f] of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better.”
Ephesians 1:17, NIV
Mary H
Homer Illinois
Matthew 18:3 NIV
And he said: “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.
“May you be strengthened with all power, acccording to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy, giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in light.” Colossians 1:11-12 (ESV)
Clyde, MO
Isaiah 30:15 In repentance and rest is your salvation,
in quietness and trust is your strength NIV
Julie
Ft. Wayne, Indiana
To you , O Lord, I lift up my soul;
in You I trust O my God.
Ps 25:1 NIV
Beth, Troy
1 Peter 5:10-11
“And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. To him be the power for ever and ever. Amen.”
Dianne
Henryetta, OK
The whole earth is filled with awe at your wonders; where morning dawns and evening fades you call forth songs of joy. Psalm 65:8 NIV
Shawn from Whitesboro Texas
Revelation 17:14 NIV
They will wage war against the Lamb, but the Lamb will triumph over them because he is Lord of lords and King of kings—and with him will be his called, chosen and faithful followers.”
Susan, Old Hickory, TN
Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.
1 John 3:18 NIV
2 Peter 1: 3-4 (NIV)
His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may praticipate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.
2 Peter 1 : 3-4 (Niv)
Psalm 103:7
He made known his ways to Moses, his deeds to the people of Israel.
Paula
Moorefield, WV
“Wait on the LORD;
Be of good courage,
And He shall strengthen your heart;
Wait, I say, on the LORD!”
Psalm 27:14 NKVJ
Kimberly Lesmeister
Elk Mound, WI
Hannah, Lebanon, IN: “I have set the LORD always before me. Because He is at my right hand, I will not be shaken.” Psalm 16:8 (NIV)
Joey Lynn, Las Vegas
{week 4}
Philippians 4:11 (NIV)
I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.
{week 3}
Psalm 16:9 (NIV)
Therefore my heart is glad and my toungue rejoices;
My body also will rest secure
{week 2}
Romans 15:4 (NLT)
Such things were written in the Scriptures long ago to teach us. And the Scriptures give us hope and encouragement as we wait patiently for God’s promises to be fulfilled .
{week 1}
Philippians 4:7 (NIV)
7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Paula Indianola, IA
“And my God will supply your every need according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:19 The NET Bible
Gayla, Lee’s Summit, MO
Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? As it is written: “For your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.” No, in all these things we are morne than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any other powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Romans 8:35-39 NIV
From the fullness of His grace we have all received one blessing after another. John 1:16 NIV
Lauren, Washington, Indiana
In a word, what I am saying is, grow up. You’re kingdom subjects. Now live like it. Live out your God-created identity. Live generously and graciously toward others, the way God lives toward you.
Matthew 5:48, The Message:
(I forgot to post #3- it was Psalm 9:12, NIV)
Holly, Prairie City, IA:
Psalm 32:7-8 NKJV
You are my hiding place; You shall preserve me from trouble; You shall surround me with songs of deliverance. Selah.
I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will guide you with My eye.
Annaleise, Oklahoma City
Philippians 3:13-14
13 Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.
Holly R. – Plainville, KS
Because I need this verse so much right now:
“And my God will supply your every need according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:19 The NET Bible
Thanks Beth!
To him who overcomes, I will give the right to eat from the tree of life which is in the paradise of God.
Revelation 2:7b NIV
Chris E., Louisville, KY
If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. Colossians 3:1-3 NKJV
Melody
Chelsea, AL
Isaiah 61:2 (NIV)
to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn,
Carrie, Prior Lake, MN
Romans 8:38-39 (NIV)
For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Mandy, Franklin, TN
“And my God will supply your every need according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus.” Phil. 4:19
Because of Christ and our faith in him, we can now come boldly and confidently into God’s presence. ~Ephesians 3:12 (NLT)
Fort Smith, AR
Don’t love the world’s ways. Don’t love the world’s goods. Love of the world squeezes out love for the Father. 1 John 2:15 (The Message)
Kerry, Houston
“Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, and your JOY will be complete.” John 16:24 NIV
Ephesians 1:14
Who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession-to the praise of his glory.
Megan in Nolensville, TN
I’m still working on three verses for this month…
“I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious father, will give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation so that you may know him better. I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and his incomparably great power for us who believe.” Eph 1:17-19, NIV
Lindsay, Waterdown, Ontario, Canada – “Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.” Philippians 2:4 NIV
Ruth, Shawnee, KS —
Zephaniah 3:17 (New Living Translation) –
For the Lord your God is living among you. He is a mighty savior. He will take delight in you with gladness. With his love, he will calm your fears. He will rejoice over you with joyful songs.
Cindy, Dallas Tx Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on Thee because he trusts in thee. Isaiah 26:3 KJV
Therefore, as God’s chosen people, Holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Col 3:12 NIV
Diane, Mississippi Because I became a mom 24 years ago today I chose Jeremiah 1:5 (NIV) Before I formed you in the womb I knew you; before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.
Kim, Louisville, KY
Three different times I begged the Lord to take it away. Each time he said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me. 2 Cor. 12:8-9, NLT
Terry, Abilene, Kansas – Galatians 1:10 (NIV) Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ.