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.
Jody, Alvin TX
“So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up.”
Galatians 6:9 NLT
(emphasis mine after leading a young man to Christ at the faith-based clinic I run.)
James 1:27
Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.
Barbourville, Ky
Nichole C from Nashville, TN
“Let’s keep a firm grip on the promises that keep us going. God always keeps his word.” Hebrews 10:23, The Message
Fran, Stedman
Have not I commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go. Joshua 1:9 (NKJV)
Tanis, British Columbia
Rest in God alone, my soul, for my hope comes from Him. He alone is my rock and my salvation, my stronghold: I will not be shaken. Ps 62:5-6 HCSB
Kim, Mabank, TX
“So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.” (II Cor. 4:18, NIV)
Lindsey- Dothan, AL
For who has known the mind of the Lord? Or who has been His counselor?
~ Romans 11:34 HCSB
Lanie Beth, Locust Grove, GA ‘The Lord confides in those who fear him. He makes his covenant known to them.’ (NIV) Psalm 25:14
Isaiah 53:5 NIV
But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed.
Susan B., Chapin, SC
Ginger, Trussville: “But thanks be to God, who always leads us in His triumph in Christ, and manifests through us the sweet aroma of knowledge of Him in every place.”
2 Corinthians 2:14 (NAS)
Yet I am confident 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.
Psalm 27:13-14 (New Living Translation)
Diane from Minnesota,
When pride comes, disgrace follows, but with humility comes wisdom. Proverbs 11:2 Holman Christian Standard Bible.
Myriam, New York
This is what the LORD says:
“Stand at the crossroads and look;
ask for the ancient paths,
ask where the good way is, and walk in it,
and you will find rest for your souls.
But you said, ‘We will not walk in it.’ Jer 6:16 NIV
Lisa McGriff, Dothan, Alabama
I will lie down in peace and sleep,
for you alone, O LORD, will keep me safe.
Psalm 4:8
New Living Translation
Susan Hill Nashville, TN
Matthhew 17:20 ESV
“For truly, I say to you, if you have faith like a grain of mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘move from here to there’ and it will move, and nothing will be impossible for you.”
Katie, NYC. Teach me your way, LORD, that I may rely on your faithfulness; give me an undivided heart, that I may fear your name. Psalm 86:11 NIV
Sharae, Emporia, Kansas
Deuteronomy 6:4-6
Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. These commandaments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. (NIV)
Suzanne Bailey, Harrisville, RI
My soul finds rest in God alone. My salvation comes from him. Psalm 62:1 NIV
Mathew 12:34b- 36
For the mouth speaks out of that which fills the heart.The good man brings out of his good treasure what is good; and the evil man brings out of his evil treasure what is evil.
But I tell you that every careless word that people speak, they shall give an accounting for it in the day of judgment.
in Velma, OK
we have put scripture memory posters up in our ladies Bible STudy room at church to practice writing our verses!
mine is NASV btw
brittany, middletown oh “but He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weakness, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weakness, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” 2 corinthians 12:9-10 esv
Megan from San Diego
“For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you.”
Romans 12:3 NIV
Bridget in Phoenix: Psalm 42:5-6a
Why are you cast down, O my soul,
and why are you in turmoil within me?
Hope in God; for I shall again praise him,
my salvation 6 and my God.
My soul is cast down within me;
therefore I remember you
Andrea Hart, Orlando, Fl. (NIV) Philippians 3:13-14
“…Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.”
Dallas, GA
James 1:19-21 NIV
My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, for man’s anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires. Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you.
Angela, Covington, GA
Today I am 40 years old and this is the verse I have chosen.
“…I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need. I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.”
Philippians 4:11b-13 NASB
“He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the hearts of men; yet they cannot fathom what God has done from beginning to end.” Ecclesiastes 3:11
Kay
Tupelo, MS
Charlotte, Seymour, TX “Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your heart before him, God is a refuge for us.” Psalm 62:8 ESV
“…that at the very name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth and every tongue confess that JESUS CHRIST IS LORD, to the glory of God the Father.” Phillippians 2:10-11 (NIV)
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.
Proverbs 3:5-6 NIV
Carol, Terrell, NC “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” Phil.4:6-7
Delores, Shoreline
They go from strength to strength, till each appears before God in Zion.
Hear my prayer, O LORD God Almighty, listen to me, O God of Jacob. (Selah)
Ps. 84:7-8 NIV
Carol
Albuquerque,NM
Psalm 128:1-2 NIV
1- Blessed are all who fear the Lord woh walk in his ways
2-You will eat the fruit of your labor, blessings and prosperity will be yours.
Psalm 128:1-2 NIV
Carol
should have been spelled who walk in his ways. Sorry
Carol
Mary, Burke VA
Yes, and I will continue to rejoice, for I know that through your prayers and the help given by the Spirit of Jesus Christ, what has happened to me will turn out for my deliverance.
Phil 1:19 NIV
Jennifer J. – Texarkana, AR
Psalm 90:12 (NIV1984)
12 Teach us to number our days aright,
that we may gain a heart of wisdom.
Jane W., Charlotte
Psalm 31:19 NIV
How great is your goodness, which you have stored up for those who fear you, which you bestow in the sight of men on those who take refuge in you.
Shanna, Petal, MS
“Though an army besiege me, my heart will not fear; though war break out against me, even then will I be confident.”
Psalm 27:3 NIV
Exodus 14:14 (NAS)
The Lord will fight for you; You only need to be still.
Kristin, Jacksonville. “The LORD your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing.” Zephaniah 3:17(NIV)
Tanya Warren, PA
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.
1 Thessalonians 5:23
Diane, Chesapeake, VA.
“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.”
Philippians 2:3-4 NIV
Shelley, Friendswood, TX: “For the word of the LORD is right and true; he is faithful in all he does.” Psalm 33:4 NIV
Bridget Bloomington,IL
The Lord God has given me the tongue of disciples,
That I may know how to sustain the weary one with “A WORD”.
He awakens me morning by morning.
He awakens my ear to LISTEN as a disciple. Isaiah 50:4
Leanne, Georgetown TN…..”Teach me your way, LORD,
that I may rely on your faithfulness;give me an undivided heart that I may fear your name.” Psalm 86:11 (NIV)
Heather, Piedmont, OK
Matthew 7:3 NIV Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your Brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye?
Debbie, Lorenzo, Tx: And so we know & rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in Gd, and God in them. 1 John 4:16 NIV
Debbie, Lorenzo, Tx: And so we know & rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them. 1 John 4:16 NIV
Christy from Lancaster, PA
“You’re blessed when you feel you’ve lost what is most dear to you. Only then can you be embraced by the One most dear to you.”
Matthew 5:4 (The Message)
Louisville, KY
Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need. (NIV)
Leah; Perkins, OK
“So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”
Matthew 6:34 (NASB)
Marilyn Horton
Fort Smith, AR
Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. (Romans 15:13, NKJV)
Karen ~ Laconia, NH
“As my Father loved me, I also have loved you; abide in My love. If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love, just as I have kept My Father’s commandments and abide in His Love. These things I have spoken to you,that My joy may remain in you and that your joy may be full.” John 15:9-11 (NKJV)