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.
Somerset, KY
And my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:19 (NASB)
Annelise, 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.
1 Corinthians 10:13 (NIV)
Chrissy, Birmingham, AL
John 3:17 (NIV)
“For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through Him.”
Tia ~ Pierre, SD
Phillipians 4:13 (NIV)
I can do all this through him who gives me strength.
“A generous person will prosper, whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.” Proverbs 11:25 (NIV)
Julie
Cedar Rapids, IA
Psalm 27:4
One thing I ask of the Lord, this is what I seek; That I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the Lord and to seek him in His temple.
NIV
Sue St. Louis, MO
And my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Jesus Christ.
Philippians 4:18 NASB
Janice in Abbeville
“Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity.”
Psalm 133:1 (NKJV)
Ps 9:10
Those who know your name trust in you, for you, LORD, have never forsaken those who seek you.
Danielle, Portales, NM
Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more that 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 throughout all generations, for ever and ever. – Ephesians 3:20-21 (NIV)
“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
Audrey
Ohio
Jennifer, Denver
“As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.”
Ephesians 4:1-3 (NIV)
Dorothea, Rockwall, TX: “The Lord will protect you from all harm; He will protect your life. The Lord will protect your coming and going both now and forever.” Psalm 121:7-8 HCSB
And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:19 NIV
A new command I give you: love one another. As I have loved you, So you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciple, if you love one another
John 13:34-35
Nicole, Florissant, MO: “Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, ‘He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust’.” Psalm 91:1,2 NIV
Susan from Vilonia, AR
“Do not remember the sins of my youth or my transgressions; According to Your lovingkindness remember me, For Your goodness’ sake, O Lord.” Psalm 25:7 NKJV
Carla, Coweta Those who live in the shelter of the Most High will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty. Psalms 91:1 NLT
Thank you Lord for the reminders You give us through other’s obedience. Beth, once again thank you for being you!!
God, your God, chose you out of all people on Earth for himself as a cherished, personal treasure. Deu 7:6b The Message.
Jackie, Little Rock, AR
Pat, Woodstock, Al
Psalm 112:7 He will have no fear of bad news; his heart is steadfast, trusting in the Lord.
NIV
My daughter Mackenzie and I are doing the verse Jeremiah 29:12
You will call upon me and come and pray to me and I will listen to you.
Janet, Fuquay Varina, NIV
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
Marsha, Minden, LA
The Lord your God is in the midst of you, a Mighty One, a Savior [Who saves]! He will rejoice over you with joy; He will rest [in silent satisfaction] and in His love He will be silent and make no mention [of past sins, or even recall them]; He will exult over you with singing.
Zephaniah 3:17 (Amplified Bible)
Talitha, Wise “And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.” Philippians 4:8
Jer 17:14 (The Message) God pick up the pieces. Put me back together again. You are my praise
Beth, Mt. Juliet, TN
Col. 1: 13-14
For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.
Amanda, Lebanon, IN
“So do not fear, for I am with you. Do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
Isaiah 41:10 NIV
Nancy, Girard, KS
“Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, let your mind dwell on these things.”
Philippians 4:8 NASB
Mary
Byron Center, Michigan
When you obey Me you remain in My love, just as I obey My Father and remain in His love.
I have told you this so that you will be filled with joy. Yes, your joy will overflow!
John 15:10-11 NLT
In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action is dead.
James 2:17
Cindy, Broken Arrow, OK
And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.
Romans 8:28 (The Open Bible)
Ashleigh, Benbrook, Texas. Niv psalm 86:11 Teach me your way, lord, that I may rely on your faithfulness; give me an undivided heart, that I may fear your name.
Lori, Festus MO:
“Hold on to instruction, do not let it go; guard it well, for it is your life.” Proverbs 4:13 (NIV)
Emily
Virginia Beach, VA
For I know the plans I have for you, declares The LORD, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
Jeremiah 29:11 NIV
Cindy ~ Rock Hill, SC,
Daniel said, “Let the name of God be blessed forever and ever, for wisdom and power belongs to Him.”
Daniel 2:20 (NAS)
Victoria, Fort Worth, “My God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from His glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:19 NLT
“And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus” Phil 4:19 NIV
Pam, Valrico (Tampa) FL
When I am afraid, I will trust in you. In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I will not be afraid. What can mortal man do to me?
Psalm 56:3-4, NIV
Lichelle, Austin
2 Cor. 5:17 NIV
Therefore if anyone is in Christ he is a new creation; the old is gone, the new has come!
Pam, Smithfield, NC
“This is love for God: to obey His commands. And His commands are not burdensome, for everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith.”
1 John 5:3-4 (NIV)
Shannon, Birmingham
Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from His love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind.
Philippians 2:1-2 NIV
My SSMT # 3 & 4 – Now to him who is able to do immeasurably 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 throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen. Ephesians 3:20-21 (NIV)
Brenda, LaPalma, Ca.
“Plans fail for lack of counsel,but with many advisers they succeed.” Proverbs 15:22 NIV
Annette, Smithfield, UT
For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities – his eternal power and divine nature – have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse. Romans 1:20 NIV
Angie, Houston, TX
Hbr 12:28 & 29 ~ Therefore let us be grateful for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, and thus let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe, for our God is a consuming fire.
(ESV)
Julie, Corpus Christi
I John 2:16 (NIV) “For everything in the world- the cravings of sinful man, the lust of his eyes and the boasting of what he has and does comes not from the Father but from the world.”
Nancy, Gettysburg, SD
1 Cor 6:25-27 (NIV) “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?
Sue in Newnan – “And my God will supply your every need according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:19 The NET Bible
Thanks, Beth. I really needed to be reminded of this today.
Nicole Z., Del Norte “As for God, His way is perfect; the Word of the Lord is proven; He is a shield to all who trust in Him.” 2 Sam. 22:31 NKJV
Alyx Z., Del Norte “Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up.” James 4:10 NKJV
Joy
Charlotte, NC
Then you will call upon Me and come and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. You will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart.
Jeremiah 29: 12-13, NASB
Scarlet Evick, Stephens city, VA, “The Lord will keep you from all harm – he will watch over your life. NIV Psalm 121:7.
Katie Evick, Stephens city, VA, “In all your ways acknowlege him, and he will make your paths straight.” NIV Proverbs 3:6