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.
Rachel
Watseka IL
Jesus answered, “The work of God is this: to believe in the one he has sent.” John 6:29 NIV
Joanne, UK
So that you may walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, to please Him in all respects, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God.
Colossians 1:10 NASB
Every word of God is flawless; He is a shield to those who take refuge in Him. Proverbs 30:5
Nobody should seek his own good, but the good of others. 1 Corinthians 10:24 (NIV)
Hannah, La Grange,TX
“and you say, “Good-bye and have a good day; stay warm and eat well”—but then you don’t give that person any food or clothing. What good does that do? So you see, faith by itself isn’t enough. Unless it produces good deeds, it is dead and useless.” James 2:16-17 NLT
Sara, Dresser: “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.” Hebrews 12:1 NIV
Angela, Olathe Kansas “In You, O Lord, do I put my trust and confidently take refuge; let me never be put to shame or confusion! Deliver me in your righteousness and cause me to escape; bow down Your ear to me and save me! Be to me a rock of refuge in which to dwell, and a sheltering stronghold to which I may continually resort, which You have appointed to save me, for you are my rock and my fortress.” Psalm 71:1-3 Amplified Bible
Shannon, Tuscaloosa, AL
“Moreover the Lord your God will circumcise your heart and the heart of your descendants, to love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul, so that you may live.”
Duet 30:6 NASB
Jenn, Katy, TX
“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. ” Romans 12:2 (NIV)
susan, corbin. And my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus. Phillipians 4:19 Holman Christian Standard
Malinn – Houston
“If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal.”
1 Corinthians 13:1 (NIV)
“Don’t be afraid, I’ve redeemed you.
I’ve called your name. You’re mine.
When you’re in over your head, I’ll be there with you.
Peterson, E. H. (2002). The Message : The Bible in contemporary language (Is 43:1–2). Colorado Springs, Colo.: NavPress.
Janan, Houston – who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases,
Psalm 103:3
Jamie, Fort Worth – “No temptation has seized you except wht is common to man. 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 stand up under it.
I Corintians 10:13; NIV
Jody Boise, ID
Philippians 2:14-15 NASB
Do all things without grumbling or disputing; so that you will prove yourselves to be blameless and innocent, children of God above reproach in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you appear as lights in the world.
Regina ~ Rock Hill, SC
If you, LORD, kept a record of sins, Lord, who could stand? But with you there is forgiveness, so that we can, with reverence, serve you. Psalm 130:3-4 NIV
Hosea 10:12
Sow for yourselves righteousness; reap steadfast love; break up your fallow ground, for it is the time to seek the LORD, that he may come and rain righteousness upon you.
Hosea 10:12
miriam from vancouver, WA
Ann
Morelia, Mexico
Psalm 27: 13
” and I am still confident of this that I will still see the goodness of God among theland of the living.” NIV
pinkmommy, AR
Only fear the LORD and serve him faithfully with all your heart. For consider what great things He has done for you. I Samuel 12:24 ESV
Bev. Glasgow, KY
Psalm 63:1 You, God, are my God, earnestly I seek you; I thirst for you, my whole being longs for you in a dry and parched land where there is no water. (NIV)
You’re blessed when you feel you’re lost what is most dear to you. Only then can you be embraced by the One most dear to you….Matt 5:4 The Msg College Station TX
Jannifer from Nappanee, Indiana: When I am afraid I put my trust in you. Psalm 56:3 NIV
Psalms 17:8 NIV
Keep me as the apple of Your eye;
hide me in the shadow of Your wings.
Thank you for this verse. My husband and I always have a dinner for a few widows for Valentine’s Day. I was wanting to do something a little different than “chocolate” so I chose to focus on “apple pie”, etc. and needed a verse. Psalms 17:8 is perfect and God’s provided it for me through you at the proper time. Love Him.
Cartolina – Ft. Lauderdale, Fl
“And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus. ” Phil 4:19 (NIV)
Cheryl, Loami, IL “Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time, casting all your anxiety on Him, because He care for you.” 1 Peter 5:6-7 NAS
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your request to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4: 6-7 NIV
Melissa
Waddy, KY
Amy, St Louis, MO
Romans 12:12 “Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.” NIV
“What I want from you is your true thanks. I want your promises fulfilled. I want you to trust me in your times of trouble, so I can rescue you, and you can give me the glory.” Psalms 50: 14-15 (The Living Bible)
Alexis
Atlanta, GA
Galatians 2:16 (NIV)
know that a man is not justified by observing the law, but by faith in Jesus Christ. So we, too, have put our faith in Christ Jesus that we may be justified by faith in Christ and not by observing the law, because by observing the law no one will be justified.
Debbie, Colorado “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 NAS
Joshua 1:9 The Message
Haven’t I commanded you? Strength! Courage! Don’t be timid; don’t get discouraged. God, your God, is withyou every step youtake.
Brittany, Elko, NV
“And so we know and 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)
Philippians 4:19, NIV
And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.
shelley – creswell
Hebrews 1:3
The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven.
Christy, Colorado. “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
Josie (age 11). “Even though I walk through the valley f the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.”
Psalm 23:4 NIV
Isabel (age 8). “Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart.” Psalm 37:4 NIV
Linda (Nana & Mom), Colorado. “His mercy extends to those who fear Him, from generation to generation.”
Luke 1:50 NIV
Deborah, Broken Arrow/Tulsa A new heart also will I give you, a new spirit will I put within you; and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you a heart of flesh. Ezekiel 36:26
Sahsha’s Mummy, Houston, TX
“Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.” -Psalm 23:6 (NIV)
Katherine Atlanta
My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. 2 Cor. 12:9 NIV
Cindy, Ocala, FL
“And my God will supply your every need according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus.”
Phil. 4:19 NET
Cristina, Seattle WA – Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. Romans 12:9-10 ESV. Love you ladies! Keep up the good work!
Tina, Walker, LA
Psalm 18:35 The Message
You protect me with salvation-armor; you hold me up with a firm hand,caress me with your gentle ways.
Erin in Birmingham, AL
“You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you. Trust in the LORD forever, for the LORD GOD is an everlasting rock.”
Isaiah 26:3-4 ESV
Jennifer, Bonn, Germany
If the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His spirit who dwells in you. Romans 8:11 NET
Valerie – Birmingham “And my God will supply your every need according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:19 The NET Bible
Oops, I’m late…thank you to my dear accountability partner for the reminder!!!
“To you, O LORD, I lift up my soul; in you I trust, O my God…Show me your ways, O LORD, teach me your paths; guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long.”
Psalm 25: 1,4 & 5 NIV
Joy, Altadena, CA
Even the sparrow has found a home, and the swallow a nest for herself, where she may have her young-a place near your altar, LORD Almighty, my King and my God.
Psalm 84:3 NIV
Scripture memory verse 4
Perseverance
Hebrews 12:1 the message
Do you see what this means—all these pioneers who blazed the way, all these veterans cheering us on? It means we’d better get on with it. Strip down, start running—and never quit!
Christy
Vidor, TX
Proverbs 3:5-6 (NKJV)
Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all yours ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.
Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge.
Psalm 62:8 NIV
Tammy, Marlton, NJ
The Lord will fight for you and you shall hold your peace. Exodus 14:14 New King James