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 my God will supply your every need according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus”
Phil 4:19, the NET Bible
Ps. 31:2 – NIV
Turn your ear to me,
come quickly to my rescue;
be my rock of refuge,
a strong fortress to save me.
Allison, Chattanooga,
I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. Ephesians 1:17 NIV
Tammy, Delray Beach
“A woman’s wisdom gives her patience; it is to her glory to overlook an offense.”
(Written in the margin of my Breaking Free “Bible”; Week 9, The Steadfast Mind; Day 3, Tearing Down the High Places. It does not match my NAB but it spoke volumns to me during my homework this week, so I scribbled it down!)
Brenda W.
Frederika IA
“And my God will supply your every need according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:19 The NET Bible
Elizabeth, Birmingham.
“Speak and act as those who will be judged by a law that gives freedom. For judgment is merciless for the one who has shown no mercy. But mercy triumphs over judgment.” James 2:12-13 The NET Bible.
Amy- Georgia
Ephesians 5:2 (NLT)
Live a life filled with love, following the example of Christ. He loved us and offered himself as a sacrifice for us, a pleasing aroma to God.
Patti, Austin,TX: I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. John 15:5 NIV
Lisa Curtis, Jackson, Missouri
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
Karen from AZ was excited to see another person picking the same verse, Romans 12:2:
“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.” NIV
This verse has already bore fruit!
Amy, Granby, CT
“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.” 2 Peter 1;3 NIV (Heard a great teaching on this in Rhode Island a few years ago 🙂 )
Rachel, Conroe TX
Psalm 139:23-24
Search me,God, and know my heart; test me and know my concerns. See if there is any offensive way in me.
Haley, Houma, LA- The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they reveal knowledge. They have no speech, they use no words; no sound is heard from them. Yet their voice goes out into all the earth, their words to the ends of the world. -Psalm 19:1-4 NIV
This was mine 2x ago, Enjoy it!
Bless you!
Lara, Greenville, KY~ “Heal me, O Lord, and I shall be healed; Save me, and I shall be saved, For you are my Praise.” Jeremiah 17-14 NKJV
Tania from Amarillo Tx.
Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable-if anything is excellent or praiseworthy-think about such things. Philippians 4:8. NIV 2010
Tonya, Houston, Prov. 22:6 NIV Train up a child in the way he should go and when he is old he will not turn from it.
Caroline, Kansas City, Ks : 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 provide also provide a way out so that you can endure it. I Corinthians 10:13 (NIV)
Jennifer, Otisville, MI
The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not be in want.
Pslam 23:1, NIV
Jennifer, Tennessee: You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world. 1John 4:4NIV
Alicia, Ft.Wayne, IN:
Philippians 4:19 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.”
Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure,whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable – if anything is excellent or praiseworthy – think about such things. Phil. 4: 4-8 (NIV)
Dawn London, UK
Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.
Ephesians 5 1 –2 NIV
SSMT# 4 – Hebrews 4:12
“For the Word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the ♥heart♥.
Sherry
Oklahoma
Isaiah. 61:1 NLT
The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is upon me, for the Lord has anointed me to bring good news to the poor.He has sent me to comfort the brokenhearted and to proclaim that captives will be released and prisoners will be freed.
Susan
Atlanta, GA
And the Lord is the one who goes ahead of you; He will be with you. He will not fail you or forsake you. Do not fear, or be dismayed. Deuteronomy 31:8 NASB
pattibee – Brownsburg, IN – “Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.”
Psalm 51:10
Karie, Glen Allen, VA
But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere. James 3:17 ESV
Stephanie, Dacula
You will make known to me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; In Your right hand there are pleasures forever. Psalm 16:11 (NASB)
The Lord delights in those who fear him, who put their hope in his unfailing love. Psalm 147:11
Kelly, Cheraw, SC: “Yet he did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, being fully persuaded that God had power to do what he had promised. This is why “it was credited to him as righteousness.” Romans 4:20-22 (NIV)
James 3:17 NASB “But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, reasonable, full of mercy and good fruits, unwavering, without hypocrisy”
Jody, Yuma
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.”
Joshua 1:9 NIV
Becky
Willowick, OH
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart
and do not lean on your own understanding;
In all ways submit to Him,
and He will make your paths straight.”
Proverbs 3:5-6
Amy
Snellville, GA
1 Samuel 12:24 (NASB)
“Only fear the Lord and serve Him in truth with all your heart; for consider what great things He has done for you.”
Tami says:
“And my God will supply every need according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus.”
Philipians 4:19
The NET Bible
Laura, Morgantown, WV
“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 seek me with all of your heart.”
Jeremiah 29:12-13 (NIV)
Terri Lynn – Kernersville, NC
Philippians 2:12-16 NLT
{My beloved}, you always followed my instructions when I was with you. And now that I am away, it is even more important. Work hard to show the results of your salvation, obeying God with deep reverence and fear. For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him. Do everything without complaining and arguing, so that no one can criticize you. Live clean, innocent lives as children of God, shining like bright lights in a world full of crooked and perverse people. Hold firmly to the word of life; then, on the day of Christ’s return, I will be proud that I did not run the race in vain and that my work was not useless.
Traci
Miles City, MT
Ephesians 2:4-5 NLT
But God is so rich in mercy, and he loved us so much, that even though we were dead because of our sins, he gave us life when he raised Christ from the dead. (It is only by God’s grace that you have been saved!)
Barbara,Greenville,SC
What, what would have become of me had I not believed that I would see the Lord’s goodness in the land of the living!
Wait and hope for and expect the Lord; be brave and of good courage and let your heart be stout and enduring. Yes, wait for and hope for and expect the Lord.
Psalm 27:13-14 AMP
“And my God will supply your every need according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus.”
Phillipians 4:19 NET
Laura Beth,
Unicoi TN.
As for God, His way is perfect, the word of the Lord is flawless. He is a shield for all who take refuge in Him.
Psalm 18:30 (NIV)
Please forgive if this is a repeat. I don’t see my post from last night. 🙂
Paula, Brownwood, TX
“He who is faithful in a very little thing is faithful also in much; and he who us unrighteous in a very little thing is unrighteous also in much.
Luke 16:10. NASB.
John 10:10 “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.”
Sulhpur, LA
I have told you these things so that in ME you may hace peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world. John 16:33
Lissa, Greenville, SC
“Devote yourselves to prayer with an alert mind and thankful heart.”
Colossians 4:2 (NLT)
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.
Phillipians 4:19
The Message
Cincinnati, Ohio
Michelle, Salida, CA
And this is love: that we walk in obedience to his commands. As you have heard from the beginning, his command is that you walk in love.
2 John 1:6 NIV
Beth – Columbus, OH
“Not that we are sufficient in ourselves to claim anything as coming from us, but our sufficiency is from God, who has made us competent to be ministers of a new covenant, not of the letter but of the Spirit. For the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.”
2 Corinthians 3:5 ESV
Mandy, Rome, GA “Take delight in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him and he will do this; He will make your righteous reward shine like the dawn, your vindication like the noonday sun.” Psalm 37:4-6
Deanna-Picayune, MS
And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus. Phillipians 4:19 NIV
This was really the verse I had picked out for this time!
Jennifer
Richmond Virginia
“that you also aspire to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business, and work with your own hands, as we commanded you.”
1 Thessalonians 4:8