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.
Abby, Vacaville CA
And my God will supply your every need according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:19 The NET Bible
Andrea, Tempe – Make me to know your ways, O LORD;
teach me your paths. Psalm 25:4 ESV
Tiffany, Nampa, ID: “Today I have given you the choice between life and death, between blessings and curses. Now I call on heaven and earth to witness the choice you make. Oh, that you would choose life, so that you and your descendants might live!” Deut. 30:19 NLT
Do not be afraid or discouraged for the Lord is the one who goes before you. He will be with you, He will neither fail you nor forsake you. Duet 31:8 NLT
Miss Polly –
Northwest Washington
Ps 145 verses 6&7 (ESV)
6 They shall speak of the might of your awesome deeds,
and I will declare your greatness.
7 They shall pour forth the fame of your abundant goodness
and shall sing aloud of your righteousness.
Valerie, Pflugerville, TX – And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19 NIV
Cape Girardeau
He will not allow your foot to slip, your Protector will not slumber. Psalm 121:3 NCS
Wanda, North Canton, Oh
I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through Him who gives me strength.
Philippians 4:11-13 NIV
Amy, Colorado Springs:
“The LORD Almighty has sworn, ‘Surely, as I have planned, so it will be, and as I have purposed, so it will stand.'”
– Isaiah 14:24, NIV 1984.
Kathryn: Jacksonville, Florida —
“None of us lives to himself . . . “—Romans 14:7
Amy, North Texas
Romans 7:24-25 (The Message)
24I’ve tried everything and nothing helps. I’m at the end of my rope. Is there no one who can do anything for me? Isn’t that the real question?
25The answer, thank God, is that Jesus Christ can and does. He acted to set things right in this life of contradictions where I want to serve God with all my heart and mind, but am pulled by the influence of sin to do something totally different.
Holli, Smiths Station, AL:
“And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.”
Romans 8:28 NKJV
Susan – Portland, OR
This is what the Lord says – your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel: “I am the Lord your God, who teaches you what is best for you, who directs you in the way you should go.” NIV
Andrea, Poulsbo, WA Phil 4:6,7 NIV Do not be anxious about anything; but in every situation, 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 your minds in Christ Jesus.
Amy, Quincy IL
Romans 12:1 (NIV)
Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God – this is your spiritual act of worship.
Mary Alice, Colleyville,Tx
But if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals upon his head. Do not let yourself be overcome by evil, but overcome (master) evil with good. Romans 12:20-21
Charity – Forsyth, GA 🙂
“But first, be concerned about his kingdom and what has his approval. Then all these things will be provided for you.”
Matthew 6:33, God’s Word Translation
Terri, Marion, IN
No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it. Heb. 12:11, NIV
Phil 4:19
And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.
Ps 27:1
The Lord is my light and my salvation – whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life – of whom shall I be afraid?
Jane,
Cuba, Missouri
Posted 2 verses because I missed Feb 1.
Lahna, Burkburnett: Then you will call upon Me and go and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart. Jermiah 29:12-13 NKJV
Charlotte, Philadelphia, MS
13) I can do all things through Christ who strengthen me.
19) And my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus. 20) Now to our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen.
Philippians 4:13, 19-20 NKJV
Just experienced a God-Wink. I’m studing the book of Philippians and in the 4th chapter, as I tried to narrow the verses down for my 4th memory verse I selected these three to log on and find one is your alternate verse. Gave some much needed encouragement.
Proverbs 19:20 NIV Listen to advice and accept instruction, and in the end you will be wise.
Debbie from Chesapeake, VA
Ephesians 3: 20-21 – 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 Jesus Christ through all generations for ever and ever. Amen. NIV
Raines, Albany, GA: Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. James 1:17 NIV
Amy 7634, SF Bay Area, CA:
“He tends his flock like a shepherd:
He gathers the lambs in his arms
and carries them close to his heart;
he gently leads those that have young.” Isaiah 40:11 (NIV)
TerriMike, Spring TX…Phil 1:9-11 (NIV)
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 my be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ-to the glory of God.
Sorry so late…I was in the hospital.
Sallie- Beaverton,OR
For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
Matthew 6:21 NIV
Melinda, Oconomowoc, WI “For I am the Lord, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, do not fear, I will help you.” Isaiah 41:13 (NIV)
Jennifer, Ocala, Florida
Matthew 5:3 (NKJV)
Blessed are the poor in spirit,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Michele, Pearland – lagging behind and disappointed I missed Bible study last night because of the flu . . .
“Call to me, and I will answer you, and I will tell you great and mighty things which you do not know.” Jeremiah 33:3 NAS
Wendy
Conway, AR
“Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed,” says the LORD, who has compassion on you.
Isaiah 54:10 (NIV)
Bird – Cypress, TX
For the Law was given through Moses; grace and truth were realized through Jesus Christ. John 1:17, NASB
Mary, Seymour:
Psalm 39:7 NASB
And now, Lord, for what do I wait? My hope is in You.
Psalm 39:7 NASB
Runnells, IA
Isa. 33:2 NASV “O LORD, be gracious to us,
we have waited, for YOU.
Be their strength every morning,
Our salvation also in the the time of distress.
I’m never been able to memorize much before, so far, I’m giving myself a B+ : )
Deborah, Markham, VA – “And my God will meet all your needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:19 NIV Bible
Jenny, Corona, Ca
“And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:19 NIV
Jeremiah 29:12-13 NKJV
Then you will call upon Me and go and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart.
Debbie, Marion “And my God will meet all your needs according to His riches in Christ Jesus.” Phil.4:19 NIV
2 Peter 1:3 ESV “His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence…”
Becky, Rochester MN
“And my God will supply your every need according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:19 The NET Bible
Alisha, Milford, DE
“And my God will supply your every need according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:19 The NET Bible
Melissa, Vevay, IN For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them. Ephesians 2:10 NASB
Allyson, Winnsboro, SC: “Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” 1 Peter 5:6-7 (NIV)
1Thessalonians 5:16-18 (NLT)
Always be joyful. Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.
Donna
Ponder,TX
Shara, Somerset, CA
NIV Psalm 138:4, 5
May all the kings of the earth praise You Lord when they hear the words of Your mouth. May they sing of the ways of the Lord, for the glory of the Lord is great.
Meredith Uber from Greensboro NC
Gal. 2:20 I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me. NKJV
Heather
Houston, TX
2 Corinthians 12:9
“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 about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.”
NIV
Linda – Annville, KY
Owe no one anything except to love one another, for he who loves another has fulfilled the law. Romans 13:8 NKJV
Emily, Michigan
“And my God will supply your every need according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus.”
Philippians 4:19 The NET Bible
“And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to His purpose for them.”. (NLT)