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.
Tammie, Skull Valley, Az.
But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles. they shall ren and not be weary; and they shall walk and not faint. KJV
Dwynne, Chapman KS
Psalm 139:23-24 Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting. (NIV)
Darcy Houston TX “And my God will supply your every need according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:19 The NET Bible
Wendy, Blacksburg, VA:
“You faithfully answer our prayers with awesome deeds, O God our savior. You are the hope of everyone on earth, even those who sail on distant seas.” -Psalm 65:5 NLT
Geneva, Little Rock, AR
Therefore let us stop passing judgement on one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in the way of a brother or sister.
Romans 14:13, NIV
For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.
~ Ephesians 2:10, NLT
Karen ~ Greer, SC: (continuing Colossians 1:15-20)
“Christ is also the head of the church, which is his body. He is the beginning, supreme over all who rise from the dead. So he is first in everything.” Colossians 1:18 (NLT)
Karen, San Antonio, Texas – “Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you.” – Matthew 7:7 NLT
Kim & Chatis, Signal Mountain, TN
“He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yeild its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers.” Psalm 1:3, NIV
Do not be afraid, for I am with you; I will bring your children from the east and gather you from the west.
Isaiah 43:5 NIV
Lori, Norwood, MA. “All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” 2 Timothy 3:16/NIV
Mary, Spring
“The LORD your God is with you,
the Mighty Warrior who saves.
He will take great delight in you;
in his love he will no longer rebuke you,
but will rejoice over you with singing”
Zephaniah 3:17, NIV
Cheryl, Miller, SD “Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children” ~Ephesians 5:1 NIV
Philippians 4:19 NET
And my God will supply your every need according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus.
I can do all things through Christ Who strengthens me. Phil. 4:13 KJV
Sloan
Greensboro, GA
Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Matthew 5:3 NIV
Marilyn in Fort Worth, TX
Proverbs 12:6 (New Living Translation) – The Lord’s promises are pure, like silver refined in a furnace, purified seven times over.
Debbie, Stevenson Ranch,CA
I remain confident of this: I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait for the Lord;be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord. NIV
Sherry – Rocky Mount, VA
Do not be anxious about anything but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. Phil 4:6 NIV
Christy (Douglasville, GA)
Philippians 4:19 NIV
And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.
Laura- Denver, CO
My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry. James 1:19 NIV
Renee, Peoria, IL “And my God WILL supply your every need according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:19 The NET Bible
Kate DeWys, Zeeland, Michigan
“If you’ll hold on to me for dear life,” says God,
“I’ll get you out of any trouble.
I’ll give you the best of care
if you’ll only get to know and trust me.
Call me and I’ll answer, be at your side in bad times;
I’ll rescue you, then throw you a party.
I’ll give you a long life,
give you a long drink of salvation!”
Psalm 91 vs. 14-16 The Message
Katie, Dallas, GA: “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 Cor 10:13 (NIV)
Question on James, are we having homework this week?
No sister. We do not anticipate any further homework for the Houston girls for the James study. So glad you are able to join us!
Georgia, Morristown..
O Lord, you are my God; I will exalt you and praise your name, for in perfect faithfulness you have done marvelous things, things planned long ago.
Isaiah 25:1
Katy, Round Rock “Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me.” John 14:1 NIV
Jess, Auburn, AL
“Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has gone through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in everyway, just as we are— yet is without sin. Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.” Hebrews 4:14-16, NIV
Leslie, Atlanta Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. Philippians 4:6 NASB
Brittany Parker CO
This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. 1 John 4 :10-11 NIV
Peggy San Diego
Psalm 55:17 nkjv
Evening and morning and at noon
I will pray, and cry aloud,
And He shall hear my voice.
Lisa: Hattiesburg, MS
“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
It was for freedom that Christ set us free;therefore keep standing firm and do not be subject again to a yoke of slavery. Galatians 5:1 NIV
Michelle, Okeechobee Florida
Proverbs 29.25
Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord, is kept safe.
Lord, come quickly!
Kathy, Austin. “For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is His love for those who fear Him; as far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us.” Psalm 103:11-12 NIV
Donna, Albuquerque: Phil. 4:8; “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.” NIV
Marilyn…in Mississippi
“Behold, I send an Angel before thee, to keep thee in the way, and to bring thee into the place which I have prepared.”
Exodus 23:20 KJV
Rebecca, College Station, TX
Search me, O God, and know my heart; try me, and know my thoughts; And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting. – Psalm 139:23-24 (King James)
Let the King be enthralled by your beauty;
honor Him, for He is your Lord.
Psalm 45:11
Sharon–MS
“so that we may no longer be children,tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes.” Eph 4:14, ESV
Danielle Chesapeake , VA
“For His anger is but for a moment, His favor is for a lifetime; Weeping may last for the night, But a shout of joy comes in the morning.” Psalm 30:5 (NASB)
Jayna H. – Aurora, IL – “I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:13 NASB
Elizabeth, Chicago
“He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty.”
Psalm 91:1 ESV
And He who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit because the spirit intercedes for the saints in accordance with God’s will. Rm 8:27 NIV
Janet ~ Jenks, OK ~ May these words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in Your sight, LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer. Psalm 19:14 NIV
Jill H. – Aurora, IL – Ephesians 3:16 – I pray that out of His glorious riches He may strengthen you with power through His Spirit in your inner being, NIV
Jennifer, Chattanooga, TN
The LORD your God in your midst,
The Mighty One, will save;
He will rejoice over you with gladness,
He will quiet you with His love,
He will rejoice over you with singing.”
Zephaniah 3:17 (NKJV)
Valerie, Spring, TX…For we know that our old self was crucified with Him so that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin – because anyone who has died has been freed from sin.
Romans 6:6-7 NIV
Marcy, Sandia Park NM, And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him. Heb. 11:6 NIV
Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!