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, Knoxville, TN
“But let all who take refuge in you be glad;
let them ever sing for joy.
Spread your protection over them,
that those who love your name may rejoice in you. ”
Psalm 5:11 (NIV)
Karen – Cookeville TN. NKJV Psalm 143:6
I spread out my hands to You;
My soul longs for You like a thirsty land.
Debbie from Westerville, OH
For God has not given us the spirit of fear, but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.
2 Timothy 1: 7 AKJ
I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge-that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.
Ephesians 3:16-19 NIV
Anne, Ralph:
“Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.”
1Corinthians 15:58 (niv)
Lauren Buchanan- New York
“Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all He has done.” Philippians 4:6 NLT
Michelle, Orange-“I love you, Oh Lord, my strength.” Psalm 18:1
Linda, Delray Beach, FL “The King will answer them, ‘I tell you the truth, whatever you did for the least of one of these brothers of mine, you did for me.’ Matthew 25:40 NIV
Acts 16:31, NIV
They replied, Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved – you and your household.
lahni techau.cynthiana.1 Corinthians 6:19-20(NIV)
“Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit,who is in you,whom you have recieved from God? You are not your own;you were bought at a price. Therefore, honor God with your bodies.”
~1 Corinthians 6: 19-20
“The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” Deuteronomy 31:8 NIV
Lindsey
BIrmingham, AL
“For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” Hebrews 4:15-16 ESV
Judy, Oswego, NY
Romans 8:28 (NIV)
‘And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose’
Stephanie, Lewisburg; “Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.”(slaves of Jesus) Josh 1:8 (parentheses I added to keep me focused on how I am to be properous and successful)
Callee Houston, TX “And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus. Phil 4:19
Phillippians 4:19 “And my God will supply your every need according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus”
Adrienne
Pembroke Pines,FL
Philippians 4:19
For my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in Christ Jesus
“And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus. ” Phil 4:19 (NIV)
Stephanie
Cynthiana, Ky.
Paula, Birmingham: On God rests my salvation and my glory; my mighty rock, my refuge is God. Trust in Him at all times, o people; pour out your heart before Him. God is a refuge for us. Psalm 62:7-8 (ESV)
Stacey, Sugar Land, TX
“And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in the one body. And be thankful.”
Colossians 3:15 NRSV
Joni, Nacogdoches,TX
1 John 2:16 The Message
15-17Don’t love the world’s ways. Don’t love the world’s goods. Love of the world squeezes out love for the Father. Practically everything that goes on in the world—wanting your own way, wanting everything for yourself, wanting to appear important—has nothing to do with the Father. It just isolates you from him. The world and all its wanting, wanting, wanting is on the way out—but whoever does what God wants is set for eternity.
I will call upon the name of the Lord who is worthy to be praised so shall I be saved from my enemies. Psalm 18:3 KJV
Erin, Phoenix. “Wives, in the same way submit yourselves to your own husbands so that, if any of them do not believe the word, they may be won over without words by the behavior of their wives, when they see the purity and reverence of your lives.” 1 Peter 3:1-2
Jariza, Alburtis, PA
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you, not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful. John 14:27 (NASB)
“Teach me Your way, O Lord;
I will walk in Your truth;
Unite my heart to fear Your name.”
Psalm 86:11
NASV
Robin, Austin, TX
“And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others.” 2 Corinthians 9:8 NLT
“And he said to him, If your presence will not go with me, do not bring us up from here.” Exodus 33:15 ESV
-In memory of my precious daughter 8-25-94 to 11-27-11
Marla, Mt. Juliet, TN
Isaiah 41:10, NIV, ” 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.”
Amy-Vacaville, CA
God can do anything, you know—far more than you could ever imagine or guess or request in your wildest dreams! He does it not by pushing us around but by working within us, his Spirit deeply and gently within us. Ephesians 3:20 MSG
Sherry, Cleveland, TN
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13, NIV
Kim Arlington, VA Turn your ear to me,
come quickly to my rescue; be my rock of refuge,
a strong fortress to save me. Psalm 31:2 NIV
Jamie, Sulphur- I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Phillipians 4:13 NIV
Caitlin, McKinney, TX
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. Ephesians 6:10-11
Rebecca, Sachse, TX
James 3:17 But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.
Kristen
Indianapolis, IN
They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts.
~Acts 2:46 NIV
Murray, Ky. “Count is all joy my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds. For you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have it full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.”
James 1:2-4 ESV
Here are my 4 verse so far. I’m just now realizing I hadn’t posted these:
Verse 1: Eph. 6:7 Serve wholeheartedly as if you were serving the Lord, not men.
Verse 2: Prov. 4:23 Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life.
Verse 3: Heb. 12:1 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.
Verse 4: Heb 12:2 Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
All from NIV
Peggy in Zionsville, IN
Nellwyn, Mineral Springs TX
I will give you the treasures of darkness, riches stored in secret places, so that you may know that I am the Lord, the God of Israel,who summons you by name. Is 45:3 NIV
Delores
Belleville
“Then Jesus went to work on his disciples. “Anyone who intends to come with me has to let me lead. You’re not in the driver’s seat; I am. Don’t run from suffering; embrace it. Follow me and I’ll show you how. Self-help is no help at all. Self-sacrifice is the way, my way, to finding yourself, your true self. What kind of deal is it to get everything you want but lose yourself? What could you ever trade your soul for?”
Matt 16:24-26 (The Message)
Margaret Sebring, Fl
1 John 5:4 NKJV
For whatever is born of God overcomes the world, and this is the victory that has overcome the world, our faith.
Kim, Warren: “She was forgiven many, many sins, and so she is very, very grateful.” Luke 7:47 The Message
Penne, Spokane, WA
“The Lord will fulfill his purpose for me;
your love O Lord, endures forever – ” Psalm 138:8 NIV
There is one body and one Spirit– just as you were called to one hope when you were called– one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all. Ephesians 4:4-6 NIV
Mary Lou, Green Pond, NJ
Angela, Mansfield TX
“Even strong young lions sometimes go hungry, but those who trust in the Lord will never lack any good thing.”
Psalm 34:10 (NLT)
Sharon, New Port Richey
And my God whill supply your every need according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus.
Phil. 4:19 NET Bible
Psalm 51:10 Amplified
10Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right, persevering, and steadfast spirit within me.
Paula: Sapulpa
But those that hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.
Isaiah 40:31 NIV
Alyssa, Fort Worth
Jeremiah 32:17 (NIV) – Ah, Sovereign Lord, You have made the heavens and the earth by Your great power and outstretched arm. Nothing is too hard for you!
Shelly, Fort Worth
Psalm 45:10-11 (NIV) – Listen, O daugher, consider and give ear: Forget your people and your father’s house. The King is enthralled by your beauty; honor Him for He is your Lord.
Jill, League City, TX
Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all we ask or think, according to the power 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 ESV