Hey girls! Lindsee here! By now you know that our dear Beth is teaching her heart out this week, taping her next Bible study in Tennessee. So, when I realized that SSMT would fall right smack dab in the middle of the taping, I told her that if she trusted me, she was welcome to release this to me and I’d try to do it as much justice as she does. She happily obliged, so here I am. What makes it easy is that I’m memorizing right alongside y’all, however, this time around I feel the pressure to make it a good verse. Of course, I’m both kidding and laughing.
Actually, my scripture memory verses don’t always come easy to me, but this week was a different story. You see, this past Sunday at church was an all hymn Sunday. Typically we’re a little more contemporary and certainly throw in a hymn every now and then, but this Sunday every last song was one you could find in a hymnal. Truth be told, I kind of loved it.
Among the selection of hymns, we sang “I’d Rather Have Jesus”. I’m not sure if you’ve listened to those lyrics lately, but what a convicting song it is and rather vulnerable if you ask me.
You tell me:
I’d rather have Jesus than silver or gold;
I’d rather be His than have riches untold;
I’d rather have Jesus than houses or lands;
I’d rather be led by His nail-pierced hand.
Than to be the king of a vast domain
And be held in sin’s dread sway;
I’d rather have Jesus than anything
This world affords today.
I’d rather have Jesus than men’s applause;
I’d rather be faithful to His dear cause;
I’d rather have Jesus than worldwide fame;
I’d rather be true to His holy name
Whoa. I’d Rather. What is your rather? What do you want so bad, but you’d rather have Jesus? I could name countless things. But really, what rubbish each of those things are compared to knowing Jesus as my personal Lord and savior. What rubbish they are compared to being known and loved perfectly by Jesus himself, who gave His life for you and didn’t expect anything in return, lest we even think we have anything to offer in return. I know it in my head, but I want to fully grasp it in my heart.
That led me to Phillipians 3:8, which is my scripture this go around:
“Yes, everything else is worthless when compared with the infinite value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have discarded everything else, counting it all as garbage, so that I could gain Christ.” Philippians 3:8 (NLT)
Isn’t is so true, that the more time we spend getting to know our Jesus, the more the things of this world grow strangely dim? I think it is true. The more I learn that Jesus is the ONE faithful and trustworthy thing, the less I worry about worldwide fame, men’s applause, riches or anything else my flesh cringes for.
Jesus is simply better.
Have I achieved it? Hardly.
“I don’t mean to say that I have already achieved these things or that I have already reached perfection. But I press on to possess that perfection for which Christ Jesus first possessed me.” Philippians 3:12
But I press on. I put my focus on one solitary thing.
“No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead.” Philippians 3:13
Because after all…
“He’s all that my hungering spirit needs;
I’d rather have Jesus and let Him lead.”
Jesus is better. Let’s hear yours! (And that’s three options for you, ladies! Should you choose to use one of those. Grin.)
On a not-so-different, yet different note, our sweet siesta mama did just tell me to tell y’all, “I love them so much and feel their prayers and to keep them up!”
Oh, and one more fun and important thing, be sure to hop back on tomorrow (Thursday) for the announcement of our summer Bible study! The suspense!
Y’all are priceless.
Tags: Scripture Memory 2013
Stacey Gaines
Corpus Christi, TX
“Stop – and consider God’s wonders!” (Job 37:14, NIV)
Linda R. Springfield, MO
Humility and reverence for the LORD will make you both wise and honored.
Proverbs 15:33. Living Bible
Amanda, Knoxville, Psalm 139:11-12 NASB “If I say surely the darkness will overwhelm me, and the light around me will be night–even the darkness is not dark to you; the night is as bright as day; darkness and light are the same to you.”
Elizabeth, Broomfield, CO
This is what the Lord says:
“Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls. But you said, ‘We will not walk in it.’ Jeremiah 6:16 (NIV)
Tina,
Columbus Ohio
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. Roman 8:28 NIV
Dayna, Bedford, VA
But He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.” Therefore, I will most gladly boast all the more about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may reside in me.
2 Corintihians 12:9 HCSB
Christy, Conifer, Colorado
12 When Esther’s words were reported to Mordecai, 13 he sent back this answer: “Do not think that because you are in the king’s house you alone of all the Jews will escape. 14 For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father’s family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?”
Esther 4:12-14 NIV
Kina, Chicago
O Lord, you are my God; I will exalt you; I will praise your name, for you have done wonderful things, plans formed of old, faithful and sure. (Isaiah 25:1 ESV)
Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.
Deuteronomy 6:5 NIV
Kim; Poplar Bluff, MO. “Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the LORD is kept safe.” Proverbs 29:25 (NIV)
Marsha from Jefferson, ME
Praise God, who did not ignore my prayer or withdraw his unfailing love from me.
Psalm 66:20 (NLT)
Sheri. Morrisville, MO For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. ROMANS 5:6 ESV
Tina, Zalma, Don’t worry about anything instead; pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Phillipians 4:6 (NLT)
Sandra Rountree, Swainsboro, Georgia
My dear brother, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry, for man’s anger does not bring about the righteous life God desires. James 1:19-20 NIV
Lisha, Wetumpka, Al
“I will be glad and rejoice in your unfailing love, for you have seen my troubles, and you care about the anguish of my soul.” Psalm 31:7 (NLT)
Judy
Panama City, Fl
Philippians 4:6 (NLT)
Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank Him for all He has done.
The LORD is the One who will go before you. He will be with you; He will not leave you or forsake you. Do not be afraid or discouraged. Deut. 31:8 (HCSB)
Ginger
Wetumpka, AL
Janet Ronkonkoma, NY
“I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth.
My soul shall make its boast in the Lord; the humble shall hear of it and be glad.” Psalm 34:1-2 NKJV
Berni, Albuquerque
“For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an
eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison.”
2Corinthians 4:17 ESV
Mary Beth, Richmond, Ky
“A man’s steps are established by the LORD, and He takes pleasure in his way. Though he falls, he will not be overwhelmed, because the LORD holds his hand.”
Psalm 37:23-24 (HCSB)
Colette, Mesa, AZ.
“For you have been my refuge,
a strong tower against the foe.”
Psalm 61:3 NIV
Susan (central IL) Live in peace with each other. Do not be proud, but make friends with those who seem unimportant. Do not think how smart you are. (Romans 12:16, NCV)
Mariel
WF, NC
“Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For His sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ” (phil 3:8 esv)
Barbara, Lewisburg, KY Phillipians 4:8 NIV
“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 praise-worthy, think about such things.”
Hannah from Winter Haven, FL
Psalm 119:29-32 (NKJV)
29-Remove from me the way of lying, and grant me Your law graciously. 30-I have chosen the way of truth; Your judgments I have laid before me. 31-I cling to Your testimonies; O Lord, do not put me to shame! 32-I will run the course of Your commandments, for You shall enlarge my heart.
Missy Newman, Andersonville, TN Deuteronomy 6:5-6 You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength. And these words which I command you today shall be in your heart.
Kendra Husband, from Charlotte, NC
“For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship. And by him we cry, ‘Abba, Father.’ The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children.”
Romans 8:15-16 NIV
in Muscle Shoals:
“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” Colossians 3:12-13
Dawn, Clinton PA
giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ.
Eph. 5:20-21, ESV
Leah
Kansas City, MO
Don’t you know? Haven’t you heard? The eternal God, the Lord, the Creator of the ends of the earth, doesn’t grow tired or become weary. His understanding is beyond reach.
Isaiah 40:28 GWT
Joshua 3:5 (NIV)
Joshua told the people, “Consecrate yourselves, for tomorrow the Lord will do amazing things among you.”
Anita, Lawrenceville
For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made.
Romans 1:20 ESV
Kerry, Nederland, Texas
Therefore, whenever we have the opportunity, we should do good to everyone – especially to those in the family of faith.
Galatians 6:10
NLT
Cynthia
Brentwood, TN
Charm is deceptive and beauty is fleeting, but a woman who fears The Lord will be praised.
Proverbs 31:30
NIV
“but he gives us more grace. That is ehy scripture says: God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble”
James 4:6 niv
Isaiah 44:5
New International Version (NIV)
5 Some will say, ‘I belong to the Lord’;
others will call themselves by the name of Jacob;
still others will write on their hand, ‘The Lord’s,’
and will take the name Israel.
Colleen, Glen Ellyn, IL
So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets.
Matthew 7:12
Marian-Cypress
The Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. These commandments that I give you are to be upon your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.
Deuteronomy 6:4-6 NIV
NJC
Frisco
Ephesians 3:16-17
16: I ask the Father in his great glory to give
you the power to be strong inwardly through His
Spirit.
17: I pray that Christ will live in your hearts by faith
and that your life will be strong in love and be built
on love.
Edna
O’Fallon, MO
The Lord is your keeper;
the Lord is your shade on your right hand.
The sun shall not strike you by day,
nor the moon by night.
Psalm 121:5-6, ESV
Tammy from Fort Myers, FL “Don’t abandon wisdom, and she will watch over you; love her, and she will guard you. Wisdom is supreme – so get wisdom. And whatever else you get, get understanding.” Proverbs 4:6-7 HCSB
Melissa G., Greensburg, KY.- “So I prophesied as He commanded me, and the breath came into them, and they came to life, and stood on their feet, an exceedingly great army.” – Ezekiel 37:10, NAS
Cindy, St. Louis, MO: Jeremiah 33:3 – “Call to Me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.” NIV
My verse for 5-1-13 (was having surgery & couldn’t submit):
Jeremiah 29:13 – “You will seek Me nad find Me when you seek Me with all your heart.” NIV
Melissa Droegemueller
San Antonio, TX
Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
Ganise, Ottawa, CANADA
‘He who comes from God listens to God’s words. You, however, are not from God, and that is why you will not listen’
John 8:47 (Good News Translation)
Walker, LA
When I am afraid, I will trust in You. (Psalms 56:3 HCSB)
Lynn in Frankfurt
19 but God has surely listened
and has heard my prayer.
20 Praise be to God,
who has not rejected my prayer
or withheld his love from me!
Psalm 66:19-20 (NIV)
Jeri from lynchburg, VA. Ephesians 1:7. In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace. NIV 84
Jill, Fort ashby, WV
You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. Jeremiah 29:13 NIV
NJC
Frisco
Ephesians 3:16-17, (NCV)
16: I ask the Father in his great glory to give
you the power to be strong inwardly through His
Spirit.
17: I pray that Christ will live in your hearts by faith
and that your life will be strong in love and be built
on love.