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
Janelle from WPB, FL: “You are my witnesses,” declares the Lord, “and my servant whom I have chosen, so that you may know and believe me and understand that I am he. Before me no god was formed, nor will there be one after me. Isaiah 43:10 NIV
Linda – LPM – Houston – Luke 1:47 (AMP) And my spirit rejoices in God my Savior
Donna
Norwood, Ma
Deuteronomy 6:6
English Standard Version (ESV)
And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart.
“and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus.” Romans 3:24 ESV
Rene, Overland Park, KS “The Lord lives! Praise be to my Rock!
Exalted be God my Savior!” Psalm 18:46 NIV (first in a series 46-49)
Terri Frasure from South Lebanon, Ohio
“The Rock–His work is perfect; all His ways are entirely just. A faithful God without prejudice. He is righteous and true.”
Deuteronomy 32:4 (HCSB)
Elizabeth W., Syracuse, NY
Matthew 5:14 MSG
You’re here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world.
Kem, Memphis
Teach me to do your will, for you are my God; may your good spirit lead me on level ground.
Psalm 143:10
Lisa from Leesburg
“But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all the things will be provided for you.” -Matthew 6:33 HCSB
Angela from Clyde
You intended to harm me, but God intended it all for good. He brought me to this position so I could save the lives of many people. NLT
Bobbie From Ft. Worth, Texas
“Stop judging others, and you will not be judged. Stop criticizing others, or it will all come back on you. If you forgive others, you will be forgiven. Luke 6:37 NLT
Yanna Westmoreland, Bryan, TX “Even there Your hand shall lead me, Your right hand shall hold me.” Psalm 139:10 ESV
Tess
Cartersville, GA
Psalm 25:14 NASB
The secret of the Lord is for those who fear Him, And He will make them know His covenant.
Let everything that has breath praise the Lord.
Praise the Lord. (Psalm 150:6 – NIV)
Lauren, Dedham, MA: “He guides the humble in what is right and teaches them his way.” Psalm 25:9 (NIV)
May the Lord be praised! Day after day He bears our burdens; God is our salvation. Selah (Psalms 68:19 HCSB)
Jeannie from Atlanta, IN – Matthew 5:38-42, ESV
“You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth.’ But I say to you, do not resist the one who is evil. But if anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also. And if anyone would sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well. And if anyone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles. Give to the one who begs from you, and do not refuse that one who would borrow from you.”
Valerie, Louisville KY
I will say to the Lord, My Refuge and my fortress, My God in whom I trust!
Ps 91:2 NASB
Susie H., McKinney, TX
“above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one.”
Ephesians 6:16 (NKJV)
Amber, Norman, OK
1 Corinthians 10:31 (NIV)
So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.
Melissa from Goshen, KY
“I love those who love me. And those who seek me diligently will find me.”
Proverbs 8:17 (NKJV)
Kathleen, Phoenix:
Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.
1 Corinthians 6:19-20 (ESV)
Courtney Cherest
LaPlata, MD
1Peter 4:18-5:9 (ESV)
18 And “If the righteous is scarcely saved, what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?”
19 Therefore let those who suffer according to God’s will entrust their souls to a faithful Creator while doing good.
5:1 So I exhort the elders among you, as a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, as well as a partaker in the glory that is going to be revealed:
2 shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly;
3 not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock.
4 And when the chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory.
5 Likewise, you who are younger, be subject to the elders. Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.”
6 Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you,
7 casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.
8 Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.
9 Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world.
He will cover you with His feathers.
He will shelter you with His wings.
His faithful promises are your armor and protection.
Psalm 91:4
Kim from Tuscaloosa, AL
God made Him who had no sin to be sin for us,
so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God.
2 Corinthians 5:21 (NIV)
Sally Sour Lake, Texas
2 Timothy 3:16-17 (HCSB)
16 All Scripture is inspired by God and is profitable for teaching, for rebuking, for correcting, for training in righteousness, 17 so that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.
Cathy Reineke, Orofino, ID
So I fix my eyes not on what is seen but what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary but what is unseen is eternal. 2Cor 4:18 NIV
Maureen, Pascoag, RI
The Lord has heard my supplication;
the Lord accepts my prayer.
Psalm 6:9 NRSV
Tanya, Somerville, TN
“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 garbage, so that I could gain Christ.” NLT
Sarah, Orlando
“And so, dear brothers and sisters, I please with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice- the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him.”
Romans 12:1 NLT
Emily (Kemptville, Ontario) James 1:5 NIV “If any of you lacks wisdom he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault and it will be given to him.”
Kim, Yorktown, VA
When words are many, sin is not absent, but he who holds his tongue is wise. Proverbs 10:19 NIV
Rachel D., Meridian, “So if you are suffering in a manner that pleases God, keep on doing what is right, and trust your lives to the God who created you, for he will never fail you.” 1 Peter 4:19, NLT
Bev Lee from Alberta, Canada
But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach to you a gospel contrary to the one we preached to you, let him be accursed. Galatians 1:8 (ESV)
Avayd Ann from Kansas City, KS
“I am leaving you with a gift–peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be trouble or afraid”. John 14:27 NLT
Colleen, Cape Town, South Africa
May the Holy One bless you and zealously cherish and keep watch over you.
May the Holy One’s face shine upon you and shower you with grace.
May the Holy One lift up His countenance upon you
and may He give you wholeness, wellness, security, abundant provision and peace.
Numbers 6:24-26 (translation unknown)
Michelle, Houston “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.” Isaiah 41:10 NIV
Beth W., Omaha, NE
1 Thess. 5:16-18 NIV
Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
Isaiah 48:15 (NIV)
I, even I, have spoken; yes, I have called him. I will bring him, and he will succeed in his mission.
Karin from Clinton, NJ
“But they who wait for the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.” Isaiah 40:31 ESV
Fort Worth, TX
“Indeed, he who watches over Israel never slumbers or sleeps.” Psalm 121:4 NLT
Robyn Serez from Kitchener, ON, Canada
“Let all that I am praise the Lord; with my whole heart, I will praise his holy name. Let all that I am praise the Lord; may I never forget the good things he does for me.”
Psalm 103:1-2 NLT
They will see his face, and his name will be on their foreheads.
Revelation 22:4 (NIV)
Margaret from The Villages, FL
“Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go, for to you I entrust my life.”
Psalm 143:8 – NIV
Anisha S. from McKinney Texas
For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
Jeremiah 29:11 NIV
Mindy Seekford Gloster, La
Ps 112:7 KJV He shall not be afraid of evil tidings: his heart is fixed, trusting in the Lord.
Sabrina – Houston, Texas
He has given us a powerful Savior…He will save us from our enemies.
Luke 1:69a & 71a ERV
Joretta Gorman, Waxahachie, TX
“Bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you.”
NRS
Sarah, Bracknell, UK
“You are my hiding place and my shield;
I wait for Your word.”
Psalm 119:114 NAS
Sheri from Naples Italy:
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.
Updated New American Standard Bible