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
LisaT from Boonsboro, Md.
James 1:5 NIV
But when he asks, he should believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blwon and tossed by the wind.
{{~ Alesha ~ }} Charlotte, NC
And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love.
Romans 5:5 NLT
Tisha, Pilot Mtn, NC
Jesus told him, “Stand up, pick up your mat, and walk!”
John 5:8(NLT)
Proverbs 3:5-6 (NIV)
Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding, in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.
Susan, Greensburg, Indiana
God is our shelter and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble.
Psalm 46:1 GNT
San Diego
“Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”
Hebrews 12:1-2 (NKJV)
Judy Pauley
Norfolk, Va.
Philippians3:12(NLT)
I don’t mean to say that I have achieved those things or that I have already reached perfection. But I press on to posses that perfection for which Christ Jesus first possessed me.
Lydia Eymann, Warman
Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.
Hebrew 11:1
Jen from Wyoming But the fruit of the spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Galatians 5:22, 23 NIV
Brenda from Santa Rosa Beach
Do not be bitter or angry or mad. Never shout angrily or
say things to hurt others. Never do anything evil.
Ephesians 4:31 NCV
April, Greensboro, NC: “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
Sara, Sioux City
If I should count them, they would be more in number than the sand; When I awake, I am still with You.
Psalm 139:18 ~ NKJV
Julie in Carlsbad, CA
“It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.”
Galatians 5:1 (NIV)
“He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.”
– Isaiah 40:29 NIV
Danaye
Spencer, IN
Olda, Huntsville
. be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain. 1 Corinthians 15:58 (ESV)
Lisa. Wylie, TX
2 Timothy 1:12b NIV
because I know whom I have believed and am convinced that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him for that day .
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous, Do Not be terrified, do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go. Joshua 1:9 NIV
Linda Jewell
Sedona, AZ
1 John 5:14-15 NIV
This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears us–whatever we ask–we know that we have what we asked of Him.
Bonnie, Alexandria, LA
“The Lord is a stronghold for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble. Those who know your name trust in you, for you, Lord, have never forsaken those who seek you.” Psalms 9:9,10 NIV
Carla, LaFayette,Al.
“Submit yourselves,then to God, Resist the devil and he will flee from you.” James 4:7. NIV
Karen, Colchester VT
Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our trouble, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.
2 Corinthans 1:3 & 4. NIV
Teresa, Peoria IL
Proverbs 4:24-27, NIV, “Put away perversity from your mouth; keep corrupt talk from your lips. Let your eyes look straight ahead, fix your gaze directly before you. Make level paths for your feet and take only the ways that are firm. Do not swerve to the right or the left; keep your foot from evil.”
Romans 12:14-16
Bless those who persecute you;bless and do not curse them
Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep.
Live in harmony with one another
Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your sight.NIV
Sheila, Guyton, GA
“When I am afraid, I will trust in You.” Ps. 56:3 HCSB
Rebecca Stewart
Julian, NC
“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
Bonnie, Alexandria, LA
“The Lord is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble. Those who know your name trust in you, for you, Lord, have never forsaken those who seek you.” Psalms 9:9, 10 NIV
Desiree in Carlsbad
“I, the LORD, am your God, who brought you up from the land of Egypt;
Open your mouth wide and I will fill it.”
Psalm 81:10 (NASB)
Debbie Gentry, Poplarville , MS
Hebrews 4:16 ( NIV)
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.
Kelly, Starr, SC
4Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’
Matt. 4:4 NIV
Amberley – Pasco, WA
“You, Lord, are all I have, and you give me all I need. My future is in Your hands.”
~ Psalm 16:5
Good News Translation
Mary, Lexington Park, MD
“Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits”
Psalm 103:2 ESV
Debbie, Holbrook, NY
John 7:38 NIV
Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, streams of living water will flow from within him.
Tajuana ~ Texas
Many are the plans in a
person’s heart,
but it is the Lord’s purpose
that prevails.
Proverbs 19:21 (NIV)
All power is given into me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father , and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even into the end of the world. Amen.
Karen, Florence KY
I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. John 14:5 NIV
Kathy, Shattuck, OK
Psalm 139:9-19 (NIV)
If I rise on the wings of the dawn,if I settle on the far side of the sea,even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast.”
Kassie Dulin from Southlake, TX
Psalm 105:19
Until the time came to fulfill his dreams, the LORD tested Joseph’s character. (NLT)
“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
Christina Brown
Louisville, KY
Yet the Lord longs to be gracious to you; therefore he will rise up to show you compassion. For the Lord is a God of justice. Blessed are all who wait for him!
Isaiah 30:18 NIV
Lea Ann McFarland from McKinney, TX
(posting May 1 and May 15 verses…)
“Delight yourself in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart.”
“Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him and he will do this. He will make your righteousness shine like the dawn, the justice of your cause like the noonday sun.”
Psalm 37:4-6
Carol
Albuquerque NM
Isaiah 41:10 NIV
10- 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, Midlothian VA
Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Ephesians 4:2 NIV
Misti, from Katy moving to Kingwood
“Let all that you do be done in love.”
1 Corinthians 16:14
English Standard Version
have I not commanded you be strong and courageous. Do not be Frightened and do not be dismayed for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.
Joshua1:9
Kimberly in Madison, ME
“You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you!”
Isaiah 26:3 New Living Translation (NLT)
Overland Park, KS
If then you have been raised with Christ seek the things that are above where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above not on things that are in earth.
Colossians 3:1-2
Amy, Houston TX:
Yet I am always with you; you hold me by my right hand. You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will take me into glory.
– Psalm 73:23-24 NIV
Hilary from Langley, Canada, says:
“O Lord, you have searched me
and you know me.
You know when I sit and when I rise;
you perceive my thoughts from afar.”
Psalm 139:1-2 (NIV)
Rene’ , Edmond, OK
“And if worry can’t accomplish a little thing like that,
what’s the use of worrying over bigger things?”
Luke 12:26 NLT
Bobbie Lutz
College Station, TX
91:14 (NIV)
“Because he loves me,” says the Lord, “I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name.