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
Lauren, Kentucky; John 1:16-17, HCSB “Indeed we have all received grace after grace from His fullness, for the law was given through MOses, grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.”
Claudia, raeford, NC And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him. (Hebrews 11:6 NASB)
Romans 5:1 NIV
Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ,
Sandy from Anaheim, CA
You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.
1 John 4:4
Beth, Wisconsin. ” He is Your constant source of stability.” Isaiah 33:6 NET
Kristin Cho; Northville, MI
Isaiah 55:11 NIV
“so is my word that goes out from my mouth; It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.”
Amen
Joey Lynn, Las Vegas, NV
Psalm 16:8 (NIV)
I keep my eyes always on the Lord. With him at my right hand,
I will not be shaken.
Vanessa, Rockport TX
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)
Kara C, Aurora, Il
Ephesians 4:32 (NCV)
Forgive each other just as God forgave you in Christ.
Lindsey from Temecula, CA
“I want you to know how hard I am contending for you and for those at Laodicea, and for all who have not met me personally. My goal is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ,” – Colossians 2:1-2 (NIV)
Julia, Flower Mound, TX
I love you, O Lord, my strength. The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge. He is my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.
Psalm 18:1-2 NIV
Barbara Birmingham,Al
For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.
2 Timothy 1:7.
Karon from Canton, NC
The Lord will rescue me from every evil work and will bring me safely into His heavenly kingdom. To Him be the glory forever and ever! Amen.
2nd Timothy 4:18 HCSB
” Oh, that men would give thanks to the Lord for His goodness, And for His wonderful works to the children of Men! For He has broken the gates of bronze and cut the bars of iron in two.”
Psalm 107:15 & 16 NKJV
Michele-Lubbock, TX
Psalms 91:12
“They shall bear thee up in their hands, lest thou
dash thy foot against a stone.” KJV
Stephanie S. from Richardson, TX
And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.
1Peter 5:10 ESV
Gina, Cypress Tx
I have strength for all things in Christ
Who empowers me. Phillippians 4:13
(amplified version)
Gretchen, Thousand Oaks, CA
Psalm 119:40-41 NET
Look, I long for your precepts. Revive me with your deliverance! May I experience your loyal love, O Lord, and Your deliverance, as you promised.
Regina, Salado, TX
“For The Lord your God is the one who goes with you to fight for you against your enemies to give you victory.” Deut. 20:4 (NIV)
Daphne, AL
And you were dead in the trespasses and sins in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience— among whom we all once lived in the passions of our flesh, carrying out the desires of the body and the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind.
Ephesians 2:1-3 ESV
Debbie – Georgetown, Tx
Let them praise the name of the Lord, for his name alone is exalted; his majesty is above earth and heaven. (Psalms 148:13 ESV)
Beth, Story City, IA
“And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”
Colossians 3:17, NIV
Eph. 1:20 (NASV)
which He brought about in Christ, when He raised Him from the dead, and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places
Julie, Newton, IA
The man answered, “‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your strength, and all your mind.’ And, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’” (Luke 10:27 NLT)
Jennifer
Frisco, TX
I am the Lord your God. I am holding your hand, so don’t be afraid. I am here to help you.
Isaiah 41:13 (CEVUS06)
Rita Ledbetter Cottonwood, AZ
but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
Romans 5:8 ESV
Nicole T., Blue Springs, MO
“Friend, you have no idea how good your love makes me feel, doubly so when I see your hospitality to fellow believers.” Philemon 7 (The Message)
Stann, Frisco, TX
Let your gentle spirit be known to all men. The Lord is near. Philippians 4:5 NASB
Sara from Virginia, “May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.” (Psalm 19:14, NIV)
Deb, Becker, MN
And now, children, stay withh Christ. Live deeply in Christ. Then we’ll be ready for Him when He appears, ready to receive Him with open arms, with no cause for red faced guilt or lame excuses when He arrives. 1 John 2:18 (MSG)
Lila, Salem, OR
“Don’t fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let
petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns.” Philippians 4:6 The Message
Psalm 55:22 NIV
Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken.
Candias from Highland, CA Galatians 6: 9-10 NIV Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers
Candace Hendrick, TX
And we urge you, brothers and sisters, warn those who are idle and disruptive, encourage the disheartened, help the weak, be patient with everyone.
1 Thessalonians 5:14 NASB
Some friends and I are going through a Christian parenting book together. This is one of the verses it lead us to. Praying for God to help me use this with people, but especially with my sweet kiddos.
Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving.
Colossians 4:2
The Lord is a friend to those who fear him.
He teaches them his covenant.
Psalm 25:14 NLT
Kelly, Enid, OK
Alisa
Clinton, MS
Therefore whoever relaxes one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do the same will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever does them and teaches them will be called great in the kingdom of heaven.
Matthew 5:19
ESV
Jonda, Shakopee, MN
“I have hidden your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.” Psalm 119:11 (NLT)
Shea Williams, Birmingham, AL
Teach me your ways, O LORD, that I may live according to your truth! Grant me purity of heart, that I may honor you.
Psalm 86:11 NLT
Hayley- Rogers, AR
“My God sent his angel to shut the lions’ months so that they would not hurt me, for I have been found innocent in his sight. And I have not wronged you, your majesty. 23 The king was overjoyed and ordered that Daniel be lifted from the den. Not a scratch was found on him, for he had trusted in his God.” -Daniel 6:22-23
Joanna Duck
Norman, Oklahoma
O my God, incline Your ear and hear! Open Your eyes and see our desolatins and the city which is called by Your name; for we are not presenting our supplications before You on account of any merits of our own, but on account of Your great compassion.
Daniel 9:18 HCSB
Tara, Eustis
Proverbs 3:5
Trust in the Lord with all your heart
and lean not on your own understanding. NIV
Terri, Orange TX
“Devote yourselves to prayer; stay alert in it with thanksgiving.” Colossians 4:2 HCSB
Jess R, Katy, Tx
You can make many plans,
but the Lord’s purpose will prevail.
-Psalm 19:21 (NLT)
For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline. (2 Timothy 1:7 NLT)
“As for me, my life has already been poured out as an offering to God. The time of my death is near.” 2 Tim 4:6 NLT
Joanne Hill Orange TX
Because He bends down to listen, I will pray as long as I have breath.
Psalm 116:2. NLT
Mary-Clare in Frisco, Texas
Take delight in The Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart.
Psalm 37:4 (NIV)
Carole, Imperial, CA: He is the Rock, His works are perfect, and all His ways are just. A faithful God who does no wrong, upright and just is He. Deuteronomy 32:4 NIV
To humans belong the plans of the heart, but from the Lord comes the proper answer of the tongue. (Proverbs 16:1 NIV)