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
Susan, Statesville, NC
Am I now trying to win the approval of men or of God? Or am I trying to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a servant of Christ. Gal. 1:10. (NIV)
Andrea,Louisville,KK. “I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. Ephesians 1:17”
Paula Stemple, Marlinton, WV
Teach me your ways, O Lord, that I may live according to your truth! Grant me purity of heart, so that I may honor you. (Psalms 86:11 NLT)
Richelle, Kingston, TN
My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires. James 1:19-20 (NIV)
Paula, Brownwood, Tx
“Not only that-count yourselves blessed every time people put you down or throw you out or speak lies about you to discredit me. What it means is that the truth is too close for comfort and they are uncomfortable. You can be glad when that happens-give a cheer, even!-for though they don’t like it, I do! And all heaven applauds. And know that you are in good company. My prophets and witnesses have always gotten into this kind of trouble. “Not only that-count yourselves blessed every time people put you down or throw you out or speak lies about you to discredit me. What it means is that the truth is too close for comfort and they are uncomfortable. You can be glad when that happens-give a cheer, even!-for though they don’t like it, I do! And all heaven applauds. And know that you are in good company. My prophets and witnesses have always gotten into this kind of trouble..
Matthew 5:11-12. MSG
Lynn, Orlando, FL
“Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope:
Because of the LORD’s great love we are not consumed …”
Lamentations 3:21&22a
Jean Garrison, Palm Bay, Fl
“The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God endures forever.” (Isaiah 40:8 NIV)
Matthew 6:33 (NIV)
But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.
Kathy, Missouri City, TX
Lynn, Orlando, FL
“… For his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.”
Lamentations 3:22b -23 (NIV)
Angie Smith
Matthews, NC
Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. (Philippians 3:12 ESV)
Praise God,
who did not ignore my prayer or hold back his love from me.
Psalm 66:20 (NCV)
Cheryl in Brisbane, Australia says,
“Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the children of one’s youth. Blessed is the man who fills his quiver with them! He shall not be put to shame when he speaks with his enemies in the gate”. (Psalms 127:3-5 ESV)
Beth, Toronto: “Establish Your word to Your servant, who is devoted to fearing You. Turn away my reproach which I dread, for Your judgements are good. Behold, I long for Your precepts; revive me in Your righteousness.” (Psalm 119:38-40 – NKJV)
susan Huffman Tx
esv Ephesians 4:32
Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one
one another, as God in Christ forgave you.
Mary, VB, VA
He must become greater and greater, and I must become less and less. (John 3:30 NLT)
Pam in Texas
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 1:19 (NIV)
Liz Taylor, Washington D.C.
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)
Romans 15:13 NIV 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.
Sarah, Dallas, TX
“You, LORD, are all I have, and you give me all I need;my future is in your hands.
-Psalms 16:5 (GNT)
Jane, Cuba, Missouri
Prov. 10:19 NIV
When words are many, sin is not absent, but he who holds his tongue is wise.
Sherry
Winston-Salem NC
“The Lord will fight for you; you must be quiet.”
Exodus 14:14
HCSB
Allison Moldenhauer – Huntsville, TX
James 3:2-12
New International Version (NIV)
2 We all stumble in many ways. Anyone who is never at fault in what they say is perfect, able to keep their whole body in check.
3 When we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we can turn the whole animal. 4 Or take ships as an example. Although they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are steered by a very small rudder wherever the pilot wants to go. 5 Likewise, the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. 6 The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole body, sets the whole course of one’s life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell.
7 All kinds of animals, birds, reptiles and sea creatures are being tamed and have been tamed by mankind, 8 but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison.
” To You, O LORD, I call; my Rock, do not be deaf to me, for if you are silent to me, I will become like those who go down to the pit.”
Psalm 28:1
NASB
Jayne- Frisco, TX
Tyra, Houston
Yes, everything else is worthless when compared with the priceless gain of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. I have discarded everything else, counting it all as garbage, so that I may have Christ…
Philippians 3:8 NLT
No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us. (1 John 4:12 NIV)
“…let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes.” —Eph. 4:23 NLT
Jennifer B., Gaithersburg
” And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.” Phillippians 1:6, NLT
Kristen, Marble, NC
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
Becky, Roswell, GA
“Look after each other so that none of you fails to receive the grace of God. Watch out that no poisonous root of bitterness grows up to trouble you, corrupting many.”
Heb. 12:15, NLT
Ephesians 2:12-13 “remember that at that time you were separate from Christ, excluded from citizenship in Israel and foreigners to the covenants of the promise with out hope and without God in the world. But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near through the blood of Christ.”
Nancy
Barboursville WV
“The Lord has established His throne in Heaven, and His kingdom rules over all!” Psalm 103:19 NIV
Marcia, Windermere, FL
“May we shout for joy when we hear of your victory, flying banners to honor our God. May the Lord answer all your prayers.” Psalm 20:5 (NLT)
Laurie, Milton, GA
Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.
Matthew 5:48
Lezli, Oklahoma City, OK
Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” (Deuteronomy 31:6 NIV)
Paula Jones
Maryville, TN
Hebrews 13:8 NLT
Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.
Amy from Plainfield IL
Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. (Philippians 1:27 NIV)
Valerie, Little Elm
You can ask for anything in my name, and I will do it, so that the Son can bring glory to the Father. Yes, ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it!
John 14:13-14 NLT
Dayna Vaczi, Overland Park, KS
Adding a verse to I Timothy 2:1-3 that I memorized a view weeks ago …
“Who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.” I Timothy 2:4
Brittnie, Sugar Land, Texas
Exodus 14:14 (NIV) “The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.”
Psalm 119:66 (NET)
Teach me proper discernment and understanding! For I consider Your commands to be reliable.
Traci
Knoxville, TN
Susan Miles, Jonesboro, Arkansas
Isaiah 43:18-19 esv
Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.
Vicki, Indianapolis, IN
Many are the plans in a person’s heart,
but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.
Proverbs 19:21 NIV
Bethany, Frisco, TX
Prov 26:20 (NIV)
Without wood a fire goes out, without a gossip a quarrel dies down.
Traci, Vadnais Heights, MN.
Proverbs 15:11 (NLT)
“Even Death and Destruction hold no secrets from the Lord.
How much more does He know the human heart?”
Sallie Belle Howell, Tupelo, MS
“He must become greater ; I must become less.” John 3:30 NIV
Paula, O’Fallon
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heaven lies in Christ. Ephesians 1:3 RcV
Matthew 6:34 NIV
Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.
Karen, Norfolk, VA: …even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast. Psalm 139:10 (NIV)
Rhonda, Houston
I cried aloud to the Lord, and He answered me from His holy hill. I lay down and slept; I woke again, for the Lord sustained me. Psalm 3:4-5 ESV
Susan from Clinton, MS
Come, all you who are thirsty, come to the waters; and you who have no money, come, buy and eat! Come buy wine and milk without money and without cost.”
Isaiah 55:1 NIV