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
Natalie, Nesbit, MS, “I will walk in freedom, for I have devoted myself to your commandments.” Psalm 119:45 (NLT)
Laurie from Edmond, OK
Psalm 121:5&6
The Lord protects you; The Lord is a shelter right by your side.
The sun will not strike you by day, or the moon by night.
Leigh, Montgomery: “A pretentious, showy life is an empty life; a plain and simple life is a full life.”
Proverbs 13:7 MSG
Deanne Johnson, Laguna Hills, CA
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 praiseworthy – think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me – put it into practice. And the peace of God will be with you.
Philippians 4:8-9 NIV
Ali S. Midwest City, OK
Psalm 91:3 (NIV)
Surely he will save you from the fowler’s snare and from the deadly pestilence.
Deidra – Waynesboro
Psalm 29:2 Give unto the LORD the glory due to His name; worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness.
Psalm 29:2 NKJV
Courtney, Chicora PA. “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
Revelation 1:5b He is the faithful witness to these things, the first to rise from the dead, and the ruler of all the kings of the world. (Revelation 1:5b NLT)
Philippians 3:8 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)
Sarah
Portales, NM
Psalm 127:1 ESV
“Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labor in vain.”
Philippians 4:11 RSV “Not that I complain of want, for I have learned, in whatever state I am, to be content.”
But the Lord is faithful, who will establish you and guard you from the evil one. 2Thess. 3:3 NKJV
Ronda, Tulsa: “Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life.” Prov 4:23 ESV
Beth, Fountain Inn, Psalm 16:10 ESV
For you will not abandon my soul to Sheol, or let your holy one see corruption.
19 You surely know that your body is a temple where the Holy Spirit lives. The Spirit is in you and is a gift from God. You are no longer your own. 20 God paid a great price for you. So use your body to honor God.
1 Corinthians6:19-20
Ellen, Albuquerque. But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. 2 Corinthians 12:9 (NIV)
Janice, Conroe, TX
A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. prov. 15:1 NIV
Carol, Amarillo, TX. “But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called “Today”, so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness!” -Hebrews 3:13 (NIV)
“Listen to Me… you whom I have upheld since your birth, and have carried since you were born. Even to your old age and gray hairs I am He, I am He who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you.” ~Isaiah 46:3-4
Heather, Colorado Springs, CO
The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole person, sets the whole course of his life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell. James 3:6 NIV
Elizabeth, Cedar Hill TX
God is not a human, that he should lie, not a human being, that he should change his mind. Does he speak and then not act? Does he promise and not fulfill?”–Numbers 23:19 NIV
Betsy Roberts – Antwerp, Ohio
Psalm 100:1-5 ESV
“A Psalm for giving thanks. Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth! Serve the Lord with gladness! Come into his presence with singing! Know that the Lord, he is God! It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture. Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise! Give thanks to him; bless his name! For the Lord is good; his steadfast love endures forever, and his faithfulness to all generations.”
Katie Brown
Greenfield, IN
Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.
Mark 11:24 NIV84
Jennifer, Cypress,TX
Luke 6:47-48, “Everyone who comes to me and hears my words and does them, I will show you what he is like, he is like a man building a house, who dug deep and laid the foundation on the rock.”
Kathy – Carrollton
NIV Colossians 1:11
Be strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience.
Lori in Pine Island MN
“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God.” Colossians 3:16 NIV
Holly, Charlotte NC
“The purposes of a person’s heart are deep waters, but the one who had insight draws them out.”
Proverbs 20:5 NIV
No wisdom, no understanding, no counsel can avail against the Lord. Proverbs 21:30, ESV
Angie G
Albertville AL
“These things I have spoken to you so that My joy may be in you, and that your joy may be made full.” John 15:11 NASB
Debra, San Antonio, TX
Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength.They will soar on wings like eagles;
they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. Isaiah 40:31 NIV
Debbie – Keller, TX
“So get rid of all evil behavior. Be done with all deceit, hypocrisy, jealousy, and all unkind speech.”
I Peter 2:1 (NLT)
“My God will liberally supply (fill to the full) your every need according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.” Phil 4:19 Amp
Dee, Zeeland, MI from NIV84 1st Samuel 3:10
The LORD came and stood there, calling as at the other times, “Samuel! Samuel!” Then Samuel said, “Speak, for your servant is listening.”
Tracey Knight ~ Arkadelphia AR
In Your unfailing love You will lead the people You have redeemed. In Your strength You will guide them to Your holy dwelling. ~Exodus 15:13 NIV
Crystal Ogden
Tenaha, TX
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 praiseworthy – think about such things.
Philippians 4:8 NIV
Sacramento,CA
Surely God is my help;
The Lord is the one who sustains me.
Psalm 54:4 NIV
Jennifer; Houston, TX: We know that Christ, being raised from the dead, will never die again; death no longer has dominion over him. Romans 6:9
Evansville, IN
“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those crushed in spirit.” Psalm 34:18 NIV
La Chiel from Portland,Tn
For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified and it is with your mouth you profess your faith and are saved. Romans 10:10 NIV
Delores O.
Lake Stevens, WA
For You are my hiding place; You protect me from trouble. You surround me with songs of victory.
The LORD says, “I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you.”
Psalm 32:7-8 NLT
isaiah 40:11 niv
He tends His flock like a Shepherd: He gathers the lambs in His arms and carries them close to His heart; He gently leads those that have young.
Cindy, Fort Worth, TX
Proverbs 18:10(NIV)
The name of the Lord is a fortified tower;
the righteous run to it and are safe.
Gail Dorn
San Antonio, TX
Never let loyalty and kindness leave you! Tie them around your necks a reminder. Write them deep within your heart.
Proverbs 3:3. (NLT)
Julianna, Gulf Shores. And God is able to bless you abundantly so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. 2 Corinthians 9:8
Kandi from Tallahasse, Florida
Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Colossians 3:12 NIV
I cried aloud to the Lord and He answered me from his holy hill.
Psalm 3:4 ESV
Rene’, Cape Girardeau, MO
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith.
Hebrews 12:1 & 2a NIV
Amanda
Albuquerque, NM
“So I say, let the Holy Spirit guide your lives. Then you won’t be doing what your sinful nature craves.” Galatians 5:16 (NLT)
Pamela from Shelby Township MI
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
Phil 4:6 NIV
Lilburn, GA
Surely there is a future, And your hope will not be cut off. (Proverbs 23:18 NASB)
Sarah, Montrose, CO:
Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving.
Colossians 4:2 (ESV)