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
Jessica, Carlsbad, CA, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.”
Proverbs 3:5-6 (NLT)
Barb P. Kansas City, Mo.
But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things will be added to you.
Matt. 6:33 ESV
Danielle S.
Garden City, KS
Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful in building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.
Ephesians 4:29 (NIV)
Nedrea Haley from Hoover, Alabama
For nothing is impossible with God. Luke 1: 37 (NIV)
Christy-Ada, Ok “However, as it is written: No eye has ever seen, no ear has ever heard, no mind has conceived, what God has prepared for those who love him.” 1 Corinthians 2:7 NIV
Ruth, Austin, Texas
This is how we know who the children of God are and who the children of the devil are: Anyone who does not do what is right is not a child of God; nor is anyone who does not love his brother.
1 John 3:10 NIV
He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we fmight die to sin and glive to righteousness. hBy his wounds you have been healed.
Nikki, Wichita
“He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed.” 1 Peter 2:24 ESV
Allison Ross, Cypress TX
“But I trust in your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in your salvation”. Psalm 13:5 NIV
“He restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for His name’s sake.”
Mandy Russell (always late )
Psalm 33:4
Romans 8:28-29 NIV
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among men.
Angie Edwards
Severance, CO
Philippians 3:13
“Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead.” (NIV)
Nancilea, The Woodlands, TX
Be to me a rock of refuge, to which I may continually come;you have given the command to save me, for you are my rock and my fortress.
(Psalm 71:3 ESV)
Kim – St. Louis, MO
Have mercy on me, my God, have mercy on me, for in you I take refuge. I will take refuge in the shadow of your wings until the disaster has passed. I cry out to God Most High, to God, who vindicates me. (Psalm 57:1, 2 NIV)
Ashley B – Richmond, Va
For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.
Heb 4:12 NIV
Connie from Fairhope, AL Faith is the confidence that what we hope for will actually happen; it gives us assurance about things we cannot see. Heb 11:1NLT
Debbie~Alice, TX
In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths.
Proverbs 3:6 KJV
*I missed the 15th this month. More crazy and busy than normal. Dose this mean I will no longer be able to attend?
Jan, Rockwall, TX
Deuteronomy 31:8 NIV
The Lord himself goes before you and will always be with you, he will never leave you or forsake you. Do not be afraid, do not be discouraged.
Beth, London, U.K. “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” (John 10:10, NIV)
From the end of the earth will I cry unto thee, when my heart is overwhelmed: lead me to the rock that is higher than I. Psalms 61:2
“And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:19 ESV
Michele
Edmond, Ok.
” For the grace of God has appeared bringing salvation to all men.” Titus 2:11 NASB
Mindy Rowley, IA
James 4:10 NKJV
Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up.
Big Lake, Mn
Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.
James 1:2-4 niv
Vicki-Lake Jackson
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and petition (supplication), with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. (Philippians 4:6 NIV)
Tiffany from Jennings, LA
Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. (Joshua 1:8 NIV)
Tammy
Lantana, TX
1 Corinthians 3:16 NIV
Don’t you know that you yourselves are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in your midst?
Jennifer, Monroe, GA
Those who live at the ends if the earth stand in awe of your wonders. From where the sun rises to where it sets, you inspire shouts of joy. Psalm 65:8 NLT
Patti, Shalimar, FL, “My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.” Psalms 73:26 NIV
Kimber, Panama City, FL
Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. (Romans 12:2 NIV)
Brenda from Southern Maryland
 But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,  gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things!
-Galatians 5:22-23 (NLT)
Christine, SLC
if you abide in me and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish and it will be done for you.
John 15:7, ESV
Sharice, Shelby, NC
“Many are the plans in a man’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.”
Proverbs 19:21 (NIV)
Brenda Couisino, Frisco, TX
Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand. (Proverbs 19:21 ESV)
June, Coarsegold, CA: “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
Jessy from Houston, TX:
“For you created my inmost being; You knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.” Psalm 139:13-14 (NIV)
Rachel ~ Nashville, TN
Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. ~2 Corinthians 4:16 (NIV)
Brandy, Roseburg Oregon
1 Cor. 15:58 (NIV)
“Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let no one move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.”
Vicki Knott, Greenwood, SC
“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 (NLT)
Pammie, Southern CA Proverbs 18:21 Message Version “Words kill, words give life; they’re either poison or fruit—you choose.”
Judges 6:14-16 (KJV)
14 And the Lord looked upon him, and said, Go in this thy might, and thou shalt save Israel from the hand of the Midianites: have not I sent thee?
teresa, AKRON
Pam Chiangmai Eph. 3:18-19 NLT
18 And may you have the power to understand, as all God’s people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love is. 19 May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God.
Margie Allen,TX
I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. John 15:5 NIV
Lindsee I grew up listening to this song all my life and would passionately as a youth sing the words and yet when “the other” came along I chose something other than Jesus. Oh these words now as a grandma; that I can look back and sing “I’d rather have Jesus”. To know that my “rather” in these golden and silver years is Jesus and to be led by His nail-pierced hands. My prayer today is that we look in front of us for the “rather” than to reflect as the “rather”.. Oh thank you for the reminder to “rather have Jesus”.
Lisa S.
Kinston, NC
1 Peter 2:15 NASB
For such is the will of God that by doing right you may silence the ignorance of foolish men.
Millie from Huntsville, AL
James 1:5
If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. James 1:5 KJV
Lori from St. Catharines, ON
For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him.
Philippians 2:13 NLT
Jennifer, Kodak, TN
Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ.
Philippians 1:27a NIV
Monica, Hicksville
“Even there Your hand will guide me, Your right hand will hold me fast.”
~Psalm 139:10 (NIV)
Paula, Russell KY
Sorry I’m late…and I have to add May 1st verse, too 🙂
May 1: “Search for the Lord and for His strength; continually seek Him.” Psalm 105:4 NLT
May 15: “Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you; before you were born, I set you apart…” Jeremiah 1:5 NIV