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
jenny
white hall, ar
concentrate on doing your best for God, work you won’t be ashamed of, laying out the truth plain and simple. stay clear of pious talk that is only talk. words are not mere words, you know. if they’re not backed by a godly life, they accumulate as poison in the soul.
2 timothy 2:15-17a (msg)
Ina from Lancaster, Pa
Whom have I in heaven but you?
I desire you more than anything on earth.
Psalm 73:25 NLT
Kim Safina
Central Coast California
Every tongue [will] confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. Philippians 2:11
You search the Scriptures because you think they give you eternal life. But the Scriptures point to me! (John 5:39, NLT)
Tuscaloosa AL
1 Thessalonians 5:6 So then, let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be awake and sober. NIV
“For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.”
Eph 2:10 NLT
Marcia B, Salem IN
Hope I can still submit-am really late!!:)
Proverbs 4:23 NIV
Above all else guard your heart for it is the wellspring of life.
Julie, Houston, TX “I will obey your decrees; do not utterly forsake me.” Psalm 119:8 (NIV).
Mary from Marshfield WI
“Lay yourself bare, face down to the ground, in humility before the LORD; and He will lift your head so you can stand tall.”
James 4:10 The Voice
Carla, Houston, Tx.
…make every effort to be found spotless, blameless and at peace with Him.
2 Pet. 3:14b (NIV)
Kinsey, Tulsa OK
“As a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord shows compassion to those who fear him. For he knows our frame; he remembers that we are dust.” Ps 103:13-14
Dori Cook
Spring Hill, TN
“But as for me, because of your great faithfulness I will enter your house; I will bow down toward your holy temple as I worship you.” Psalm 5:7 NET
Gail, Tyler,TX
It is good to give thanks to the LORD, And to sing praises to Your name, O Most High;
To declare Your lovingkindness in the morning, And Your faithfulness every night.
Psalm 92:1-2 NKJV
Michaela, Overland Park, KS
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which trancends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:6-7 (NIV)
Linda Francia , Mobile,AL
If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.
1 John 1:9
Annette, San Diego
Judges 6:14
“The Lord turned to him and said, ‘Go in the strength you have and save Israel out of Midian’s hand. Am I not sending you?'” (NIV)
Daphne, Baker City, OR
He will cover you with His feathers, and under His wings you will find refuge; His faithfulness will be your shield and rampart. Ps 91:4 (NIV)
Peg, Naperville, IL
“As the mountains surround Jerusalem, so the Lord surrounds his people both now an forevermore.” Psalm 125:2
(NIV)
Tanya, New Castle, IN
“I desire to do your will, O my God; your law is within my heart.” (NIV)
Marti, Libertyville, IL
“I desire to do your will, O my God; your law is within my heart Psalm 40:8 (NIV)
Holly Pratt, ks “Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people.” (Mark 1:17 NIV)
Dena K., Columbus, OH
“The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear the sound of it, but cannot tell where it comes from and where it goes. So is everyone who is born of the Spirit.” (John 3:8 NKJV)
Christie, Gray Court, SC
Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.
Col. 4:6, NIV
Candace
Colorado Springs
“Make me walk along the path of your commands, for that is where my happiness is found.”
Psalm 119:35
NLT
Melissa
Midlothian, va
” Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.”
Ephesians 4:2 NIV
Jennie F. from Long Creek, OR. “He gives strength to the weary, and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but 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: 29-31 NIV~
Where are the verses from the 19th? 🙂
Debbie, Folly Beach Psalm 4:3 HCSB Know that the Lord has set apart the faithful for himself; the Lord will hear when I call to him.
Scarlett Temple, Social Circle, Ga.
Isaiah 65:24 NIV,
“Before they call I will answer; while they are still speaking I will hear.”
Dora, Houston, Tx:
“My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart, my portion forever.”
–Psalm 73:26 (HCSB)
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) Thank you Lindsey. I have another verse but I really liked this one too so I am trying to memorize both. So with yourselves, since you are eager for manifestations of the Spirit, strive to excel in building up the church. 1 Corinthians 14:12 (ESV)Twyla McAmis, Cleveland, Tennessee.
Terri from Natchitoches, La.
For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. (Ephesians 2:10 NIV)
Erin, Bella Vista, Ar
A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.
Prov. 15:1 NIV
Paula, OKC, OK: “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
“For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given; and t he government will be upon His shoulder and His name shall be called WONDERFUL, COUNSELOR, ALMIGHTY GOD, EVERLASTING FATHER, PRINCE OF PEACE.” Isaiah 9:6 KJV…Martha, Van Buren, Arkansas
Romans 11:36 – “For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen.” ESV…Dusti from Van Buren, Arkansas
No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful. He will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.
1 Cor. 10:13 (NIV84)
Peggy – Bangor, Maine
“For my thoughts are not your thoughts,
neither are your ways my ways,”
declares the Lord. Isaiah 55:8 (NIV)
Cindy, Rochester, MN. Those who are far from You will perish; You destroy all who are unfaithful to You. But as for me, it is good to be near God. I have made the Sovereign LORD my refuge; I will tell of all Your deeds. Psalm 73:27-28 NIV84
Abby Kaufman
Vacaville CA
You are the God who performs miracles; you display your power among the peoples
Psalm 77:14,NIV
Lindsay, West Point, NE
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
Lisa W, Cypress, 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
Michelle, Livermore, CA
“Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ”
Philippians 3:8 ESV
You thrill me Lord with all You have done for me! I sing for joy because of what You have done.
Psalm 92:4 NLT
Olivia, Puyallup WA
Be still and wait for The Lord; fret not yourself over the one who prospers in his way, over the man who carries out evil devices.
Psalm 37:7, ESV
TWO VERSES because I forgot
Psalm 119:36 ESV “Incline my heart to your testimonies and not to selfish gain.”
Psalm 119:18 ESV “Open my eyes that I may behold wondrous things out of your law.”
Heather W, Nederland, TX
And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. (Colossians 3:14 NIV)
April
Pittsburgh, PA
Psalms 103:5
“Who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s”
Mary from Brookfield CT
But as for me, I watch in hope for the Lord, I wait for God my Savior; my God will hear me.
Micah 7:7
NIV
Annette from Richmond, Va
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:6-7