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
Betty Clark, Ann Arbor, MI “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we reap a harvest if we do not give up.” Galatians 6:9 NIV
Shelly Hough
Gordon, Texas
Jeremiah 31:3
I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore I have continued My faithfulness to you.
ESV
Tesa
Perry, GA
Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life.
Proverbs 4:23
Brandy from Raceland, LA
A man of knowledge uses words with restraint, and a man of understanding is even-tempered. Prov. 17:27 NIV
Penny, Cincinnati. Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Ephesians 6:10-12 NIV
Amy – Fort Polk, LA
Do not remember the rebellious sins of my youth. Remember me in the light of your unfailing love, for you are merciful, O Lord. Psalm 25:7 NLT
Kristin, Searcy. 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)
Lisa Rose – Moyock, NC
Many waters cannot quench love, rivers cannot carry it away.
Song of Solomon 8:7
Rivers can’t carry away God’s love for me and mine!!!
Amy G.- clovis ca
Rom 8:7 NLT
For the sinful nature is always hostile to God. It never did obey Gods laws and it never will.
Romans 8:28
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.
Jenn, Frederick CO
Jennifer from San Antonio, TX
Train up a child in the way he should go,
Even when he is old he will not depart from it.
Proverbs 22:6 (NAS)
Matthew 6:8
New International Version (NIV)
8 Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.
Donna from Tampa 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
Leslie
Milton, GA
Psalm 107:20 NIV
He sent out his word and healed them;
he rescued them from the grave.
Andrea Dublin, OH
Colossians 3:15 Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. NIV
Kristi, from Campbellsville, Kentucky
“If I say, ‘I will not mention Him, or speak anymore in His name,’ there is in my heart as it were a burning fire shut up in my bones, and I am weary with holding it in, and I cannot.”
Jeremiah 20:9 ESV
Sue, Standish, ME
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, Dumas
Answer me when I call, O God of my righteousness!
You have relieved me in my distress;
Be gracious to me and hear my prayer.
Psalm 4:1, NASB
Toma, Antelope, CA
“Pray also for me, that whenever I open my mouth, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel”
Ephesians 6:19 NIV
“But as for me, I watch in hope for the Lord, I wait for my Savior; my God will hear me.” Micah 7:7 (NIV)
Michael Ann from Irvine, CA
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
April, Lake Charles, LA
‘Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.”
~ Matt. 11:29 (NASB)
Is. 12:4-6 NAS
And in that day you will say, “Give thanks to the Lord, call on His name, make known His deeds among the people; make them remember that His name is exalted.” Praise the Lord in song, for He has done excellent things; let this be know throughout the earth. Cry aloud and shout for joy, O inhabitant of Zion, for great in your midst is the Holy One of Israel.
“and although you were formerly alienated and hostile in mind, engaged in evil deeds…” Colossians 1:21 NASB
Elizabeth, Easley, SC- “These will make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb will overcome them, for He is Lord of lords and King of kings; and those who are with Him are called, chosen, and faithful.” Revelation 17:14 NKJV
Therefore, since we have been declared righteous by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Romans 5:1 HCSB
Avis from Lone Star, Texas
“But as for me, I will watch expectantly for the LORD;
I will wait for the God of my salvation.
My God will hear me.”
Micah 7:7
Shaunna Sturgeon, New Strawn, KS
“So whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, for him it is sin.” James 4:17 (ESV)
Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer. Psallm 19:14 ESV
Kelly Collett, Buckhannon, WV
Psalm 120:1 NIV
I call on the Lord in my distress, and he answers me.
Ann
Ft. Lauderdale, FL
“Better is a little with the fear of the LORD, than great wealth with turmoil.” Proverbs 15:16 NET
Laurie. Marietta GA. “My aim is to know Him, to experience the power of His resurrection, to share in His sufferings, and to be like Him in His death. ”
Philippians 3:10 Net
Jodi – Humble, TX “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.” Romans 8:28 NKJV
Niki Carroll, Shelby, NC: “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body, you were called to peace. And be thankful.” Colossians 3:15 (NIV)
Monica, Abbotsford, BC
Eph 1:17-19a NIV
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. I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which He has called you, the riches of His glorious inheritance in His holy people and His incomparably great power for us who believe.
The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. Psalm 34:18
Sonya
Aurora Colorado
“I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves.”
Matthew 10:16 (niv)
“For nothin will be impossible with God.”
Luke 1:37 NIV
Elaine, Nampa, ID
Proverbs 5:21 (NASB)
For the ways of a man are before the Lord, And He watches all his paths.
Keep yourselfs in God’slove as you wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you to eterna life. Jude 1:21 NIV
Renee from Rural Hall, NC: “Return to your rest, my soul, for the LORD has been good to you.” Psalm 116:7(NIV)
Psalm 103:15-16 NAS
15 As for man, his days are like grass;
As a flower of the field, so he flourishes,
16 When the wind has passed over it, it is no more,
And its place acknowledges it no longer.
Amanda Patton, Leawood, KS,
“If I say,” My foot slips,” Your mercy, O Lord, will hold me up. In the multitude of my anxieties within me, your comfort delights my soul.”
Psalm 94: 18-19
NKJV
Kylie, Wichita, KS
Proverbs 31:25-27 (NIV)
She is clothed with strength and dignity;
she can laugh at the days to come.
She speaks with wisdom,
and faithful instruction is on her tongue.
She watches over the affairs of her household
and does not eat the bread of idleness.
Alaina // Tyler, TX
Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect..
NIV 1 Peter 3:15
Gwen King, Waynesboro, MS – 2 Peter 3:9(NIV)- The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.
Finally be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Eph 6:10-12 NIV
“Brothers, I do not consider myself to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and reaching forward to what is ahead. Phillippians 3:13 (HCSB)
Indiana
“I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress, my God in whom I trust.”
Psalm 91:2 NIV
God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Psalm 46:1 NIV Michele O. Raleigh NC