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
Diana from Broken Arrow 1 Corinthians 10:31 NLT “So whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.”
Diana from Broken Arrow 2 Timothy 3:16-17 NLT “All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work.”
Whoops! That’s what happens when you get behind. This was supposed to go on the verse 11 post, but since I already posted a different one for verse 11, I’ll use this one for verse 12. Sorry about that.
Diana in Arcadia, WI
My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, for man’s anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires.
James 1:19-20 NIV
Deuteronomy 6:6-7 NIV
These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.
Janie, Sarah and Anna Phillips
Bartlesville, OK
Matthew 28:6 NIV
He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay.
Lindsey Johnson
san Antonio, TX
Deuteronomy 6:6-7 NIV
These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.
Joshua 1:9, 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.” NIV
Glenda – Tieton WA
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.
Phil 3:8 NLT
Philippians 2:14&15
Do all things without grumbling or questioning that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God, without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world. ESV
Olivia, West Sussex, UK “Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you will also appear with Him in glory”. Colossians 3 v 2-4
NIV version – sorry!
Cindy
Virginia Beach, VA
“So is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.”
Isaiah 55:11 NIV
Christi-Clinton, UT- “I will seek what was lost and bring back what was driven away, bind up the broken and strengthen what was sick.” Ezekiel 34:16
Thank You, Abba!!! How wonderful You are!!!
Amy Storms
Santa Clarita, CA
Does God give you his Spirit and work miracles among you because you observe the law, or because you believe what you heard? Consider Abraham: “He believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness.”
Galatians 3:5-6, NIV
Teri, Aledo, TX
Let us know, let us pursue the knowledge of The Lord. His going forth is established as the morning; He will come to us like the rain
Hosea 6:3 NKJV
Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.
Hebrews 13:8 NIV
Dana
Bperne, TX
Rena, Tulsa. “Now all discipline seems painful at the time, not joyful. But later it produces the fruit of peace and righteousness for those trained by it.” -Hebrews 12:11 NET
Kimberly from Amarillo, TX
“The thoughts of the wicked are an abomination to the LORD, but gracious words are pure.” Proverbs 15:26 ESV
Perris, California
” Just as I saw Ephraim like Tyre, planted in a pleasant place, so Ephraim will bring out his children to the murderer.”
Hosea 9:13 (NKJV)
Esme Brown, Memphis, TN
My soul finds rest in God alone; my salvation comes from Him. He alone is my rock and my salvation; He is my fortress, I will never be shaken.
Psalm 62:5-6
(Psalms 62:1-2 NIV84)
Tiffany–Lancaster, PA
“Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others.”
Colossians 3:13 NLT
Lori
Bangor, Maine
For since the world began, no ear has heard and no eye has seen a God like you, who works for those who wait for Him!
Isaiah 64:4 (NLT)
Lydia, Nampa, ID-
“But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.” James 3:17 (NIV84)
Jinga, West Palm Beach
Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:18 NIV
Shannon Wilkinson
Blacksburg, VA
Taste and see that the Lord is good. How happy is the man who takes refuge in Him! Psalm 34:8 HCSB
Sharon Modesto,ca
I cor. 14:12 esv
So with yourselves, since you are eager for manifestations of the Spirit, strive to EXCEL in building up the church.
Rachel, Dallas
For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.
Galatians 5:1, ESV
Laura, Vernon, BC Canada
True to your word, you let me catch my breath and send me in the right direction. Psalm 23:3 MSG
Becky, Highland Village, Tx “You crown the year with a bountiful harvest, even the hard pathways overflow with abundance.” Psalms 65:11 New Living Translation
Do not be anxious about anything but in everything by prayer and petition with thanksgiving present your requests to God. Philippians 4:6
Joni
Clarinda, IA
No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, that you may be able to endure it. 1 Cor. 10:13
Sarah Phillips
Wilmington, DE
“So be truly glad. There is wonderful joy ahead, even though you have to endure many trials for a little while.” – 1 Peter 1:6 NLT
Jenny, Fishers, IN
Keep your eyes open, hold tight to your convictions, give it all you’ve got, be resolute, and love without stopping. 1 Corinthians 16:13-14 (MSG)
Cindy, Beaumont TX: Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (NKJV)
Kristi, Scottsdale, AZ
I prayed for this child, and the Lord has granted me what I asked of him. (1 Samuel 1:27 NIV)
Melody, Cleburne, TX
“May your unfailing love be my comfort; according to your promise to your servant.” Psalm 119:76 NIV
That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, I am strong. 2 Corinthians 12:10 NIV
Megan, Eldridge Iowa. Luke 6:46 “Why do you call me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and not do what I tell you? Luke 6:46 ESV
Santa Rosa Beach, FL
” The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom: a good understanding have all they that do his commandments: his praise endureth forever.”
Psalm 111:10 KJV
Dawn Ozark, MO
Patient endurance is what you need now, so that you will continue to do God’s will. Then you will receive all that he has promised. Hebrews 10:36 NLT
Laura, Baton Rouge, LA
Be at rest once more, O my soul, for the Lord has been good to you. Psalm 116:7 NIV
Deb, Lansdale, PA
“Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen: to loose the chains of injustice and untie the chords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and break every yoke?”
Isaiah 58:6 NIV
Kelei Liggett. Iowa Park. Isaiah 55:8 NIV
“For my thoughs are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, “declares the Lord.
Ephesians 1:12
In order that we who were the first to hope in Christ, might be for the praise of His glory.
Matia, Fort Worth, TX
“He shall receive blessing from the Lord, and righteousness from the God of his salvation. The is Jacob, the generation of those who seek Him, who seek Your face.” Psalm 24:5-6 NKJV
Traci from chandler arizona
Proverbs 21:21
Whoever pursues righteousness and unfailing love will find life, righteousness and honor.
(NLT)
St. Catharines Ontario CANADA
Romans 12:11-12
Never be lazy, but work hard and serve the LORD enthusiastically. Rejoice in our confident hope. be patient in trouble, and keep on praying.
Tracy, Medicine Lodge, Ks
Isaiah 41:10 NLT
Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.
Kirsten H in Schaumburg IL
Acts 2:28 NIV
“You have made known to me the paths of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence.”
Charlotte, Houston “As for me, I vow that I will not sin again the LORD by ceasing to pray for you. I will teach you the good and right way.” 1 Samuel 12:23 (HCSB)