Saturday afternoon: It’s a sweep! 50 out of 50 states! And His banner over us is love.
Friday Evening: Sisters, one of our Siestas worked up some stats but didn’t request it to be listed because it might not be 100% accurate. She felt like it was pretty close though. Listen, if it’s even in the ball park, it’s great fun! Take a look at this:
Siestas Scripture Memory Team Stats:
States: 48 out of 50
Countries or Provinces: 9
Books of the Bible used: 50 out of 66
Verses used most often: Isaiah 33:6 and Zephaniah 3;17
Book of the Bible used most: The Psalms
Number of Bible translations used: 16
Number of Siestas wanting a Jesus-kind-of-year: At 5:42, 2452 and counting!
Is that cool or what? Thank you, Dear Siesta!
Friday noon update: You guys are doing fabulously! KEEP IT UP! We’re looking for just a couple of hundred more from folks who signed up but haven’t had a chance to enter their Scripture yet. Stick with it, Sweet Things! Follow through! I wanted to tell you how timely and wonderful and providential I think our God is. Early in the holidays something (not small) happened that hurt my feelings so badly I almost couldn’t get over it. (Actually, I didn’t get over it very well. Still feel sore today but at some point you’ve got to get a grip.) God knew I’d have to look at about a jillion Scriptures in order to moderate all these comments. You cannot imagine how much He used them (is still using them) to help me push the reset button on my brain. I wrote several of them down and spoke others of them over my own life. He’s so faithful. Nothing is accidental. Anyway, I love y’all and want you to know that my soul is so often fed and encouraged here.
January 1st, 12:04 AM:
UPDATE: Way to go, Siestas! It’s 8:00 AM on New Year’s Day and we are off to a great start! Wanted to answer a question I’ve seen several times. Yes, of course, you can still join us! Sign up on the original “Anybody Game?” post then comment here with your name, city and verse. All are welcome! If you’ll read both posts, you’ll know exactly what to do.
Happy New Year, Beloved Siestas! It’s going to be a JESUS-YEAR for every single one of us who really wants one. And I WANT ONE. NEED ONE.
OK, Ladies! Let’s start memorizing some Scripture! Here’s what you do today (and on the 15ths and 1sts of the months that will follow): You will put your name, your city, and your verse (with reference and translation abbreviation) in a comment to this post . Try to resist making any other comments so that we’ve got almost straight Scripture down the post. It will be a feast for our souls. It will also be fun to see if any of us chose the same verse.
I will always post the verse I’ve chosen in case some of you are having trouble figuring yours out. (You’ll find it below.) You are welcome to memorize the same one I or any other Siesta chooses. However, you still need to put your name, city, and the verse in a comment to this post. It’s a vital part of the accountability. Don’t feel silly or like you’ve copied. That’s what the Body of Christ is for! Many of the first Scriptures I memorized were those I heard other teachers or leaders recite and I knew I wanted those words for myself. It’s a normal part of discipleship so feel free!
Ladies, I’m going to take this privilege that you’ve given me seriously. The ENORMOUS response to the Scripture memory post conveys how much we know we need to get some Scripture in permanent marker on our brains (so pleasing to God!) and what an important factor accountability is. SO, consider me holding you accountable. If you signed up on that post (“Anybody Game?”), I want to see your John Hancock on here two times a month for the next year. And I mean it. LET’S DO THIS THING. NO DROP OUTS. NO QUITTERS. We can do this! And we get to do this together!
Over 2500 signed up and I’m going to estimate that probably 100 accidentally commented twice SO I want to see at least 2400 comments on each 1st and 15th Scripture memory post. Try to do it within the first 24 hours of the post both times each month so you will stick with it and take it seriously. I have learned along the way that when you start putting something off, the power to obey and prosper in it begins to drain and soon we lose our fervor. Resist thinking to yourself by the third or fourth month, “Well, I’m not going to take the time to sign in but I’ll still memorize the Scripture.” I can almost guarantee you (based on experience) that you will not memorize 24 Scriptures by the end of 2009 without sticking with the accountability part of putting your name down each time. SIGN IN TWICE EVERY MONTH! Even come AUGUST!
Along the way I’ll keep cheering you on and will give you some Scripture memory tips if you need them. I’ll be cheered on myself by your priceless participation in the commitment. I’m so serious when I tell you that I believe we’re getting a HUGE nod from God on this. I sense divine DELIGHT.
OK, my Scripture is one I stumbled on in the NET (New English Translation) some months ago and fell in love with but didn’t memorize right then. I want to do it now as I see so much instability and uncertainty swirling (so unnecessarily) around Christ’s people. The verse is also great in the NIV if you want to give it a look but I’m going to memorize it in this version. Here goes:
“He is your constant source of stability (IS THAT GREAT OR WHAT??); He abundantly provides safety and great wisdom; He gives all this to those who fear Him.” Isaiah 33:6 NET
That’s mine. OK, what about yours? Sign up, Sweet Ones! Keep in mind that it may take a while for you to see your comment show up. We choose to moderate every comment to every post in order to protect our LPM blog from trash. It takes a while to get through several thousand comments when we suddenly have a big response! My blog-brainchild, Amanda, will be flying home with her family all day so I won’t have her help. I’ll get the comments on there though, maybe slowly but surely! And I will treasure every single one and celebrate your impending victory.
Would you pray with me as we launch this year’s commitment?
Our Abba and our God, from cities and states all over this nation and from other parts of this globe, we band together as one beautifully diverse sisterhood to offer You the praise You are so worthy to receive. We thank You for how You have taught us, sustained us, comforted us and even disciplined over the course of the last year and now we entrust every bit of it to You. Redeem what still hurts. Mend what remains broken. Heal what is still sick. We give what is behind us over to You but now we cast a deliberate gaze toward our future. We need You. We want You. We ask You for a pure, unadulterated JESUS-YEAR. We want to have one badly enough to make a joint commitment to hide Your Word in our hearts, to let it renew our brains, and become a Sword in our hands.
We commit this day to memorize or voraciously meditate on 24 Scriptures in 2009. Lord, we know from past experience that You alone can give us the unction to keep a single profound commitment for longer than ten minutes. We believe, however, based on Your Word, that You are the Initiator of all things faith (Hebrews 12:2) and that what You call us to do, You also empower us to do (Hebrews 10:23). We receive from You this day the anointing to memorize Your Word. We invite it to abide in us and bear much fruit. We ask You to make it powerful and healing to us. Transforming and beautifying. Bring forth a one-hundred fold harvest from every Scripture You sow into our spirits and cause us to be mightier in our battles than we’ve ever been in our lives. Start a fire in us that cannot be quenched even by death.
Lord, oddly as I type this prayer to You, it is approaching midnight on January 1st and all sorts of fireworks are going off right around my house as my dear neighbors celebrate the dawn of a New Year. I can see the lights out my breakfast room window and feel the whistles and booms of every bottle rocket all the way down in my chest. I won’t lie. It’s thrilling. But I hope something far more exhilarating is happening in the heavenlies. I pray that some mighty spiritual fireworks are going on over the houses of every single one of these women who love You and seek so desperately to please You…and many under very difficult circumstances. I sense Your own celebration. Your own anticipation. Because as unfathomable as this thought is to each of us, while we want a Jesus-year, You want an us-year. We are looking forward to You. And You, our Lord and our God, are looking forward to us. Mind blowing. We are so relieved that You think more of us than we think of ourselves. Help us to think more like You.
We love You so much, Lord. We want to love You so much more. More love to Thee, O God. More light to see Thee, Lord. Make Your Son the dearest thing in all of life to us this year. And every other thing of true value will be added to us. (Matthew 6:33)
In Jesus’ Saving, Miracle-working, Delivering Name,
Amen.
Tags: Scripture Memory
Beverly
Brenham, TX
Delight yourself in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart.
Psalm 37:4 NAS
"He is your constant source of stability; He abundantly provides safety and great wisdom; He gives all this to those who fear Him." Isaiah 33:6 NET
Mandy
Waco, TX
first verse Ps 27:8 NAS When he said, "Seek my face", my heart said to him, "Your face, O Lord, I shall seek."
James 1:19
Ny dear brothers, take note of this. Everyone shoudl be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to learn.
Been at this for awhile just didn't add them all to the blog.
Trudi Tedrick
Lynchburg, OH
Catherine
Bethlehem PA
My first memory versus is Psalm 37:4 delight yourself in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart.
Philippians 1:1 NASB
Paul and Timothy, bondservants of Christ Jess who are in Philippi, including the overseers and deacons.
Becky
Indianapolis, IN
Janice H.
Summerville, SC
"For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope." Romans 15:4 (NIV)
I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.
Psalm 119:11
Wendy, Rome, GA
heather in austin, tx
Psa. 34.4 NLT
I prayed to the LORD, and he answered me, freeing me from all my fears.
Debbie George
Marion, IN
NIV Job 23:10
But He knows the way that I take; when He has tested me, I will come forth as gold.
Linda Lou from Dacula
Hebrews 4:16 NIV
Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.
In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
1 Thessalonians 5:18 (NKJV)
Valerie
Fultondale, AL
Kristi Parks
Eugene OR
"He is your constant source of stability He abundantly provides safety and great wisdom; He gives all this to those who fear Him." Isaiah 33:6 NET
Caressa Hall
Arlington Texas
Psalm 46:1
"God is our refuge and strength, an ever present hlep in times of trouble."
Robin Sutherlin
Katy, TX
Isaiah 48:17 NIV
This is what the Lord says your redeemer, the holy one of Israel. "I am the Lord your God, who teaches you what is best for you, who directs you in the way you should go.
Robin Suthelrin
Katy, TX
"For I know the plans I have for you." declares the Lord, "Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."
Tonya, Searcy, AR
Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.
Eph. 4:32 NIV
I could not locate where I posted my first scripture verse so I'll post now. It is Philippians 4:13 (NIV)
I can do everything through him who gives me strength.
Cindy Gandy
Hazlehurst, MS
"The Lord reigns,
let the earth be glad;
Let the distant shores rejoice.
Clouds and thick darkness surround
Him;
Righteousness and justice
are the foundations of His throne.
Fire goes before Him
and consumes His foes on every
side.
His lightening lights up the world;
the earth sees and trembles.
Mountains melt like wax
before the Lord,
before the Lord of all the earth.
The heavens proclaim His
righteousness,
and all peoples will see His
glory."
Ps 97:1-6 NIV
Christine K.
Eugene, OR
"Praise the Lord, O my soul;
All my inmost being,
praise His holy name.
Praise the Lord, O my soul,
and forget not all His benefits-
who forgives all your sins,
and heals all your diseases,
who redeems your life
from the pit
and crowns you with love
and compassion,
who satisfies your desires
with good things,
so that your youth is renewed
like the eagles."
Ps 103:1-5
Christine K.
Eugene, OR
Heather F
Beaumont, TX
"Don't worry about anything instead pray about everything. Tell God what you need and thank him for all he has done!" Phil 4:6 NIV
"O Lord, you have searched me and you know me. You know when I sit and when I rise; you have perceived my thoughts from afar off." Psalms 139:1-2
Sandy P
Eugene, OR
"The LORD your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing." Zephaniah 3:17
Michelle P
McAllen, TX
NIV
Psalm 34:5
Those who look to him are radiant; their faces are never covered with shame.
Cortni B.
Watauga, TX
Deut 7:9 NIV
Know therefore that the LORD your God is God; he is the faithful God, keeping his covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who love him and keep his commands.
Kara
Marietta, PA
Hebrews 10:23
Without wavering, let us hold tightly to the hope we say we have for God can be trusted to keep his promise.
Psalms 103:1-2 NKJV
" Praise the Lord oh my soul, all my inmost being praise His Holy name. Praise the Lord oh my soul, and forget not all His benefits."
Denise Wilkin
Deming, New Mexico
If we confess our sins He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. Jn 1:9
I can do all things through Christ who strenghtens me. Phil 3:14
Jesus Christ the same yesterday, today and forever. Heb 13:8
Jesus said, "I am the way, the truth and the light. No man comes to the Father except by me." Jn 14:6
The Lord is my shepherd I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul and leads me in paths of righteousness for His names sake. Ps 23:1-3
(8) I will lie down and sleep in peace for you alone o Lord make me dwell in safety. Ps 4:8
Give thanks to the Lord for He is good. His love endures forever.
Ps 118:1
In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. Gen 1:1
A soft answer turns away wrath. But greivious words stir up anger. Prov 15:1
Do not grow weary in well doing. II Thes 3:13
The thief comes to kill, steal and destroy. I have come that they may have life and have it abundantly. Jn 10:10
Let not your hearts be troubled. You believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father's house are many mansions. If it were not true would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go to prepare a place for you, I will come again and take you with me so that where I am you may be also. Jn 14:1-3
The fruit of the spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self control against such there is no law. Gal 5:22&23
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God and the Word was God. Jn 1:1
Therefore there is no comdenation to those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and death.
Rms 8:1&2
What then shall we say? If God is for us who can be against us?
Rms 8:31
"Rejoice in the Lord always and again I say rejoice."Phil. 4:4(NKJV)
If we confess our sins He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. Jn 1:9
Rebecca H.
Malvern, PA
Here I am trying to make up verses so that I can go to the celebration. I started entering posts in July so here I am – with the Lord – making up the balance with verses I am learning for my Bible study – Me, Myself, and Lies.
If I don't get to go, I still have the trasure of these words in my heart – and mind.
1 Cor 10:5 NASB
We are destroying speculations
and every lofty thing
raised up against the knowlege of God
and we are taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ.
Julie
Boone NC
Amanda in Katy
John 17:1
After Jesus said this, he looked toward heaven and prayed: "Father, the time has. Glorify your Son, that your Don may glorify you.
I've been working on memorizing this whole chapter but didn't know if I could do it, thus I didn't post til now.
5 If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking. James 1:5 NLV
Belinda Kendall
Olathe, KS
NLT
Psalm 55:22
"Give your worries to the Lord and he will take care of you. He will never let good people down."
I have started with the idea that Beth gave in the living proof from Green Bay about doing A,B,C scriptures & started this with my small group of high school girls. They have done great too. So my first one is…"All have sinned & fallen short of the glory of God" Rom 3:23
Irene
Crawford, NE
Psalms 1:1-2
1Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers.
2But he delights in the law of the Lord; and meditated on it day and night.
Julie
Boone NC
Dt 33:12 NIV
Let the beloved of the Lord
rest secure in Him
for He shields her all day long
and the one the Lord loves
rests between His shoulders.
Michelia, Spring, Tx "So let's do it–full of belief, confident that we're presentable inside and out. Let's keep a firm grip on the promises that keep us going. He always keeps HIS word. Let's see how inventive we can be in encouraging love and helping out, not avoiding worshipping together sas some do but spurring each other on, especially as we see the big Day approaching." Hebrews 10:24-25 (Message)
He was fully convinced that God is able to do whatever he promises. Romans 4:21 NLT
Kim
Lititz, PA
James 4:8 NIV
Come neart to God and He will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners and purify your hearts, you double-minded.
Let your conversations be full of grace,seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.
Colossians 4:6 NIV
Tammi G
Florence, SC
Hebrews 10:39
Cedar Creek, TX
Annie R.
McComb, Mississippi
NIV
Jeremiah 29:11
For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
"He is your constant source of stability; He abundantly provides safety and great wisdom; He gives all this to those who fear Him." Isaiah 33:6 NET
Marie
Harrison, AR
Psalm 143:8
NIV
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 lift up my soul.
Beth
San Francisco, CA
Psalm 143:8
NIV
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 lift up my soul.
Beth
San Francisco, CA
MATTHEW 6:33 "Seek ye first the kingdom of God and His righteousness,and all these things shall be added unto you." KJV
Karen
Blairsville,Ga.
Sorry I just found this tonight on the website and thought you were all learning the same Scriptures…Gods Peace
MATTHEW 6:33 "Seek ye first the kingdom of God and His righteousness,and all these things shall be added unto you." KJV
Karen
Blairsville,Ga.
Sorry I just found this tonight on the website and thought you were all learning the same Scriptures…Gods Peace
Ashley V
Denton, Tx
Isaiah 33:6
Ashley V
Denton, Tx
Isaiah 33:6