Finally!!!!!!!!
Are you ready, Sisters? Do you hear me cheering?? I have never been more excited about doing this.
I am on the verge of doing about 10 backward flips on my hardwoods. I said on the verge. Not quite doing it. Well, I’m doing it in my heart. That counts for a lot around here.
SO LET’S DO THIS THING! Now, promise me this! Promise me you will read this entire post before you leave a single comment. I know you’re about to burst and I am, too, and, for that reason, I’ll keep it as short as possible. It’s so important that we get our ground rules firmly established so that we’ll have a fabulous experience. Remember, hundreds of our participants this time around are brand new so let’s make sure everybody’s on the same page.
A few things you absolutely MUST KNOW:
*Your comment to this post is your official registration onto the team. Everybody starts at Verse 1 no matter when they begin the process. (Word gets around and we often still have people joining in with us even in March and April. We don’t mind how late they begin as long as they can catch up, memorize their verses, and document each one of them on the proper post as an official participant.) This launch post will remain right here in this January 1st 2013 slot all year long and each new person will need to make her first entry here. This is how we track who signed up when we get to the end of the year and it’s party time.
*Your comment must be strictly limited to the following 5 pieces of information: name, city, verse, reference, translation. I’ll say it slower now for those brand new to the process:
Your name (or first name if you prefer), city. Your verse for that two-week period written all the way out, the reference for it (where it is found in the Bible: Book, chapter, verse) AND the *translation you’ve taken it from.
(*For instance, is the Bible you’ve pulled the passage from a KJV, an NAS, HCSB, NIV or NLT? Or is it The NET Bible, The Message or another similar version? The translation almost always appears on the outside spine of a Bible. If not, you will find it on the first few pages. If you’re looking on line, you’ll get an option to choose a translation. Do so as it speaks most clearly to you. We aren’t fussing over translations here in our memory work. You also do not need to stick with one version throughout.)
Just those 5 pieces of information! They will comprise every comment to this post. And the moment you start scrolling through all of them, you’ll see why. Page after page after page after page of Scripture and each one telling a reader exactly where to find it. It is the most powerful sight to behold. This invites people who are not participating in the memory work to reap tremendous benefits by just reading the comments and taking strength from verses they may not have known existed. This way it has the potential to bless our whole community or any weary visitor to our blog. I’ve been in crises before and gotten on the comment pages and scrolled from Scripture to Scripture and practically wept with relief and fresh courage or revelation. That’s why it’s best to keep the SSMT comments as succinct as possible. If you’ve got an exclamation in you that you just can’t hold back, you can occasionally make the briefest comment like, “I really need this one!” or “I’m sharing so-and-so’s verse” but, please, no more than that.
Comments other than the verse-entries on the 1st and 15th of each month can’t be approved. I’m so sorry and I hope you’ll understand. Thousands of us will be doing this together so the moderation process is monumental from the administrative side. The verses will be all Lindsee and I can handle in the comments for our two SSMT days per month. Keep in mind: NONE OF THESE INSTRUCTIONS PERTAIN TO THE OTHER BLOG POSTS HERE AT LPM. We will be completely free to do our regular thing on all other posts! The really stringent rules are only for the 1st and 15th of each month in 2013 and in reference to Siesta Scripture Memory Team. I hope that makes sense!
*Your comment may take 24 hours to get moderated (or posted if you’re new to the blog process) and sometimes a bit longer if it falls over a weekend. We try our hardest to stay up with it but on those days when 500+ come in at once, it’s quite a task! But we love it! It just requires a little patience on all sides! Before you assume that your entry somehow vanished and you’re tempted to write it again, give it one full day and see if it shows up. Keep track of what time you posted it and double check the comments around that same time. The accidental repeats make it much harder to track participation through the course of the year so always double check. If you don’t find it a day later, by all means, post it again!
*Remember that you get to choose your own verse! That’s really important! The ease with which you can memorize a verse is greatly impacted by how much it means to you. The more you need it or want it, the more you’ll absorb it. If you come up dry at times, no problem! You can either share my verse or another in the comment line that really speaks to you.
*PRAY that God will bless you in this endeavor and will enable you to memorize His Word! Ask continually throughout the entire year! When I get stuck and frustrated that I can’t get my words in order, if I’ll stop what I’m doing and ask God to supernaturally infuse me and help me to concentrate, you would not believe how quickly a breakthrough will come.
Are you about to stuff a sock in my mouth?? I’m about 2 seconds from stuffing one in my own mouth. Melissa gave me two new pair of boot socks for Christmas so at least I have fresh choices.
All right, already! Here goes mine! In honor of our process ahead and how willing the Holy Spirit is to help us…
Beth from Houston Texas, But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. John 14:26 NIV84
Here’s one more alternative if you’ve never memorized it for a new year! I just love it for January 1st:
You crown the year with Your bounty, and Your carts overflow with abundance. Psalm 65:11 NIV
May God’s grace abound to you, Sweet Thing. WELCOME! We have such a fabulous challenge ahead of us. GOD, GRANT US YOUR GOOD FAVOR!
So…what are you waiting for??? SIGN IN WITH VERSE ONE!
PS. I thought you guys might find it a bit amusing that I brought in the first 300 comments in the CAR on the way to the airport to catch my Atlanta flight for Passion 2013. Laughing. You keep your blog mama busy. I love you so!
Tags: Scripture Memory 2013
Paula K
Muskegon, Michigan
My son, if you accept my words and store up my commands within you, turning your ear to wisdom and applying your heart to understanding, and if you call out for insight and cry aloud for understanding, and if you look for it as for silver and search for it as for hidden treasure, then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God.
Proverbs 2:1-5 NIV
Amanda from Calgary, Alberta, Canada
“So give your servant a discerning mind so he can make judicial decisions for your people and distinguish right from wrong. Otherwise no one is able to make judicial decisions for this great nation of yours.”
1 Kings 3:9 NET
Alison, Overland Park, KS “And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.” Hebrews 11:6 (NIV)
Kathleen – Trinity
Psalms 119 (NIV)
111Â Your statutes are my heritage forever;
    they are the joy of my heart.
112Â My heart is set on keeping your decrees
    to the very end.
Rachel Wanzer, Owasso, OK
“For God did not give us a spirit of timidity (of cowardice, of craven and cringing and fawning fear), but [He has given us a spirit] of power and of love and of calm and well-balanced mind and discipline and self-control.”
2 Timothy 1:7 (Amplified Bible)
Jana from Ft. Gibson, Oklahoma. “I will lead the blind by ways they have not known, along unfamiliar paths I will guide them; I will turn the darkness into light before them and make the rough places smooth. These are the things I will do; I will not forsake them ” Isaiah 42:16 (NIV 95)
Jennifer
West Hartford, Connecticut
Psalm 18:2
NLT
“The Lord is my rock, my fortress, and my savior; my God is my rock, in whom I find protection. He is my shield, the power that saves me, and my place of safety.”
Martha from Van Buren, Arkansas…”For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.” Ephesians 2:10, ESV
Beth Mince, Fort Payne, AL
David said about him: â âI saw the Lord always before me. Because he is at my right hand, I will not be shaken. (Acts 2:25 NIV)
Jessica Powell, San Antonio TX
“Do not conform any longer 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)
Tracy -Waterloo, Ontario. May God be gracious to us and bless us and make his face to shine upon us, that your way may be known upon earth, your saving power among all nations. Ps. 67 vs. 1&2. NRSV
Carla – Oviedo, FL
Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God. Psalms 20:7, NIV
Lisa McGriff, Abbeville, Alabama
“Be still, and know that I am God!
I will be honored by every nation,
I will be honored throughout the world.”
Psalms 46:10 (NLT)
Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged.
1 Corinthians 13:4-5 (NLT)
Julie Brierley, Carlsbad, CA
“When I am afraid, I will trust in You.”
Psalm 56:3 NIV
Jenn from Lakeland: “If you claim to be religious but can’t control your tongue, you are rolling yourself and your religion is is worthless. Pure and genuine religion in the sight of God the Father means caring for orphans and widows in their distress and refusing to let the world corrupt you.” James 1:26,27 (NLT)
Barbara B., Camarillo, CA
“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.” Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV)
Phyllis Charlotte, NC: But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. John 14:26 NIV84
Isaiah 41:10 (NIV)
So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
Kaci; Moultrie, GA
âTrust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your own understanding; think about Him in all your ways, and He will guide you on the right paths.â
Proverbs 3:5-6 HCSB
Angela Martin, Oklahoma City. “Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of it’s own.” Matthew 6:34 NIV
My translation is that I need to stop stressing so much about the future and focus on the here and now. Especially when it comes to my husband and my children. I need to live in the moment.
But he said to me, âMy grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.â Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
ESV
Tiffany
Muskogee, OK
Bring all the tithes into the storehouse so there will be enough food in my Temple. If you do,â says the L ord of Heavenâs Armies, âI will open the windows of heaven for you. I will pour out a blessing so great you wonât have enough room to take it in! Try it! Put me to the test! (Malachi 3:10 NLT)
Becky from Stromsburg, NE
“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.”
NIV
Cheryl Walters, Sherrills Ford, NC
“Listen carefully to my words. Don’t lose sight of them. Let them penetrate deep into your heart; for they bring life to those who find them, and health to their whole body.” Proverbs 4:20b-22 (NLT)
Leigh from Woodway, TX
“How sweet are your words to my taste,
sweeter than honey to my mouth.”
Psalm 119:103 (NIV)
Kimberly, Fresno, CA
“And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christâto the glory and praise of God.” Philippians 1:9-11 NIV
Eustis, Florida,
Jeremiah 29:11 NIV: For I know the plans I have for you,â declares the Lord, âplans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, but whoever hates correction is stupid. Proverbs 12: 1 NIV
Tracey, Encinitas, CA
Debbie, Calgary Alberta. Canada
Debbie, Calgary Alberta, Canada
â[Debbie]⊠guard what has been entrusted to your care. Turn away from godless chatter and the opposing ideas of what is falsely called knowledge.â 1 Timothy 6:20 (NIV84)
He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.â Micah 6:8 NIV
Grace, Topeka, KS
“8 To me, the very least of all saints, this grace was given, to preach to the Gentiles the unfathomable riches of Christ, 9 and to bring to light what is the administration of the mystery which for ages has been hidden in God who created all things; 10 so that the manifold wisdom of God might now be made known through the church to the rulers and the authorities in the heavenly places.”
Ephesians 3:8-10 (NASB)
Martha Sheppard, Grass Valley, CA. He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.â Micah 6:8 NIV
Kelly
Leesville
But seek (aim at and strive after) first of all His kingdom and His righteousness (His way of doing and being right), and then all these things taken together will be given you besides.
Matthew 6:33 AMP
My first verse is Psalm 30:11712
Candace, Nashville, TN
2 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 Godâs will isâhis good, pleasing and perfect will.
Romans 12:2 (NIV)
Janet from San Diego, CA
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. Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness.
James 3:17-18 NIV84
Kim from McKinney, TX
And he who was seated on the throne said, âBehold, I am making all things new.â Also he said, âWrite this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.â
Revelation 21:5 (ESV)
Charlene Edwards, Gadsden, AL
Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever. Hebrews 13:8 NIV
Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus.
Philippians 2:5 NIV
Jennifer, Colorado Springs, CO -Psalm 139:23-24 NIV “Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.”
Amy from Bham AL
As a prisoner for The Lord, then I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.
Eph 4:1&2 NIV
Emily from Abilene,Texas
“Look to The Lord and His strength; seek His face always” NIV Psalm 105:4
Katie
Decatur, IL
Psalm 56:3 NIV – “When I am afraid, I will trust in you.”
Kathy Cupit Hazlehurst, Ms
Hebrews 11:6 NIV
And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.
Mollie Giddens from Auburn, Alabama
For what we preach is not ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus’ sake.
2 Corinthians 4:5 NIV
Patricia, Brockville,
1 Cor 10:13 – No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you 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.
NIV
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.”
Joshua 1:9
NIV
Because of the Lordâs great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning, great is your faithfulness. Lamentations 3:22-23NIV84
Heather, Sumter, SC
Psalm 126:3 KJV
The Lord hath done great things for us; whereof we are glad.
Passover at Passion was beautiful!