Hey Y’all!
Before I fool anyone, each of you should know that this is Lindsee posing as Beth for this particular SSMT post. She and her girls on a little girl’s getaway that is much deserved. So when she mentioned that she might not be able to work this post out, I told her not to even think of it and enjoy her time away!
Side note: She was telling me yesterday she’s not sure when her last actual vacation was because our siesta mama has spent the last two scheduled vacations either being Bibby for a week (her grandma name), or writing for a week! So! Needless to say, this girl’s getaway is earned and joyfully welcomed! We blessed them as they walked out the doors yesterday and promised them they didn’t need to worry about one detail here. She also assured me she’d hopefully have some fun pictures for you guys when she gets back!
SSMT is a big detail. So here I am. I realize that was a much more detailed description as to why I’m taking over SSMT this time than you probably cared to know, but now it’s in official wording and I’m leaving it.
Beth gave me the option to share my verse with you guys along with the one she’s memorizing this go around, so I decided to take her up on that. The more the merrier, right?
My verse is actually probably very familiar to y’all, but it hit me fresh a couple of weeks ago and knew it needed to be put into my memory for good. It’s one of those verses I know, and I could quote it, but not verbatim and I really wanted to be intentional with it this go around, especially since I really mixed up the version I’m memorizing it in this time which really makes it pop in my mind.
“Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right, persevering, and steadfast spirit within me.” Psalm 51:10 (Amplified)
This I know to be so true, I need Jesus. And I need Him to steady my heart, because He alone can do that. Want to hear some synonyms of steadfast? Steady, firm, stable, constant, staunch, and immovable. Each of these descriptions are things I want to be said and true of me. I think it’s so fitting that persevering and steadfast follow each other because it’s in my persevering that He makes my spirit steadfast, but I tend to get really distracted and unsteady pretty quick. Which I guess is why we’re told to persevere in the first place. Maybe it’s just me, but so many times I allow my circumstances to determine my steadfastness. When things are going good (translation: the way I want them too), persevering comes easy, as well as a firm and steady devotion to the Lord, but it’s when the going gets tough, that the tough get going. That’s when it’s time to wrestle that hard thing out with Him. For me, an example that comes to mind is singleness. Some days I love the freedom it brings, while other days I’m wrestling my way through this season. Very quickly I can go from steadfast to discouraged. Steadfast to lazy. Steadfast to frustrated. I want so badly to be faithful in each season of my life, and to truly live in an “undivided devotion” to the Lord that Paul talks about, but we can all admit it’s not always easy. If it were easy, the vast majority would be doing just that.
I don’t always want to do the work it takes to have a clean heart, and a persevering Spirit, but I know all too well that when I’m not yearning for it is the perfect time to ask for it. So I’m asking for a clean heart! That God would renew me from top to bottom.
You’re more than welcome to join me this go around.
Or for those of you curious what our Siesta Mama has chosen, you can join her. This time she is memorizing Colossians 1:16 in the ESV version:
“For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him.” Colossians 1:16 (ESV)
Amen. He sees everything. He knows everything. He created everything. If you stop and take that verse a part line by line and dwell on that, it’s really mind blowing.
ALL things were created BY Him. (Things we cannot even lay our human eyes on.)
THROUGH Him.
And FOR Him.
ALL things.
I have no doubt our Siesta Mama would have more to say about that, but I’m just going to leave you with wow. So, if that scripture stirs something up in you, tag on with her.
(And now I’m going to make this really slick transition to close out the post. Could this be any more awkward? I’m kind of gifted in that. You know, making things awkward.)
Well, ladies! Time to persevere to the end! We’re so close. If you got through summer, you can certainly make it through the fall. Oh, and because I’ve been getting some emails and phone calls, I’ll go ahead and let you know that we’re planning on having all things SSMT celebration and details up SOON. Like, hopefully as in the next SSMT post or two. We’re so pumped and we love y’all dearly.
Let’s hear your scriptures!
Tags: Scripture Memory 2013
Amanda, Durham, NC
If you forgive anyone, I also forgive him. And what I have forgiven – if there was anything to forgive – I have forgiven in the sight of Christ for your sake, in order that satan might now outwit us. For we are not unaware of his schemes. 2 Cor 2:10-11 NIV
Cory Anna, Atlanta
“Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right, persevering, and steadfast spirit within me.” -Psalm 51:10 (Amplified)
Mary,Frisco. “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. Romans 8:28. (NIV)
Marianne from Carrollton, TX
His faith did not leave him, and he did not doubt God’s promise; his faith filled him with power, and he gave praise to God. (Romans 4:20 GNB)
God can do anything, you know—far more than you could ever imagine or guess or request in your wildest dreams! (Ephesians 3:20 MSG)
Diane, Longmont, CO
For out light and momentary troubles are achieving for us and eternal glory that far outweighs them all. 2 Cor 4:17 NIV
Vanessa….Delray Beach, FL formerly Rockport TX
When pride comes, then comes disgrace,
but with humility comes wisdom.
(Proverbs 11:2 NIV)
Susan, Durango
The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eyes are good, your whole body will be full of light. Matthew 6:22, NIV
Sara, Plymouth
“For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him.” -Colossians 1:16 (ESV)
Psalm 121:7-8
(NIV)
7 The Lord will keep you from all harm—
he will watch over your life;
8 the Lord will watch over your coming and going
both now and forevermore.
Kalonni, Van Meter, Iowa: “How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!” 1 John 3:1 NIV
“Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.”
Psalm 51:10 NIV
Meredith from Columbus, OH: I will give you every place where you set your foot, as I promised to Moses. …Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for The Lord your God is with you wherever you go. -Joshua 1:3,9 (NIV)
Gretchen, Gahanna, OH–My blessing is on those people who trust in me, who put their confidence in me.
Jeremiah 17:7 NET
James 1:17 (NIV)
Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.
Jessica from Sioux Falls, SD
Ecclesiastes 3:1 NKJV
To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven.
Psalm 121:7-8(NIV)
7 The Lord will keep you from all harm—
he will watch over your life;
8 the Lord will watch over your coming and going
both now and forevermore.
Heather
Little Rock, AR.
Bless those who persecute you. Don’t curse them; pray that God will bless them. (Romans 12:14 NLT)
Commit to the Lord whatever you do,
and He will establish your plans. Proverbs 16:3 NIV
Carole from Webb City, MO: being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on unto completion until the day of Christ Jesus. Phil 1:6 NIV
Annette, Lee’s Summit, MO — Colossians 1:18 NIV — And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy.
Bethany, Frisco, TX.
John 14:27 (NIV)
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world does. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.
and provide for those who grieve in Zion— to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of his splendor. (Isaiah 61:3 NIV)
Julie,Texarkana,”For the vision is yet for the appointed time; it testifies about the end and will not lie. Though it delays, wait for it, since it will certainly come and not be late.”(Habakkuk 2:3 HCSB)
Roxie, Jerseyville, IL, 2 Corinthians 4:8-10 ESV
“We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair, persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our bodies.”
Leah Cullen – Ramona, CA
Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. – 1 Corinthians 13:7 (ESV)
Nicole Roman//Dallas//1 Corinthians 9:22 NLT
When I am with those who are weak, I share their weakness, for I want to bring the weak to Christ. Yes, I try to find common ground with everyone, doing everything I can to save some.
San Antonio
I Peter 3:17 “For it is better, if it is the will of God, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil.” NKJV
Lauren, Dedham, MA: “My eyes are ever on the Lord, for only he will release my feet from the snare.” Psalm 25:15 (NIV)
1 Cor. 13:2
If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing.
Jess Rowan Katy, TX
He must become greater, I must become less
John 3:30
Linda from Mandeville, LA
Matthew 6:34 (NIV)
“Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”
Gina, Bolivar, MO
“The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God stands forever.”
Isaiah 40:8 (NIV)
Nancy, Lee’s Summit, MO
“And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purposes.” Romans 8:28 NKJV
Lesley, Clinton, MS
“And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow – not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love.”
Romans 8:38 NLT
Bonnie, Alexandria, LA
Ps. 116:2, Because he bends down to listen, I will pray as long as I have breath! NLT
We may make our plans, but God has the last word. Prov. 16:1 Good News
Ginger
Wetumpka, AL
Becca, st paul, mn psalm 51:10 create in me a pure heart, o god, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.
Lisa. Garland, TX “That if you confess with your mouth “Jesus is Lord”, and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. ” Romans 10:9 NIV
Dawn in Monett, MO
2 Peter 1:3
His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness.
Cherie – Pocatello, ID “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” (Romans 15:34 NRSV)
Dana, San Angelo, Texas
“You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you.” Isaiah 26:3 (NIV).
Michele, Cumming GA
But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. James 1:6 NIV
Byhalia, MS
James 1:19
My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.
“Trust in Him at all times, O people; pour out your hearts to Him, for God is our refuge.”
Psalm 62:8 NIV (’84)
Pat
Crawfordsville, IN
Leanne from Eden Prairie, MN
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)
Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.
Romans 12:11-12 NIV
Carol
Jena, LA
Melissa, LaGrange, GA Proverbs 4:23 (NIV) “Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life.”
Dimy from Griffin, Ga:
“He reached down from on high and took hold of me;
He drew me out of deep waters.”~Psalm 18:16 (NIV)
pamela t., Fairmont, NC
John 14:1 (AMP)
Do not let your hearts be troubled (distressed, agitated). You believe in and adhere to and trust in and rely on God; believe in and adhere to and trust in and rely also on Me.