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
Kristi Riverside,CA
“Because he loves me” says the Lord, “I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name. He will call upon me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him. With long life will I satisfy him and show him my salvation.”
Psalms 91:14-16 NIV
“For no word from GOD will ever fail.”
Luke 1:37, NIV
Rachel ~ Nashville, TN
“Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right, persevering, and steadfast spirit within me.” ~ Psalm 51:10 (Amplified)
Jordin, Albuquerque
“For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands. For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.”
2 Timothy 1:6-7, NIV
Gina from Ruston, LA
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)
Odessa, TX
Psalm 25:14-15 NIV
“The Lord confides in those who fear Him; He makes His covenant known to them. My eyes are ever on the Lord, for only He will release my feet from the snare.”
Sarah, OKC, OK, Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think. (Ephesians 3:20 NLT)
RaeLeen from Greenwood Indiana:
Is it not to share your food with the hungry and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter – when you see the naked, to clothe them,and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood?
Isaiah 58:7
Laura from Nokia, Finland “Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 NIV)
Deb, Loveland, CO – “No weapon formed against you shall prosper, And every tongue which rises against you in judgment You shall condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, And their righteousness is from Me,” Says the LORD.” Isaiah 54:17 (NKJV)
Emily, Loveland, CO – “Wait for the LORD; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the LORD!” Psalm 27:14 (ESV)
On asking for a clean heart it came to my mind that which I am trying to learn and do…for me. I ask for others and I whine for me. I believe God can do for others and I deny He can for me. Lots of examples. And my mom was frustrated and probably sad too when she said to me that we have not because we ask not. This was for healing for me. And so I humbled myself and asked God to heal me. I didn’t whine and cry. I just asked. And I’ve been consciously trying to whine less and ask more. And asking for a clean heart is good. So like James said–ask for it. Don’t whine that you don’t have it. (And trust me I could whine about that too!–but purity happens slowly it would seem to me. So I will stop whining and start asking)
Thanks for this.
My small group will be memorizing this:
Therefore, since we have these promises, dear friends, let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God. 2 Corinthians 7:1 NIV
Carol
Woodbridge, CA
“Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain. mercy and obain mercy and find grace to help in the…. of need.”
New King James, Hebrews4:16
Debbie Gardner
Georgetown, Tx
Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you believe in Him so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. (Romans 15:13 HCSB)
Amy in Waipahu, Hawaii
You must be compassionate, just as your Father is compassionate. ~Jesus
Luke 6:36 NLT
Cindy, Madrid, Spain
“Be very careful then, how you live–not as unwise, but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.”
Ephesians 5:15-16 NIV
Susan
Corinth, TX
Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.
1 John 3:18 NIV
Myra, London, England
“My health may fail, and my spirit grow weak but God remains the strength of my heart; He is mine forever.”
Psalm 73:26 NLT
Deborah, Nashville TN
“Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right, persevering, and steadfast spirit within me.” Psalm 51:10 (Amplified)
1 John 1:3 NIV
“We proclaim to you what we have seen and heard so that you also may have fellowship with us. And our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ.”
Let your unfailing love surround us, Lord, for our hope is in you alone.
Psalms 33:22
NIV
Lyn Steriti
Littleton NH
Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy
and peace in believing, that you may abound
In hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Romans 15:13. NASB
“…The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love.”
Galatians 5:6b NIV
Bette from Danville
Psalm 62:2 NLT
Let all that I am wait patiently before God, for my hope is in Him.
Nadine Fry, Morton, UK
Nr. 15
The Lord will protect your coming and going,
both now and forever. Psalm 121:8 HCSB
Nr.16
Create in me a pure heart, O God,
and renew a steadfast spirit within me.
Psalm 51:10 NIV
Deidra – Waynesboro
Romans 8:6 NKJV
For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.
Eleanor
Memphis, TN
I Peter 1:4-5 ESV
…to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, who by God’s power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.
To the moderator…hey forgot about the rules for this post. Anyway…have a good day. Thanks (I had posted a non scripture reply earlier)
Tanya
Erin Sheldon
Savannah, GA
“Don’t worry about anything, instead pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7 NLT
Sharon, St. Louis
Psalm 27:14 (NIV) Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.
Erin Sheldon
Savannah, GA
“Do your planning and prepare your fields before building your house.” Proverbs 24:27 NLT
Jeremiah 17:7 NET
My blessing is on those people who trust in Me, who put their confidence in Me.
Traci
Knoxville, TN
“The amazing grace of the Master, Jesus Christ, the extravagant love of God, the intimate friendship of the Holy Spirit be with all of you.”
2 Corinthians 13:14 Message
Beth, Dyersburg, TN
So we are always of good courage. We know that while we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord, for we walk by faith, not by sight. 2 Corinthians 5:6-7 ESV
Marie, Easley, SC
I will bless the Lord who guides me; even at night my heart instructs me. I know the Lord is always with me. I will not be shaken, for He is right beside me. No wonder my heart is filled with joy, and my mouth shouts His praises. My body rests in safety.
Psalm 16: 7-9 NLT
Olda, Huntsvile
You have purified your souls by obeying the truth in order to show sincere mutual love. So love one another earnestly from a pure heart. 1 Peter 1:22 (NET)
Joy in Bethlehem, GA
Romans 12:2 NIV
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 God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.
Cindy, Biloxi, MS
We are destroying speculations and every lofty thing raised up against the knowledge of God, and we are taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ.
2 Corinthians 10:5 NASB
Colossians 3:2 NAS
Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth.
Nicole Hudnall, Lynchburg, VA
I will be your God throughout your lifetime— until your hair is white with age. I made you, and I will care for you. I will carry you along and save you.
Isaiah 46:4 NLT
Beth
Mansfield, TX
Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, “This is the way; walk in it. Isaiah 30:21 NIV
Amy Gossen
Carthage, mo
No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. (Romans 8:37 NIV)
Paula, O’Fallon, Being built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus Himself being the cornerstone; Ephesians 2:20 RcV
Stacy Carmel, IN Proverbs 4:23-24 ESV Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life. Put away from you crooked speech, and put devious talk far from you.
Ruth, Galena OH
For with God nothing is ever impossible and no word from God shall be without power or impossible of fulfillment.
Luke 1:37 (AMP)
Debbie- Ringgold, GA. 2 Corinthians 5:17 NIV
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!
Lizz, Brick NJ
Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful.
Heb 10:23
Jodi Perth, Western Australia
Acts 17:28 NET
For in him we live and move about and exist, as even some of your own poets have said, ‘For we too are his offspring.’
Pat S., Lago Vista, TX
“You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.”
Jeremiah 29:13