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
Pam In Texas
Let us consider how to stir up
one another to love and good works.
Hebrews 10:24 (ESV)
Laurin, Harrisburg, NC – “Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right, persevering, and steadfast spirit within me.” Psalm 51:10 (Amp)
Alison, Norman, OK
We have redemption, the forgiveness of sins, in Him.
He is the image of the invisible God,
the firstborn over all creation. Col 1:14,15 HCSB
Haley
Conway, AR
Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need. (Hebrews 4:16 NIV)
Diane, Longmont, CO
For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far out weighs them all. 2 Cor 4:17 NIV
Jennifer, Kodak, TN
If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even the pagans do that?
Matthew 5:46-47 NIV
Faye – Ocala, Fl
“I will see Him for myself. Yes, I will see Him with my own eyes. I am overwhelmed at the thought.” Job 19:27. NLT
Isaiah 43:19 NIV
See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up, do you not perceive it?
I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.
Jean, Platte City, MO
Ephesians 5:1-2 “Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children, and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God”. (NIV)
Rachel Cleveland, Jackson, TN:
“This is my comfort and consolation in my affliction: that Your word has revived me and given me life.” Psalm 119:50 AMP
Sue, Groveport, OH
Psalm 34:9-10 NIV
Fear the LORD, you his saints, because those who fear him lack nothing. The lions may grow weak and hungry, but those who seek the LORD lack no good thing.
Christene from London, Canada
Psalm 118:5 NIV
In my anguish, i cried to The Lord and He answered by setting me free
Lindsey, Dubach La- “But thanks be to God, who always leads us as captives in Christ’s triumphal procession and uses us to spread the aroma of the knowledge of him everywhere.” (2 Corinthians 2:14 NIV)
Susie Johnson, Bloomington, IN
As obedient children, do not be conformed to the former lusts which were yours in your ignorance, (1 Peter 1:14 NASB)
Mindy Seekford Gloster,La
My soul, wait thou only upon God, for my expectation
Is from Him. He only is my Rock and my salvation,
my defense I shall not be moved. Ps 62:5-6
Suzanne, Houston
“I will praise the name of God with a song, and will magnify Him with thanksgiving.” Psalm 69:30 (NKJV)
Jeannette, Land O Lakes, FL
“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)
kathy from leesville, la In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness, and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned so that those who oppose you may be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say about us. Titus 2:7-8 NIV
Dawn, Highlands Ranch, CO
Instead, we will speak the truth in love, growing in every way more and more like Christ, who is the head of his body, the church. (Ephesians 4:15 NLT)
Robbi
Punta Gorda, FL
Psalm 19:14
“May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.”
Everyday…Amen!!!
Hannah, Albuquerque
My soul makes its boast in the Lord; let the humble hear and be glad.
(Psalm 34:2 ESV)
April, Diboll.
So I say, live by the Holy Spirit’s power. Then you will not do what your sinful nature wants you to do.
Galatians 5:16(NIRV)
Cassia, Spring, TX
1 John 4:18 NKJV
There is no fear in love but perfect love casts out fear because fear involves torment. But he who fears had not been made perfect in love.
Pam Hendersonville, NC
“Let us now therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.” Hebrews 4:16 KJV
Lindsey, Scenery Hill, PA
Psalm 105:1-4 (ESV)
Oh give thanks to the Lord; call upon his name; make known his deeds among the peoples! Sing to him, sing praise to him; tell of all his wondrous works! Glory in his holy name; let the hearts of those who seek the LORD rejoice! Seek the Lord and his strength; seek his presence continually!
Robin Freeman
Garland Tx~
Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Psalm 51:10 NIV
Wendi
Kathleem GA
Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right, persevering, and steadfast spirit within me.
Psalm 51:10 (AMP)
Barbara, Birmingham ,Al
But we do not belong to those who shrink back and are destroyed, but to those who have faith and are saved.
Hebrews 10: 39. NIV
Isaiah 43:18-19 (NIV)
“Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.”
Carolyn
Wheaton, IL
Karessa, Peoria, IL: As an example of suffering and patience, brothers, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. Behold, we consider those blessed who remained steadfast. You have heard of the steadfastness of Job, and you have seen the purpose of the Lord, how the Lord is compassionate and merciful. James 5:10-11 ESV
Joan, Portage, MI
“‘I pray that out of His glorious riches He may strengthen you with power through His Holy Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted & established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide & long & high & deep is the love of Christ, & to know this love which surpasses all knowledge–that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us, to Him be the glory in the church & in Christ Jesus throughout all generations for ever & ever! Amen.'”
Ephesians 3:16-21 NIV
Carrie Gill, Tyler, TX, “Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Savior. The Sovereign Lord is my strength; He makes my feet like the feet of a deer, He enables me to go on the heights.” Habakkuk 3:17-19 NIV
Charmaine, Miami, FL — “And He is before all things and in Him all things consist.” Colossians 1:17 NKJV
Jane Northfield, MN NIV psalm 91:1 He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty
Mary, Atlanta – “In Him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace that he lavished on us with all wisdom and understanding.” –Eph. 1:7 (NIV)
Nia Stivers from Bridgeport, AL
“And I sent messengers unto them, saying, ‘I am doing a great work, so that I cannot come down: why should the work cease, whilst I leave it, and come down to you?'”
Nehemiah 6:3 (KJV)
Celeste, Thompson’s Station, TN:
The Lord will protect you from all harm; He will protect your life. The Lord will protect your coming and going both now and forever.
Psalm 121:7-8 (HCSB)
Zimmerman, MN
James 2:16 NLT
and you say, “Good-bye and have a good day; stay warm and eat well”—but then you don’t give that person any food or clothing. What good does that do?
Deb, Becker, MN
You are my servant. For I have chosen you and will not throw you away. 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 uphold you with my victorious right hand. Is 41:9-10 (NLT)
Kim, Colonial Heights, VA
“From the ends of the earth, I cry to you for help when my heart is overwhelmed. Lead me to the towering rock of safety.”
Psalm 61:2, NLT
Karen F, Unionville, PA
Daniel 9:19 a (NIV)
19 Lord, listen! Lord, forgive! Lord, hear and act! For your sake, my God, do not delay,
Mary
Silver Spring, MD
Psalm 51:10 (Amplified)
Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right, persevering, and steadfast spirit within me.
Heather, Tallahassee She replied, “Wait, my daughter, until you learn how the matter turns out, for the man will not rest but will settle the matter today.” Ruth 3:18 ESV
Fay, Springfield, MO
Romans 8:37 NIV
No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.
“We want each of you to show this same diligence to the very end, so that what you hope for may be fully realized.” Hebrews 6:11 NIV
Brenda Kelley, Taylors, SC
“Devote yourselves to prayer with an alert mind and a thankful heart.” Colossians 4:2 NLT
Phnom Penh, Cambodia
No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him, and I will raise him up on the last day. John 6:44 HCSB
Suzy – Atlanta
And He who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.
Romans 8:27 -ESV
Kristi Austin, TX
“You will keep him in perfect peace,
Whose mind is stayed on You,
Because he trusts in You.” Isaiah 26:3 NKJV
Susan, Wynne
Create in me a clean heart, O God,
And renew a steadfast spirit within me.
11 Do not cast me away from Your presence
And do not take Your Holy Spirit from me.
12 Restore to me the joy of Your salvation
And sustain me with a willing spirit.
13 Then I will teach transgressors Your ways,
And sinners will be converted to You.
Psalm 41:10-13 (NASB)