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
Rebecca, Las Vegas, Nevada. “Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.” Psalm 51:10 (NIV)
Therefore, once more I will astound these people with wonder upon wonder. Isaiah 29:14 (NIV1984)
Lisa S. in Montgomery,TX
1Thessalonians 5:24. NIV
The one who calls you is faithful and He will do it.
Meagan, Bedford, TX
The Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. 2 Corinthians 3:17 NCV
Rebecca, Louisa, VA:
A voice says, “Cry out.” And I said, “What shall I cry?”
“All men are like grass, and all their glory is like the flowers of the field. The grass withers and the flowers fall, because the breath of the LORD blows on them. Surely the people are grass. The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God stands forever.”
(Oops, hit the wrong button!) ~Isaiah 40:6-8 (NIV)
Well, I’m not a lady, but I do enjoy your posts Lindsee; here’s my verse!
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not unto your own understanding. In all your way acknowledge him, and he will direct your paths” (Proverbs 3:5-6).
I love that God’s best is on his terms, that we must acknowledge that he understands our situation better than we do, but that if we have that faith, that best will be ours and better than anything we’d dream of!
Thanks,
Jason
On his robe and on his thigh he has this name written:
King of Kings and Lord of Lords.
Revelation 19:16 NIV
Tanya from Lorton, VA
I thank and praise you, God of my ancestors: You have given me wisdom and power, you have made known to me what we asked of you, you have made known to us the dream of the king. Daniel 2:23 (NIV)
Jolie – Cottage Grove, MN
The LORD is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in him.
Nahum 1:7 NIV
Faye from Calgary AB Canada
Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right, persevering, and steadfast spirit within me. (Psalm 51:10 AMP)
Diana Yarborough, Gallatin, TN
“Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Isaiah 43:18 NIV
Lisa S. in Montgomery,TX
1Thessalonians 5:24. NIV
The one who calls you is faithful and He will do it.
Shannon Boyer, Missouri City, TX
Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.
—James 1:17
“Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory,”
1 Peter 1:8 ESV
Susan House
Lady Lake, FL
Somehow I missed posting one time so I’m posting 2 today:
Psalm 94:12 “Blessed is the one you discipline, Lord; the one you teach from your law;” NIV
Psalm 51:10 “Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right, persevering, and steadfast spirit within me.” Amplified
Jeanni, Westland, MI
“Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted in me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him for the help of his countenance.” KJV
Linda from Birmingham, AL
“Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”
~ I Thessalonians 5:16-18 (NIV)
Vicki, Wilmington, NC
Who is this King of glory? The LORD of hosts, He is the King of glory. Psalm 24:10 NKJV
Amanda, Chandler AZ
Behold, I am the Lord, the God of all flesh. Is anything too hard for me?
Jeremiah 32:27 ESV
Mary Soisson, Barboursville, VA
Looking unto Yahshua the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.
Hebrews 12:2, KJV
Shirley Barry, Mooresville, NC
And without faith it is impossible to please God, bcause anyone who comes to Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him.
Hebrews 11:6
Terry – Louisa, VA
Psalm 103:13-14 NIV
As a father has compassion on his children,
so the Lord has compassion on those who fear him;
for he knows how we are formed,
he remembers that we are dust.
Create in me a clean heart O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Psalm 51:10 ESV
Mary
Houston, TX
Psalm 77:10 (NIV) Then I thought, “To this I will appeal: the years of the right hand of the Most High.”
Brenda, Jordan, MN
Micah 7:7 ESV “But as for me, I will look to the LORD; I will wait for the God of my salvation; my God will hear me.”
Madeleine Corrales: My blessing is on those people who trust in Me who put their confidence in Me. Jerm. 17.7 the Net
Heather H. from Pflugerville, TX
2 Timothy 2:24 (NIV)
And the Lord’s servant must not quarrel; instead he must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful.
Fort Worth “These are the ones I look on with favor: those who are humble and contrite in spirit, and who tremble at my word.” Isaiah 66:2b TNIV
donna huneycutt, mt. pleasant nc
I brought you from the ends of the earth and called you from its farthest corners. I said to you: You are My servant; I have chosen you and not rejected you.
Isaiah 41:9 HCSB
john 12:27 & 28
(Jesus speaking)”Now my heart is troubled and what shall I say? ‘Father, save me from this hour’? No, it was for this very reason I came to this hour. Father, glorify Your Name!” Then a voice came from heaven “I have glorified It, and will glorify It again.”
Dina Garcia, Garden Grove, CA
“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. Isaiah 43:18-19 NIV
Diane Largo, Florida
I know what it is to be in need, and i know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.
I can do all things through him who gives me strength.
Phillippians 4:12-13 NIV
Cara from Houston
“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience” Col 3:12 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. (Hebrews 11:6 NIV)
Chrissy, Aurora, IL
“In your anger do not sin: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry.”
-Ephesians 4:26 (NIV)
Blair from Harrisburg, NC
Be joyful 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
So in everything do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.
Matthew 7:12 (NIV)
Valerie, Clinton, Me
“For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him.” Colossians 1:16
Andria from northern Virginia:
Isaiah 43:18
Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past.
NIV
Fairview, TN. Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise, but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. Ephesians 5: 15-16 ESV
Amanda, Van Buren, AR
‘O Lord God, You have begun to show Your servant Your greatness and Your strong hand; for what god is there in heaven or on earth who can do such works and mighty acts as Yours? Deuteronomy 3:24
Mary Anne, Osler,SK Canada
Give your entire attention to what God is doing right now, and don’t get worked up about what may or may not happen tomorrow.
God will help you deal with whatever hard things come up when the time comes.
Matthew 6:34 Message
Laura in Carlsbad, CA
”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
Liz Taylor, Washington DC
In those days there was no king in Israel. Everyone did what was right in his own eyes. Judges 21:25 ESV
So I’ve missed several weeks…ok, the entire summer! After 3 months of 2 kids with pneumonia, the loss of all three Grandmothers and multiple unplanned circumstances, I’m ready to start this again! Praise the LORD this season is over! SO, I’m doing something easy and slightly out of context (although the entire verse applies!)…here goes.
“But the Lord stood at my side and gave me strength”
2 Timothy 4:17 NIV
Holly in Colorado Springs, CO
“You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit – fruit that will last. Then the Father will give you whatever you ask in my name.”
John 15:16 NIV
Stacey -Morocco,In
Psalm 119:73 Message
With your very own hands you formed me;now breathe your wisdom over me so I can understand you.
In that day you will know that I am in My Father, you are in Me, and I am in you. John 14:20 (NLT)
Sandra, Rock Hill, SC
I will answer them before they even call to me. While they are still talking about their needs, I will go ahead and answer their prayers!
Isaiah 65:24 NIV
Judy, Marietta, GA says: “Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up in honor.” James 4:10 NLT