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
Joanne, Callahan
Create in me a clean heart, O God, and put a new and right spirit within me.
Psalm 51:10 (RSV)
MaryJo from Indianapolis, IN
And as for you, brothers and sisters, never tire of doing what is good.
2 Thessalonians 3:13 (NIV)
Megan, Grants Pass, OR
Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget none of His benefits
Psalm 103:2 (nasb)
Ann (St. Louis, MO)
James 3:1 NIV
Not many of you should become teachers, my fellow believers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly.
Corley in Conway, AR:
“Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right, persevering, and steadfast spirit within me.” Psalm 51:10 (Amplified)
Stefanie, Moses Lake, WA
Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right, persevering, and steadfast spirit within me. (Psalm 51:10 AMP)
Melanie Grace in Greenbrier, Tn
Romans 12:12(NIV)
Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in
prayer.
Jane Williams, Van Buren, AR,
“Thou wilt make known to me the path of life; In Thy presence is fullness of joy; In Thy right hand there are pleasures forever.” (NAS)
Psalm 16:11
Kelley, La Verne. James 1:3. For you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. ESV.
Such a short and simple verse, but really, how valuable and monumental is it to have our faith be steadfast toward God? I love it!
Vivian, Birmingham, Alabama
“I pray that the faith you share with us may deepen your understanding of every blessing that belongs to you in Christ.” Philemon 1:6 The NET Bible
Galations 5:22&23 But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things.
Linda W. from Tomball, TX
“The Rock, His work is perfect, for all His ways are justice. A God of faithfulness and without iniquity, just and upright is He.” Deuteronomy 32:4 (ESV)
Spring, TX
being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might for the display of all patience and steadfastness, joyfully
Colossians 1:11 (NET)
Alicia, Gulfport, MS
Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be. (Psalm 139:16 NIV)
Barb, Medina
In this you rejoice, though, now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials.
1Peter1:6 ESV
Nancy, Versailles, Ky
“I will come and proclaim your mighty acts, O sovereign Lord. I will proclaim your righteousness, yours alone.”
Psalm 71:16 NIV
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Phil 4:6-7 NIV
Karen S, Norfolk, VA: ….your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be. Psalm 139: 16 (NIV)
Carol, The Woodlands
Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you. James 1:21 NIV
Karen S, Norfolk, VA: ….your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be. Psalm 139:16 (NIV)
Maria Oxford, MS
I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile.
Romans 1:16 NIV
Melody Jefferson Georgia
2Corinthians 12:10 (HSBC)
So I take pleasure in weaknesses, insults, catastrophes, persecutions, and in pressures, because of Christ. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
Jill P., Ames, IA
Jeremiah 31:13b & 14b – (HCSB)
“I will turn their mourning into joy,
give them consolation,and bring happiness out of grief…My people will be satisfied with My goodness.”
But the Lord is faithful and He will strengthen you and protect you from the evil one. 2 Thes. 3:3 NIV
Kelly Haigler, Wingate, NC
I will strengthen you, surely I will help you. Isaiah 41:10 NASB
(NIV) Proverbs 3:6
And in all your ways submit to Him and He will make your paths straight.
Ann
Mandeville, LA
Teresa, Austin, TX
Colossians 3:24 NIV
…since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.
Kathy from Chandler, OK
Suppose I speak in the languages of human beings and of angels. If I don’t have love, I am only a loud gong or a noisy cymbal – 1 Corinthians 3:1 NIRV
Ontario , OH
He divided the 300 men into three groups and gave each man a ram’s horn(trumpet) and a clay jar with a torch in it. Judges 7:16. NLT
Mansfield, OH
The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. 2 Corinthians 10:4 NIV
Melody
Myrtle Beach, SC
“When your words turned up, I feasted on them; and they became my joy, the delight of my heart, because I belong to you, Lord God of heavenly forces. (Jeremiah 15:16 CEB)
MiChal in College Station, TX
“…when I sit in darkness the Lord will be a light to me.”
Micah 7:8 (NKJV)
Sharpsburg, Ga.
2 Timothy 1:7 NIV
“For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love, and self-discipline.”
Becky Scherle
Waddell, AZ
James 1:27 (NLT)
27 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.
Anita Livingston – Odem, Texas
1 Peter 3:12 TEV
“For the Lord watches over the righteous and listens to their prayers; but he opposes those who do evil.”
Jeannie, Nashville, Tn.
“I sought the LORD and He heard me,and delivered me from all my fears”. Ps. 34:14 NIV
Sherri, Marietta, GA: “She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what He said.” Luke 10:39 NIV
Maria – Katy, TX
“It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.”
Galatians 5:1 (NIV)
Lakeisha, Mays Landing NJ
Colossians 1:16 NIV
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.
N.Jcee
Frisco
Isaiah 35:1
(NCV)
“The desert and dry land will become happy.
The desert will be glad and will produce flowers.
Like a flower,”
(His Word is life; “this particular vs is so desperately sweet to me in this now season. Thank y Lindsee; may our Lord continue to bless the works of your dear hands. Praying 4 Mrs. Beth & her little darlings.)
Maureen, Utah
This is my command – be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.
Joshua 1:9 NLT
Jen (Prosper, TX)
Never be lazy, but work hard and serve the Lord enthusiastically.
Romans 12:11 (NLT)
Brandy A., Cross Anchor, SC
“Creat in me a clean heart, O God. Renew a loyal spirit within me.”
Psalms 51:10 (NLT)
Gay Beck, Plain City, OH
Psalm 100:5 (NIV)
For the LORD is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations.
Debbie Portland, OR
But now thus says the Lord, he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel:”Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine.
Isaiah 43:1 ESV
“But the Lord is faithful and He will strengthen you and protect you from the evil one.”
2 Thessalonians 3:3 NIV
Tammy
Cincinnati
Peggy, Wakarusa IN
Psalm 121:1-2
“I lift up my eyes to the hills – where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.”
Vicki Knott, Greenwood, SC
He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us. 2 Corinthians 1:4 (NLT)
Jill
Plano,TX
Matthew 15:25 (AMP)
25 But she came and, kneeling, worshiped Him and KEPT praying, Lord, help me
Candy from St Louis
Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right, persevering, and steadfast spirit within me.” Psalm 51:10 (Amplified)
Tajuana ~ Texas
For God did not give us a spirit of fear but of power
and love and self-control.
2 Timothy 1:7 NET