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
Fran, Jackson TN They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of his splendor. (Isaiah 61:3 NIV)
Marcia from Windermere
“He keeps watch over your soul, and He knows you knew!”
Proverbs 24:12b (NIV)
Brea Rich from Ripley, MS
When I said, “My foot is slipping,” your unfailing love, LOrd, supported me. When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought me joy. Psalm 94:18-19 NIV84
Sandy from Cedar Rapids, Iowa
These are my verses for August 1st and 15th….totally forgot to sign in here after doing it with my church group.
Psalm 19:7-9
(7)The law of the Lord is perfect,reviving the soul.
The statutes of the Lord are trustworthy, making wise the simple.
(8)The precepts of the Lord are right, giving joy to the heart.
The commands of the Lord are radiant, giving light to the eyes.
(9)The fear of the Lord is pure, enduring forever.
The ordinances of the Lord are sure and altogether righteous.
Kelli, Apex NC
Let each of you not look to your own interests but also to the interest of others.
Philippians 2:4
Psalm 21:6 NET
Surely you have granted him eternal blessings and made him glad with the joy of your presence.
Kristen Jeuick, Rockville, VA
O Sovereign Lord! You have made the heavens and the earth by your great power. Nothing is too hard for you!
Jer. 32:17 NLT
Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. 2 Corinthians 5:17 (KJV).
Juliana
Livermore, CA
Philippians 2:13
New Living Translation
For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him.
Kim, Pearland, TX
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
Philippians 4:6
NIV
Blanche, Pearland, TX
Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.
Psalms 139:23-24
KJV
“When all has been heard, the conclusion of the matter is: fear God and keep His commandments, because this is for all humanity. For God will bring very act to judgment, including every hidden thing, whether good or evil.” Eccl 12:13-14 HCS
Becky, Chattanooga, TN
“Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right, persevering, and steadfast spirit wthin me. Cast me not away from Your presence and take not Your Holy Spirit from me.” Psalm 51:10-11 AMP
Susan Dixson, Charlotte NC
Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.
1Peter 5:6-7, NIV
Pam, Apple Valley, Minnesota
But the Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen and protect you from the evil one.
2 Thessalonians 3:3 NIV
In this world you will have tribulation. But take heart! I have overcome the world. John 16:33
Traci~ Vadnais Heights, MN
2 Corinthians 12:9
“My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in your weakness.”
Michele S. Edmond, Ok
“Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.”
Ro. 8:37 NKJV
Peggy, Yorktown, VA
Finally, all of you, have unity of spirit, sympathy, love for one another, a tender heart, and a humble mind. 1Peter 3:8 NRSV
Mary Jane
Wilmington, DE
Matthew 7:7 “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.” (NIV)
Carmen Summersville, WV “Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.” -Colossians 3:12 NIV
Sherry Youngblood ~ Jay, OK
24”The LORD bless you and keep you; 25 the LORD make His face shine on you and be gracious to you; 26 the LORD turn His face toward you and give you peace.”
Numbers 6:24-26 (NIV)
Laura
San Antonio, TX
“But He gives a greater grace. Therefore it says, “God is opposed to the proud, but gives grace to humble.” Submit therefore to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded. Be miserable and mourn and weep; let your laughter be turned into mourning, and your joy into gloom. Humble yourselves in the presence of the Lord, and He will exalt you.”
James 4:6-10 NASB
Mauriceville, Texas
Peggy Hale
For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 6:23 NIV)
16-Kristy from Cedar Park, Texas: Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters: You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry. James 1:19 NLT
Desiree, Calgary, Alberta
I say to myself, “The Lord is my portion; therefore I will wait for him.” Lamentations 3:24 NIV
Tangila, Pearland TX
And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. (Philippians 4:8 NLT)
“Defend the cause of the weak and fatherless; maintain the rights of the poor and oppressed.” Psalm 82:3 (NIV)
Kristin, Clearwater, FL
Indianapolis, IN
II Timothy 1:7 NIV
“For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self discipline.”
Lauren, Charlotte, NC. “Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” James 4:7 (ESV)
Vicki, Lake Jackson, TX
“Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.: James 1:4 NIV
lynn, Louisville, KY.
Romans 11:33 (NASB)
Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and unfathomable His ways!
Anne, Simpsonville, SC
“Yet amid all these things we are more than conquerors and gain a surpassing victory through Him Who loved us.” Romans 8:37 The Amplified Bible
Kimberly, Madison, ME
“She opens her mouth with wisdom, and loving instruction is on her tongue.” Proverbs 31:26, NET
Megan S.–Kansas City, KS
2 Corinthians 10:5 NIV
We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought and make it obedient to Christ.
Kristi from Gardner, KS. Going with Lindsee…
Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right, persevering, and steadfast spirit within me. Psalm 51:10 (Amplified)
Sue, Texarkana, TX “After this, the word of the Lord came to Abram in a vision: ‘Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your very great reward.'” NIV
Aleta Westfield, IN Isaiah 12:5 (NIV) Sing to The Lord, for he has done glorious things; let this be known to all the world.
Laura, Clay Center, KS
Psalm 9:10 (NIV)
Those who know your name will trust in you,
for you, Lord, have never forsaken those who seek you.
Cathy Blount from Monroe, GA
Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. Isaiah 40:28 NIV
Edna
O’Fallon, MO
“Are there any among the false gods of the nations that can bring rain?
Or can the heavens give showers?
Are you not he, O Lord our God?
We set our hope on you,
for you do all these things.”
Jeremiah 14:22, ESV
Debbie from Universal City, Texas.
” Love the Lord your God with all your heart with all your soul and with all your strength. These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your heart. Impress them upon your children.” Deuteronomy 6:5-7a (NIV)
Cindy, Columbia, MO
“And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.”
James 1:4 ESV
Tessa
Nacogdoches TX
1 Samuel 16:7 HCSB
But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not look at his appearance or his stature, because I have rejected him. Man does not see what the Lord sees, for man sees what is visible, But the Lord sees the heart.”
Crystal. Livonia. Michigan
I will walk within my house with a perfect heart.
Psalm 101:2. Kjv
Marisa, Michigan
Acts 1:7
“It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority.
Kristi from Lee’s Summit, MO
Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.
Acts 4:12 NIV
Proverbs 3:6
Submit to Him in all your ways and he will make your paths straight .
Lichelle, Austin SSMT 16
James 4:7 (NIV)
7 Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.
Ryan – Moore, OK
Hebrews 4:12
For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.
ESV