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
Rachel, Alabama
Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right, persevering, and steadfast spirit within me. (Psalm 51:10 AMP)
San Ramon, CA
“God chose things the world considers foolish to shame those who think they are wise. And he chose things that are powerless to shame those who are powerful.”
~ 1 Cor. 1:27 (NIV)
Tisha, Pilot Mtn, NC
“My comfort in my suffering is this: Your promise preserves my life.” Psalms 119:50 (NIV)
Luke 9:23 NCV
“Jesus said to all of them, ‘If people want to follow me, they must give up the things they want. They must be willing to give up their daily lives to follow me.'”
Tammy from Lusby, MD
The Lord of hosts, Him you shall hallow; Let Him be your fear. And let Him be your dread.
Isaiah 8:13 NKJV
1 Corn 11:27-28 27Therefore whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord unworthily will have to answer for the body and blood of the Lord.*
28A person should examine himself,* and so eat the bread and drink the cup.
29For anyone who eats and drinks without discerning the body, eats and drinks judgment* on himself.
Kathy, Aiea:
No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it. Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification. (I Cor. 10:13 NIV)
Shelley, Birmingham, AL–So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. (1 Corinthians 10:31 ESV)
Andrea; Cartersville,GA: “How can you believe, if you accept praise from one another and don’t seek the praise that comes from God?” John 5:44 NET
Midland, Tx
Galatians 6:9 (HCSB)
So we must not get tired of doing good, for we
will reap at the proper time if we don’t give up.
Dianne Jones, Fairfield, CA – “He has shown you, O man, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” – Micah 6:8 (NIV)
Megan, St. Louis… Psalm 145:3-4, ESV
“Great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised, and his greatness is unsearchable. One generation shall commend your works to another and shall declare your might acts.”
Gail, Tyler,TX
Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Romans 5:1 NKJV
Kim, Dimmitt, Texas
“Happy is a man who finds wisdom and who acquires understanding.” Proverbs 3:13 NIV
Song of Songs ” I am my beloveds and He is mine.”
Rachel Owasso, OK
Philippians 4:8 NIV
Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable – if anything is excellent or praise worthy – think about such things.
Robin…Psalm 40:14. NIV “May all who seek to take my life be put to shame and confusion; may all who desire my ruin be turned back in disgrace.”
Shannon, Columbia, SC
“God is our refuge and strength,
an ever-present help in trouble.”
Psalm 46:1 (NIV)
Our preparing for back-to-school verse
Karen Edlund
Rochester, MN
Psalm 62:5 NLT
“Let all that I am wait quietly before God, for my hope is in him.”
Toni, Greer, SC “Find rest, O my soul, in God alone; my hope comes from him. He alone is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will not be shaken. My salvation and my honor depend on God; he is my mighty rock, my refuge. Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge.” Psalm 62:5-8, NIV
Connie from Carterville, IL
I acknowledged my sin to you, and I did not cover my iniquity; I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the Lord,” and you forgave the iniquity of my sin.
Psalm 32:5 ESV
Tracy F.
Lake St. Louis, MO
Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms.
1 Peter 4:10
NIV
Alicia, Riverton, Ut
2 Corithians 4:16, ESV
So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day.
Michele, Rockmart, GA
I sought the Lord, and He heard me,
and delivered me from all my fears.
Psalm 34:4 NKJV
1 Corn 11:27-28 27Therefore whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord unworthily will have to answer for the body and blood of the Lord.*
28A person should examine himself,* and so eat the bread and drink the cup.
29For anyone who eats and drinks without discerning the body, eats and drinks judgment* on himself. Nab
Michelle K., Warner Robins, GA
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, Ephesians 3:20 NIV
Lu, Garner I am grateful to the One who has strengthened me, Christ Jesus our Lord, because He considered (judged) me faithful. –1 Timothy 1:12 NET
Christine, Atlanta, GA Be exalted, O God, above the heavens; let your glory be over all the earth. Psalm 108: 5 (NIV)
Kasey from Newnan, GA. “Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right, persevering, and steadfast spirit within me.” Psalm 51:10 (Amplified)
De Anna
Greenville SC
1 Peter 2:18 NIV
18 Slaves, in reverent fear of God submit yourselves to your masters, not only to those who are good and considerate, but also to those who are harsh
Belinda from Blacklick, OH
Psalm 62:5 “For God alone, O my soul, wait in silence, for my hope is from Him. (ESV)
Melissa, Columbus, OH
1 Cor. 4:20 For the kingdom of God is not a matter of talk but of power
Alta, Sharpsville In
“Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right, persevering, and steadfast spirit within me.” Psalm 51:10 (Amplified)
Natalie Dawes, Calgary, AB, Canada
Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait on the Lord.
Psalm 27:14 (NIV84)
Karen, Lynnwood, WA
“The Lord is compassionate and merciful, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love.” Psalm 103:8 (NLT)
Audrey from Fayetteville, AR:
“Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right, persevering, and steadfast spirit within me.” Psalm 51:10 (Amplified)
Brianna from Huntsville, AL
You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart. Jeremiah 29:13 (ESV)
Colossians 2:6-7
So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built- up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught and overflowing with thankfulness.
Karla Dumal
Gulfport, MS
LORD, who may abide in your tabernacle? Who may dwell in your holy hill? Psalm 15:1 KJV
Kelly from Denver..
Pray without ceasing..1 Thessalonians 5:17 NASB
Debbie Nicholson
Ronda from Tennesssee:
“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)
Debbie Nicholson
Gulfport, MS
He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. Psalm 91:1 NIV
“For this God is our God forever and ever; he will be our guide even to the end.”Psalm 48:14
Debbie, Sevierville
You have already won a big victory over those false teachers because the One who is in you is greater than the one that is in the world. 1st John 4:4. Message
Colossians 3:23
And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men;(KJV )
Cindy K., Rock Hill, SC
Teach me to do your will, for you are my God;
may your good Spirit lead me on level ground.
Psalm 143:10 (NIV)
Beth, Story City, IA
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.”
2 Corinthians 5:17, NKJ
Pamela, New Bern
For everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world – our faith.
1 John 5:4 ESV
Donna D, Sarnia, Ontario
“The fear of the Lord leads to life;
Then one rests content, untouched by trouble.”
Prov 19:23 NIV