2013 Siesta Scripture Memory Team: Verse 20!

My Dear Sisters, just as I was writing this post to you, a family urgency arose and I’m not going to be able to finish it. I’ve erased it and, in its place, put the segment of Scripture that I shared today in staff time before I got news of a serious family need. By faith, I choose to believe that this was what our gracious God wanted you to have today. It is a beautiful segment from Isaiah 41 that spoke very richly to us in staff and I pray will minister to you. (Vv.8-16) In it God is addressing Israel but, as you will see, many of the truths He speaks over them in this chapter concerning His heart toward them and His promise to help are echoed in the New Testament to believers under Christ’s new covenant.Ā  If you have a more formal translation like the ESV, consider reading it first then below you’ll find the portion in Eugene Peterson’s translation, The Message. Its vivid language jumped out at me and really tended to my soul. My staff and I printed it out and circled parts of it that the Holy Spirit brought to life in our own hearts and minds and amid our own circumstances. We also wrote notes in the margins and reminders of other coinciding verses and then, in our closing prayer, we let the passages guide our intercessions. You might consider doing the same thing. The two simple words “don’t panic” leapt off the page at me. So did this: “I, God, want to reassure you.” Thank You, thank You, Lord.

Here it is and you’ll find my SSMT entry at the end of the post.

Isaiah 41:8-16 The Message
8ā€“10Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā  ā€œBut you, Israel, are my servant.
Youā€™re Jacob, my first choice,
descendants of my good friend Abraham.
I pulled you in from all over the world,
called you in from every dark corner of the earth,
Telling you, ā€˜Youā€™re my servant, serving on my side.
Iā€™ve picked you. I havenā€™t dropped you.ā€™
Donā€™t panic. Iā€™m with you.
Thereā€™s no need to fear for Iā€™m your God.
Iā€™ll give you strength. Iā€™ll help you.
Iā€™ll hold you steady, keep a firm grip on you.

11ā€“13Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā  ā€œCount on it: Everyone who had it in for you
will end up out in the coldā€”
real losers.
Those who worked against you
will end up empty-handedā€”
nothing to show for their lives.
When you go out looking for your old adversaries
you wonā€™t find themā€”
Not a trace of your old enemies,
not even a memory.
Thatā€™s right. Because I, your GOD,
have a firm grip on you and Iā€™m not letting go.
Iā€™m telling you, ā€˜Donā€™t panic.
Iā€™m right here to help you.ā€™

14ā€“16Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā  ā€œDo you feel like a lowly worm, Jacob?
Donā€™t be afraid.
Feel like a fragile insect, Israel?
Iā€™ll help you.
I, GOD, want to reassure you.
The God who buys you back, The Holy of Israel.
Iā€™m transforming you from worm to harrow,
from insect to iron.
As a sharp-toothed harrow youā€™ll smooth out the mountains,
turn those tough old hills into loamy soil.
Youā€™ll open the rough ground to the weather,
to the blasts of sun and wind and rain.
But youā€™ll be confident and exuberant,
expansive in The Holy of Israel!

Peterson, E. H. (2005). The Message: the Bible in contemporary language (Is 41:8ā€“16). Colorado Springs, CO: NavPress.

 

For my SSMT selection, this is the portion I have next in my memory work out of the Book of Colossians:

Beth, Houston. For I want you to know how great a struggle I have for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not seen me face to face, that their hearts may be encouraged, being knit together in love, to reach all the riches of full assurance of understanding and the knowledge of God’s mystery, which is Christ. Colossians 2:1-2

I love you guys so much. Let’s press on with eyes of faith, Sisters. He who calls us is faithful!

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1,883 Responses to “2013 Siesta Scripture Memory Team: Verse 20!”

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Comments:

  1. 1101
    Karen Shivar says:

    Karen~ Greer, SC
    Zephaniah 3:17 (NLT)

    “For the LORD your God is living among you. He is a mighty savior. He will take delight in you with gladness. With his love, he will calm all your fears. He will rejoice over you with joyful songs.”

  2. 1102
    Maureen says:

    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

  3. 1103
    Bette says:

    Bette, Danville

    John 14:6 NIV
    Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.

  4. 1104
    Jeannine Hale says:

    Jeannine Hale
    Eagan, MN

    A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.

    Proverbs 15:1 (NIV)

  5. 1105
    Maureen Guilbault says:

    Maureen, Pascoag, RI

    Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow;
    They neither toil nor spin.

    Matthew 6:28 NRSV

  6. 1106
    Jane Williams says:

    Jane Williams , Van Buren, AR
    Hebrews 12:11
    “For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.” (ESV)

  7. 1107
    lynn Miller says:

    lynn , Louisville, KY.

    because of the hope laid up for you in heaven, of which you previously heard in the word of truth, the gospel

    Colossians 1:5 (NASB)

  8. 1108
    Lisa Rose says:

    They will be mine said The Lord God Almighty….in the day when I make up my treasured possession. I will spare them with the compassion a father has for his son that serves him.
    Malachi 3:17 NIV

    Moyock, NC

  9. 1109
    Elizabeth says:

    Elizabeth, Gainesville, GA
    “Then our sons in their youth will be like well-nurtured plants, and our daughters will be like pillars carved to adorn a palace.”
    Psalm 144:12

  10. 1110
    Kristin says:

    Kristin, Archbold, OH

    Isaiah 41:10 NIV

    So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your god. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

  11. 1111
    DeAnna says:

    1 Peter 2:23 NIV

    When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly.

    DeAnna – Greenville SC

  12. 1112
    Muriel says:

    Muriel in Ontario Psalm 106:1 NIV

    Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good;
    his love endures forever.

  13. 1113
    Kim says:

    Kim from Dimmitt, Texas
    Ephesians 4:32 “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” NIV

  14. 1114
    Deborah Mott says:

    Ephesians 2:4-5
    King James Version (KJV)
    4 But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us,

    5 Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)

  15. 1115
    amy krummen says:

    Amy Krummen, Mpls., MN

    “We speak as men approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel. We are not trying to please men but God, who tests our hearts.” Thessalonians 2:4 NIV

  16. 1116
    Phyllis says:

    Phyllis Amarillo, TX
    If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord”, and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved.
    Romans 10:9-10 NIV

  17. 1117
    Elaine Brady says:

    Elaine, Jefferson, Ga

    A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh. And I will put my spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes, and ye shall keep my judgments, and do them. (Ezekiel 36:26, 27 KJV)

  18. 1118
    Christina Brown says:

    Christina
    Louisville, KY

    Oh, that we might know the Lord! Let us press on to know him. He will respond to us as surely as the arrival of dawn or the coming rains in early spring.

    Hosea 6:3 NLT

  19. 1119
    Fran says:

    Fran, Eden Prairie, MN

    Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is Godā€™s will for you in Christ Jesus. (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 NIV)

  20. 1120
    Cindy Miller says:

    Cindy, Nashville In my distress I prayed to the Lord, and the Lord answered me and set me free. (Psalms 118:5 NLT)

  21. 1121
    Tilley Hawkins says:

    Tilley Hawkins from Franklin, TN

    “Look to the Lord and his strength; seek his face always.”

    Psalm 105:4 (NIV)

  22. 1122
    Dawn says:

    Dawn, Dubuque, IA
    Psalm3:3 (NIV)

    “But you, Lord, are a shield around me, my glory, the One who lifts my head high.”

  23. 1123
    Mia Callahan says:

    (Sorry to be late! Rough week!)
    “But blessed is the man who
    trusts in the Lord,
    whose confidence is in Him.”
    Jeremiah 17:7 NIV

  24. 1124
    Marilyn says:

    Marilyn, Mission Viejo, CA 1John 5:12 ESV

    The one who has the Son has life. The one who does not have the Son of God does not have life.

  25. 1125
    Wendy Berenson says:

    I will place my residence among you and I will not reject you.I will walk among you and be your God and you will be my people. Leviticus 26:11, 12

    Wendy, Mechanicsiville VA

  26. 1126
    Sandy says:

    Sandy – Dodge City, KS

    I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit, apart from me you can do nothing.

    John 15:5 NIV

  27. 1127
    Vickie Embry says:

    Louisville, KY
    My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, for man’s anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires. James 1: 19-20 NIV

  28. 1128
    Elaine says:

    Elaine
    McVeytown, PA

    Psalm 5:1 NLT

    O Lord, hear me as I pray;
    pay attention to my groaning.

  29. 1129
    Lisa Tardy says:

    Lisa from Arlington, Texas
    Nehemiah 6:9 NASB “….O God, strengthen my hands.”

  30. 1130
    Jessica says:

    Jessica from Sioux Falls, SD

    John 14:27 ESV

    “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.”

  31. 1131
    Sarah says:

    “Remind me each morning of your constant love,for I put my trust in you.My prayers go up to you;show me the way I should go”.–Psalms 143:8 (GNT)

    Sarah, Dallas

  32. 1132
    Kim S. says:

    Kim, Nashville, TN
    I bless the LORD who gives me counsel; in the night also my heart instructs me.

    Psalm 16:7 (ESV)

  33. 1133
    D'Anna says:

    D’Anna Nowack
    Kilgore, Texas

    Psalm 51: 1-2 (NIV)

    1 Have mercy on me, O God,
    according to your unfailing love;
    according to your great compassion
    blot out my transgressions.
    2 Wash away all my iniquity
    and cleanse me from my sin.

  34. 1134
    Aimee says:

    Aimee, Houston, TX

    “When words are many, sin is not absent, but he who holds his tongue is wise.” Proverbs 10:19 NIV

  35. 1135
    Peggy Magers says:

    Peggy Magers, Wakarusa IN

    2 Timothy 1:7 “For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love, and of self discipline.”

  36. 1136
    Gwen Smallwood, Blumenort, MB, Canada says:

    “So in everything, do to others as you would have them do to you..” Matthew 7:12 (NIV)

  37. 1137
    Mindy Seekford says:

    Mindy Seekford Shreveport, La

    I will heal their backsliding, I will love them freely
    For my anger is turned away from him.

    Hosea 14:4

  38. 1138
    Sheri says:

    Sheri Milwaukee, WI
    “But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth.”

    James 3:14

  39. 1139
    Liisa, Chesapeake, VA says:

    1.Peter 3:15b NIV
    Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.

  40. 1140
    Vicki Bolton says:

    Vicki, Lubbock, TX

    Therefore He is able to save completely those who come to God through Him because He always lives to intercede for them.

    Heb.7:25
    NIV

  41. 1141
    Helen, Dearborn, MI says:

    2 Timothy 4:1-5 (NRSV)
    In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and in view of his appearing and his kingdom, I solemnly urge you: proclaim the message; be persistent whether the time is favorable or unfavorable; convince, rebuke, and encourage with the utmost patience in teaching. For the time is coming when people will not put up with sound doctrine, but having itching ears, they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own desires, and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander away to myths. As for you, always be sober, endure suffering, do the work of an evangelist, carry out your ministry fully.

  42. 1142
    Hannah McGee says:

    Hannah from Mt. Holly, NC
    Isaiah 41:13 (MSG) “Thatā€™s right. Because I, your GOD,
    have a firm grip on you and Iā€™m not letting go.
    Iā€™m telling you, ā€˜Donā€™t panic.
    Iā€™m right here to help you.ā€™”

  43. 1143
    Brittni says:

    Brittni in Nashville TN

    May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing to you, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.
    Psalm 19:14 NLT

  44. 1144
    Paula Hale says:

    Paula, Brownwood, Tx
    The instruction of the LORD is perfect, renewing one’s life;
    The testimony of the LORD is trustworthy, making the inexperienced wise.
    Psalm 19:7. HCSB

  45. 1145
    Katie Swaney says:

    Katie Swaney (McDonough, GA)
    For this reason I remind you to fan into the flame the gift of God, which is in you.
    — II Timothy 1:6

  46. 1146
    Lori Feeler says:

    Psalm 73:25-26 (NKJV)
    Whom have I in heaven but You?
    And there is none upon earth that I desire besides You.
    My flesh and my heart fail;
    But God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.

  47. 1147
    Michelle Weihing says:

    Michelle, Frisco, TX – Proverbs 27:9 NLT – The heartfelt counsel of a friend is as sweet as perfume and incense.

    Grace Siestas – My Bible study book was left at work and I had to have the verse that spoke to me – please forgive my tardy response – Again. : )

  48. 1148
    Mirra says:

    Martha, Clearwater, FL
    You see that his faith and his actions were working together, and his faith was made complete by what he did.
    James 2:22 NIV

  49. 1149
    Noreen Unger says:

    Noreen
    Calgary, AB
    “The Lord your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing.”
    Zephaniah 3:17

  50. 1150
    Romona says:

    Romona, Rosewood Heights

    nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:39 NKJV

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