Congratulations!! You did it!!
As we wrap a bow on our SSMT year and prepare for the upcoming Celebration, we want to send along our encouragement to you to continue in this great work. Some of you have already told us you are continuing to memorize on your own, or have even formed your own local teams. We couldn’t be happier to hear it!
Beth and LPM will plan to see you right back here next Jan 2017 to link arms together to hide God’s Word in our hearts. He is worthy!
Kathy Wilson, Chandler, Arizona
“The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him, and he delivers them.”
Psalm 34:7
NIV
Anne Roline Morristown, TN
“I am at rest in God alone; my salvation comes from him. He alone is my rock and my salvation, my stronghold; I will never be shaken.
Psalm 62:1-2. HÇSB
Lisa Landis
Castro Valley, CA
“God sets the lonely in families, he leads out the prisoners with singing; but the rebellious live in a sun-scorched land.”
Psalm 68:6 NIV
Ruth, Odin, IL
“neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
-Romans 8:39 (NIV84)
Angela from Nebraska – “You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.’ But it tell you, do not resist an evil person. If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also.” Matthew 5:38-39 NIV84
Carla, San Antonio, TX
“For nothing will be impossible with God.” Luke 1:37, HCSB
God is using his word to stir in my heart a return toward love and away from cynicism. Jesus is consistently agitating my comfortable life with the suggestion that there is more out there, and the need to live open handed and without such reserve, condemnation or self-preservation. Assuaging my self inflicted shame with his sufficient grace and peace and the realization that I’m only human and so is everyone else, so stop expecting perfection in deed or motive, and get on with it! Leading me beside still waters and reminding my soul that “even to your old age I am he and to gray hairs I will carry you. I have made and I will bear; I will carry and will save.” I’m only/already 32 but having suffered a chronic illness and now nearly 80% healed of what the doctors can’t even agree were my disease(s)- my body is getting well after nearly 3.5 years (praise Jesus for his healing!), but my soul is stuck in anxiety and fear and other things like pride and chronic disappointment. I am reminded in my soul’s constant striving for rest, the irony, that “it was I who gave her the grain, the wine and the oil,” who possesses all things, and can make all grace abound to you for sufficiency in all things, who “knew you in the wilderness, in the land of drought.” In your thirst. When others didn’t understand. Don’t understand. Or won’t understand. And not from a cloud in the distance, but intimately, up close. Faithful is the word that comes to mind. Faithful to accomplish every word spoken in me, over me, and Lord have mercy, through me, and where is now the thorn will one day be the cypress. Instead of the briar the myrtle will bloom. To make a name for our God – yes, Lord. And though my flesh and heart have failed, God is my strength in making thoughts obedient, forgiving my debtor, fighting and risking to believe for a happier, un-boring marriage, healing and the perseverance necessary for healing, and at last, in learning to rest in his perfect peace. In his enough-ness which floods my lack with grace. Have come a long way, and after years of drought am so glad to experience the mercy of a little rain. Of awakened desire and a glimmer of hope. Am so thankful for the blessing of God’s healing word and his kindness to meet us in the page. Nothing other than maybe cats (don’t judge, ha), hiking or travel is even remotely as thrilling. :))) This is both a reflection of the significance of storing up God’s word in my heart this year and a prayer that where I lack the Lord would be my supply, in the spirit of “Lord I believe, help my unbelief!”
By gum, (as my Granny says), I’m going to finish memorizing James one of these days. The last of it below…
James 5:14-20, ESV
“Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer of faith will save the one who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven. Therefore confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working. Elijah was a man with a nature like ours and he prayed fervently that it might not rain and for 3 years and 6 months it did not rain on the earth. Then he prayed again, and heaven gave rain, and the earth bore its fruit. My brothers, if anyone among you wanders from the truth and someone brings him back, let him know that whoever brings back a sinner from his wandering will save his soul from death and will cover a multitude of sins.”
Luanne Neely, Marshall,TX: “Jesus answered, ‘The work of God is this: to believe in the One He has sent ” John 6:29. NIV
Talk about faith – that’s the only way I could have ever committed to this. I remember laughing out loud when Beth suggested we memorize the book of James. I had every excuse in the book for not doing this – too old, too busy, too…too…too. But, thanks to my BFF, the sweet and gentle Holy Spirit, I jumped off the cliff into His arms and here I am 24 verses later! As I was memorizing, one of my dearest friends was battleing cancer. Every scripture I recited to her became a comforting Word for her. She’s home with Jesus now but she heard all but the last two. Thank you, Beth, for giving me this wonderful opportunity. And thank You, my Father, for breathing the Word into existence, and making the impossible possible. Can’t wait to come celebrate in January!!
Tina D. Clovis NM
Jer 29:11 (NIV)
“For I know the plans I have for you” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
This year has been full of trials and heartache. As a military spouse we live in a constant state of flux and that can be very scary. I’m constantly reminded that we are not in control of our life( to a certain point), the military is. This year was filled with a deployment and then a big move, children not knowing their father and FEAR all around! But….SSMT has helped me to stay in the word and keep it in my thoughts and heart. It’s also helped me to feel closer to God and to fully rely upon him no matter what! It has given me the courage to speak and share my faith with confidence that I have never known before in my faith!
I had months where it seemed like everything was forgotten or I simply wanted to just quite but I pressed on with God’s help. Im so excited to see this come into being in January!
Brooke Rosetti, Wiggins, MS
I seek you with all my heart; do not let me stray for your commands. Psalms 119:10
Kathy
Madison, CT
John 16:24 NIV
Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete.
I loved the discipline of memorizing twice a month the Word of God; it helped me abide in Him all the day long. I have SSMT reminders on my calendar and I’m planning on continuing, even without the Siestas. My mom went to the Lord in November. Oh how I miss her. I missed one entry that month, but I got right back in. God is close to the broken-hearted. So grateful for my verses.
Praying that God will comfort you in this season filled with memories. My mother died this year, too. Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. 2 Corinthians 10:5 NIV
Tami, Louisiana
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33, NIV)
“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”
Isaiah 9:6 ESV
Amy from Everett, WA
For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
Hebrews 4:12 (NKJV)
Chewing on the Scriptures as Psalm 1 (MSG) says really helped me to get the Scriptures from my head to my heart, and I really needed that this year. It was a difficult year as my husband was without a job, my son had surgery, and many other things happened, but in the midst of all that God was faithful. He faithfully took care of us through the whole season. I am happy to say that now my husband has a job, my son has recovered from surgery, and I have Scriptures way down deep in my heart that have become part of who I am because I dwelt on them this year. Scriptures that helped me to make it through. Thank you!
Danielle Pleasant,Pinewood,SC
“for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure.”
Philippians 2:13 NKJV
Onda Jenks, Morgantown, WV- You crown the year with your bounty; your wagon tracks overflow with abundance. Psalms 65:11 (ESV)
Stephanie, Alexandria, VA.”to grant to those who mourn in Zion— to give them a beautiful headdress instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, the garment of praise instead of a faint spirit; that they may be called oaks of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that he may be glorified.” Isaiah 61:3 ESV
God has sent His word to me through these verses! It was a hard year in some respects but I was able to share these verses with some people close to me and the Word had an impact! I so appreciate what Beth shared from Isaiah 55–that God’s word will go out, will not return void, and will accomplish exactly what He intends for it to!! Hooray
For he looks at himself and goes away and at once forgets what he was like.
James 1:24 ESV
For he looks at himself and goes away and at once forgets what he was like.
James 1:24 ESV
Nancy, Junction City, AR
“You are my portion, O Lord; I have said that I will keep Your words.” Psalm 119:57 NKJ
Rebecca M., Clifton, NJ. “You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.” Psalm 16:11
This last year was a journey back to hope and wholeness after a very difficult 2014. Many of my verse choices serve as a testimony to the healing path that 2015 has taken. I’m so happy to have found this challenge to guide my way.
Muriel in Ontario John 1:14 (NIV)
The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.
Kathy, Leamington, Ontario, Canada
“…if I settle on the far side of the sea,
even there Your hand will guide me,
Your right hand will hold me fast.” Ps.139:9,l0
The Lord always directs me to exactly the right verse or promise that anchors deep within my soul, and that is so applicable to my and others’ circumstances and needs. I pray these verses as I memorize and review them claiming them for others too for strength, peace, protection, and His sustaining grace etc.-whatever the verse is that they need. I pray them while exercising – walking, swimming and skating 3 or 4 times a week and more – often all 61 verses from the last 3 years. I am trying to use my time wisely. This has dramatically changed my prayer life through focus on His Word.
This has been powerful and transforming in my own life. Because His Word and Promises are anchored in me, I have been able to accept(but not without some turmoil in my heart) my daughter’s family moving, with our only 3 grandchildren, as they follow the Lords leading half way around the world on mission work for 2 plus years during which time I will not see them. Thanking the Lord for technology for at least a bit of facetime, audio conversation, and connection thru messaging and email. Thanking the Lord also that I can be part of their ministry thru the POWER of prayer and His Word, asking also the Lord to “work in me to will and to do according to His purpose for me” (phil.2:13)while they are gone. I plan to open our home to a monthly prayer meeting for missionaries and prodigals specifically. I am exhausted from dropping all my own activities to bake, cook, and travel many miles to see, serve, and love them much this past year. I am looking forward to gaining my strength in the early new year but more so to see how the Lord will work in and thru each of us.
P.S. Also at the beginning of this past year, my youngest son, not living for the Lord, bought a house nearby – so many emotional rides for us. However, every step was covered in prayer and I can testify to His Sustaining Grace and Power.
“I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go unto the house of Jehovah.” Ps. 122:1
Beth Lewis, Story City, Iowa
“Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.”
Ephesians 3:20-21, NKJ
Alana McCullough, Lorton VA. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. Matthew 6:33-34, NIV
Holly, Cape May, NJ.
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Romans 15:13 NIV
Jan Marken Buena Vista, CO
Is. 40:26 NASB Lift up your eyes on high and see who has created these stars, the One who leads forth their host by number. He calls them all by name; because of the greatness of His might and the strength of His power, not one of them is missing.
Memorizing the verses throughout 2015 was filled with challenges, rewards, helped me dig deeper into what/why God guided me to that particular verse. There were frustrating times with self judgement grabbing me when I’d read other people’s verses & think their choices were better… I know – totally ridiculous -. At the same time it was a real blessing to slow down & focus on God’s word. It’s been a growing time.
Thank you for it all!
Brenda McGurk, Medina, Ohio
This year of scripture memory verses has helped me along in my
Grief journey, (I lost my 18yr old son) I was so deep in a pit of despair and could not see a way out; until
I started memorizing God’s word. Thank you from the bottom of my heart!
Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with
God all things are possible.
Matthew 19:26. (NIV)
I pray that God will give you comfort and joy even in your time of mourning–which will likely be as long as God gives you breath, but I do hope and pray that your sharpest pain will ease, that you will learn to somehow be able to recall the best memories. May our marvelous Lord, who understands the death of a Son far more than any of us, bless you in your journey, Brenda. My heart goes out to you.
Amy M, Fifty Lakes, MN
So now faith, hope and love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love. 1 Corinthians 13:13 (ESV)
Joy Thompson, Fort Worth, TX, Romans 8:28 And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. ESV
Diana Scott, Romulus Michigan
Jeremiah 17:14 NIV
Heal me, Lord, and I will be healed; Save me and I will be saved,
for You are the one I praise.
I’m very thankful for this SSMT group… For the different ladies who helped Beth, posting before some of the verses, thank you for sharing your heart. This was my first year memorizing.
His Word is alive and active and life to me.
I’m looking forward to the gathering in January… Thank you Beth, for pouring yourself out to serve us all here at SSMT!!! God has truly blessed me through your teaching, books, simulcasts and now being able to be a part of SSMT group! God bless you, see you in January!
Coshocton,Ohio [NKJV] Luke2:12,13,14″And this will be the sign to you:You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths,lying in a manger.” V.13And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying:V14″Glory to God in the highest ,And on earth peace,goodwill toward men!”
Dear Beth,and all who traveled this journey with me;I have been blessed with all of you.Thank you Beth for making this possile for us to come together like this as” Siestas”GOD BLESS YOU ALL.
Jeri Cook of Missouri City, TX
Isaiah 9:6 KJV
For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.
Billie Franklin, TN
For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be on his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Isaiah 9:6 ESV
statkville, MS “So I say, walk by the spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.” NIV Galatians 5:16 The siesta scripture memory team has helped keep me on track memorizing scripture. I have been praying a few of the scriptures that I have memorized. Although I don’t remember every verse, I can say that parts of verses have come to mind when I needed faith, hope or strength. I look forward to learning more scripture next year.
Amen to all of that!
Nikki Gack, Park Rapids, MN
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.
Psalm 13:6 KJV
Gigi Parisi
Mullica Hill NJ
2 Timothy 4:7 NIV
I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.
For many years I have taught missionettes & Sunday school to all ages and have always required my students to memorize scripture and I would memorize along with them. However this is the first time I have truly spent time meditating on God’s word while memorizing. I asked God to help His word to penetrate not only my mind but my soul and the rewards have been great. The Lord has allowed me to recall His word and has given me opportunity to share the verses I’ve memorized with family and friends. It is so much more powerful when I have God’s words instead of mine! Thank you for challenging me to walk deeper and closer to God through this experience. I will continue memorizing and am looking forward to what the Lord has in store for me in 2016.
Rose Coulter, Orange, Texas
But I say, Love your enemies and Pray for those who persecute you.
Matthew 5:44. NIV
Rose Coulter Orange, Texas
Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.
Colossians 4:2 NIV
Susan Turner, Shelby, North Carolina
“I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.”
Psalm 119:11 NIV
I have taught this verse to children for years and helped them memorize it. I have wanted to memorize scripture myself for some time now. Thank you Beth and staff and thank you to all those who posted and encouraged me throughout this year. I hope to continue to hide God’s word in my heart because it has helped me so much in so many different ways.
Merry Christmas to all.
Judy C- New Braunfels, Tx. –
“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.”
2 Timothy 3:16-17 NIV
Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.
Psalm 119:105 KJV
Molly P., Portland, OR. “The one who is victorious will, like them, be dressed in white. I will never blot out the name of that person from the book of life, but will acknowledge that name before my Father and his angels.” Revelation 3:5 NIV
This year of memorizing scripture has brought fruit to me, my husband, and my children. Many of the verses have made me change my attitude or actions for the better. I have been encouraged and challenged to submit my thoughts and desires to be in line with God’s will. Praise the Lord!
Lacy, Eugene, OR
“and he himself bore our sins in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sin and live to righteousness; for by his wounds you were healed. For you were continually straying like sheep but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Guardian of your souls.” 1 Peter 2:24-25 NASB
The testimony I bring as I review my year and the verses sovereignly placed in my SSMT notebook, is that they did steady my course. God’s Word in my heart came face to face with fears and worries about all the upset going on in the world, some trouble in my local church Body, and even trials in my home. I also have seen that they have come against shots the enemy has taken to doubt God’s foundational truth. The verses for this year continually grounded me and anchored me as they continually centered around Christ and His redemption work. Thank you for cheerleading us through it!
Kristen, Paramount, CA
“I have tried hard to find you— don’t let me wander from your commands.”
Psalms 119:10 NLT
Beaumont, Texas
My soul, be at rest in God alone,
from whom comes my hope.
Psalm 62:6 NAB
Jennifer Henderson Raleigh NC
Psalm 121
5 The Lord is your keeper;
the Lord is your shade on your right hand.
6 The sun shall not strike you by day,
nor the moon by night.
ESV
Kokomo, In
But my life is worth nothing to me unless I use it for finishing the work assigned me by the Lord Jesus—the work of telling others the Good News about the wonderful grace of God.
Act 20:24 NLT