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!
LINDA
MONTANA
Ps 1:3]
NKJV
“He shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bring forth its fruit in its season, whose leaf also shall not wither; and whatever he does shall prosper.”
Tracy Pratz Las Cruces, NM
Verse 24 Matthew 28 19-20 NIV
“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
Pam in Fredericksburg:
A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. John 12: 34 (ESV)
Memorizing scripture this year has led me to share the memorized verses with others for encouragement. This may seem simple to many, but I have been uncomfortable sharing until this year.
Gabriella S., Harleysville, PA.
“But when you pray, go into your room, close the door, pray to your Fahter who is unseen. Then your Father who sees what is done in secret will reward you.”
Matthew 6:6 NIV
Wendy
Harrodsburg, Kentucky
which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way.
Ephesians 1:23 NIV
This is a partial sentence because it finishes the verse from last time. In 2015 I memorized Psalm 139 and Ephesians 1. Thank you, Beth.
JulieB.
Sharpsburg, Ga.
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 ESV
“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”
These verses seem to be the perfect way to wrap up my year. This year has been filled with some difficult seasons of change with church and family. Much of it has felt lonely and sad, without these verses reminding me where to keep my focus through the year the journey would have been even harder. I am so grateful for the promises of God’s word in good seasons and difficult seasons. We can rest assured His love for us never ever changes. I am blessed to have walked this journey because I am closer to Jesus because of it and time with Him and in His word has been medicine for my soul. Thank you!!!!
Sophia S., Harleysville, PA
“The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid, do not be discouraged.”
NIV
Marsha R. Lexington Park, MD
My mouth will speak in praise of the Lord.
Let every creature praise his holy name for ever and ever.
Psalm 145:21
I started 2015 as a year of praise. In May my world turned upside down when my husband had a stroke. God was still on the throne and I could still praise him. God gave me many verses to sustain me through those dark days and weeks. My husband is now able to speak and we are praising God together.
Cassie Oring, Murfreesboro, TN. “Greater is He that is in you than he that is in the world.” 1 John 4:4b
Patrice in ABQ
“He reached down from heaven and rescued me, He drew me out of deep waters.” Psalms 18:16 (NIV)
This Bible Scripture memory year has been a sweet and beautiful way for my sister Kathy (who lives 900 miles away) and our sweet “adopted” sister Susie to stay connected in heart, soul and spirit. Every 15 days this year we have texted our Bible verses to one another – a way to remain accountable, and also the privilege to pray for one another. Last year we went through a horrific and painful experience with the suicide of my brother-in-law, and this year God’s love and grace has carried us, because when moments overtook us, we focused on our Bible verses and found healing in His Word. We will be in Houston together this January, see you then Beth!
I didn’t participate in SSMT this year, but I did in 2013. I just want to share that The Word stays with me even now, two years later. Just this past Sunday night I was in the ER because of a rapid heart rate. It would not slow down for four hours. Thankfully, the right drug was used and it slowed down. During the all night ordeal, snipetts of the verses I had memorized two years ago were coming to me. I was so thankful for that! When we got home at 7am, I asked my husband to find my SSMT little notebook so I could read through them before I fell asleep. God’s word is living and active!
Janelle MacKay Malta, NY “Greater is He that is in you than he that is in the world.” 1 John 4:4b
Suzanne
Tenaha,TX
Matthew 18:20 NASB
For where two or three have gathered together in My name,
I am there in their midst.
Matt. 18:20
This year of memorization has been eye opening for me. Many times my scriptures would come to mind in the middle of my work day. Other times I replayed my scripture in my mind at night when sleep would not come. Instead of fretting, I turned to my scriptures. I’ve come to realize that I’ m not too old to hide God’s word in my heart. Thank you, Beth and all Siesta sisters for your encouragement!
Isaiah 9:6 (NIV) – For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Suzanne Bailey, Harrisville,RI
“Repay no one evil for evil but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all.”
Romans 12:17 ESV (part of a series)
My verses at the beginning of the year all centered on the word hope. I was praying for situations that had no human solutions. And “hope that is seen is not hope.” So, I put my trust in the LORD.
Jen Pond, Iron River, MI
Hey Beth and staff, here is my testimony: Currently I am without a church home and church family—-it’s heartbreaking and I am starving for fellowship and solid biblical teaching, but I know God has a plan—and you are part of it! You help me feel more “connected”, even though we haven’t met and are many miles away. Thank you! I have so enjoyed every single word of every single verse, and have been so encouraged to know there are many, may other Siestas all across our country who love God’s word as I do. My verse this time is
Psalm 1 NLT
Oh, the joys of those who do not follow the advice of the wicked, or stand around with sinners, or join in with mockers, but they delight in the law of the LORD, meditating on it day and night.
They are like trees planted along the riverbank, bearing fruit each season. Their leaves never wither, and they prosper in all they do.
But not the wicked! They are like worthless chaff, scattered by the wind. They will be condemned at the time of judgment. Sinners will have no place among the godly. For the LORD watches over the path of the godly, but the path of the wicked leads to destruction.
Jennifer S., Harleysville ,PA
“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
What a wonderful experience!! This was our first time and I really enjoyed doing this throughout the year with my daughters. Thank you for helping me hide God’s Word in my heart and in the hearts of my girls!
Misty Keith – Pflugerville, TX Philippians 3:7 “But whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ.” (NIV)
Karen, Trenton, OH
“For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.”
Luke 2:11 ESV
Participating in this has shown me, more than anything else, how relavant scripture is to the details of my everyday life.
Beth Hurst, Ypsilanti, MI
“Do not be wise in your own eyes;
fear the Lord and shun evil.
This will bring health to your body
and nourishment to your bones.” Proverbs 3:7-8 NIV
Kathleen Smith, Georgetown, Tx
Psalm 46:1 NIV
God is our refuge and strength an ever present help in trouble.
Jane Lakey, Pananama city Beach, Fl
Colossians 1:20, NKJV
21 And you, who once were alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now He has reconciled
22 in the body of His flesh through death, to present you holy, and blameless, and above reproach in His sight—
Precious friend, hasn’t this been a sweet time with the Lord! Hard to believe a year has passed since readying our spirals and posting our first scriptures!
Jessie Y. Jackson, MO, NIV Romans 8:25 “But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently.”
Thank you Beth for your message today – that planting God’s Word brings about a beautiful harvest. For those months where it seemed a little less impactful, or for those verses that were harder to memorize, I know that God has planted those words in my heart for a specific reason and His Word ALWAYS accomplishes that which HE purposes. AMEN!
I don’t really understand the siesta verse memory thing; do you pick your own or is there a list? Is there going to be another round in 2016? 🙂
Amy 7634
“All this also comes from the Lord Almighty,
whose plan is wonderful,
whose wisdom is magnificent.”
Isaiah 28:29 (NIV)
Suzy from Cedar Falls, IA
Romans 12:2 NIV “Do not conform to the pattern of this world , but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is –his good, pleasing and perfect will.”
November 1 I ran the New York marathon after overcoming breast cancer and Lyme arthritis. To carry me through the race I wrote Psalm 62:2 (my Nov. 1 memory verse) in sharpie on my arm to remind me throughout the 26.2 miles that He is my fortress and I will NEVER be shaken. His word is powerful in so many ways!
The scripture has helped me through some family issues and assist with reminding me that I am God’s hands and feet in the world. It was a stretch for me and I am grateful.
oops! forgot my verse.
Cindy, North Potomac, MD
Teach me what I can not see; if I have done wrong, I will not do it again. Job 34:32 NIV
Dallas, GA
“See to it that you do not refuse him who speaks. If they did not escape when they refused him who warned them on earth, how much less we will, if we turn away from him who warns us from heaven? At that time his voice shook the earth, but now he has promised, “Once more, I will shake not only the earth but also he heavens. Heb. 12:25-26 NIV
Candice Kindrick Simpson
Bloomington, IN
Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.
Romans 12:12 (NIV)
Diane, Wichita KS
Ah, Sovereign Lord, you have made the heavens and earth by your great power and outstretched arm. Nothing is too hard for you. Jeremiah 32:17 (NIV)
I have found while focusing on memorizing scripture the negative chatter is silent.
Amy, Miamisburg, OH
For from him and through him and for him are all things. To him be the glory forever! Amen.
Romans 11:36 NIV
Julie /Deer Park,Tx The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Galatians 5:22-23 NIV
Thank you for spurring us all towards the Word.
Paula from Fort Madison, Iowa,
“For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works which God prepared in advance for us to do.”
Ephesians 2:10
These verses this year have given me Light in the darkness of
world.
Conyers, GA PSALM 103:21-22 KJV
“Bless ye the Lord, all ye his hosts; ye ministers of his, that do his pleasure. Bless the Lord, all his works in all places of his dominion: bless the Lord, O my soul.”
Memorization of the Word has been time well spent! Three Psalms repeated at some time daily, have comforted, calmed, made bold, & given a bit of prospective that I did not have before – a prospective that leads me to The Throne to calmly claim promises I never accepted in application to me. Then MAKES me boldly proclaim the peace I feel, why I have it, & where I got it! Thank you, Psalms! Thank you, Jesus!
Susan, Wynnne
Isaiah 55:6-7 (NIV)
Seek the Lord while he may be found;
call on him while he is near.
Let the wicked forsake their ways
and the unrighteous their thoughts.
Let them turn to the Lord, and he will have mercy on them,
and to our God, for he will freely pardon.
Thank you for providing the accountability that I need to be consistent in bible memory. Praying that I will obey all that the Lord has taught me through this year of memorization!
Irene White Pigeon MI, I keep my eyes always on the Lord.
With him at my right hand, I will not be shaken. Psalms 16:8 NCV
You have revealed the paths of life to me; You will fill me with gladness in Your presence. Acts 2:28
Elise,Cypress Texas
The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.
John 10:10 ESV
Dawn Moore Conway, AR
Luke 1:45 NIV
Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill his promises to her!
Praise the Lord, O my soul; all my inmost being, praise his holy name. Psalm 103: 1 NIV
Jenny Fridge
Richmond, TX
Sonia Kibe, Morrilton, Arkansas
“Oh our God, we thank you and praise your glorious name!” 1 Chronicles 29:13
Valerie, Ontario (Mansfield), OH
2 Timothy 2:8a. (tPt) ” But make Jesus, the Annointed One, your focus in life and ministry ….”
Margie Rodriguez, San Angelo, Tx
Proverbs 3:15 NIV
She is more precious than rubies;
nothing you desire can compare with her.
Samantha Zumbro, Golden, CO
Matthew 6:34 NIV
“Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”
Tyra – Atanta, GA
Memorizing the Word has changed my life. I know the Lord in ways I’ve never known before. I trust Him like I’ve never trusted Him before. The Scriptures He brought to my mind and heart have been, and will continue to be, used to encourage and strengthen me. And to encourage and strengthen others. The Word is my weapon and only through memorizing have I been able to truly use it as such! I’m so thankful for LPM and Beth for the opportunity to be held accountable to something so beneficial and beautiful. And I’m thankful to Jesus for allowing me to persevere this year and for being the Living Word!!
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 NKJV
Lori, McDonough, GA – I am leaving this year a completely different woman. The scriptures and my pursuit of Christ has changed me. I am so glad to say I gained Freedom in some areas and I am continuing to gain Freedom in others. Thank God for His word and His love. I am a work in progress!!
I got so excited about what he has done for me, I forgot to type my scripture.
Lori, McDonough, GA
Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name. Psalm 100:4 NIV
Sherri Zingarelli, Galena, OH:
Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go, for to you I lift up my soul.
Psalm 143:8. NIV
Jennifer Lane, Grand Rapids, MI
Psalm 32:7 “You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance.”
This exercise has been life breathing because God has brought these scriptures to mind to comfort me, instruct me, teach me and transform me daily as I draw near to Him through His Word. It has also brought new depth to my prayer life as I have been able to pray scripture more readily. It has also helped me to take my thoughts captive and make them more readily obedient to Christ. The more He reveals Himself to me, the more I want to know Him! I’m hooked!
She is clothed with strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future.
Proverbs 31:25
NLT