Hey, Everybody! Drumroll please! Welcome to the 2017 Siesta Scripture Memory Team! The entry of your Verse 1 selection acts as your registration. Please read this brief post before you leave your comment so you’ll know exactly how to do it. We are not legalistic about much around here but I am a drill sergeant about the precise way we accept comments for SSMT verse entries. One perusal through the first several hundred comments and you’ll understand why. It’s such a powerful sight you will almost want to cry. Or shout. Or throw your head back and howl your loudest hallelujah. It just all depends on how you process a fresh glimpse of divine revelation. You’ll have before you a feast spread out lavishly on a huge banqueting table.  Keeping the comments to the bare minimum makes Scripture itself stand out on the page. If we add a lot of other verbiage to the comment, the verse is more likely to get lost in it.
Not only will your soul be fed by the entries of others, you’ll discover verses you didn’t even know existed and get ideas for future selections. Any time you can’t decide what verse to memorize, jump on the comments and see what resonates with you. Any time you feel bone-dry or downcast or distracted or discouraged or just plain directionless, open up the comments on any SSMT post and behold the words of the Lord. It’s so powerful I could slap my desk thinking about it.
OK, this is how the information should appear in your comment:
Name (first is fine), city: verse, reference, Bible translation.
(Don’t forget your translation! People love knowing exactly which translation your selection came from.)
So you’ll have a paradigm for how it looks, here is my entry for Verse 1 and you’ll see at the end of the post where I made a slight little addition to add some soul-deep conviction if you wish:
Beth Moore from Houston Texas: “Paul, a prisoner for Christ Jesus, and Timothy our brother, to Philemon our beloved fellow worker.” Philemon 1 ESV
You get to choose your own verse according to what you need most right now, what resonates with you in your present circumstances or what God just simply seems to land you on. This year I feel like He’s leading me to use my 24 entries to memorize the one-chapter book of Philemon. It contains 25 verses but the last one is easy so I’ll throw it in with my 24th verse as my final entry. I’ve done stacks of spirals full of unrelated Scriptures for my memory work in previous years. Other times I’ve done several different chunks or one solid chapter. There is no wrong way to do it. It just all depends on what the Holy Spirit seems to be energizing us to do. If something about chipping away at one chapter through the course of the year rings your bell, you are so welcome to join me or you can look through the Scriptures and choose a different chapter of similar length. I so loved memorizing Psalm 25 several years ago. I recited it as recently as yesterday. It has 22 verses ready to go if you’d like to consider it. You’d only need to tag on 2 separate verses after you memorized the psalm to fulfill your 24-verse goal. Jude is another one-chapter book I memorized. It contains 25 verses but I will warn you in advance, take that one on only if you like a challenge. It is pretty wordy.
Let’s just add two little words this time to the front of the entry of our first verse: I commit! And go right ahead and add that exclamation mark at the end of it for the sake of some very appropriate enthusiasm. What you’re about to do bears FRUIT. God’s Word does not return empty. He sends it forth with accomplishing power and divine purpose. That’s worth anticipating with excitement. (In fact, Isaiah 55:11 is a fabulous Scripture to memorize if you’re still searching for a great launch verse.) I think we ought to add those two little words because I keep reading how allergic we’re growing culturally to making commitments of almost any kind. I’m sure you’ve read the same thing. But here’s the deal. We will never be mighty servants of Jesus Christ, alive and awake in the Holy Spirit, bringing glory to God the Father all while standing against evil rulers, powers and principalities without commitment.
Ain’t happenin’.
Nothing was tentative to those early New Testament believers about following Jesus. They didn’t fulfill their callings by being scared of commitment. They gave Him their lives. They bore His name. They testified to the death. Let’s do this thing, Sisters. Let’s do it deliberately. We’re not destined to be weak-willed women. We’re called to be stunningly strong willed about God’s will. So, here’s my official entry for verse 1 of the Siesta Scripture Memory Team challenge of 2017!
I commit! Beth Moore from Houston Texas: “Paul, a prisoner for Christ Jesus, and Timothy our brother, to Philemon our beloved fellow worker.” Philemon 1 ESV
Your turn, sisters! Try to make each of your entries within 24-48 hours after the posts go up around the 1st and the 15th of each month. Also remember not to worry if you don’t see your comment posted for a day or so. Wait a while before you post the same verse a second time. We moderate all comments to filter through spam and trash and general nastiness so the process can take a little time. Here we go! I’m beside myself with joy. Thank you for the privilege to store up the very words of God with you. They are life and breath to us. Iron in our blood. Steel in our bones. So much love to you.
I will commit. Michelle Evans, Houston, TX. For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans for welfare[fn] and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. Jeremiah 29:11 ESV
Jane Lakey, Panama City Beach
Thus far the Lord has helped us. 1 Samuel 7:12
Reminding me of all the help ( His Presence, provisions, mercy, grace, love)He has provided through my life and now as a caretaker for my spouse with Alzheimer. The verse also points forward to me that because He will continue I can have peace and joy for today.
I commit! Hanna Wahlbrink from Lexington, Ky
For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known. 1 Corinthians 13:12 (NIV)
I commit! Reann Jaminet from Sioux City, Iowa
Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. Romans 12:2 ESV
Jennifer Vazquez from Orlando, Florida:
Wisdom and knowledge will be the stability of your times, And the strength of salvation; The fear of the Lord is His treasure. Isaiah 33:6 NKJV
I commit! Miriam Pauline, Nottingham UK
2 Timothy 2:20-21 The Message (MSG)
In a well-furnished kitchen there are not only crystal goblets and silver platters, but waste cans and compost buckets—some containers used to serve fine meals, others to take out the garbage. Become the kind of container God can use to present any and every kind of gift to his guests for their blessing.
I Commit! Lyndsay Salvador from New Castle, IN.
Isaiah 30:15–The Message
God, the Master, the Holy of Israel has this solemn counsel, “Your salvation requires you to turn back to me and stop your silly efforts to save yourselves. Your strength will come from settling down in complete dependence on me.”
I commit! Melissa Sugg, Goldsboro, NC Psalms 27:1-3 The LORD is my light and my salvation; Whom shall I fear? The LORD is the defense of my life; whom shall I dread? When evildoers came upon me to devour my flesh, my adversaries and my enemies, they stumbled and fell. Though a host encamp against me, In spite of this I shall be confident. NAS Ryrie Study Bible
I commit! Michelle from New Baltimore, MI:
For I, the Lord your God, hold your right hand; it is I who say to you, “Do not fear,  I will help you.”
Isaiah 41:13 NRSV
Connie Colston from Waxahachie, Texas
Yet now he has reconciled you to himself through the death of Jesus in his physical body. As a result, he has brought you into his presence, and you are holy and blameless as you stand before him without a single fault. Colossians 1:22 NLT
I commit! Kiva Roussel from Irvine, California
“I love you fervently and devotedly, O Lord, my strength!” Psalm 18:1 AMP
I Commit! Tracy Langford from Medicine Lodge, KS
“How can a young person stay pure? By obeying your word. I have tried hard to find you— don’t let me wander from your commands. I have hidden your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you. I praise you, O LORD; teach me your decrees. I have recited aloud all the regulations you have given us. I have rejoiced in your laws as much as in riches. I will study your commandments and reflect on your ways. I will delight in your decrees and not forget your word.”
â€â€Psalms‬ â€119:9-16‬ â€NLT‬‬
I commit! Ginger Elder from Harrison, AR
Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, to the saints who are in Ephesus, and are faithful in Jesus Christ Ephesians 1:1 ESV
I commit! Ashley, Cincinnati, Ohio.
And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm, and steadfast. 1 Peter 5:10 NIV
I commit! Nancy Cozad from Kingwood, Texas
I wait for the Lord, my whole being waits, and in his word I put my hope.
Psalm 130:5 NIV
Alicia Lancaster from Hopkinsville, KY – I commit! “Behold, I will do a new thing, Now it will spring forth; Shall you not know it? I will even make a road in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.” Isaiah 43:19 NKJV
Ingrid from Uxbridge, Ontario, Canada
I commit!!!
You will make known to me the path of life, in Your presence is fullness of joy; at your right hand there are pleasures for evermore
Ps. 16:11 (MEV)
I commit! Nancy Schaffer Levittown, PA. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Ephesians 6:12 KJV
Terri, Harrison Township, MI
He will cover you with his feathers and under his wings you will find Refuge. His faithfulness will be your shield and Rampart.
Psalm 91:4 NIV
I commit! Sarai from Brooklyn New York: “If you have raced with men on foot and they have worn you out, how can you compete with horses? If you stumble in safe country, how will you manage in the thickets by the Jordan?” Jeremiah 12:5 NIV
I enjoy running. I can be competitive in my pursuits. Yet there is nothing that brings me more joy than to serve my LORD! Oh, I fall short but He doesn’t ever! I’ve always loved this verse and chose it first to set the tone for this new year. What we have to do often requires strength and hard work and we get tired. We often have to leave our safety zone. Sometimes even enter dangerous places. God may start us with a little task but a giant one could be next. We must prepare. Dig in. Tap in to His Holiness and divine purpose. There likely will be suffering. We have the saints of old to conjure. We have His strength and peace when we’re worn out and we encounter the thickets by the Jordan.
Well said, and so true!
I Commit!! Kim Curtis from Tulsa Oklahoma
“Let all that I am praise the LORD; with my whole heart,
I will praise his holy name.”
â€â€Psalms‬ â€103:1‬ â€NLT‬‬
Jacki from Grandville, MI
“For I know the thoughts I think towards you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope”
Jeremiah 29:11, NKJV
I commit! Natalie from Warner Robins, GA
Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such a word as is good for edification according to the need of the moment, so that it will give grace to those that hear. Ephesians 4:29 NASB
I commit! Janice Huertas from Lutz, FL
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading kept in heaven for you. 1 Peter 1: 3-4
I Commit! Lisa from Lavonia Ga
Isaiah 32:8 NIV Application Study Bible
“But the noble make noble plans, and by noble deeds, they stand.
I Commit!!! Lucinda Bomberger, Watsontown, PA
Jeremiah 31:11 ESV For the Lord has randsomed Jacob and has redeemed him from hands to strong for him.
I commit! 🙂 Dana from OK
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7 NIV
Mandisa from Nashville, TN I commit! “Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works.” â€â€Hebrews‬ â€10:24‬ â€NLT‬‬
You joining with us gives me great encouragement!
I commit! Kim Gilliam, Colonial Heights, VA
Let the message about Christ, in all its richness, fill my life. Teach and counsel others with all the wisdom He gives, Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to God with a thankful heart.
Colossians 3:16 NLT
Hey, Kim! Saw you are in CH. I’m 10 minutes up the road in Chester.
I commit! Gayle Failing,from Ludington, Mi. John 15:1,2 I am the true vine and my father is the gardener.He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful.
I commit!! Joan Fredericktown, Ohio Amp
To you, O Lord, I lift up mu soul. O my God, in You I (have unwavering) trust (and I rely on You with steadfast confidence), Do not let me be ashamed or my hope in You be disappointed; do not let my enemies triumph over me. Indeed, none of those who(expectantly) wait for you will be ashamed; those who turn away from what is right and deal treacherously without cause will be ashamed (humiliated -embarrassed). psalm 25:1-3
Forgot my translation. NIV
I commit! Becky Montague from Winder, GA. Romans 8:1 (NASB) “Therefore there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.”
I commit! Courtney Kirchmann from Raleigh, NC. “Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.” Isaiah 43:19 (ESV)
Marilyn Gadsden Al But God demonstrates his own love for us in this while we were still sinners Christ died for us Romans 5:8 NIV
I commit!! Adrienne, Valdosta, GA “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 entrust my life.”
Psalm 143:8 (NIV)
I commit!
Lesley in Honolulu, HI
“Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.”
â€â€Psalm‬ â€90:12‬ â€
I commit! Jill Knight from Fort Ashby, WV: “Blessed is every one who fears the LORD, who walks in His ways.” Psalms 128:1 NKJV
I commit! Adele-Alys Spil from Matthews NC: “I will stand at my watchpost, and station myself on the rampart; I will keep watch to see what he will say to me, and what he will answer concerning my complaint.” Habakkuk 2:1 NRSV
I commit! CholeAnne from San Diego, CA
Come, all you who are thirsty, come to the waters, and you who have no money, come, buy and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without cost. Isaiah 55:1 NIV
I commit! Trista Metzler Ruther Glen VA.
Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away, behold, the new ha come.
2cor 5:17 esv
I commit! Jan Mackenzie from Eden Prairie, MN
“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.”
Romans 12:2 – NIV
I commit! Alicia Parker, New Smyrna Beach, FL.
For this reason, I, Paul, the prisoner of Christ Jesus on behalf of you Gentiles —
Ephesians 3:1 HCSB
I commit! Kimberly Reed from Fresno, CA
Be joyful always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
1 Thessalonians 5:16 NIV
I commit!! Donna from Louisville, KY
“Yet you, Lord, are our Father. We are the clay, you are the potter, we are all the work of your hand.” Isaiah 64:8 NIV
I commit! Teena Dobbs from Gainesville, GA: “Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.”
2 Corinthians 3:17 NIV
I Commit !
Linda Peel Lexington, KY
You make the path of life known to me. In your presence there is complete JOY.
Acts 2:28 God’s Word translation
I commit! Lori Maddox from Bushnell, FL: “Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by God’s will, for the promise of life in Christ Jesus: To Timothy, my dearly loved son. Grace, mercy, peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.” 2 Timothy 1:1-2 HCSB
I commit!! Linda Hampton from Jacksonville, AR: “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. ” Jeremiah 29 :11 NIV
I commit! Alyson Walker from Little Rock, Arkansas: ““Is not this the fast that I choose: to loose the bonds of wickedness, to undo the straps of the yoke, to let the oppressed go free, and to break every yoke?” Isaiah 58:6 ESV