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 commit!!!! Leslie Hudson from Corvallis, OR:
I have tried hard to find you- don’t let me wander from your
commands. Psalm 119:10. NIV
Victoria C. from Arlington- “Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.”
â€â€1 Peter‬ â€5:6-7‬ â€NIV‬‬
I commit!
He will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in Him.
— Isaiah 26:3, NIV
Martha. Cocoa,FL
2 Timothy 2:22. Flee from youthful passions, and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart. NIV
I commit! Alexandra Johnson from Margate, Florida
Isaiah 55:12 NIV
You will go out in joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains and hills will burst into song before you, and all the trees of the field will clap their hands.
I commit! Emily from Mechanicsville, VA: Lord, I turn to You. Psalm 25:1 HCSB
Hey, Emily! I’m your neighbor down in Chester. I commit to SSMT, too.
I commit!
He will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in Him.
— Isaiah 26:3, NIV
I COMMIT! Rhonda Jackson from Godfrey, Illinois: Is not this the fast that I have chosen? to loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke? Isaiah 58:6 KJV
I commit, Carolyn, St. Catharines, Ontario, Canada
Who can discern his errors? Forgive my hidden faults.
Psalm 19:12 (NIV)
Tracy Armstrong from Jasper, TX
“Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.”
Philippians 4:8 King James
I commit! Wendy Bashor from Lone Butte, BC: “I lift up my eyes to the mountains – where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.” Psalm 121:1-2 NIV
I commit! Brianna from High Point, North Carolina: “As for that in the good soil, they are those who, hearing the word, hold it fast in an honest and good heart, and bear fruit with patience.” Luke 8:15 ESV
Dianne Richardson Kings Worthy UK.
“See I am doing a new thing, Now it springs up, do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.” Isaiah 43:19 (NIV)
Fran Thomas, Jackson, TN
“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! Alaina // Flint, Texas
For the Lord of hosts has planned, and who can frustrate it? And as for his stretched-out hand, who can turn it back?
Isaiah 14:27 NASB
I commit !
Arlene from Anderson
Therefore, I urge you,brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God – this is your spiritual act of worship. Romans 12:1 ( NIV)
I commit!! Angie Sarich, Deland FL
“You crown the year with Your goodness, And Your paths drip with abundance. They drop on the pastures of the wilderness, And the little hills rejoice on every side.”
(Psalm 65:11-12, NKJV)
Hi Angie. I commit too. I’m just up the road in Eustis. Happy New Year.
Kim, Euless, TX
The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me,
because the Lord has anointed me
to proclaim good news to the poor.
He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted,
to proclaim freedom for the captives
and release from darkness for the prisoners
Isaiah 61:1 NIV
Martie Carter from Belton, Texas
Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.
Ephesians 4:29 NIV
You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.
Isaiah 26:3 NIV
I commit! Jennifer, Niceville, FL
See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland. Isaiah 43:9 NIV
I commit! Darlene Johnson from Hollywood, SC. “The Lord crowns the year with goodness, And your path drips with abundance.” Psalm 65:11, NKJV
I commit!! Natalie Malec, Grand Prairie, TX
“For I am about to do something new. See, I have already begun! Do you not see it? I will make a pathway through the wilderness. I will create rivers in the dry wasteland.”
â€â€Isaiah‬ â€43:19‬ â€NLT‬‬
Steph M. from Irvine, CA
“to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor and the day of vengeance for our God, to comfort all who mourn,”
Isaiah 61:2, NIV
I commit! Terri, Columbus Ohio. Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth. 2 Timothy 2:15 NIV
I commit! Leslie Reynolds, from Arvada CO, “Give thanks to the Lord,call on his name;make known among the nation’s what He has done”. 1 Chronicles 16:8 NIV
“Do not forsake wisdom and she will protect you.
Love her and she will watch over you.”
Proverbs 4:6 NIV
Justine Sama, Fort Worth, TX by way of Burkina Faso.
The Lord is my shepherd; I have all that I need. Psalm 23:1 NLT
I commit! Monica Shelton from Eustis, FL
The LORD is my light and my salvation, whom shall I fear?
The LORD is the stronghold of my life-
Of whom shall I be afraid? Psalm 27:1 NIV
Kay Marie ~ WV
I Commit!
Commit your way to the Lord.
Trust Him!
He will act.
Psalm 37:5
(Daily Life Bible)
Heidi ~ Lindale, Texas
“Beloved, I pray that in all respects you may prosper and be in good health, just as your soul prospers.” 3 John 1:2 NASB
I COMMIT!
Annie from Ruston, LA: “But as for you, O man of God, flee these things. Pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, gentleness.” 1 Timothy 6:11 ESV
I commit! Darlene Butler from Monroe, GA: Oh, how great are God’s riches and wisdom and knowledge! How impossible it is for us to understand His decisions and His ways! Romans 11:33 (NLT)
I commit! Alicia Putman, Burleson Texas, Zephaniah 3:17 NIV
The Lord your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you; in his love he will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing.”
I commit! Rita from Los Alamos, NM ” Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, ” This is the way; walk in it.” Isaiah 30:21NIV
I commit! Angela High from Americus, Ga.
“And each morning and evening they stood before the LORD to sing songs of thanks and praise to him.” 1 Chronicles 23:30 NLT
I commit! Linda Steinacher from Wichita Ks. “Give in to God, come to terms with Him and everything will turn out just fine.” Job 22:21 The Message
I COMMIT! Janice Meyer from Euless, Texas
Psalm 25:1
To you, O Lord, I lift up my soul.
ESV
I commit! Lisa Taylor from Blue Ridge, VA
Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.
Matthew 6:33 NLT
You will show me the way of life, granting me the joy of your presence and the pleasures of living with you forever. Ps. 16:11 NLT
I Commit! Robbyn from Tucson, Arizona: God is in the midst of her, she shall not be moved: god will help her when morning dawns. Psalm 46:5, ESV
I commit! Melissa from Tucson, Arizona: “God is in the midst of her, she shall not be moved; God will help her when morning dawns.” Psalm 46:5 ESV
I commit!
Ruth Kitchener, ON
For the Lord grants wisdom! From his mouth come knowledge and understanding. Proverbs 2:6 NIV
I COMMIT!! Paula- Arlington, TX
“Therefore if anyone is in Christ,he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold,new things have come.” 2 Corinthians 5:17 NASB
I commit! Leisa from Olympia Wa.
Through the tender mercy of our God, the day shall dawn upon us from on high
Like 1:78 revised standard version
Becky Bell. Westerville, Ohio
I commit! “You then, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable men who will also be qualified to teach others.” II Timothy 2:1-2. NIV
Molly Laurendine from Mobile, AL
If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies,
Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. Philippians 2:1-2 KJV
Courtney from Lima Ohio: “If you are wise and understand God’s ways, prove it by living an honorable life, doing good works with the humility that comes from wisdom.” James 3:13 NLT
I commit!
Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,
Hebrews 12:1 KJV
I commit!
LaJuana Oswalt
Sherwood, AR
Acts 1:8 ESV
But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.