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! Janine from Spring Hill: “The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and he helps me. My heart leaps for joy, and with my song I praise him.”
â€â€Psalm‬ â€28:7‬ â€NIV‬‬
I commit! Cheryl from Omaha, NE: “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.” James 1:17 NIV
I commit! Sheri, Georgetown, TX:
See to it that no one comes short of the grace of God; that no root of bitterness springing up causes trouble, and by it many be defiled. Hebrews 12:15(NASB)
I commit! Mary Ruth Franklin from Lanexa, VA
“The Lord has established his throne in the heavens,
and his kingdom rules over all.
Bless the Lord, O you his angels,
you mighty ones who do his word,
obeying the voice of his word!
Bless the Lord, all his hosts,
his ministers, who do his will!
Bless the Lord, all his works,
in all places of his dominion.
Bless the Lord, O my soul!”
Psalm 103:19-22 ESV
I comitt! Carol Bowden from Conyers, GA – “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.” 2 Corinthians 5:17 (NKJV)
I commit! Kimberly Walls- Oliver Springs, TN: “He said to me: “It is done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. To the thirsty I will give water without cost from the spring of the water of life.”
â€â€Revelation‬ â€21:6‬ â€NIV‬‬
I commit! Sarah Beth from Birmingham, Alabama “A wise woman builds her home, but a foolish woman tears it down with her own hands.” Proverbs 14:1 NLT
I commit! Brenda from Collinston, La.
“The Lord is my shephard; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.” Psalms 23:1-3 ESV
I commit! Julee from Corona, CA -Finally brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable-if anything is excellent or praiseworthy-think about such things. Phillipians 4:8 NIV
Natalie M. from Damascus, MD: “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing.” –
II Timothy 4:7, 8 NKJV
I commit! Robyn Conners from Olathe, KS
For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them. Ephesians 2:10 NKJ
Carol from Clover, SC. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your paths straight.” Proverbs 3:5-6 NIV
I commit! Amanda from Lexington, Kentucky Psalm 18:1-2 “I love you, O Lord, my strength.
2 The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer,
my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge,
my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. ESV
I commit! Jacquie Terada from Mt. Vernon WA
Who has believed our message? To whom has the Lord revealed his powerful arm? Isaiah 53:1 NLT
I commit! Anna Beth Cates from Tupelo, MS. Joshua 1:8 ” Keep this book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. ” NIV
I commit! Sue Middeldorf – Troy, Michigan –
“To you O Lord, I lift up my soul;” – Psalm 25:1 (NIV)
I commit!!! Crystal from Tupelo, Ms “O LORD, rebuke me not in your anger, nor discipline me in your wrath” Psalm 6:1 ESV
I commit! Melana from Sheridan Wyoming
His divine power has given us everything we need for a Godly life through our knowledge of Him who called us by His own Glory and Goodness.
2 Peter 1:3 NIV
Wendy from Clover, SC. “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Phil 4:13 NIV
Dawn, Astoria OR, My son, don’t forget my teachings, but let your heart keep my commands;for they will bring you many days, a full life, and well-being.Proverbs 3:1-2, CSB.
I commit! I Corinthians 15:55-57
55 Where, O death is thy victory?
Where, O death, is your sting?”[a]
56 The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. 57 But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
I commit! Leah Cullen from Ramona, CA
The Lord God has given me the tongue of those who are taught, that I may know how to sustain with a word him who is weary. Morning by morning he awakens; he awakens my ear to hear as those who are taught.
â€â€Isaiah‬ â€50:4‬ â€ESV‬‬
I commit! Amanda from Lexington, KY “1 I love you, O Lord, my strength.
2 The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer,
my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge,
my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.” – Psalm 18:1-2 ESV
I commit! Kelly from Westfield, NJ: “You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.” Isaiah 26:3 (NIV)
I commit!! Cheya from Houston, TX: “So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.” Isaiah 55:11 KJV
Kay Murillo, San Diego CA
My first verse for SSMT 2017:
“The Lord God hath given me the tongue of the learned, that I should know how to speak a word in season to him that is weary: he wakeneth morning by morning, he wakeneth mine ear to hear as the learned.” Isaiah 50:4, KJV
I commit! Linda from Tomball, TX
“You shall walk after the Lord your God and fear Him and keep His commandments and obey His voice, and you shall serve Him and hold fast to Him.” Deuteronomy 13:4 ESV
I commit! Kathy from Albuquerque, NM
“A ruler can be persuaded through patience, and a gentle tongue can break a bone.” Proverbs 25:15 HCSB
I commit! Amber Darrow Newnan, GA
“Be strong and courageous, do not be afraid or tremble at them, for the Lord your God is with you, He will not fail or forsake you.” NIV version
I commit Madeleine Padilla ,Corrales,NM Psalm100:1-2 Shout triumphantly to the Lord all the earth, Serve the Lord with gladness,come before Him with joyful songs. HCSB
Proverbs 1:23 NKJV
Turn at My rebuke; Surely I will pour out My spirit on you; I will make My words known to you
Proverbs 1:33
But whoever listens to Me will dwell safely, And will be secure, without fear of evil.”
Paulette P. Mays
Elmer, La
I commit! Jennifer Anders from Cumming, GA
Psalm 119:143 As pressure and stress bear down on me, I find comfort in your commands. NIV
I commit! Tess from Taylorsville, GA
“Paul an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, according to the promise of life that is in Christ Jesus,
To Timothy my beloved child: grace, mercy and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.
I thank God whom I serve, as did my ancestors, with a clear conscience, as I remember you constantly in my prayers night and day” 2 Timothy 1:1-3 ESV
Amy Cates from Tupelo, Ms. Psalms 51:10 ” Create in me a clean heart oh God, and renew a right spirit within me.” NIV
Oh and I commit!
Kay Murillo, San Diego CA
I commit!
“The Lord God hath given me the tongue of the learned, that I should know how to speak a word in season to him that is weary: he wakeneth morning by morning, he wakeneth mine ear to hear as the learned.” Isaiah 50:4, KJV
I commit! Nicole Ens from Winnipeg, MB Canada
I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser.
John 15:1 ESV
I commit. Brooke from Bryant, Ar “But to you who are willing to listen, I say, love your enemies! Do good to those who hate you. Bless those who curse you. Pray for those who hurt you.” Luke 6:27-28
I commit! Rachelle from Van Buren, Ohio:
“May He give you the desire of your heart and make all your plans succeed.” Psalm 20:4
I Commit! Nancy from Redkey, IN.
We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God. 2 Corinthians 5:20. NIV
I commit, Chante Clarkson from Columbia, SC.
Romans 15:13
13 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.
Dear Cola Sister,
I like your verse choice and it speaks volumes to me. Thanks for the encouragement.
From another Cola sister.
I commit! 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. Isa
41:10 NIV
I commit! 🙂 Diane Pagan from Montverde, Florida
I lift my inner being to you, ADONAI. – Psalm 25:1 CJB
I commit!!! Debbie Williams from Ortonville, Mi – “So, as the Holy Spirit says; Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts as you did in the rebellion, during the time of testing in the desert, where your fathers tested and tried me and for forty years saw what I did.” -Hebrews 3:7-9 NIV
I commit! Vivian from Post Falls, Idaho
Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. Hebrews 4:16 ESV
I commit! Lou Ann from Canyon Lake, TX. 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! Sherri Whitlock from Columbia, SC
“Look at the new thing I am going to do. It is already happening. Don’t you see it? I will make a road in the dessert & rivers in the dry land.” ~Isaiah 43:19 NCV
I commit! Amy Oliver from Texarkana, TX.
“He will cover you with His pinions, and under His wings you will find refuge; His faithfulness is a shield and buckler.” —-Psalm 91:4 ESV
I commit!
Amie Stacy from Fate, Texas: “O LORD, you have searched me and known me!” Psalm 139:1 ESV
“but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”
â€â€Romans‬ â€5:8‬ â€ESV‬ Chelsea Cushing, Texas
I commit!
I commit! Nelletta from Spokane Valley, Washington: “May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.” Psalm 19:14 NIV