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.
Kiri from Doncaster, UK ” It is through his son that we have redemption that is, our sins have been forgiven. He is the visible image of the invisible God. He is supreme over all creation. Colossians 1:14-15 CJB
I commit! Karmen from Natick, MA. “For if you keep silent at this time, relief and deliverance will rise for the Jews from another place, but you and your father’s house will perish. And who knows whether you have not come to the kingdom for such a time as this?””
Esther 4:14 ESV
I commit!! Stephanie Volkmer, from Tulsa, OK.
*Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, to the saints that are in Ephesus and faithful in Christ Jesus. (Ephesians 1:1, nkjv)
Debbie McElroy from Zachary, LA: “yet I will rejoice in the Lord; I will take joy in the God of my salvation.” Habakkuk 3:18 ESV
I Commit!!!!
Sorry I did not put that this morning.
I commit! Jessica H from Chaska, MN: “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away, and look, new things have come.” 2 Cor 5:17 HCSB
Tami from Goliad, TX
The One who was sitting on the throne said, “Look! I am making everything new!” Then He said, “Write this, because these words are true and can be trusted.” Rev. 21:5 NCV
I commit! Tracey Knight ~ Arkadelphia, AR: “Guard the good deposit that was entrusted to you—guard it with the help of the Holy Spirit who lives in us.” 2 Timothy 1:14 NIV
I commit! Tammy from Livingston, KY: And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28 KJV
I commit!!!
Colette from Mesa,AZ
“Listen, my son, and be wise,
and keep your heart on the right path.”
Proverbs 23:19 NIV
Carolyn Medlin Oceanside Ca
I Commit! 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
Matthew 28:19 NIV
Chrissy, Overland Park, KS
“Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the Lord.”
Psalm 31:24 (NIV)
I commit! Mary Jeanne from Hatboro, PA. I rise before the dawning of the morning, And cry for help; I hope in your word. Psalm 119:147 NKJ
I commit! Robin, Crystal Springs, MS
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
I commit!Lucille Goins New Bloomfield Mo.
For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the first born among many brethren. Romans 8:29 NKJV
I commit! Jo from Frisco, TX: “When the Lord brought back the captive ones of Zion, we were like those who dream. And our mouth was filled with laughter, and our tongue with joyful shouting. And they said among the nations, ‘The Lord has done great things for them.'” Psalms 126:1-2 NASB
I commit! Naomi from Colorado Springs, CO: “To you, O Lord, I lift up my soul” Psalms 25:1 ESV. “A ti, Señor, elevo mi alma” NIV. Will memorize it in Spanish and English.
Donna Garvin from Eldorado, Texas: Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. (6)In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3:5,6 (NASB ’95)
I commit! Stacey from Greenville, KY: “So now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love.” 1 Corinthians 13:13 ESV
Yay!!!
I commit! Shiffra, Kalamazoo, MI
I have been reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also. 2 Timothy 1:5 (NIV84)
Maureen, Pascoag, RI
You are indeed my rock and my fortress;
for your name’s sake lead me and guide me.
Psalm 31:3
NRSV
That is a great one!! Thanks for thinking of me and mom! I am excited!
I commit! Lisa Kennedy from Menifee, CA
“I took you from the ends of the earth, from its farthest corners I called you. I said, ‘You are my servant’; I have chosen you and have not rejected you.”
Isaiah 41:9 NIV
I commit!
Alyssa Rio Rancho, NM
So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up. Therefore, whenever we have the opportunity, we should do good to everyone—especially to those in the family of faith.
Galatians 6:9-10 NLT
I commit! Jen Lesak from Richmond, TX: “For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.” Hebrews 4:12 NIV 1984
I commit! Susan from Houston, TX: But as it is written, eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor have entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for those who love Him. 1 Corinthians 2:9 NKJV
I commit! Kelly from Lucedale, Mississippi, “To you O Lord, I lift up my soul” Psalm 25:1 NIV
I commit.
Diane Lawrence, Bartlett, TN
Yes, Lord, walking in the way of Your Laws, we wait for You; Your name and renown are the desire of our hearts.” Isaiah 26:8 (NIV)
I commit! Nitsa from Eugene, OR. “Do not let kindness and truth leave you; Bind them around your neck, Write them on the tablet of your heart.” Proverbs 3:3 NAS
I commit!!
Meredith from Johnstown, OH: May he give you the desire of your heart and make all our plans succeed. -Psalm 20:4 (NIV)
I commit! Beth from Pearland, TX.
The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end.
They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.
Lamentations 3:22&23 ESV
I commit! Stacy Featherston from Searcy, AR: “O Lord, I give my life to you.” Psalm 25:1 (NLT)
I commit! rosella from Huntington WV, Call to me I will answer you, and will tell you great and hidden things that you have not known. Jeremiah 33:3 ESV
I Commit! Laurie from Chester, Maryland
“When your words came, I ate them; they were my joy and my hearts delight, for I bear your name, Lord God Almighty.” Jeremiah 15:16 NIV
I commit! Christina Lawless from Flower Mound, TX. “I will praise the Lord at all times. I will constantly sing of his praises.” Psalms 34:1 NLT
I commit! Lily from Fullerton, California
“Awake, awake, put on your strength, O Zion; put on your beautiful garments, O Jerusalem, the holy city; for there shall no more come into you the uncircumcised and the unclean.” Isaiah 52:1 ESV
I commit!
Amy from Miamisburg, Ohio
Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you your heart’s desires. Commit everything you do to the Lord. Trust him, and he will help you.
Psalms 37:4-5 NLT
I commit! Julie from Lexington, Ky. “We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance.” Romans 5:3 NLT
I commit! Susan, Houston, “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through the fire you shall not be burned, and the flames shall not consume you.” Isaiah 43:2 ESV
I commit! Lisa, West Des Moines, IA: “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my eye upon you.” Psalm 32:8 (ESV)
I commit! Caroline from Calgary Alberta Canada “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
I commit! Jane from Montgomery, AL
“For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but a spirit of power, love, and self discipline.” 2 Timothy 1:7 NLT
I commit! Pat S., Lago Vista, TX
Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another – and all the more as you see the Day approaching.
Hebrews 10;25 NIV
I committ! Freda D. Brown, Chicago, Illinois: “In you, Lord my God, I put my trust.”
Psalm 25:1 NIV
I commit, Beverly Johnson, Munford, TN, “All scripture is God breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” 2 Timothy 3:16-17 NIV
Berni, Albuquerque, NM
“By your patience possess your souls.”
Luke 21:19 NKJV
I commit! Tara, Loganville, GA
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. As I remember your tears, I long to see you, that I may be filled with joy. I am reminded of your sincere faith, a faith that dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice and now, I am sure, dwells in you as well.
2 Timothy 1:3-5 ESV
I commit! Kim Sanders from Republic,Missouri:
Bless the Lord , O my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy name!
Psalms 103:1 ESV
I commit!
Janet Worthy from Odessa, TX
“For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us.”
Romans 8:18 ESV
Praise the Lord!!! Love you Janet!
I commit!
Lark from Greenville, SC: “Jesus replied, ‘Anyone who drinks this water will soon become thirsty again. But those who drink the water I give will never be thirsty again. It becomes a fresh, bubbling spring within them, giving them eternal life.'” John 4:13-14, NLT
Annette, Richmond, Texas, ESV, Psalm 36:5
Your steadfast love, Or Lord, extends to the heavens, your faithfulness to the clouds.
I commit! Laurie Bass from Waynesville, NC: “Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers, but whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night.” Psalm 1:1-3 NKJV