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! Lisa from Wellington, KS. Always be joyful. Keep on praying. No matter what happens, always be thankful, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 NLT
I commit! Bobbie from Radium Spings NM
2 Timothy 2:24. And a servant of the Lord must not quarrel but be gentle to all, able to teach, patient… NKJV
I commit! Cindy from Largo, Florida: “James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, To the twelve tribes scattered among the nations: Greetings. James1:1 NIV
I commit!! Carys Stogdill from Valrico, Florida: “There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.”
â€â€1 John 4:18 NIV
I commit! Debbie from Gardendale, AL. “But since you excel in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness and in the love we have kindled in you—see that you also excel in this grace of giving.” 2 Corinthians 8:7 NIV
I commit! Kelly from Oakdale, CA – “Brothers, I do not consider myself to have taken hold of it . But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and reaching forward to what is ahead.” Philippian 3:13 HCSB
Claire Elaine, Baton Rouge: Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world. James 1:27 (NIV)
I commit! Michelle Burnam Dalton, GA. Joshua 21:45 “None of the good promises the Lord had made to the house of Israel failed. Everything was fulfilled.”
HCSB
I commit! Leigh from Waco, Texas. “My child, pay attention to what I say. Listen carefully to my words. Don’t lose sight of them. Let them penetrate deep into your heart, for they bring life to those who find them, and healing to their whole body.” Proverbs 4:20-22 NLT
I commit! Ariel, Belle Chasse LA,
By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if you have love one to another
John 13:35 KJV
I commit! Laura, Katy, TX ” Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good life, by deeds done and humility that comes from wisdom. ” James 3:13. NIV
Chimere, Sicklerville,New Jersey: “And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:7,NIV
Laurel, MS
But when Jesus heard this, He said, “It is not those who are healthy who need a physician, but those who are sick. But go and learn what this means: I desire COMPASSION, and not sacrafice, for I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners.” Matt. 9:12-13
NASB
I committ! Crystal, Mapleton Minnesota.
Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. John 15:4 NKJV
I committ:
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!
Rebekah, Abernathy, TX
“In you, Lord my God, I put my trust.” Psalm 25:1 NIV
I commit!! Elizabeth, Dallas, TX: 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. Isaiah 41.10, NIV
I commit! Laura from Hudson, Illinois: “To you, O Lord, I lift up my soul; in you I trust, O my God.” Psalm 25:1 NIV
I commit .
Listen to my prayer , O God do not ignore my plea;
Ps. 55 v1 NIV
I commit! Karen Marie, Montclair, NJ “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” John 14:27, NIV
I commit! Christy, Wylie If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. 1 Corinthians 13:1 ESV
Elaine Wolting from Ontario, Canada.
I commit!!! NIV May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O LORD, my Rock, and my Redeemer.
I commit! Patti from Salem, Oregon “And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ-to the glory and praise of God.
Philippians 1:9-11 NIV
I Commit! Kim Albany, New York “Do all things without grumbling or disputing” Philippians 2:14 NASB
I commit!!! Julie, San Marcos, CA. “For You, O Lord, have made me glad by what You have done, I will sing for joy at the works of Your hands.” Psalms 92:4 NASB
I commit! Karen, Cheney,WA
“I cried out, ‘I am slipping!’ but Your unfailing love, O LORD,supported me. When doubts filled my mind Your comfort gave me renewed hope and cheer.” Psalm 95:18-19 (NLT)
I commit! Margie Hughes from Santa Ana, California ” May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope” Romans 15:13 ESV
I commit! Susan, Windsor, NC, We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain. Hebrews 6:19 NIV
I commit! Hilary from Nicholasville, KY. “For the Lord gives wisdom, from his mouth come knowledge and understanding; he stores up sound wisdom for the upright; he is a shield to those who walk in integrity, guarding the path of the just and watching over the way of his saints.” Proverbs 2:6-8 ESV
I commit! Valerie from West Bloomfield, MI “Not one of all the LORD’s good promises to Israel failed; every one was fulfilled.” Joshua 21:45 New International Version
Carolyn J, Phoenix, AZ
With your help I can advance against a troop; with my God I can scale a wall.
Psalm 18:29 NIV
Melissa Robertson from Arlington, Texas: “For I know the plans I have for you” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11
I commit! Brooke Gage from Highlands Ranch ,CO. ” You have searched me, Lord, and You know me.” Psalm 139:1 NIV
I commit! Julie from Tucson, AZ
“I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.” John 14:27 NLT
I commit! Lisa, from Memphis, Tn. “indeed, we had the sentence of death within ourselves so that we would not trust in ourselves, but in God who raises the dead” 2 Cor., 1:9 (NASB)
I commit! Brenda McGurk, Medina, Ohio
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous.
Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for The Lord
your God will be with you wherever you go.”
Joshua 1:9 NIV
Christy, Richmond Hill, GA, I commit! “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
“And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” NKJV
I commit! Janice, from Springdale, AR. “The Spirit and the Bride say, ‘Come.’ And let the one who hears say, ‘Come.’ and let the one who is thirsty come; let the one who desires take the water of life without price.” Revelation 22:17. ESV
I commit! Melissa Robertson from Arlington, Texas: “For I know the plans I have for you” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
I commit!
Carolyn Tragesser, Meridian, Idaho
As the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater, so is My Word that goes out from My mouth: It will not return to Me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it. Isaiah 55:10-11 NIV. (I added the capitals for word and personal pronouns.)
I commit! Shannon Vasquez from Littleton, CO: “You love Him, though you have not seen Him. And though not seeing Him now, you believe in Him and rejoice with inexpressible and glorious joy.” 1 Peter 1:8, NLT
I commit!! Sarah from Houston, Texas. “Commit your way to the Lord; trust also in him and he will act.” Psalm 37:5 ESV
I commit. Heather Vanhanxleden from Lancaster, Pa
Romans 4:1 NIV What then shall we say that Abraham, our forefather, discovered in this matter.
I comment! (But tentatively, because i’m afraid I may not succeed).
My 1st memory verse: “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable-if anything is excellent or praiseworthy-think about such things”. Philippians 4:8 (NIV)
I chose this verse to remind myself to have a positive attitude in 2017. Look for good, think about good, and do good, not evil – and remember to praise God for His glory and blessings.
God, help me be a blessing and be your hands and feet in 2107.
And, help me fulfill this commitment to memorize your word. Lead me to the verses I need to write on my heart.
I commit! Janice, Springville, AL. “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, and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.” 2 Timothy 1:1-2. HCSB.
I commit! Dawn from Silver Spring, Md.
God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Psalm 46:1, ESV.
I commit! Brooke from Mobile Alabama “You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance.” Psalm‬ â€32:7‬ â€NIV‬‬
I commit! Elizabeth from Huntsville, TX “Paul, le prisonnier de JĂ©sus-Christ, et TimothĂ©e, notre frère, saluent PhilĂ©mon, notre cher ami et notre collaborateur Philemon 1.1 (Version Semeur);
I Commit!
Debra, Fresno Ca
You, God, are my God, earnestly I seek you; I thrist for you, my whole being longs for you, in a dry and parched land where there is no water. Psalm 63:1 NIV