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 legalisticĀ about much around here but I am a drill sergeant about the precise way we accept comments for SSMT verse entries. OneĀ 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. Ā 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 itĀ 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 wordsĀ this time toĀ the front of theĀ 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 becauseĀ 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 againstĀ evil rulers, powers and principalitiesĀ 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.
In you, Lord my God, I put my trust. Psalm 25:1 (NIV)
Cristina Niculas, Suwanee, GA
In you, o Lord my God, I put my trust. Psalm 25:1 (NIV)
Hannah from Elmira Ontario:
Dear friends, let us love one another, for loves comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. 1 John 4:7 NIV
I committ! Stacey from Kerrvile, TX “The Lord is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him;” Lamentations 3:25 NIV
I commit! Michelle from Seattle, Washington: “Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.” Prov 19:21 NIV
I commit! Jeannie Williams, Rock Hill, SC
“To You, oh Lord, I lift up my soul.” Psalm 25:1 NASB
I commit! Elizabeth from Killeen:
“James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, To the twelve tribes scattered among the nations: Greetings.”
James 1:1 (NIV)
I commit! Mary, Chandler, OK
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.
Hebrews 12:1 NIV84
I commit! Amy, Baton Rouge, “Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” Psalm 90:12, NIV
I commit! Haggai 2:4b-5 ESV “Be strong, O Joshua, son of Jehozadak, the high priest. Be strong, all you people of the land, declares the Lord. Work, for I am with you, declares the Lord of hosts, according to the covenant that I made with you when you came out of Egypt. My Spirit remains in your midst. Fear not.”
I commit!
Joshua 1:5 (HCSB)
No one will be able to stand against you as long as you live. I will be with you, just as I was with Moses. I will not leave you or forsake you.
I commit! Julie Houston Tx
Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 NIV
I commit! Kathryn Luedtke from Sherwood Park, Alberta.
The man said to me ” Son of man, look with your eyes and hear with your ears, and pay attention to everything I am going to show you, for that is why you have been brought here. Tell the house of Israel everything you see.” – Ezek. 40:4 (NIV)
I Committ! Diana from San Antonio, TX:
“I will bless the LORD at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth” Psalms 34:1 (ESV)
Correction: Bible Version (NASB)
I commit! Barbara Hammett from Chapin, SC: “Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth. Worship the Lord with gladness; come before him with joyful songs.” Psalm 100:1,2 NIV
I Commit! Debbie Sullivan – Rogersville, MO
Search me, O God, and know my heart,
Test me and know my anxious thoughts.
Point out anything in me that offends you,
And lead me along the path of everlasting life.
Psalm 139:23-24 (NLT)
I Committ! Tracy from Union,Kentucky “Do not conform any longer 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 Gods
will is-his good, pleasing and perfect will”-Romans 12:2 (NIV)
I commit! Ginger from Aiken, SC. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart; lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your paths. ” Proverbs 3:5-6. NIV
Jessica Williams, Ninety Six, SC
I commit.
“And the Lord, He is the One who goes before you. He will be with you, He will not leave you nor forsake you; do not fear nor be dismayed.ā Deuteronomy 31:8
I commit! Sarah Payne from Fort Hood, Texas
“And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.”
-Philippians 4:19 (NIV)
I commit! Renee from Richmond, VA. “Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good! Blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him!” Psalm 34:8 (ESV)
Susan from Madison,MS
…and Mary said, “My should glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior.”
Luke 1:46-47 (NIV)
I commit! Kim from Dallastown, PA: “So if you’re serious about living this new resurrection life with Christ, act like it. Pursue the things over which Christ presides.” – Colossians 3:1 (MSG)
I commit! Lisa from Lenoir, NC:
“Do not forsake wisdom, and she will protect you; love her, and she will watch over you. The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding.”
Proverbs 4:6-7 NIV
I Commit! SusanBeth from Scottsdale WA “Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and He will establish your plans. Proverbs 16:3 NIV
I commit! Lois from New York. Indeed, the Lord’s hand is not too short to save, and His ear is not too deaf to hear. Isaiah 59:1 HCSB
I commit! Gail Kalbfleisch, Alexandria, VA “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body; and be thankful.” Colossians 3:15 NASB
I commit! Teresa Gatti from Gloster, La. “Oh Israel, hope in the Lord; for with him, there is mercy and with him is abundant redemption and he will heal Israel from all her iniquities.” Psalm 130:7-8 NASV
Laura from Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan. I commit!
To you, O LORD, I lift up my soul. Psalm 22:1 ESV
I commit! Heidi from Kansas “Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourself with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.” Colossians 3:12 NLT
I commit! Sara from Nashville, TN: Therefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and rest your hope fully upon the grace that is to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. -1 Peter 1:13 (HCSB)
I commit! Diane E. from Charleston, IL: “The most important (commandment), answered Jesus, is this: Hear O Israel, the Lord your God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength. The second is this: Love your neighbor as yourself. There is no commandment greater than these.” – Mark 12: 29-31 NIV
I commit!
Avayd Lacy, Kansas City, KS “Remember, it is sin to know what you ought to do and then not do it”. NLT
I commit! Mary, Huntsville, TX. Isaiah 43:18 Forget the former things; do nor dwell on the past. NIV
I commit! Kaylie Hodges, Vega Texas
In the beginning was the Word and the word was with God and the Word was God. John 1:1 HCSB
I’m in! Melissa from Fresno, CA
“I know that you can do all things; no purpose of yours can be thwarted;” Job 42:2 (NET)
I commit! Jen from Santa Maria, CA “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to His abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.” I Peter 1:3 KJV
I commit! Do not comform 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! Janet from Midlothian Texas. “But He gives all the more grace; therefore it says, ‘God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.’ ” James 4:6 NRSV
I commit! Nita Stone from Earle, Arkansas:
18.) “But forget all that – it is nothing compared to what I am going to do.
19.) 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.” Isaiah 43:18-19 NLT
I COMMIT! Fenisia Gaines from Georgetown Kentucky.
Therefore I tell yoi, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.
-Mark 11:24 (NIV)
I commit! Mary from Capron, IL
“Those who live in the shelter of the Most High will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty. This I declare about the Lord: He alone is my refuge, my place of safety;he is my God and I trust him. For he will rescue you from every trap snd protect you from deadly disease. He will cover you with his feathers. He will shelter you with his wings. His faithful promises are your armor and protection. Psalm 91:1-4 NLT
I commit! Julie Davis from Blairsville, Pennsylvania: If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Colossians 3:1 ESV
I commit! “Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” I Thessalonians 5:16-18. NIV
ps. 1:1-3 ESV Blessed is the man[a]
who walks not in the counsel of the wicked,
nor stands in the way of sinners,
nor sits in the seat of scoffers;
2 but his delight is in the law[b] of the Lord,
and on his law he meditates day and night.
3 He is like a tree
planted by streams of water
that yields its fruit in its season,
and its leaf does not wither.
In all that he does, he prospers.
I commit!
“Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you.” I Peter 5:7
I commit! Sharon Florence, SC: If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask Him! Matthew 7:11 ESV
I commit! Tamara from western Kansas: “If it is true that you look favorably on me, let me know your ways so I may understand you more fully and continue to enjoy your favor. And remember that this nation is your very own people.” – Exodus 33:13 (NLT)
I commit! Jean from Mount Enterprise TX In the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God and the Word was God. John 1:1 KJV
I commit! Jennifer from Thornton, CO “But the meek will inherit the land and enjoy peace and prosperity.” Psalm 37:11 NIV
I commit! Robin from Chambersburg, PA
Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it. Matthew 7:13-14 NKJV