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.
I commit! Leah from Jefferson, NC
“And if anyone is not offended because of Me, he is blessed.” – Matthew 11:6 HCSB
I Commit! “But concerning the times and the seasons, brethren, you have no need that I should write to you. For the day of the Lord so comes as a thief in the night.” 1 Thessalonians 5:1-2 NIV
I commit! Kellie from Baden, Pennsylvania. The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I feat? The Lord is the stronghold of my life; whim shall I be afraid? Psalms 27:1 (ESV)
I commit! From Canton, MI “Love is patient and kind;love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice in wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.” 1 Cor. 13:4-7 ESV
I COMMIT! SUZY from Smyrna, GA
Lord, you have been our dwelling place in all generations.
Before the mountains were brought forth or ever you had formed the earth and the world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God.
Psalm 90:1 & 2 ESV
I commit! Janet from Kansas City Missouri. May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing to you O Lord, my rock and my redeemer. Psalm 19:14 NLT
Elena from Canada, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” John 1:1 NIV
I commit! Sarah from Chesapeake, VA
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 God’s will is-his good, pleasing, and perfect will. Romans 12:2 NIV
I commit! Kristin, from Shakopee, MN. “Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and grant me a willing spirit to sustain me.” Psalm 51:12 NIV
I commit! Betty Stephens Austin, Texas “For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of Sonship. And by him we cry, “Abba, Father.” Romans 8:15 NIV
Cathy G. from Portland, OR
Hi SSMT…. so thankful to be in the company of all BM Siestas!!!
Now fatih is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. This is what the ancients were commended for.
Heb. 11:1 NIV
I commit! Tina from Cumberland Maryland: “Praise the Lord! I will praise the Lord with my whole heart, In the assembly of the upright and in the congregation.” Psalms 111 NKJV
I commit! Mikaela, Charleston, WV “Yes, Lord, walking in your ways, we wait on you. For your name and your reknown are the glory of our hearts” isaiah 26:8 NIV
I commit! Christina from Longmont, CO
In you, Lord my God,
I put my trust.
Psalm 25:1 NIV
Oh Lord…. I commit!
I COMMIT!! Kelley Cole San Angelo, Texas James 2:13 “because judgement without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful, Mercy triumphs over judgement!” Life Application Study Bible
I commit! Peggy from Santa Ana, CA: Jesus said to him, “if you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes.” Mark 9:23 NKJV
I commit! Yvette from Atlanta,GA “But in all things we are completely victorious through God who showed his love for us.”Rom 8:37 NCV
I commit! Cindy from Ooltewah TN
“Now unto Him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy, to the only wise God our Savior, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen.” Jude 24 & 25
I commit! Sarah, Lincoln, NE … “Since his days are determined, The number of his months is with You; And his limits You have set so that he cannot pass.” (Job 14:5 NASB)
Ronda from Fairfax,VA I commit! Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my savior and my hope is in you all day long.
Ps 25:5 NIV
I commit! Lori from Mountain View, Wyoming. ” Look to the Lord and his strength; seek his face always.” Psalm 105:4 NIV
I commit! Sarah from Nashville, TN.
“So do not worry about tomorrow for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” Matthew 6:34 NASB
I commit! Sandra, from Churchville, VA
And He said, “My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest”. Exodus 33:14 – NKJV
Pam Jackson from Blue Springs, MO. “So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” 1 Corinthians 10:21 ESV
“In you, Lord, I have taken refuge, let me never be put to shame” Psalm 71:1 NIV
I commit! Robin Upper Marlboro,MD And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable and perfect, will of God. KJV
Beth. I commit to stand with you to memorize scripture this year. ” Therefore, I urge you brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a loving sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God.- this is your true and proper worship. 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 12:1-2 NIV
I commit! Shanelle from Phoenix, AZ “Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge.” NIV
I commit! Melany, Garrison , Mo: Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, to God’s elect, strangers in the world, scattered throughout Pontus, , Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia and Bithynia, who have been chosen according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through the sanctifying work of the Spirit, for obedience to Jesus Christ and sprinkling by his blood: Grace and peace be yours in abundance. 1 Peter 1:1-2 NIV
I commit! Sharon Mills from Henderson, Nv
“In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuiness of your faith–more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire–may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.” 1 Peter 1: 6-7 ESV
I Commit! Dawn from Pottsville Arkansas: Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 1 Corinthians 13:4 NIV
I commit! Louanna Werchan Miller from Monticello, IL:
“Let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we will reap if we do not grow weary.” Galatians 6:9 NASB
I Commit! Amy from Apex, NC. “Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of time, because the days are evil.” Ephesians 5:15-16 NIV
I commit! Brenda, from Ottawa, ON. “He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.” Psalm 91:1 MEV (Modern English Version)
Carrie from Grand Rapids
I commit!
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.
2 Corinthians 5:17 ESV
I commit! Brenda, from Ottawa, ON. “He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.” Psalm 91:1 MEV (Modern English Version)
I commit! Kimberly from Springdale, AR. “Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.” E[Ephesians 4:32 ESV
I commit! Kelli from Coquille, OR
“Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.” ~ Isaiah 41:10 NKJV
For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision has any value. The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself in love. Galatians 5:6. NIV Thank You JESUS!!!
I commit! Beth from McBain, MI “I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers.” Ephesians 1:16 NIV
I commit! Deanna Toland, Joshua,TX Joshua Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.ā Joshua 1:9 NIV
I commit! Patty from Fairfax, VA
O send out Your light and Your truth, let them lead me;
Let them bring me to Your holy hill
And to Your dwelling places. Psalm 43:3 NASB
I commit! Terri Welton from Cumming, GA “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 55:11 NIV
I commit! Barbara from Birmingham, AL. Romans 8:1 Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.
I commit! Martha, from Brentwood, TN. “Preserve me, O God, for I take refuge in You.ā
āāPsalmsā¬ ā16:1ā¬ āNASBā¬ā¬
I commit! Belinda from Grundy, VA. “He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” Micah 6:8 NIV
I commit! Sally from Williamsville, NY .
“Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit to sustain me.”
Psalm 51:12. NIV
I commit Vanessa from Johns Creek, GA
“For He satisfies the longing soul, and fills the hungry soul with goodness. Ps 107:9 NKJ
I commit! Michelle, Manchester, MD. “My mouth will speak in praise of the Lord. Let every creature praise His holy name for ever and ever.” Psalm 145:21 NIV