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.
Joan (Coppell, TX): The LORD Almighty is the one you are to regard as holy, he is the one you are to fear, he is the one you are to dread. Isaiah 8:13 NIV
I commit! Latisha from San Antonio, TX.
“So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.”
â€â€2 Corinthians‬ â€4:16-18‬ â€ESV‬‬
I commit! Heather Karram from Pickering, ON, Canada
“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.” Romans 15:13 NIV
I commit! Holly Cox from Greenwood, South Carolina: “I waited patiently for the Lord; he inclined to me and heard my cry.” Psalm 40:1 ESV
“I said, ‘I will watch my ways and keep my tongue from sin; I will put a muzzle on my mouth while in the presence of the wicked.'”
Ps 39:1, NIV
I commit! Julie Boyd from Sharpsburg, Ga.
So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him…
Col 2:6 NIV
I commit! Michelle C., Chesapeake, VA
Yet he did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God,
Romans 4:20 (NIV)
I commit! Nancy Roach from Casper,WY
“For my determined purpose is that I may know Him–that I may progressively become more deeply and intimately acquainted with Him, perceiving and recognizing and understanding the wonders of His Person more strongly and more clearly.”
Philippians 3:10 Amplified
I commit! Sheila from Russellville, AR: “O Lord, I give my life to you.” Psalm 25:1, NLT
Suzie Hartwright from Dallas Texas
“The highway of the upright is to depart from evil: he that keepeth his way preserveth his soul.” Proverbs 16:17 (KJV 1611)
I commit !! Dianne from Canton, Ga. “But now, O Jacob, listen to the LORD who created you. O Israel, the one who formed you says, “Do not be afraid, for I have ransomed you. I have called you by name; you are mine.”
â€â€Isaiah‬ â€43:1‬ â€NLT‬‬
I commit! Judy, Satellite Beach, FL:
He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.
Psalm 147:3 (ESV)
I commit! Heidi from San Antonio, TX
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away, and look, new things have come.”
â€â€2 Corinthians‬ â€5:17‬ â€HCSB‬‬
I commit! Jenny from Clovis, CA. “Instead, there must be a spiritual renewal of your thoughts and attitudes. You must display a new nature because you are a new person, created in God’s likeness—righteous, holy, and true.” Ephesians 4:23-24 NLT
I commit! Ellen Dimmitt: Arise, cry out in the night, as the watches of the night begin; pour out your heart like water in the presence of the Lord. Lift up your hands to him for the lives of your children. Lamentations 2:19 NIV
I commit! Ellen Dimmitt from Hayden, Idaho
I Commit!!!! Donna from Rockwall, TX
for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose.
Phil. 2:13 NIV
Leah from New York, NY
This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears us—whatever we ask—we know that we have what we asked of him. 1 John 5:14-15 NIV
I commit! Paula from Russell, KY
“Oh, the joys of those who do not follow the advice of the wicked, or stand around with sinners, or join in with mockers. But they delight in the law of the Lord, meditating on it day and night. They are like trees planted along the riverbank, bearing much fruit each season. Their leaves never wither, and they prosper in all they do.” Psalm 1:1-3 NLT
I commit! Linda , Bartelso,IL Ephesians 1:1 NASB Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, To the saints who are at Ephesus and who are faithful in Christ Jesus:
I commit! Rita Mear from Cambridge, England
Do not remember the past events, pay no attention to things of old. Look I am about to do something new; even now it is coming. Do you not see it? Indeed, I will make a way in the wilderness, rivers in the desert. ISAIAH 43:18-19 HCSB
I read your scripture with delight in what it says and that you are from England, thinking thoughts of scripture along with me. Best to you in the year ahead.
Claire Phillips, Topeka, Kansas
I love that we have the same verse – and already feel that God has purpose in this ..and delighted that you are also in England x
Kim from Fort Worth, TX
“I love the LORD because he hears my voice and my prayer for mercy.”
â€â€Psalms‬ â€116:1‬ â€NLT‬‬
I’m so excited!!
I commit!!!!! Samantha from Fort Hood, TX
“Do not be stiff-necked, as your ancestors were; submit to the Lord. Come to his sanctuary, which he has consecrated forever. Serve the Lord your God, so that his fierce anger will turn away from you. If you return to the Lord, then your fellow Israelites and your children will be shown compassion by their captors and will return to this land, for the Lord your God is gracious and compassionate. He will not turn his face from you if you return to him.””
â€â€2 Chronicles‬ â€30:8-9‬ â€NIV‬‬
I commit!! Amy Knight, Alvin, TX – ‘Direct my footsteps according to your word; Let no sin rule over me.’ Psalm 119:133 NIV
Linda from Wichita, KS
I commit! “As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace” 1 Peter 4:10 ESV
I commit! For look, darkness covers the earth, and total darkness the peoples; but the LORD will shine over you, and His glory will appear over you. Isaiah 60:2 HCSB
I commit! Sharice from Shelby, NC. “Young lions lack food and go hungry, but those who seek the Lord will not lack any good thing.” Psalm 34:10 HCSB
What a great verse! One that is often overlooked I bet. Thanks for sharing.
Maria from Macomb, MI
The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.
Ps 34:18 NIV
Theresa, Glendale AZ…Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stands in the path of sinners, nor sits in seat of the scornful. Ps 1:1 NKJV
I commit! Heather from San Diego, CA: “Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.” Psalm 51:10-12. NIV
I WILL COMMIT!!! Kami Dimmick from Randolph Center, VT 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! Brenda from Big Piney, Wyoming
Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.
Matthew11:28-30 NIV
I commit! Melissa from Sulphur, LA: “Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. ‘Honor your father and mother’—which is the first commandment with a promise— ‘so that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth.’” Ephesians 6:1-3 NIV
I commit! Melisa from Missola, MT. “Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word of Christ.” Romans 10:17 NIV
I commit! Connie from Moss Bluff, LA: “Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. ‘Honor your father and mother’—which is the first commandment with a promise— ‘so that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth.’” Ephesians 6:1-3 NIV
I COMMIT! Barbara Medina, Ohio
Simon Peter, a servant and apostle of Jesus Christ, to those who through the righteousness of our God and Savior Jesus Christ have received a faith as precious as ours
1 Peter 1:1 NIV
I commit! LaVerne from Dallas, Ga. The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases;His mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning. Great is Your faithfulness. Lamentation 3:22-23. ESV
I commit! Sheridan Moore, Midland Texas.“I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser.”
â€â€John‬ â€15:1‬ â€ESV‬‬
Kelly of West Branch, MI I Commit!!
Proverbs 3:5-6(NIV)
Trust in the Lord with all your heart
and lean not on your own understanding;
in all your ways acknowledge him,
and he will direct your path.
Isaiah 41:10. Don’t be afraid, for I am with you don’t be discouraged, for I am your God I will strengthen you and help I will hold you up with my victorious right hand
I commit!! Cheryl from Denver, Colorado. “Finally brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute (admirable), if there is any excellence and if if anything worthy of praise, let your mind dwell on these things.” Philippians 4:8 NASB.
I commit! Rebecca from Bryan, Ohio. “The Lord will make you the head, not the tail. If you pay attention to the commands of the Lord your God that I give you this day and carefully follow them, you will always be at the top, never at the bottom.” Deuteronomy 28:13 (NIV)
I commit!!! Kody from Johnson City, TN:
“Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will help you; I will hold on to you with My righteous right hand.”
â€â€Isaiah‬ â€41:10‬ â€HCSB‬‬
I commit! To you, O LORD, I lift up my soul; Psalm 25 NIV
I Commit!!!! Jeannine from Hartwell, GA
“Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, to those who reside as aliens, scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, who are chosen” 1 Peter 1:1 NASB
I commit! Amy from Everett, WA
“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” 2 Timothy 3:16-17 (NIV)
I Commit! Suzanne from Ridgefield, WA
For He rescued us from the domain of darkness, and transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son, in in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. Colossians 1:13-14 NASB
I commit! Kimberly McIntyre of Lexington, KY: “But now thus says the Lord, He who created you, O Jacob, He who formed you, O Israel: ‘Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine.'”
I commit! Melody from Garland, Tx. To you, O LORD, I lift up my soul; Psalm 25:1 NIV
Isaiah 43:1 ESV
I commit! Rhonda, Riverview, Canada ‘When I am afraid, I will trust in You.’ Psalm 56:3 (HCSB)