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!
Bridget, Phoenix, AZ. 2 Thess 1:11-12 ESV
11. To this end we always pray for you, that our God may make you worthy of His calling and may fulfill every resolve for good and every work of faith by His power, 12 so that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you, and you in Him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.
I commit! Kim, Cypress, TX
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 NIV
I committ! Jessica from Lynchburg, Virginia: “The Lord will fight for you; you need only be still.”–Exodus 14:14 (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 fruit each season. Their leaves never wither, and they prosper in all they do.” Psalm 1:1-3 NLT
Marie from Post Falls, Idaho –
“For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ.”
– 2 Corinthians 10:4-5 (NKJV)
Laurie, Atlanta, GA
And he is not served by human hands, as if he needed anything. Rather, he himself gives everyone life and breath and everything else. Acts 17:25 NIV
As a native Georgian (living in Topeka, Kansas), I enjoyed seeing your post. That verse gave me a way to talk with a family member. Thank you–and best to you in the year ahead.
I commit! Kelly from Fowler, IN 1John 5:14-15 NLT
14: And we are confident that he hears whenever we ask for anything that pleases him.
15: And since we know he hears us when we made our requests, we also know that he will give us what we ask for.
I commit! Johan Wilkinson from Toronto Ontario: “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” Philippians 4:13 KJV
Hallo Johan, from just north of you in Uxbridge!
I commit! Kelly from Delaware, Ohio: “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of of love and of a sound mind.” 2 Timothy 1:7 (NKJV)
I commit! Kim from Pittsburg, MO.
“For we are not fighting against flesh and blood enemies but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.” Ephesians 6:12 NLT
I commit! Erin Alley from Greenwood, South Carolina: “But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 3:13b-14 NIV
I commit! Allie Carson from Lubbock, TX. “So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.” 2 Corinthians 4:18, NIV
I commit! Jennifer from San Antonio, TX
Oh God, you are my God; earnestly I seek you; my soul thirsts for you; my flesh faints for you, as in a dry and weary land where there is no water. Psalm 63:1 ESV
I commit! Cindi Peck from Dallas Texas; “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.” Is. 41:10
I commit! Tanya in Corinth, TX “The law of the Lord is perfect, refreshing the soul. The statutes of the Lord are trustworthy, making wise the simple. The precepts of the Lord are right, giving joy to the heart. The commands of the Lord are radiant, giving light to the eyes.” Psalm 19: 7-8 NIV
I commit!!!! Judy from Norfolk, Va.
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. Isiah 22:11 NIV
I commit! Michelle Bardsley from Fresno CA,
You will show me the path of life; in your presence is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore. Psalm 16:11NKJV
I commit. Amanda Porter. Kansas City, Missouri. “Now then, stand still and see this great thing the Lord is about to do before your eyes!” -1 Samuel 12:16 (NIV)
Hi Amanda,
I’m from Topeka, KS, so as a “neighbor” of yours I wanted to thank you for your verse! Best to you in this effort to memorize.
Claire Phillips
Hello Claire-
Is this your first year doing SSMT?
Amanda Porter.
Great to see your post for SSMT! We met checking in during SSMT 2015, looking forward to seeing you next year.
Regards,
Andrea Porter.
I commit! Ashley from Chico California “Put off your old self which belongs to your former manner of life which is corrupt through deceitful desires, and to be to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness.” Ephesians 4:22-24 ESV
Cheryl, in Fairhope, AL – “…one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” Phillipians 3:13-14 NASB
I commit! Heather from Bellingham, Wa
“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,” 1 Peter 1:3 NIV
I Commit! Katie Melton from Loganville, GA
“And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen and establish you.” 1 Peter 5:10 ESV
I commit! Andrea Porter from Pottstown, PA
Luke 12:31 ESV
Instead, seek his kingdom, and these things will be added to you.
I commit! Diana Yarborough from Jacksonville, FL
For God has not given us a spirit of fearfulness, but one of power, love, and sound judgment.
2 Timothy 1:7 Holman Bible
I commit! Mimi from Chickasaw, Al
To you, O Lord, I lift my soul; Psalm 25: 1 NIV 🙂
I commit! Marita Reese, Maricopa, AZ: “Finally, be strong in the LORD and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.” (NIV)
I commit! Lindsay from Cypress, TX “Now the word of the Lord came to me, saying, ‘Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you; I appointed you a prophet to the nations.'” Jeremiah 1:4-5 ESV
I commit!
Amanda Gozur, Rio Rancho, NM
“Fight the good fight for the true faith. Hold tightly to the eternal life to which God has called you, which you have declared so well before many witnesses.” 1 Timothy 6:12 NLT
I commit! Andi from Rockwall, Texas
“Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” James 1:4 NIV
I commit! Andrea from Houston, TX “The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?”â€â€Psalms‬ â€27:1 ESV
I commit! Anna Moore from Crawfordville, Florida : “I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser.” John 15:1 NASV
I Commit! Susan B., Chapin, SC — Colossians 2:7 NLT
Let your roots grow down into Him, and let your life be built on Him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness.
I commit! Payton Weinzapfel from Rowlett, Texas: “The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me, because the Lord has anointed me to bring good news to the poor; he has sent me to bind up the broken-hearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound.” Isaiah 61:1 ESV
I commit! Sandy Bowers, Bryan, Ohio
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!
2 Corinthians 5:17 (NIV)
Jan Morton
Hawkinsville, GA
Psalm 105:4
Seek the Lord and his strength; seek his presence continually!
Olivia,Chichester,UK. “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful”. Colossians 3:15, NIV
I commit! Jessica Rockwell from Omaha, Nebraska. Psalm 25:1 NASB
To You, O Lord, I lift up my soul.
I Commit!! Wanda from Macaon,Ga: Owe no one anything except to love one another, for he who loves another has fulfilled the law. Romans 13:8 NKJV
I commit! Fynette Rooker from Cape Coral Florida: “The intelligent person restrains his words, and one who keeps a cool head is a man of understanding.” Proverbs 17:27 Holman Christian Standard Bible
I commit!! Diane Ellison from Littleton, CO
Ephesians 5:5. NIV
For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure or greedy person- such a man is an idolater- has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.
I commit! Sarah, Wilkesboro, NC
Be angry, and do not sin: on your bed, reflect in your heart and be still. Offer sacrifices in righteousness and trust in the Lord.
Psalm 4:4 HCSB
I commit! Chris, Seattle, WA
For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does.
The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds.
2 Corinthians 10:3-4 NIV
I commit! Mary Rodgers from Phenix City, AL: “May you be strengthened with all power, according to His glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy.” Colossians 1:11 ESV
Need to finish 2 Timothy first! Patience Nason, Citrus Heights, CA
“There is reserved for me in the future the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give me on that day, and not only to me, but to all those who have loved His appearing.” 2 Timothy 4:8 HCSB
I commit! Madison from Birmingham, AL
“Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you”
Matthew 7:7 ESV
I commit. Brandie Youngstown, Ohio
Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand. Isiah 41:10 NLT
I commit! Jacqui from Hampton, Virginia. “To You, O Lord, I lift up my soul. Psalm 25:1 NKJV
I commit! Stacy from Greenfield, Indiana
As long as it is day, we must do the works of him who sent me. Night is coming, when no one can work. John 9:4 NIV
Icommit! Jennie Wright, of Copperas Cove, TX: “I appeal to you, therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.” Romans 12:1 ESV
I Commit! Sandra from Wichita Falls, TX
He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty.
Ps 91:1 ESV