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! Tammie from Birmingham, AL
You made all the delicate inner parts of my body and knit me together in my mother’s womb.
Psalm 119:13 NLT
I Commit! Page from England
I can do all things through Christ who strengheneth me
Philippians 4:13
Jennifer Henderson from Raleigh, NC: “Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ,
To those who are elect exiles of the Dispersion in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, in the sanctification of the Spirit, for obedience to Jesus Christ and for sprinkling with his blood:
May grace and peace be multiplied to you.” 1 Peter 1:1-2 ESV
I commit!! Cynthia from Greenwood, SC “As for God, His way is perfect; the Word of the Lord is proven; He is a shield to all who trust in Him.” 2 Samuel 22:31
Krista from Round Rock, TX
I Commit!! This I declare about the Lord: HE alone is my refuge, my place of safety; He is my God, and I trust Him. Psalm 91:2. NLT
I commit. Stephanie from Chico, CA. “Cause me to hear Your lovingkindness in the morning, for on You do I lean and in You do I trust. Cause me to know the way wherein I should walk, for I lift up my inner self to You.” Ps 143:8 AMP
Kari Boulder, CO USA
“So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth; It shall not return to Me void, But it shall accomplish what I please, And it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it.”
Isaiah 55:11 NKJV
I am from Des Moines,Iowa
Psalm 37:4New International Version (NIV)
4 Take delight in the Lord,
and he will give you the desires of your heart.
Lesley from Oceanside, CA
“Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked,
nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; but his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night.” Psalm 1:1-2, ESV
Tijuana, Mexico. (Ps 1:1 KJV) Blessed is the man who walketh not in the council of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.
Susan from St. Clair MI, “Praise the Lord,my soul, and forget not all his benefits ” psalm 103 vs 2 NIV
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.” —Galatians 5:22-23 NIV
I commit! Evelyn Griffin from Orlando, FL “For every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows” James 1:17 (NIV)
The Lord has brought this verse to me randomly about 4-5 times recently. Waiting on his revelation. Interesting idea of why “the Father of Lights” is his name here. Only time in Bible he calls himself that.
I commit!
“If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.”
2 Chronicles 7:14 KJV
I commit! Stacy Syphrett Houston, Texas
“So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth; It shall not return to Me void, But it shall accomplish what I please, And it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it.”
Isaiah 55:11 NKJV
Simone,Houma,Old Testement, Psalms 30:2 KJV O Lord my God, I cried unto thee,and thou hast healed me.
I commit! Caroline from Tokyo, Japan: “…that according to the riches of His glory He may grant you to be strengthened with power through His Spirit in your inner being” Ephesians 3:16, ESV
Julie, Nederland, TX. “The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, He leads me beside quiet waters,”. PSM 23:1-2
Lisa from Marion, IN: “Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for He who promised is faithful.”
Hebrews 10:23 (NIV)
I Commit!
Kerri from Kansas City, MO
My dear brothers and sisters, how can you claim to have faith in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ if you favor some people over others? James 2:1 NLT
I commit! Morgan from Sheridan, AR
“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! Brenda from Glenwood Maryland. ” The Lord is compassionate and gracious. Slow to anger and abounding in loving kindness.”
Psalm 103:8 (NAS)
I commit! Kathy Wetherington, Englewood, FL “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! Tonya S, St. Petersburg, FL, “Know therefore that the Lord your God is God, the faithful God who keeps covenant and steadfast loce with those who love him and keep his commandments, to a thousand generations. Deut. 7:9 ESV
I commit! Wanda from Shakopee, MN
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33 NIV
I commit: Melinda from Madison MS, “James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes scattered among the nations: Greetings., James 1:1 NIV
Ana from Fairfax Virginia – I commit! Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Ephesians 6:10 (ESV)
Claire B, Roswell, GA
“Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think.”
Romans 12:2 NLT
I Commit! Joyce from Houston, TX “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you [who are will to learn] with my eye upon you. Psalm 32:8 AMP
I commit! Lydia, from Middletown, OH: “Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” 1 Corinthians 10:31 (NKJV)
Stephanie Jo
Crane OR
I COMMIT!!
God is our refuge and strength, an ever present help in trouble.
Psalm 46:1 NIV
I COMMIT !!
Gracie Garibay
Waxahachie, Texas
“Finally be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.”
Ephesians 6:10 NIV
I commit!
Anne Zapanta from Lorton, Virginia
“The grass withers and the flowers fade, but the word of our God stands forever.”
Isaiah 40:8 NLT
I commit! Mary C. from Georgetown, Texas: “May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had, so that with one mind and one voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Romans 15:5-6 NIV
I commit! Grace from Georgetown, Texas: “‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.'” Jeremiah 29:11 NIV
I commit! Evelyn from Easley, SC
“but those who hope in the Lord
will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
they will run and not grow weary,
they will walk and not be faint.”
~Isaiah 40:31 (NIV)
I commit! Katie from Easley, South Carolina
“My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.” -James 1:19
I commit! Olivia C. from Georgetown, TX: “but those who trust in the Lord will renew their strength; they will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary; they will walk and not faint.” Isaiah 40:31 HCSB
Jean Toineeta, North Carolina
And if it seem evil unto you to serve the Lord, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that where on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.
Joshua 24:15
Be careful for nothing but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. PHIL 4:6 kjv
I commit!!
Alison Chino
Tübingen, Germany
Zu dir, O Herr, erhebe ich meine Seele
Psalm 25:1
SCH2000
I commit: Sherilyn Morris, Whitefish, Montana. Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the old heaven and the old earth had passed away, and the sea was no longer there. TCJSB
I commit! Sandy from Ft. Gibson, OK
The eyes of the Lord search the whole earth in order to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him.
2 Chron. 16:9 NLT
I committ!! Kelly Parker from Shreveport,La. Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; for his steadfast love endures forever! Psalms 118:1, ESV
I commit. Stephanie Hair, St. Matthews, SC
The teaching of Your word gives light,
so even the simple can understand. Psalm 119:130(NLT)
I commit! Jen Sprayberry, Granbury Tx
That we might humble ourselves before our God, to seek from Him the right way for us and our little ones and all our possessions. –Ezra 8:21
Rachel from Tucson, AZ
“The Lord will fulfill his purpose for me; your love, O Lord, endures forever- do not abandon the works of your hands.”
Psalm 138:8 NIV
Romans 12:12 (NIV)
12 Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer
From “ENTRUSTED” Bible Study we are doing:
20 O Timothy (sisters), guard the deposit entrusted to you. Avoid the irreverent and contradictions of what is falsely called “knowledge,” 21 for by professing it some have swerved from the faith.
Grace be with you. 1 Timothy 6:20-21(ESV)
Cheraw, SC
I commit! Kelsi from Waco, TX: “Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children” Ephesians 5:1 NIV
Holly Belt, Spring Hill, TN
Hebrews 11:1-2, NIV
Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. This is what the ancients were commended for.