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.
Stephanie and daughter Madison, Louisville, KY
1John 5:3
In fact, this is love for God to keep His commands, and His commands are not burdensome.
NIV
Merianna, Perrysburg, Ohio
Proverbs 24:16 ESV
I COMMIT for the righteous falls seven times and rises again,
but the wicked stumble in times of calamity.
I commit! Crystal Edwards, Canton Mi & my daughter Reese – psalm 103:1 – Praise the Lord, O my soul, all my inmost being, praise his holy name.
I COMMIT! Marla Brown, Indian Hills, CO … “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great 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 NIV
Emily from Houston, TX I COMMIT!: “Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters: you must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry.” James 1:19 NLT
Marilyn from Blue Ridge, Texas
It is good to praise the Lord and make music to your name, O Most High
Psalm 92:1 NIV
Marilyn from Blue Ridge, Texas
Proclaiming your love in the morning and your faithfulness at night
Psalm 92:2 NIV
I commit! Angie Werley, Steamboat Springs, CO and 9 year old daughter, Audrey
“So then, brothers, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh.”
â€â€Romans‬ â€8:12‬ â€ESV‬‬
Psalm 103:1-2 (NIV)
Praise the Lord, my soul;
all my inner most being, praise his holy name.
Praise my Lord, my soul, and forget not his benefits.
I COMMIT! Kelly Franks from Memphis, TN: “But Godliness with contentment is great gain.” 1 Timothy 6:6 ESV
I Commit! Abi Welch, Luverne, AL: “Let us hold unswervingly to the Hope we profess, for He who promised is faithful.” Hebrews 10:23 NIV
Joy from San Diego, For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self control. 2Tim 1:7 ESV
I commit! Lacy Basinger, Grenada, MS.
ROMANS 8:1-2, ESV
“There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.
For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death.”
Tiffany Edwards, Richmond, VA: I Commit! better late than never!
Proverby 3:5
Trust in the LORD with ALL your heart; do not depend on your own understanding.
Melissa, Simpsonville, KY: “Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ.” Philippians 1:27a NIV
I COMMIT! Listen, my son, and be wise, and keep your heart on the right path. Proverbs 23:19 NIV
I commit! Kathryn from Austin, TX
Commit to the LORD whatever you do,
and he will establish your plans.
Proverbs 16:3, NIV
I commit! Lori from San Jose, CA 1 Timothy 4:7,8 NIV
“. . .train yourself to be godly. For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.”
I love these verses that you chose, Lori. I am going to memorize them along with the one that I chose. We don’t often think about training ourselves to be godly. That verse jumped out at me. God bless you today.
I commit! Mellody Wilson
Hanford, CA
Isaiah 55:12,NIV
“You will go out in joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains and hills will burst into song before you,and all the trees of the field will clap their hands.
Matthew 26:41 NIV.
Watch and pray so that you will not fall
into temptation. The Spirit is willing,
but the flesh is weak. (Week 3)
Cindy Bothwick Alton NH
Ephesians 4:32 instead be kind to one another, tender hearted, forgiving one another just as God through Christ forgave you. NLT
I Commit! Melissa E Anna, TX
“Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sit in the seat of scoffers;”
Psalm 1:1 ESV
for February 1, 2017 (will be away tomorrow)
You have been set free from sin and have become slaves to righteousness.
Romans 6:18 NIV
Mary Anne from Slippery Rock, PA: “For You are the fountain of life, the light by which we see. Psalm 36:9. (NKJV)
Nancy Lori, Rio Rancho, NM
I commit!
I will thank you forever; because of what you have done. In the presence of the faithful I will proclaim your name, for it is good. Psalms 52:9 NRSV
I Commit! Molly Roberts, Albuquerque, New Mexico
Exodus 15:13 NIV
In Your unfailing love You will lead the people You have redeemed. In Your strength You will guide them to Your Holy dwelling.
For the LORD is good and His love endures forever, His faithfulness continues through all generations.
Psalms 100.5
Lee from IN- ESV Eph 1:19-
-and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the working of his great might-
“For God did not send his son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.” John 3:17 (NIV)
Marissa Sanchez
Albuquerque, NM
I Commit! Becky from Corrales, New Mexico!
For you will light my lamp; The Lord my God will englighten my darkness.Psalm 18:28 NKJV
Romans 8:26 NLT And the Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness. For example, we don’t know what God wants us to pray for. But the Holy Spirit prays for us with groanings that cannot be expressed in words.
I commit! Peggy Welch, Bloomington, Indiana: Your words were found, and I ate them; and Your words were to me a joy and the rejoicing of my heart, for I am called by Your name, O Lord God of hosts. Jeremiah 15:16 Amplified
V.3 “He heals the broken hearted and binds up their wounds” Psalm 147:3 nkjv
Thankyou so much for doing this. I have always struggled with memorization,but I am succeeding! Thankyou to all u ladies who inspire me on here!
Mark 11:25 NLT
But when you are praying first forgive anyone you were holding a grudge against so that your father in heaven and will forgive your sins too.
“Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.”
â€â€Psalms‬ â€23:4‬ â€ESV‬‬
http://bible.com/59/psa.23.4.esv
Ps. 45:1 My heart overflows with a good theme, I address my verses to the King. My tongue is the pen of a ready writer.
I have blotted out your transgressions like a cloud and your sins like missed; return to me, for I have redeemed you. Isaiah 44:22 (ESV)
Lynn from Greenwood, SC – “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable – if anything is excellent or praiseworthy – think about such things.” – Philippians 4:8
I commit!
Valerie, West Bloomfield, MI
“Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, “This is the way; walk in it.”” Isaiah 30:21 NIV
Angie from Bixby, Oklahoma
“I will lift up my eyes to the mountains. From where shall my help come?” Ps. 121:1 (NAS)
“Anyone who loves his father and mother more than me. is not worthy of me; anyone who loves his son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me; anyone who does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me.” Matthew 10:37-38
Glenda Jensen
Port Saint Lucie Florida
Charm is deceptive and beauty is fleeting, but a woman who fears the LORD will be praised.
Proverbs 31:30 HCSB
I’m committed. Merle, Carlsbad, NM.
Lead me, teach me; for you are the God who gives me salvation. I have no hope except in you.
Psalms 25:5. Living Bible
I am submitting this for Jan.1, 2017 – Verse 1:
I commit, Lisa Rioux, Zachary, LA
“For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God you may receive what is promised.” Hebrews 10:36 ESV
Sandy Henderson- Kokomo, Indiana
Ephesians 3:16
I pray that, according to the riches of his glory, he may grant that you may be strengthened in your inner being with power through his Spirit.
Lichelle Austin Niv PV26:2 an undeserved curse has no cause.
Pat Chesterfield, Va
“For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God.” Colossians 3:3 NIV
Julie from Haltom City, Texas says:
You were dead because of your sins and because your sinful nature was not yet cut away. Then God made you alive with Christ, for he for gave all our sins. He canceled the record of the charges against us and took it away by nailing it to the cross.
Colossians 2:13,14 NLT
Hosea 10:12 NIV
Sow righteousness for yourselves, reap the fruit of unfailing love and break up your unplowed ground; for it is time to seek the LORD until he comes and showers his righteousness on you.
Hebrews 10:23(NASB)
23 Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful;