Hi SSMT partners! I’m Bailie – the newest and youngest member of the LPM staff.
A few weeks into my time here at LPM, I kept hearing the term “SSMT” being thrown around by my coworkers, and I wondered what on earth are they talking about? And when one of them explained, “Oh, it’s stands for Siesta Scripture Memory Team,” I was even more confused. What’s a Siesta? I thought. Doesn’t that mean “nap” in Spanish? Smile.
So if any of you are new to SSMT, I’m right there with you! Now I couldn’t be more on board with this simple, achievable way to sear God’s Word into our hearts and minds.
Do you have a section of Scripture that you find yourself referring back to all the time? Maybe you leave your little Bible bookmark there or the Lord keeps proving its relevance to you season after season. For me, it’s Hebrews 4:14-16:
14 Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has ascended into heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. 15 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin. 16 Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.
These verses have ministered to me for years. They encouraged me through months of living in a foreign country. They motivated me to get back up and fight when temptation overcame me. They showed me how Jesus is so fully human, truly, He can relate to everything I feel. And they reminded me of my God-given dignity and confidence to approach His throne of grace (thank you JESUS!). I’ve read them so many times, I could give you a great paraphrasing, but I decided it was time to commit them to memory.
Stay strong, Siestas!
Mandy & Kinsey Helm
College Station, TX
For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the sons of God.
Romans 8:19 ESV
Michelle, Russellville, AR:
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 19:8 NIV
Dawn Deare, Lafayette, LA
Psalm 119:56
This blessing has fallen to me, that I have kept your precepts.
Linda, The Woodlands, TX
“He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand.”
Psalm 40:2(NIV)
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; all who follow his precepts have good understanding. To Him belongs eternal praise. Psalm 111:10
Bev Brandon, Austin Texas
“They sought you in distress. Could only whisper a prayer. Ad your ears shall hear a word behind you saying, ‘This is the way, walk in it, when you turn to the right or when you turn to the left.’ ” Isaiah 30:21 ESV
Grace from Georgetown, TX: “Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me-put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.” Philippians 4:9 (NIV)
Sharon. Tampa, FL. 2Peter 2:15 NIVR
Control yourselves. Be on guard. The devil is roaring. He is looking for someone to eat and swallow. Stand up to him. Be firm in what you believe.
Lynn Greene, Shelby, NC Hebrews 11:1 NIV
“Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.”
Jami Johnson. Tomball, TX. Age 32
– If I ascend to heaven, you are there! If I make my bed in Sheol, you are there! Psalm 139:8 ESV
Stacie M. Gerathy from Livonia, MI
Philemon 1:8 ESV
Accordingly , though I am bold enough in Christ to command you to do what is required,
Christina from Winter Haven, FL
Psalms 62:2 ESV
“He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress; I shall not be greatly shaken.”