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!
Julie/Deer Park, Tx. You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast because he trusts in you. Isaiah 26:3 NIV
Patty Lincoln, Greenville, SC: “And not just barely free either. Abundantly free!” Eph. 1:8. MSG
Jen Lee, Ames, IA: For the mind-set of the flesh is death, but the mind-set of the Spirit is life and peace…Romans 8:6 (Holman)
Chris Laughlin from San Antonio, Texas
Exodus 24:10 NKJV
And they saw the God of Israel: and there was under His feet as it were a paved work of a sapphire stone, and as it were the body of heaven in its clearness.
Sarah Gittemeier from Kansas City:
Let them give glory to the Lord and proclaim his praise in the islands. The Lord will march out like a champion, like a warrior he will stir up his zeal; with a shout he will raise the battle cry and will triumph over his enemies.
Isaiah 42:12-13, NIV
Allison Ashton – Houston, Texas
“That it might take hold of the ends of the earth, that the wicked might be shaken out of it? It is turned as clay to the seal; and they stand as a garment. And from the wicked their light is witholden, and the high arm shall be broken. Job 38:13-15 KJV
Anita, NC
John 3:14-15 (NCV)
“Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the desert, the Son of Man must also be lifted up. So that everyone who believes can have eternal life in Him.”
Meredith B
Collierville Tn
“But I am like an Olive Tree flourishing in the house of God. I trust in God’s unfailing love for ever and ever”. Psalm 52:8 New Revised Life Application Bible
Theresa, Glendale, AZ, For His anger is but for a moment, His favor for life; weeps by may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning. Psalm 30:5 NKJV
Dianne Detrick – Magnolia, TX
2 Timothy 1:15-16 NIV
15} Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth. 16} Avoid godless chatter, because those who indulge in it will become more and more ungodly.
Dianne Detrick – Magnolia, TX
oops – posted the wrong scripture reference. Correction:
2 Timothy 2:15-16
Glenda Willard from Farmington, NM
There is no one holy like the Lord; there is no one besides you; there is no Rock like our God.
I Samuel 2:2 (NIV)
Laura from Parma, OH
“This was according to the eternal purpose that he has realized in Christ Jesus our Lord, in whom we have boldness and access with confidence through our faith in him.”
Ephesians 3:11-12 ESV
Charmaine, Miami, FL — ” But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Romans 5:8 NIV
“The greatest among you will be your servant. For whoever exalts himself will be humbled and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.” Matthew 23: 11,12 NIV
Pam, El Cajon, California
Amanda Gozur, Rio Rancho, NM
“Let the message about Christ, in all its richness, fill your lives. Teach and counsel each other with all the wisdom he gives. Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to God with thankful hearts.” Colossians 3:16 (NLT)
Frances, Orange, TX
Because he bends down to listen, I will pray as long as I have breath!
Psalm 116:2 NLT
Becky Burns, Beaverton OR
For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship. And by him we cry, “Abba, Father.” The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children.
Rom 8:15-16
Joanne, Orange, TX
My mouth is filled with your praise, declaring your splendor all day long.
Psalm 71:8 NIV
Susan Young from Fairhope, AL
“If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there.” Psalm 139:8 (NIV)
tricia Christenson, Campbell, CA
Deuteronomy 31:6 (HCSB)
“Be strong and courageous, don’t be terrified or afraid of them. For it is the Lord your God who goes with you, He will not leave you or forsake you.”
Stephany Pracht in El Dorado, KS “Bring the people who are blind but still have eyes,the people who are deaf but still have ears.” Isaiah 43:8
Joy – Georgetown, TX – “If I climb to the sky, you’re there! If I go underground, you’re there!” Psalm 139:8 The Message
Dianne Detrick – Magnolia, TX
2 Timothy 1:15-16 NIV
15} You know that everyone in the province of Asia deserted me, including Phygelus and Hermogenes. 16} May the Lord show mercy to the household of Onesiphorus, because he often refreshed me and was not ashamed of my chains.
Lena-Wilmore, KY
For he was looking forward to the city with foundations, whose architect and builder is God. And by faith even Sarah, who was past childbearing age, was enabled to bear children because she considered him faithful who had made the promise.
Heb. 11:10-11 NIV
Cristi from Lindale, TX: “He will swallow up death forever!” ~Isaiah 25:8 NIV
Janice, Magnolia, TX
I do believe. Help my unbelief. Mark 9:24 NASB
Whom have I in heaven but You? And besides You, I desire nothing on Earth. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. For, behold, those who are far from You will perish; You have destroyed all those who are unfaithful to You. But as for me, the nearness of God is my good; I have made the Lord God my refuge, That I may tell of all Your works. Psalm 73:25-28
Suzanne Bailey, Harrisville, RI
“Rejoice and be glad,
for your reward is great in heaven,
for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.”
Matthew 5:12 ESV
Bonnie Jackson, Lockport, Illinois
“Do not be far from me, for trouble is near and there is no one to help.”
Psalm 22:11 (NIV)
Margaret Neil, Jackson, TN
It is God who arms me with strength and makes my way perfect. Psalm 18:32 NIV
Louise – Irvine, CA – 2 Cor 1:20 (NIV) For no matter how many promises God has made, they are “Yes” in Christ. And so through Him the “Amen” is spoken by us to the glory of God.
Laura from Sebree, KY
When I am afraid, I put my trust in you
In God whose word I praise –
In God I trust and am not afraid
What can mere mortals do to me? Psalm56:3-4 (NIV)
Christy, St. Clements, Ontario
He restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Psalm 23:3 NIV
Jill Greer, Medina, TN
For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.
1 Corinthians 1:18 NIV
Shelly Elston, Portland, OR
Restore our fortunes, O LORD, like the watercourses in the Negeb.
Psalm 126:4 (NRSV)
Lesley from California: “Do all things without complaining and disputing.” Philippians 2:14 NKJV
Connie Elgin TX
The Lord delights in those who fear Him, who put their hope in His unfailing love.
Psalm 147:11 NIV
Kristin, San Marcos, Ca “The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. The grace of our Lord Jesus be with you.” I Corinthians 16:20 NIV
Stephanie Sanchez, Richardson, TX
“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.” Phil 4.8 ESV
Cathy Pernsteiner, Clarkston, WA
Those who are in the flesh cannot please God.
Romans 8:8 ESV
Mary C.
Hazel Green, AL
Psalm 25:8 (NIV)
“Good and upright is the LORD; therefore He instructs sinners in His ways.”
Jo Anne, Chicago IL
When I am afraid, O Lord Almighty, I put my trust in you.
Psalm 56:3 GNT
Amy — Tampa, FL
2 Timothy 3:6-7 NRSV
“For among them are those who make their way into households and captivate silly women, overwhelmed by their sins and swayed by all kinds of desires, who are always being instructed and can never arrive at a knowledge of the truth.”
Loretta, Murrayville, GA
When you go through deep waters,I will be with you.
When you go through rivers of difficulty,you will not drown. Isaiah 43:2 NLT
Sandie a Powell
Abq., NM
Psalm 34:8
“O taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the man that trusteth in him.” KJV
Do not remember the sins of my youth and my rebellious ways; according to your love remember me for you, Lord are good.
Psalms 25:7 NIV
Beth Schwandt
Riverside, CA
With my lips I proclaim all the judgments from Your mouth. I rejoice in the way revealed by Your decrees as much as in all riches.
Psalm 119:13-14 HCSB
Jan, Cleburne, TX
“And He said to me. ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.” 2 Corinthians 12:9 (NKJV)
Heather, Pickering, ON
“May your unfailing love rest upon us, O LORD,
even as we put our hope in you.”
Psalm 33:22 (NIV)
Kristen, Liberty, MO
“He forgave us all our sins, having canceled the charge of our legal indebtedness, which stood against us and condemned us; he has taken it away, nailing it to the cross.
Colossians 2: 13b-14. NIV