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!
Dorelle Hogan, Hot Springs, AR, “Let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy and we will find grace to help us when we need it most.” Hebrews 4:16 (NLT)
“Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me.”
Philippians 3:12 NIV
Rebecca Putman, Lexington KY
Galatians 5:22-23 (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 self control.”
Sheree Campbell, Phoenix, AZ
“For we are God’s handiwork created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do” Ephesians 2:10 NIV
Katie from Des Moines, Iowa
“But thanks be to God, who in Christ always leads us in triumph (as trophies of Christ’s victory) and through us spreads and makes evident the fragrance of the knowledge of God everywhere.”
2 Corinthians 2:14 AMPC
Durant,OK
“The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face to shine upon you, and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.” Numbers 6:24-26 NIV
Psalm 18:32-34 the God who equipped me with strength and made my way blameless. He made my feet like the feet of a deer and set me secure on the heights. He trains my hands for war, so that my arms can bend a bow of bronze.
Debbie Fasano from Quincy IL
“And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.”
Galatians 6:9
Mona Wilson from Albuquerque NM.
Says… Flee the evil desires of your youth, pursue righteousness, faith,
love and peace, along with those who call on the lord with a pure heart.
2Timothy 2:22 NIV
Nancy from Drew, Ms. For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life. John 3:16. KJV
Laura Stovall from DeQuincy, La
Proverbs 3:5-6 NKJV
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.”
Shanika Webb from Hopkinsville, KY
For just as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead.
James 2:26 NIV
LaVerne , Dallas, Ga.
“Fear not for I am with you; Be not dismayed for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand. “. Isaiah 41:10 ESV
Annette Webb, Cuyahoga Falls, OH: “Behold, the LORD God comes with might, and his arm rules for him; behold, his reward is with him, and his recompense before him.” Isaiah 40:10, ESV
Marcy from Vincennes, Indiana
Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.
Philippians 2:3-4 NIV
Kristin Kellett, Tulsa, OK. We have spoken freely to you, Corinthians, and opened wide our hearts to you. We are not withholding our affection from you, but you are withholding yours from us. As a fair exchange – I speak as to my children – open wide your hearts also.
2 Corinthians 6:11-13 (NIV)
Imelda, Toledo,OH.
Lord open my spiritual ears to hear the songs You are singing over me.
Zeph. 3:17
Jackie, Parker, CO
“Who despises a vile man but honors those who fear the Lord, who keeps his oath even when it hurts,” Psalm 15:4 NIV
Stacy Roznovak, Taylor, TX
“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.” Isaiah 55:11 (NIV)
“Look Carefully then how you live-not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.”
Ephesians 5:15-16
Tanya from Birmingham, AL
“Look Carefully then how you live-not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.”
Ephesians 5:15-16
Judy Vitters, Columbia, SC
Create in me a pure heart, Oh God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.
Psalm 51:10 NIV
Euleta, Liberal, KS
And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus. Phil.4:19 NKJV
Pamela, Atlanta GA
10Then David praised the Lord in the presence of the whole assembly:
“O Lord, the God of our ancestor Israel,29:10 Israel is the name that God gave to Jacob. may you be praised forever and ever! 11Yours, O Lord, is the greatness, the power, the glory, the victory, and the majesty. Everything in the heavens and on earth is yours, O Lord, and this is your kingdom. We adore you as the one who is over all things. 12Wealth and honor come from you alone, for you rule over everything. Power and might are in your hand, and at your discretion people are made great and given strength. 1 Chron. 29:10-12 NLT
Jana, Garland, Tx.
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28 NIV
Heather Miller, Greensburg, Louisiana:
For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin.
Hebrews 4:15 (ESV)
Anna S. Sullivan, MO
“Who redeems your life from destruction, who crowns you with loving kindness and tender mercies.” Psalm 103:4 NKJV
Calgary, Alberta
Psalm 62:8 ESV
Trust in him at all times, O people;
pour out your heart before him;
God is a refuge for us.
Selah
(NLT) 25 Since we are living by the Spirit, let us follow the Spirit’s leading in every part of our lives.
Galatians 6:25
Jamie – Paramount, Ca
“I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh.” Ezekiel 36:26 NIV
Elizabeth from Midland, Texas
Isaiah 55:1
Come, all you who are thirsty, come to the waters; and you who have no money, come, buy and eat!
Come buy wine and milk without money and without cost.
“Restore to me the joy of your salvation
And grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.”
Psalm 51:12 NIV
Danyelle
Kingwood, TX
The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in Him, and He helps me. My heart leaps for joy, and with my song I praise Him.
Psalm 28:7 (NIV)
Jen Niehus – Peyton, CO
“I will say to the LORD, “My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.” Psalm 91:2 ESV
Joy from San Diego:
Commit your way to the Lord;
trust in him, and he will act.
He will bring forth your righteousness as the light,
and your justice as the noonday.
Psalm 37:5-6 ESV
17 lHow precious also are Your thoughts to me, O God!
How great is the sum of them!
18 If I should count them, they would be more in number than the sand;
When I awake, I am still with You.
Psalms 139:17-18
Georgina A., Hyattsville, MD
“Wisdom is the principal thing;Therefore get wisdom. And in all your getting, get understanding.” Proverbs 4:7 NKJV
Amanda from Cooper, TX
“He has given me a new song to sing, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see what he has done and be amazed. They will put their trust in the Lord.” Psalm 40:3 NLT
Jayn. San Diego, CA. Lord, teach us to pray. Luke 11:1 NIV
Deborah Brine, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia: Psalm 126:2, “Then was our mouth filled with laughter, and our tongue with singing: then said they among the heathen, the LORD hath done great things for them.”
This persuasion did not come from the One you call you.
Galatians 5:8 HCB
Joy Thompson – Richmond VA
The apostles said to the Lord, “Increase our faith!”
Luke 17:5 NIV
Richmond VA- You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trust in You. Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord, the Lord, is the Rock eternal. Isaiah 26:3-4 NIV ’84
Cathy Robinson, Chester, England
Those who consider themselves religious yet do not keep a tight rein on their tongue deceive themselves and their religion is worthless James 1:26 (NIV)
Pam Jackson, Blue Springs, MO. “Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.” Romans 12:12
Lisa, Mauldin, SC
Therefore, though I might be very bold in Christ to command you what is fitting,
Philemon 1:8 (NKJV)
Fran Thomas, Jackson, TN
“Let me hear of your unfailing love each morning, for I am trusting you. Show me where to walk, for I give myself to you.” Psalm 143:8 NLT
Amy, Gettysburg PA
Psalm 143:8 “Let me hear in the morning of your steadfast love, for in you I trust. Make me know the way I should go, for to you I lift up my soul.” ESV
Gwen from Coweta, OK
“Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good. Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other.”
Romans 12:9-10 NLT
Jane – Clinton, MS
“Whoever of you loves life and desires to see many good days, keep your tongue from evil and your lips from spreading lies.” Psalm 34:12-13 NIV