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!
Josephine from Hondo, Texas – “In this you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials, so that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold which is perishable, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ;” (1 Peter 1:6-7 NASB)
Beverly, Vicksburg, MS Psalm 32:8 NIV “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go: I will counsel you and watch over you.”
“Praise the LORD! Praise God in His sanctuary; praise Him in His mighty expanse. Praise Him for His mighty deeds; praise Him according to His excellent greatness. ” Psalm 150:1-2
Katie from Wichita, KS “I have seen you in the sanctuary and beheld your power and glory.” Psalm 63:2 NIV
Phyllis, Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada
1 Peter 2:24 ESV He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed.
Olivia — Rogersville, TN
For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self- control.
2 Timothy 1:7 ESV
Cheryl – Aubrey, Tx
I’m late to the party…
“-our Father who art in Heaven, hallowed be thy name.”
Shirley, San Diego, CA:
“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.”
Hebrews 4:14 NIV
Pam Williams, Olive Branch, MS
April 1: “My son, the father said, you are always with me, and everything I have is yours.” Luke 15:31 NIV
April 15: My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. John 10:27 NIV
Thank you, Beth, for encouraging us to start this year’s journey with the words, “I commit!” I’m behind, but not quitting.
Nanette Tisdale, Fredericksburg, TX; “The Lord is compassionate and gracious slow to anger, abounding in love.” Psalm103:8
Suzette Stone, Fredericksburg, TX; “The Lord is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and rich in love.” Psalm 145:8 NIV
Lucille Goins, New Bloomfield Mo.
Jude 24 NKJV
Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling, and to present you faultless before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy.
Nancy, Virginia Beach, VA
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
Christy, Cape Girardeau, MO. Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed – not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence – continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling. Philippians 2:12 NIV 1984
The comment from the newest member of Living Proof Ministries (congratulations) prompted my sharing this scripture. I have had Psalm 106:1 brought to mind many times over just the last few weeks.
Through illnesses, pain, disappointments, victories, blessing upon blessing, divine appointments and FLAT OUT miracles, “…the Lord keeps proving its relevance to [me] season after season…”
Psalm 106:1 “Praise the Lord! Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good for his steadfast love endures forever!”
— Steadfast Love (ESV)
— Loving Kindness (NASB)
— Faithful Love (NLT)
— Mercy (NKJB)
— Love (NIV)
Gracie
Texas
“The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”
Psalm 34:18 NIV
Jan-Orlando, FL
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
Amber anderson
Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
John 11:25
I am the resurrection and the life.
Sharon L., Pasadena, CA, “If I go up to the heavens, you are thee; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there.” Psalm 139:8 (NIV)
I Chronicles 29:11 MSG
borrowing David’s prayer for my sons
give my “sons” an uncluttered and focused heart so that they can obey what you command, live by your directions and counsel.
Kathy
Chattanooga TN
Cindy Goss from Alva, OK –Ephesians 1:18 (NIV)
“I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope in which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints,”
Ann, Pawleys Island, SC
Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too lofty for me to attain.
Psalm 139:6 NIV
Ann, Pawleys Island, SC
Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too lofty for me to attain. Where can I go from you Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence?
Psalm 139:6-7 NIV
Kimberly Walker
Summerville, SC
Ephesians 6:8. HCSB
“Knowing that whatever good each one does, slave or free, he will receive this back from the Lord.”
Your hands made me and formed me; give me understanding to learn your commands. Psalm 119:73 NIV
Laura, Katy, Tx
2 Cor. 4:7
But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all surpassing the power is from God and not from us. NIV
Soozi::Fishers,IN::Ephesians 5:1-2(NIV) “Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.”
I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth. 3 John1:4 (NIV)
Anna, Tx
Many say about me, “there is no help for him in God.”
Psalm 3:2
HCSB
Donna Ellis, Marietta GA
NIV Psalm 46:10 10 He says, “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.”
Melanie from Groesbeck, TX
A man’s wisdom gives him patience; it is to his glory to overlook an offense.
Proverbs 19:11 NIV (1984)
And they shall know that I am the Lord when I break the bars of their yoke and deliver them from the hand of those who enslaved them. Ezekiel 34:27(b)
Courtney, Houma, LA
Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Ephesians 6:13 (ESV)
Susan Johnson from Beverly, MA
I konw the Lord is always with me. I will not be shaken, for he is right beside me. Psalm 16:8 NLT
HCSB
2 Timothy 1:6
Therefore, I remind you to keep ablaze the gift of God that is in you through the laying on of my hands.
Laura K, Spearfish, SD
“Now He is not God of the dead, but of the living, for all live to Him.” Luke 20:38 ESV
Heather- Ellendale, ND
1 Peter 3:2 AMP
When they observe the pure and modest way in which you conduct yourselves, together with your reverence [for your husbands; you are to feel for him all that reverence includes: to respect, defer to, revere him- to honor, esteem, appreciate, prize, and, in the human sense, to adore him, that is, to admire, praise, be devoted to, deeply love, and enjoy your husband].
Tami from Franklin, TN
Proverbs 3:5-6 NIV Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.
Mildred from Montserrat.
He delivered me from my strong enemy, and from them that hated me: for they were too strong for me. 2 Samuel 22:18 (KJV)
Emily
Arlington, VA
I say, my purpose will stand, and I will do all that I please.
Is. 46:11
Elsie : Verona, Kentucky
“An honest answer is like a kiss on the lips.”
-Proverbs 24:26
Margie Davis – Beaverton, Oregon
Then David said to the Philistine, “You come to me with a sword, with a spear, and with a javelin. But I come to you in the name of the Lord of Hosts, the God of the Armies of Israel, whom you have defied. ”
NKJV 1 Samuel 17:45
Linda, Fort Collins, CO
They will rebuild the ancient ruins
and restore the places long devastated;
they will renew the ruined cities
that have been devastated for generations.
Aliens will shepherd your flocks;
foreigners will work your fields and vineyards.
Isaiah 61:4-5 NIV
Becky from Ky
Ephesians 3:18 (ESV)
…may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth…
“He will have no fear of bad news; His heart is steadfast, trusting in the Lord.”
Psalm 112:7 NIV
Mary Gray, Fieldale, VA,
“You are my refuge and my shield; I have put my hope in your word.” Psalms 119: 114 NIV
Joyce from Rockford IL –
Verse #7 – “Jesus called out in a loud voice, ‘Lazarus, come out!’ The dead man came out, his hands and feet wrapped with strips of linen and a cloth around his face. Jesus said to them, ‘Take off the graveclothes and let him go.'” ~John 11:43-44 NIV
Verse #8 – “Your ancient ruins will be rebuilt, you shall raise up the foundations of many generations; you shall be called the repairer of the breach; the restorer of streets to dwell in.” ~Isaiah 58:12
Carol
Carthage, NY
11 “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me.
12 Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
Matthew 5:11-12 (NIV)
Rita – Alva, Florida
“But the wisdom from above is first of all pure. It is also peace loving, gentle at all times and willing to yield to others. It is full of mercy and good deeds. It shows no favoritism and is always sincere.”
James 3:17 – NLT
Judi from Alberta, Canada.
“For YOU have delivered my soul from death, my eyes from tears, my feet from stumbling:”
Psalm 116:8 ESV