The Siestas Have Spoken!
I've been getting emails and comments for the past couple of weeks saying one thing: you want to testify to what God is doing in your life through Scripture memory. By all means, ladies, we want to hear how the Word of God is changing your life, and even your day as Beth says! We want to dedicate this post to that end.
Don't forget that February is a short month, so our next Scripture Memory post will come early. March 1st is this Sunday. Please expect that about 12 hours might pass before you see your comment, not only because of the volume of comments we receive, but also because it falls on a weekend. Thanks so much, ladies! We love serving you!
posted by Amanda @ 10:24 AM
237 Comments
237 Comments:
I didn't think it would be possible to memorize this much scripture! In the midst of it, I have been challenged to memorize Psalm 121 for the Stepping Up Bible study and several for mentoring a college age girl and the Lord is making it happen! i'm so excited. But even more important is applying it to the every day challenges of life. Thanks so much for the challenge. I wouldn't have done it on my own.
In what is going on in my life the scriptures have encouraged me greatly but to be able to speak them out loud from memory has been great! That has kept me lifted up and hopeful. If I am thinking of the verses and have them in my head and heart then it drowns out what the enemy is trying to tell me about our circumstances!
This has been my favorite thing we have done together. I will pick out my next verse today so I can be ready!
Love you,
Patty
God has been blessing me with people who share my love for Visual Prayer! I am loving this--being able to meet "art buddies" through Scripture!
~mich
Visual Scripture Art
Memorizing Scripture for the 1st time in years has really blessed me. I am not only renewing my mind, I am conditioning it for the battle life can be sometimes. I feel the power of the Holy Spirit released when I speak Scripture as well as pray it. I meditate on the verses I have learned through the day, they fill me with peace.
I am loving the impact on my everyday life. The second verse I chose to memorize was rather short and I already mostly knew it, minus the reference. I thought about picking something more challenging but I really felt like God was telling me to commit this one to memory. The verse is Psalm 19:14 and I cannot tell you how many times in the course of a day that verse is brought to mind. I am asking myself many times each day 'Is this thought acceptable in His sight, How about this attitude?' I'm finding the excercise of serious scripture memory to be encouraging, convicting and life changing.
I appreciate the accountability as well. I am 'listening' for my next verse even as I'm learning the current one.
The Scripture memorization has been a blessing to my heart. I can't begin to tell you how many times the Holy Spirit brings my chosen scriptures to mind to rebuke me, to encourage me, to remind me, and so far all the verses that the Lord has led me to seem to be developing around the theme of trust. I am grateful for the challenge. I want to continue to memorize His Word. I pray that the Lord continues His grace in this area. Love to all of you, Deidra
There are no words to describe the difference God makes in you when you hide His Word in your heart. My first verse (I typed "voice" first instead of "verse"...AMEN!) was Exodus 33:18 "Lord, I pray thee show me Your glory". And indeed He has! I chose that verse first because I wanted that to be my prayer for the year.
The other verse that has made a HUGE difference daily for me is Romans 12:1 "Therefore, in view of God's mercy...." I could tell you the rest of the verse, but just let that thought settle over you siestas. What if we saw everything "in view of God's mercy" first! This idea has made a huge impact on me...and I'm sure the others around me!
I could go on and on! Praise the One, the Living Son of God...yes indeed!
"Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the LORD your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you." Deuteronomy 31:6 ESV
Courageous...courage. I need lots of courage, how about you? I looked up the definition in erriam-Webster on-line dictionary for courage and here is what I found: mental or moral strength to venture, persevere, and withstand danger, fear, or difficulty.
Our economy is starting to hit our little community, and today my husband had a 9:00 a.m. meeting with a major Oil & Gas company as they are trying to force us to cut our rates 25%.
I know GOD chose for me to memorize for February 15th challenge over at the LPM Blog w/Beth Moore. But this morning what hit me afresh as I was praying and giving a scripture to my husband to stand on today was DO NOT BE IN DREAD OF THEM! Sisters, it takes COURAGE and FAITH to stand on this command from our awesome God. I appreciate your prayers for us and our small firm of 10 full time employee's and one part-time/seasonal. God is good, He is faithful and no matter what...HE IS IN CONTROL.
Lovingly,
Yolanda
We just finished up with the video session in Living Beyond Yourself about rejection and I’ll just testify that God will never leave us or forsake us! What we have to offer, He will not drop! One of my verses to memorize is Eph. 4:23 (NLT) that says, “Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes.” How faithful God is to do just that! He does such a mighty work through His Spirit living in us to believe things about Him and ourselves that we never may have know would be possible. Praise Him that He is faithful to renew our minds with the powerful Word of His Truth! Last night at church, we were working with the children to memorize John 17:17. It says, “Sanctify them by your truth. Your word is truth.” AMEN!!!
To me the greatest benefit of scripture memory is found in two passages of God's Word:
1) Psalm 119:11 "I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you." When I memorize and meditate on scripture I recognize sin in my life more quickly and desire more readily to make choices to please God.
2) Ephesians 6:17 "Take...the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God." Scripture memory is my offensive weapon when Satan tempts me, attacks me, attempts to deceive me and otherwise messes with my commitment to follow Christ wholeheartedly.
Being in a season of feeling as though my world is spinning out of control - memorizing the scripture that God Himself (IN BOLD LETTERS) lays on my heart has been the BIGGEST thing that has happened in my life. In the past I have memorized but never stopped to ask the Lord what I should memorize (stupid or what?!)
Now instead of wondering where the Rock is in the midst of the struggle I no longer WONDER where He is I KNOW where He is - His Word is giving me the brain surgery that I have been in need of - bless you Lord!!
Love you LPM staff
Shelley
The one BIG thing I can see happening in my life with the scripture memory, besides BEING LED to scriptures I feel I really need now, is the working of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is truly empowering me to memorize with such ease. Last year I had a goal to do this, but it was alot harder. This time around it isn't. I also feel that God is balancing the scriptures I am drawn to. They are full of comfort and promises to me and plenty of thanks and praise to our LORD. I love Him so.
JoAnn
Wow. How has Scripture changed my life so far this year?
God's Word has breathed life into me when I didn't want to live it any more. Without it, and the love of my church family, I might not be here typing this.
I've discovered that I can find rest (Ps. 62:5-7) in God because He knows me and loves me (Ps. 139) and because He is my hope and my portion, even when I've forgotten what happiness is (Lam. 3:17-26)
I am struggling to put into words how God has used the memory challange to bless me in a way I never saw coming when I joined the Siestas in this quest. Let me say that I have been a believer since I was a teenager and now that I have 3 teenage sons my faith is constantly stretched. I found out in early December that my middle son was making choices that not only did I not approve of but were potentially harmful. I was angry, terrified, hurt, etc. Tears and prayers galore have I laid at the foot of the cross since that day. This circumstance was not in my mind when I joined the scripture memorization team, however on the eve of January 14th, I was praying about which scripture to choose and the Lord spoke to me say Jermiah 31:20. I have read through the bible and been involved in all sorts of bible studies but never absorbed the words of Jermiah31:20 before. God spoke to me about my son's behavior and His love for him and my for love for him through this verse and these words are a daily balm to a scared mothers soul. Thank you Lord, I love you so much and thank you for directing Beth to direct us to You in this manner.
Well, I was intrigued by the "visual scripture art"....I am visual!! That is a cool way of representing scripture. Kudos to you for being SO creative!!
This is by far the best NY's resolution I have ever made, thank you for the challenge! I love loving His Word. I write poetry(like Beth) and am hoping to write one about "Vitamin G" that we NEED to have daily and it's perfectly fine to overdose on it! In fact, it is strongly recommended!!!
I am also learning how incredibly sharp and powerful the Sword truly is.
This has allowed a change of focus...from my feelings to His truth. This has allowed me to put Phil 4:8 to work in my life, replacing Satan's lies with God's truth...no longer controlled by feelings, but by God's Word spoken into my heart and my mind and my soul giving me His strength. Have always enjoyed Scripture memory....but this has been more focused on my daily needs and has daily given me joy as I speak His Word and wake up with it being my first thought. Truly starts the day off "right." Thanks for the accountability.
Karen H., Stephenville, TX
Not to us, O LORD, not to us but to your name be the glory,
because of your love and faithfulness. Psalm 115:1
I am just skipping this verse today as we just learned our first born is heading to Texas A&M! We have been waiting and none so patiently I might confess...
Will I be memorizing Psalm 6:6 this fall when I miss her so???
NO! Perhaps Psalm 20:4
Memorizing scripture in such a disciplined way is something I would not have initiated on my own - the accountability is great. Every time I read a scripture now, I look at it from the standpoint of "boy, wouldn't it be great to commit that to memory!" I'm so excited, I already have my verses chosen through March. I want to meet the challenge to learn all 24 this year - and maybe more. As we learned in Beth's "Believing God" study, God's word is alive and active in us!
Every scripture I picked to memorize had to do with our (my) physical body as it relates to GOD and being the temple of HIS Holy Spirit.
I knew the care for our physical body was important - but I have realized afresh how sacred the tabernacle/temple of GOD was to HIM and HIS Chosen People.
Remember when you were young and your Mama would say, "Don't run in God's house!" or "You need to be quiet and reverent in God's house"??
We ARE GOD'S earthly "house"! Not the church, chapel, etc. It's our bodies that we are not taking care of...physically it can hinder our spiritual growth and many other things.
Wow...it just hit me again when I typed this!
Blessings,
Teri
I am a 31 year old wife and mom going through treatment for breast cancer so my verses have been based on encouragement and hope that I have needed to get through each and every day. I probably repeat Isaiah 33:6NET to myself a hundred times a day "He is your CONSTANT SOURCE OF STABILITY..." Love it.
My second verse I came across while doing Believing God just shortly after diagnosis in Sept and I have recited Deut. 7:20 over and over again during chemo praying that the Lord is "sending the hornet" to find each and every microscopic bit of cancer cell in my body and kill it!
My third verse is all about comfort. I have needed God as my refuge more times than I can count and quoting Nahum 1:7 to myself reminds me that He cares for me and He IS MY REFUGE.
Having these verses on the tip of my tongue throughout this ordeal has been marvelous! They have brought great comfort and peace to me. I feel so awesome reciting them and am looking forward to picking out a new one on Sunday! This challenge has been a true gift from God.
Honestly, this scripture memorization has FLAT OUT BLESSED my life! There are no real words to describe it other than that. And you know what? I've been able to share some of what I've memorized and I think God is using that to bless the lives of others. Whoa Mama! Talk about blessing to know that God is using this scripture memorization for more than just me! On the flip side, when someone shares a verse with me that resonates with my Spirit as one to memorize, then I'm blessed because of them and what God is doing in their life. Double Whoa Mama!
Love you Siesta Mama! Thanks for your encouragement!
Prayers and Blessings,
Rebecca
It has been amazing to me how the verses I chose to memorize (Col 3 for this year) have been so relevant for the exact week that they come up!! As I have been working on v. 4 this time I am reminded that I do not have to be concerned about "making everything right" because He says I will be revealed with Him in glory!! Praise His name! He has given me the ability to let misunderstandings and misperceptions go because in Him they will be revealed in His time!! He is so great!! He lifts the load! Helen
Life with four kids and being over-involved in fun but time consuming activites has had it's effects on me. Week 2 of scripture memory was recited so often out loud (in desperation!) that even my kids learned it. I could be heard saying,"Be joyful always!!!!!!pray continually and give thanks in all circumstances..." and my kids would say "1 Thes. 5:16-18." This was usually as I was trying to get everyone out the door and into the car... much like herding sheep. Be joyful always... I needed to force it sometimes, but God's Word not only penetrated my heart, but worked its way into my children's as well. God is so good all the time!
Jeri ~ El Cajon, CA
-This scripture memory thing has been amazing. The verse that has had the most profound effect on me is the second one it is Isaiah 41: 9-10 and in it it says I have called you, picked you and I have not dropped you don't panic (message version) I am with you. Sometimes as a single female in seminary serving in a church I find myself saying really God are you kidding me am I really doing what you have called me to do. Now in those sometimes dark hours I go back to that DON'T PANIC I am with you and rest in knowing I am right where God wants me to be. I always knew the word of God was transforming but when you meditate on it as much as it takes to commit it to memory it is life changing.
I also love reading through what everyone else is doing, it is like a party on the 1st and the 15th that I can't wait to get to. I would not trade this time for anything in the world.
This was the best idea ever!!
Running the Race,
Carrie
What I have personally loved is being able to pray or speak a scripture over a person. It blesses me right back because I usually need that scripture too.
His word is beautiful and life to me.
Press on girls!!!
This has been the most incredible journey of my life! I asked the Lord to give me my verses...He did. And, He was preparing me for something really dreadful! He rocked my world last week, revealing to me my husband's pornography and sex addiction. I had no clue of any of it and I was totally prepared by the Most High to face all the ugly! To borrow a line from the Tale of Two Cities, "It was the worst of times and the best of times!" God had so prepared me, communicated with me and I could see Him in so much! I so know my LORD and what He will do! I do NOT need to fear the terror of the night nor the arrow that flies by day! He WILL forgive ALL my/his sins and HEALS ALL our diseases! I AM blessed because I have set my heart on pilgrimage. AND as I pass through the Valley of Baca, I will make it a place of springs. I will go from strength to strength till I appear before God in Zion! Praise the Lord! I will remember ALL His benefits! I overheard my husband praying, "Please help Sara find it in her heart to forgive me." I already had! God is so good! What satan meant to destroy us, God will use for His glory! I am so in love with the LORD!!! Thank you, Beth, for challenging us to memorize!!!!!
Sara
spow56@aol.com
The Journey Continues ~
Memorizing Scripture is a tool that can encourage you through your pains, struggles, emotions, weaknesses and strengths!!!
I have memorized scripture with song and EVERY SINGLE MORNING I begin my scripture time in the shower ~ On my knees, cleansing the sin from my external life and letting the scriptures and praises grace & humble me from within!
Every NEED or HOPE you have can be found in scripture!
Healthy Lifestyle,Money Questions, Budgeting, Love, Friendship, Treating people correctly ~
It is my LIFE MANUAL!
With "Heaven Bound" blessings,
Kim Safina
http://www.kimsafinathejourneycontinues.blogspot.com
It has been amazing to see whether they have been scriptures I have wanted to memorize or scriptures God has put in my life or ones I have chosen to memorize because someone else posted it, how God has tied it into whatever is going on at that time. I have to say, my recent verse, walking it out has not been fun but I know God has a purpose and in the end I will see His great plan in it, even if it's painful right now. But God is faithful, and it's been wonderful to start seeing Him work in ways I hadn't thought before.
-Elise
Bellingham, WA
I had not memorize any scripture since I was in college - 20 years ago. Wow, what a blessing this has been for me. Because during this period we lost our doggie, my mom's companion, I decided to get her involved in memorization too. Every time she started to think about the doggie, instead, she was to remember her verse. So, I had to do this in Spanish. Double blessing. I am learning a verse in both languages. Thank you for challenging me. God IS GREAT!!
My scripture memorization has been helpful in my day to day life as I stay focused on God rather than the world. Most significantly, I suffered a miscarriage just two days ago and as I was hearing the bad news at the doctor's office and feeling overwhelming sadness, several of my memory verses popped into my mind. Romans 8:18, "Yet what we suffer now is nothing compared to the glory He will reveal to us later." And Psalm 91:2, "This I declare about the Lord: He alone is my refuge, my place of safety; He is my God and I trust Him." It's amazing how God will use His word to rescue and comfort us in times of sorrow. I am so thankful that I had those verses tucked into my heart on that day. It helped beyond measure.
I was a bit worried that I would not be able to retain all the verses I memorized especially after the 4th one on Feb. 15. BUT, I was wrong and God is so amazing. I asked Him to help me remember the words and quickly realize a moment where those scriptures should be spoken and acknowledged. He has done just that. Praise God. He is so brilliant.
Love,
Lindsey in Louisiana
I have so struggled with memorizing the scriptures -- especially this week... But last night as I was praying, I found myself incorporating and praying the scripture back to God... NO, not word for word... but the thot was there!!! I rejoiced and have more zeal to get it right as the week finishes up! :-) Love you sweet Sietas for your accountablity and the opportunity to share this with you! Look forward to reading some others testimony!
OH MY!!! I'll never go back to living a day or struggling through a situation with out God's word in front of my eyes or written on the brain. I never thought such a change could be made from the inside out. Oh there are still things that happen everyday that threaten to turn up the fear, doubt, self-condemnation, confusion and I could go on and on. BUT GOD. He is alive and active in my insides (hopefully you understand that comment). I love feasting on His word and resting in His presence (no matter how busy I am) everyday; it is my #ONE priority. Nothing else can keep the emotions of life under control or remove the veil of darkness from our heart like a constant dose of Truth.
Only Jesus!!!!
Sheryl in Jacksonville, FL
OH MY!!! I'll never go back to living a day or struggling through a situation with out God's word in front of my eyes or written on the brain. I never thought such a change could be made from the inside out. Oh there are still things that happen everyday that threaten to turn up the fear, doubt, self-condemnation, confusion and I could go on and on. BUT GOD. He is alive and active in my insides (hopefully you understand that comment). I love feasting on His word and resting in His presence (no matter how busy I am) everyday; it is my #ONE priority. Nothing else can keep the emotions of life under control or remove the veil of darkness from our heart like a constant dose of Truth.
Only Jesus!!!!
Sheryl in Jacksonville, FL
This is RADICALLY changing my life in so many ways. One of the coolest things that happened was the result of losing my scripture memory cards and calling out to the Siestas for prayer to find them. In a nutshell, a Siesta in CA that I do not know prayed for the return of my lost cards. At 12:54 p.m she sent me an email telling me so. A few min. later a man walked into my office with the cards in hand wanting to know if I knew who they belonged to. I checked her email at 1:21 p.m. Need I say more?! The full story is posted on my blog but too long to rewrite here.
Our God is up to something BIG!!!!
Kim . . . who is
Grafted by Grace
One of the five statements of faith in the Believing God Study is: "God's word is alive and active in me, I'm believing God."
Once Scripture has been memorized or hidden in my heart, I have been amazed how the Holy Spirit will bring to mind "a word" needed at just the perfect time. Whether it be in witnessing, or encouraging a friend or to help me make a decision.(Whatever the case may be...) Siestas, God has been faithful to show me that His word is alive and active me.
All glory to Him,
Mary
January 15th I chose (God helped) Romans 12:1-2. My goal over this year is to lose enough weight to be able to manage my blood sugar well enough to get off all diabetic medicine. That would leave me having to take just allergy and asthma meds. I have used these verses over and over when ever I am tempted to go to the candy cabinet at work by saying to myself "Jan this is your spiritual act of worship." I always then say a quick thank you to God for giving me the strength to resist the temptation. I have lost 12 pounds!!!:) I feel so good and strong and I know it is because I am memorizing scripture and right now am in The Patriarch Bible Study. I would have never stuck with this on my own. I am so thankful to all of the siestas I have come to know on this blog. Thank you LPM and Beth for your example and blessings you said would come from this. I am in it to the end!
Jan
I actually am memorizing one scripture a day for the forty days preceding Easter. I get down on my face in the mornings and pray out loud and ask what scripture shall i memorize, then wait. It's only day two but it's remarkable how I am able to retain these verses so quickly.
I went to see my dad (who I see about 2-3 times a year) in Florida last week. He was in the hospital in serious condition. My dad is a Harley motorcyle tough guy with a tender searching heart. On the airplane I knew I would need a Word from God to sustain me...my dad's world is black...literally and spiritually. I KNOW God gave me Psalm 26:1-3...
"Vindicate me, O Lord,
for I have walked in my integrity,
and I have trusted in the Lord without wavering.
Prove me, O Lord, and try me.
Test my heart and my mind for your steadfast love is BEFORE MY EYES,
and I walk in your faithfulness."
Beth, As I started to memorize it,I thought of your acronym, RENEW...but I was stuck on that second E...I couldn't think of it. Just then I looked down at my ipod and saw...
"Echoing Angels"
ECHO...God, you are so right now!! I love you!
He DID sustain me and kept my feet on solid ground all week. For once in my life, I was the strong one, there for my earthly father. You, Jesus, have healed deep wounds and I give you GLORY, GLORY, GLORY!!!
"He has done great things for me and I am filled with joy!"
I was on the last thread of complete abandon to the Lord in what has been a very long, deeply personal, difficult perseverance. The enemy kept getting to my mind and thus continually breaking my heart on the same scars. The Lord had been telling me that memorizing scripture was my ticket. I couldn't seem to feel passionate about it. Then, in perfect timing, the Siesta scripture memory accountablility was offered. I am thriving in the verses that He keeps giving me. Right when I am in an "enduring moment" (that used to devastate me)I begin reciting my scriptures.Because He has given me passages that touch me deeply as to Who He wants to be for me, I immediately soar above what would normally take my heart down. I stand amazed that God gave this venue to strengthen me in our (His and my) long wait together. Much glory to God at the power of His Word over His creation. I need Him, every hour I need Him.
Kristi Klein
Orlando, Florida
This is not about Scripture memory, but I couldn't resist:
I just read snippets from an interview with Gov. Sarah Palin ("Sarah Palin: What I've Learned," by Ryan D'Agostino). She's a beautiful sister in Christ and I suspect she may even be a siesta in hiding.
I love that she boldly claimed this:
"I know He hears me when I just call out to Him, which I do a lot. Oh, yes, I pray. I talk to God every day. I've put my life, so I put my day, into God's hands, and I just ask for guidance and wisdom and grace to get through one situation after another."
And you've got to love these:
"Hot? If only people could see me as I come in from a run early in the morning without a trough full of makeup on...."
and
"Fleece, lots of fleece, and skinny white-chocolate mochas. That's the best way to stay warm."
Couldn't you just see Sarah and Beth as BFFs! :)
Linda in MN
All of the memory verses that I have memorized have come up either in conversations with family and friends or in a sermon I have heard on the radio or in church. Amazing. I also got out my Praying God's Word scripture memory cards and put them into a three ring binder in baseball card holder sleeves so that I could see them. I wasn't sure why I did it - I don't usually just have time on my hands to do things like that - but the other night I found out why. My sister-in-law called me and asked me to pray for a friend of hers who was going through a very difficult time and I was able to not only look at a group of those cards and pray them over her - I was also able to easily text her some of the verses I was praying over her.
Loving and thanking God for community and resources!
may we always carry the word of the Lord in our heats and sweet on our lips. marina
In the season of life that I am in, one of the biggest things in all of this, is that I can actually remember the scriptures! THAT, siestas, is a God thing! But, I had the most incredible experience yesterday finding my new scripture. I had several that I was considering because in some way they spoke to my heart. So, I chose one knowing full well in my heart that "it just wasn't the one." I figured God would help me in the next couple of days.... I was spending some quiet time with Him and as I was praying, I asked Him to make me humble...Well! The tears instantly came, like a faucet and the scripture about "in humility, consider others better than yourself" immediately came to mind! (Philippians 2:3) It was amazing how clearly He let me know my next scripture and that is what constantly amazes me about my God....how PERSONAL He is. There is nothing too small for Him to care about...or too big. I truly believe in my heart that in a few months I am going to look back over my scriptures that HE has chosen for me, and there is going to be a "theme"...NO doubt! He is SO GOOD!
I have never done well with scripture memory and I love the success I am finding with this. I also love how times I am struggling the Lord is bringing these scriptures to mind. I have been using my exercise time on my ellipse machine to do my scripture memory and it is turning into wonderful times with the Lord. I am looking forward to see what else the Lord has in store for the rest of the year.
Karla- Nashville, TN
PS I have been carrying my note cards around with me everywhere I go.
I find God teaching me and giving me new insights in the morning when I wake up. My recent verse has been the 1 Cor 13 love verses and I've been challenged to love more. I mean that sincerely... I chose those verses on the 1st of Feb and it seems the THEME of loving others and developing more meaningful relationships has cropped up in every area of my life. His Word does come forth in my mind when I'm dealing with a tough situation. My heart is softening & faith increasing in a core area where I have struggled and I'm less self-focused.
I'm grateful for the opportunity & accountability that we've been given here! Thank you!
It's amazing how memorizing Scripture has been helping me in how I look at the world. It's been a while since I've memorized anything, so I'd forgotten the good that it does. Especially in these last couple of months as I have been making sense of things after coming face-to-face with some of my greatest fears in th fall, memorizing Scripture regularly has been amazing! This challenge has been exactly what I needed.
It is amazing to me how God can incorporate each verse into my life. Throughout the past couple months God has placed each verse so specifically that I know it's Him. He has given each verse knowing that he can use it for me and through me in the next couple weeks and on.
Having these verses has allowed me to be "Kingdom Minded" throughout each day. I have the verses written on my memo board, in my daytimer,as my signature on my outgoing e-mailsthe fridge (Amen?!?!) . Anywhere that I am going to daily see it! This has been such a ministry to me. It's just divine how sometimes something so simple like a new memory verse every couple weeks, can have such profound results. Thankyou for this challenge. It is working WONDERS in my life!
Rebekah Boone
Bryant, AR
We know in our heads that God's word is Living but it never ceases to amaze me when it is acted out!! This memorization is a perfect example! Each one has been hand picked by God for me, for the two weeks. I THINK I am picking it out, but it turns out each time to be clearly guided by Him, as the following 2 weeks unfold and the verse turns out to be exactly what I need. Isn't His love amazing?
Beth and the Office girls, Gosh thanks so much for this challenage! I can not even begin to try to put into words all the Lord is doing by this commitment to memorize His word. I have found that without much effort just by memorizing that He brings to mind His word in the difficult moments! I can be in the midist of a challenage and He will bring it to mind.. I can take that deep breath and wow.. what sweet comfort. God is good.. and He is worth the time it takes to memorize His word. I am blessed, THank you for giving us all the boost to do this.
Many blessings to you! DJ Hartman
Woo-hoo! I thought about this just today. I'm so glad we can give a little testimony here!
I can't tell you how many times it has come up in our small group Bible study that I was thinking and my husband even says, "that fits with your memory verse doesn't it!"
We are facing some work issues with co-workers and possible big change for our family. I don't do well with change and was really diving into a pity party when God started reeling me back to Him with the verses I've been memorizing.
Psalm 86:11-12
"Teach me Your way, Lord, and I will live by Your truth..." I have to believe that He loves me, He is working for my good, and I can trust Him--that is His Truth! "...for Your faithful love for me is great, and You deliver my life from the depths of Sheol." He delivers me from my pity party!
Colossians 3:1-2
"...set your hearts on things above...set your minds on things above, not on earthly things." When I am worrying about how this and that will work out, I have my eyes, heart, and mind set on the mirror in front of me instead of "things above." He is renewing my thought processes and changing my focus.
Psalm 25:5
"...You are the God who saves me. All day long, I put my hope in You." There is more of His Truth that He is my source of hope ALL DAY LONG. And I have had some long ones lately!
John 1:16
"From the fullness of His grace we have all received one blessing after another." I am seeing things more from His perspective and how I can view it, or use it as a blessing--even a big freezer door left open all night became a blessing! And I broke a family chain of emotionally scaring my child who left the door open because my perspective changed. Whatever tomorrow brings, which could bring a big change for us, it can be a blessing.
Thank you so much for this challenge! I wouldn't have done this on my own, but it is definetely a God-thing for my life at this moment! I can't wait to see what He has in store for this year and beyond, because this is a habit I'm keeping! Yet again, ya'll are teaching me to be closer to my Father. Praise Him! (Sorry it is so long. I was just about to bust to tell you about it!)
I walk every day with His word in my heart. And while one of the scriptures has pointed out my shortcomings (What goes into a man's mouth does not make him unclean, but what comes out of his mouth, that is what makes him unclean), other scriptures have brought me peace and confidence in God (Do not be troubled. You trust in God, trust also in me.)
Hugs,
Melinda
I have been so thankful for this challenge. I don't know if I would have ever decided to do this on my own and truly didn't think I COULD do it. That's what has blessed me most so far...that this has given me something to be proud of myself over for the first time in a long time. Not in a self-righteous way but to simply feel good about something I'm doing. The Lord and I go 'round and 'round over this and I am finally feeling small victories over this battle in my mind. But more than that I love how much it makes me LONG to learn more of His word. It truly is the bread of LIFE. He is speaking LIFE to me in areas where I have felt dead for quite a while. Glory to our Lord!
I love you all so much, dear siestas, and praise Him for bringing you all into my life when I needed you and more of Him than ever before...
I love stepping out on my patio early in the a.m., look up toward the sky and say my verses to the Father. I love during the "moment of silence" at my school (I'm a kindergarten teacher) saying my verses. I'm in a public school by the way. Don't believe all the bad you hear about public school. I have scripture strategically placed in my classroom. The parents of my students last year bought me a desk. They painted some things on it, part of which was a SCRIPTURE! YES - public school! I serve a mighty God!
TN Teacher
THANK YOU for your prayers. I believe that GOD is covering us. I have had so much fun saying my verses and following GOD's lead in choosing them. They are relevant to my life and such a blessing to me. And it is awesome to be apart of something so big. While working on my scripture I found myself saying Malachi 3:16-18 and just added it in, it has long been one of my favorites.
This has blessed me in so many ways. I love how His Word TRANSFORMS my yuck-thinking!!!
My son went to the hospital this month, and I went to a "scary-place" in my head. But the Lord had me prepped with Scripture memory!! I would love for you to stop by this post for more insight:
http://worthwalkingtoward.blogspot.com/2009/02/for-he-has-been-good-to-me.html
but here is the snippet of how His verse was THERE for me!!!:
""But I trust in your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in your salvation. I will sing to the Lord, for he has been good to me." -Psalm 13:5-6
Lord, God, it is no coincidence that the verse above "just happened" to be my Scripture Memory Verse for the end of January. You are so infinite. You know all.
Oh, Precious Jesus, I thank you, for your hand in taking care of my precious, precious child. For healing him.
I will sing to you, Lord, for You have been good to me."
Thank you, Siestas. Your faithfulness to begin this Memory Team has had a hand in me seeing Christ's love directly at my sick child's hospital bedside.
I have tried and tried over the years to memorize scripture to no avail. I am SO excited to have 4 scriptures under my belt. When I can't sleep at night (which is often these days), my mind runs through the ones I have memorized. Even some old ones that must have been buried in my brain somewhere are coming forth! Praise God! It is such freedom to know that through Christ, I am being victorious in this area. I can't thank you enough for spurring us on as you do in so many ways - to be victorious women in the Word!
It is amazing to me that I'm actually memorizing new verses and REMEMBERING the older ones. This has truly been a blessing. As I read through scripture, I'm jotting down ones I want to memorize. These verses have become MINE! God is good!
i am training for my first ever 1/2 marathon (for those that don't know-because i didn't-that's 13.1 miles!) and i am going strong on training week 5.
however, for someone who HATES running nearly as much as i hate the devil, and would rather eat chocolate chip cookies and london fog lattes after work instead of hitting the treadmill (and some days i do all 3:) ) being disciplined in scripture memory has been THE most timely blessing.
as my running distance has increased every couple of days to work up to the 13 miles, my legs never fail to start screaming at me to STOP around the same point during every run. and that's when i pull out my the big scripture guns and PRESS ON THROUGH! it helps pass the time so much faster than pretending i'm excited to be missing american idol, yet again. and at the end of the day, it's a much better investment for my body and my mind!
thanks for the accountability siestas! whether you know it or not, i consider you all my personal cheerleaders when i'm running and picture your sweet faces saying your verses and cheering us all on in whatever task we are doing.
love ya'll so much
I just have to praise God for renewing my mind through His word. God just lifted me out of the pit of fear and anxiety last year. I don't ever remember it not being a stronghold in my life. I have no doubt whatsoever, that if I wasn't memorizing scriptures and meditating on them, my mind would wander back to the fearful thoughts and I would get stuck on them again. I praise God for allowing me to be free from that and giving us His word to stay free.
I don't have a specific incident to share, but generally, memorizing and meditating God's Word is bringing such a deep peace into my heart. I'm going through some difficult situations, so the timing of this is perfect.
I grew up in a church that taught us to memorize Scripture weekly. I suppose I mistakenly imagined it was only a childish thing since I haven't memorized in years. As an adult, there have been Scriptures I have read so many times that I would memorize "by accident", but I am so excited to be memorizing "on purpose"!!! Even if you aren't giving out candy and prizes like I received as a child. :o)
Until now, I have never done well with memorizing scripture. I have been so amazed, over and over again, that the scriptures the Lord led me to have been exactly what I have needed. It has been a huge blessing to me. My husband left me a week before Christmas and my time with the Lord and in his word since then has been life to me. He is 'speaking' to me all over the place. It is wonderful!
It has been amazing how easy it has come to me to be able to memorize these scriptures. I feel I have really been led to the particular ones I have chosen. I recite them often. I have been able to use them to banish the temptations in my life. Thank you so much for suggesting this. I never thought I would be able to memorize anything much less 5 verses so far. I found any extra to throw in Feb. "Be still and know that I am God" Psalm 46:10 NIV. Stop and focus on God is what it relates to me. You will never know what a blessing and guide you have been in my life. You have taught me to come to know the Lord more than I ever thought possible. My first bible study was Loving Well. Thank you for bringing me in the world of studying the Bible. I pray daily that it not only gives me knowledge but a closer relationship with God.
Blessings,
Jessica
Powell TN
I feel really bad.
Because I have a horrible memory and ADD, and memorizing scripture is such an intense struggle for me that really, the only scripture I've ever been able to memorize is "Jesus wept." But I want to memorize so badly, and I read God's Word every day, and my heart is in the right place...but the skill just isn't there, even though the desire is so great. I have even been praying for months now for God to make my memory better and to give me the ability to memorize & to hide His word in my heart, because I need it so badly as I am going through some hard times. I guess He wants to keep me waiting for His answer.
So I'm sorry to say... I guess I am the odd one out here. I don't, as with most of my life, have anything amazing to report yet, but as I constantly try to be hopeful, perhaps my breakthrough is still coming, as I have been saying for about 20 years. Perhaps, I hope beyond hope, that my blessing, and my amazing story, is still on its way.
Michelle, Dallas Texas
The scriptures I've memorized so far this year reflect MY LIFE so far this year. As they roll off my tongue I remember why I chose them, the situation I was in, and where I've walked with God so far in '09. Not planning on forgetting them either! This has been great :)
Liz, Lexington KY
I didn't think I could memorize anymore (the brain seems to slow down when you hit 50!!!) But, I prayed that the Lord would help me in this endeavor because I really wanted to have more verses committed to memory. I have learned many over the years, but couldn't tell you what their addresses are. Now, I am going to learn the whole verse, address and all. I am amazed as to how the Holy Spirit has enabled me to recall and apply these new verses in my prayer life, in talking with my girlfriends, in everything. I really enjoyed the video Beth did in the beginning - because I look differently at how I choose the verse now and how it applies to my life. I think I would like to do this afresh every new year! I like the accountability among the Siestas!
BeBe
I mentioned before that I'm a mom of three kids (ages 17 and 12 yr. old twins) and I'm in nursing school. I'm in my last semester and it has been incredibly hard on me, my husband and my kids. On top of that I did VERY bad on my first test this semester. I started to panic and think I may not make it through this semester. Then I began to repeat my verses(2Cor 10:3-5, 2 Cor. 9:8, Isaiah 41:13 and 2 Cor. 4:7-9) and God has calmed my spirit and given me a peace. It's my human nature to worry, but God is working to give me a supernatural reaction to turmoil and it's called triumph. Every situation may not work out the way I want, but I'm trusting him.
Thank you so much for challenging us to do this. What a blessing. I have tried to memorize Scripture before and have had some luck, but have never stuck with it. I am so glad to have accountability for this. The enemy has been roaring at me for some time now, so doing this has helped me sooo much to keep him at bay. I have said my verses while skiing, while running, while at work or driving in the car and when I do, I know that that ugly Devil cowers back in fear at the name of Jesus.
Jill
Laramie, Wyoming
This exercise has ministered peace to my soul. God's word has been like a balm over my life. The memory aspect has been wonderful, but for me the meditation day and night is what has tranformed me.
I have LOVED this! It has been the BIGGEST blessing!
I can't begin to tell you how many times I quote
Isaiah 33:6... out loud... in my head... on my face... I have 3 teenagers... I am a wreck... I just keep saying OK LORD You ARE my constant source of stability! (whew I need that one) YOU LORD abundantly provide (ohhh I love that abundantly part) safety and great wisdom! (whew do I need that more than ever at this stage!)
The peace that floods over this anxious heart of mine is incredible! I think God helped you pick that verse just for me!
I Love my other ones too! Thank you for always inspiring us to go deeper... to do the thang! : )
I have tried memory "programs" before and always tried to do more than I could handle. Two scriptures a month has freed me and has given me time to really get these in my spirit! I love it!
I have even been able to put them in cards and conversation to encourage someone else. There is NOTHING like the living Word of God!
The Lord has blessed me with a good mind and a facility for memorization but being Catholic and all I wasn't trained to memorize Scripture. This group effort has encouraged to turn my mind to Scripture and it has blessed me. But even more - I have been able to comfort and guide others because I had the WORD ready on my tongue. God is so good - He cannot be outdone in generosity. THANK YOU for helping to make 2009 a true YEAR OF THE LORD!
I didn't think I could memorize anymore! But it's almost too easy! I was just thinking this morning it must be because we are all praying for each other and doing it together! It is a huge blessing to me. I look at scriptures differently now, each one as a potential memory verse... Sort of like which piece of candy to pick!
The scripture memory project has ministered much comfort and peace to me. We have been dealing with an ongoing health crisis with my mother-in-law (end stage renal failure), and I have chosen verses that will minister to my spirit and soul and bring refreshment. It has been wonderful.
The last scripture I chose is more of a "life verse" for my writing endeavors (Deut. 32:2 NIV). The Lord just "happened" to put it before me in a daily devotional I read on Feb. 15th. He is amazing!
This is something I had tried to start doing a couple of years ago, as I felt led to memorize Psalm 27. I wanted to take it slowly, b/c I heard it would stick with you forever that way. Well, I took the "slowly" part WAY too far!!! I could say verses 1-5 in my sleep, but I just couldn't be consistent & FINISH it! Last year I memorized Psalm 121 b/c of 'Stepping Up', and I can't tell you how much of a role those verses have since played in my life (& even my dreams while I'm sleeping)! Last year as well, I started index cards b/c of 'Believing God'. I believe all of that was preparation for this. I knew immediately this was a God thing & exactly what He wanted me to do... no doubt about it. I was ready to hit the ground running! The accountability of changing scriptures on the 1st and 15th & the encouragement that we are all doing it together was exactly what I needed in order to get my rear into gear!!! I know I would have been a tight ball of nerves with a very UN-steadfast mind had it not been for this. I didn't realize how desperately I need His Word in this way and how memorizing His Word is so vital to me & my life. Can't tell you how many times in the past few weeks something has come up & I have responded differently than I would have normally because His Word has been at the forefront of my mind & is changing the way I think & changing my heart. There really are no words for how big of a blessing this has been for me!!! I believe that this is preparation for the future as well & the fruit from this will be much more than we can even imagine right now.
Being a mom of an infant, it is hard to get to my bible when I need it the most! Having these scriptures in my head has been amazing. I am able to speak them and pray them when I am worn out and frustrated...God always brings me patience and peace through them. I am also speaking them over my precious baby girl. Thank you for this challenge Beth! It is changing my life!
The accountability has helped me tremendously. I've studied scripture for years, but I find it's helping truth to sink in more. It's building my faith. I dwell on good and truthful things all day. His word is my constant companion especially when my bible can't be open like at work or in the car. It allows me to meditate.
It's easier than I thought it would be and it's not been a drudgery either. I've even thrown in a couple extra along the way. When I'm reading, and I discover my next verse, I get excited that I'm going to know it. Not just words in my head either, but the voice of my Lord and Savior speaking in my heart.
Thanks for your Living Proof Ministry!
Beth:
This has been such a huge blessing to me. I carry mine in my purse and it goes everywhere with me.
One of the ways this has helped me is that I wake up sometime at night with such terror. Liturally... I think Lord please just help settle this fear down and I get afraid someone is going to come in and hurt me and my daughter. I then start praying all the scriptures that I am memorizing and praying the blood of Jesus over my home and by the time I am finished, somehow the fear leaves and I can go back to sleep. God is so good ... He comes in and breathes His words into my spirit and I remember why I love Him so. I love you too!!!
Lichelle
I'm going into the golden years and I never thought I would be able to memorize the amount of scripture I have! Your challenge got me started and I am determined to keep going. I have been impressed with the words "unfailing love" in the NIV scriptures so 2 of the passages I have learned have those words in them. I have also been able to memorize several verses together such as Lam.3:21-26 and I never dreamed I could. I repeat all my verses every morning in my quiet time and God just renews my spirit with them. Thank you Beth for your love of the Word has led us to follow your lead, God is good!
"The anger of man does not produce the righteousness God desires"...my children are so thankful that I've begun to discipline out of love, rather than out of anger. Not that I was physically abusive or anything--just that I no longer speak to them with a locked jaw and a "your behavior disgusts me" look on my face. Makes for a much happier day at our house!
Beth,
I just read most of the comments and I have to say that I think we ALL are able to do this because of the prayer YOU have put behind this. Everyone seems to think it was beyond them (myself included)but God is honoring your prayers by allowing us to hide His word in our hearts.
thank you again...
"The anger of man does not produce the righteousness God desires"...my children are so thankful that I've begun to discipline out of love, rather than out of anger. Not that I was physically abusive or anything--just that I no longer speak to them with a locked jaw and a "your behavior disgusts me" look on my face. Makes for a much happier day at our house!
2 words: Providence House
Through my scripture verses (and some really hard work and surrender)...God has revealed to me his plans for "Providence House"...and He wants me to start it!!! OMG...I'm scared!!
It will be a safe haven dedicated to the rescue and restoration of girls in the United States who have been victimes of domestic minor human trafficking and child explotation.
He revealed the name for this places "Providence House" as I was studying the providence of Esther in mamma beth's bible study!
That's all I know for now...more is to come I'm sure!!!
I have made a lot of noise about being unable to memorize scripture. But, because of the commitment and accountability you call for here, I have been able to actually accomplish this!
I'm not fully there on my 4th passage, but since I recite all of them daily (by the end of the year this is going to take some time! :)), I'm confident that it will soon flow from my lips.
Just today I was overwhelmed by God as He reminded me how He was using the first passage I memorized this year (1 Cor. 2:2) to transform my life.
I really can not WAIT to see what He does with me this year through memorization.
God is so great in how he works. I just finished the 6th week of Beth's Study on Esther. I had no idea that James 4:12 (The Message) would play into it when I picked it out to memorize but God did. It is truely a nugget in God's Word. Haman tried to decide the destiny of the jews but God took over and changed their destiny. "God is in charge of human destiny, who do you think you are to meddle in the destiny of others." Thank you LORD for being in charge of my destiny. I'm looking for the chiastic structures in my life for sure. I also want to say thanks to Beth for all the hard work she puts into these studies and all those that help her in the background. Praise be to God.
It isn't even just the memorization that has affected my life it is also the meditation of the word. It has made an amazing difference in the way I spend time with the Lord. I don't waste time sitting and waiting for appointments. I take out my scripture cards and meditate on his word. I feel closer to my Maker each time I meditate.
It is also amazing to me that the very scripture I seem to be memorizing for my own edification comes up to be something someone else needs to hear. I have used my memorizations scriptures to comfort others in times of need.
I fought this for so long thinking it would be too hard. When it has been one of the easiest and is the biggest blessing I have participated in.
I love reading everyone's stories. Keep them coming.
Love, Lori
I need to leave another comment. This might just be the most encouraging set of comments I have ever read! We have been through some very difficult times in the last few months and it was the memorized Word that got me through. Heb. 4:12 was my constant reminder that my weapon was ALIVE! As I read the other comments, I am challenged to apply new scriptures to some areas that I am currently struggling in. Thank you Siestas and Beth.
To Jill who memorized Jeremiah 31:20 for her son. Been there and still doing that with my own. Thank you for the new verse for the battle. Holding you and him up before the One who wins!
Kim . . . who is
Grafted by Grace
I am finding once again that being able to bring Scripture to mind is a tremendous help in my daily struggles. I teach elementary school and my husband works in the oilfield where people are being laid off daily. We have three teenage children - recently I remarked to my husband that the "terrible twos" were NOTHING compared to the teenage years!! Memorizing Scripture has given me strength and power that comes only from the Lord Jesus Christ. I am so very thankful that He allows me to walk with Him!!!
Since starting the scripture memorization I have been amazed at how much my passion for God's Word has come alive again. I didn't think I could do this, but in fact have been learning more than just two a month. My days are filled with the kind of thinking that causes me to have victory in Christ and when I am tempted to doubt I have the words to say over the temptation. I have had numerous occasions to give a word of encouragement from the scriptures I have committed to memory and am finding that God is using my willingness to hide His Word in my heart not only as a blessing to me but also to the people in my life. Thanks to you ALL at LPM for the encouragement you are to me and for the many ways you pour out your lives for the sake others. I know this blog must take considerable time to administer, bless you all for your diligence to it and your caring ways to share Christ's love with us. I feel like a small part of a great big glorious army of God's beloved daughters pressing on to know Him. Love You
When I first started to memorize, I couldn`t quite get it!! - but I just kept working on "that first line". Once I got "that first line", it came easier. I would call it "breakthrough." I am amazed out how much I have actually memorized, and how it is sticking with me. Giving God the Glory!!
Also, the scriptures that I have chosen to memorize, from Romans 8, have encouraged me in life situations as my faith has been quickened. God`s Word truly is annointed to help us live this life.
Thanks again, so much, for challenging us and giving us opportunity for accountability - especially this 66 year old woman!
I appreciate LPM and this Siesta Blog.....God bless you all.
Diane, Canada
In 2002 my dear friend asked me if I would be her partner in scripture memorization. Very reluctantly I said yes! Our first passage was Psalm 139 which will forever be my most favorite ever!!! We have since memorized 10 more Psalms as well as many other chapters. We are currently working on 1 Peter 4 after finishing 1, 2 and 3. Soon we will have the whole book!! Bottom line is this.... It has changed me from the inside out! My outlook on everything is different because scripture always pops in my head! I also feel the need to tell you I am a simple minded woman. Most days I could not tell you my middle name. If I can do it, anyone can! Go girls go!
Hey, Michelle, in Dallas, Texas (aka ME), Just want to encourage you that you're spending every day reading the word (!) and wanting so badly to have the Word in your heart. Let me assure you: Our LORD will use this!! You will reap at the right season, okay? So hang in there - we're all walking around with one "disability" or another and our God is FAITHFUL!!! He cannot tell a lie, and His Word NEVER goes out void.
Lord, I lift up our Siesta Michelle to You right now. Lord, I ask in the name of Jesus that You would show her a sign for good. I pray in Your mighty Name that You would reach down even now and encourage her sweet heart. I thank You, Father, that Your mercies are new every morning, for great is Your faithfulness. I pray that You would minister that truth to all of our hearts. Lord, sometimes life is just plain hard and some of us are weary. Help us, Lord. I ask that You would use this discipline to heal our wounded and broken souls and cause us to love You more and more. You are our Strength, our Shield, our Fortress, our Provider, and our Deliver. Thank You, Lord, that Your Word is truth - help us to walk (or sometimes crawl) in it. And I pray this is Our Savior's Name, Amen.
Gretchen
Thousand Oaks, CA
I am loving this. I am about to turn 59 and was a little worried that I might have trouble memorizing but God is being so faithful and I haven't had any trouble, not even in
the midst of sinus surgery a couple of weeks ago!! He has been giving me verses about endurance and freedom in Him and amazing the study
in Esther, which I'm doing right now,
has lined up exactly with my verses.
God just continues to amaze me. He is so good to know my needs and give me verses to meet them.
Worthy is the Lamb that was slain!!
Praise to the Ancient of Days, the
I AM, my One and Only!!
Esabelle
I come from a past of childhood abuse. The process of finding healing has been long and painful. Memorizing scripture with you has been the next step in the journey. These scriptures the Holy Spirit leads me to memorize have been a balm to my hurting heart. God's word has come alive to me like never before--it is real, it is MY reality instead of just a theory. It is beautiful!
Tamara Scire
Upland CA
My husband is memorizing scripture also. He puts it on post-it notes and carries it in his pocket with him daily. He testified in Sunday School last week about what God is telling him through his scriptures. Several others in our SS class are also memorizing scripture. God is really working with me about my mind and my mouth - 2 areas that have plagued me for a long time. I am so thankful to report some victory - even though it is taking time!!!
One of several blessings for me in this is the simple way Beth has taught us to remember the verse. IT WORKS!!! R.E.N.E.W. THAT is what has helped me the most in remembering the verse. Second, is to choose a verse that is revelant to what is going on in my life. I am waiting on God for something big he has confirmed to do, and I chose the waiting and faith verses. I cant tell you how recollecting them when the enemy is trying to discourage me, brings comfort when I get discouraged in waiting and I feel Gods protection daily!! I say them when I drive, I write them down at my desk, I put them in my purse when I am waiting in line, I tell them and share them when someone is waiting like I am on the Lord. Its the best decision I made for my life. Praise you Jesus for your word!! and this ministry.
Okay, Beth I now have that fuzzy love feeling for God tha tyou have alwyas talked about! It is SOOOO AWESOME!!! If feel deeply, trly head over heals for him! Thank you for teaching me to pray for it, then pray for more! (When Godly People Do UnGodly Things!) Also the scripture I learned in January Psalm 139:23-24 Test me and try me Know my anxious thoughts, see if there be any grievous ways in me, has stopped my panic attacks! Got to go to bible study and am SOO EXCITED about it!
I am one of those people who always thought that I just couldn't memorize scripture. Now, I am loving it - and doing it - I might add! I love the feeling of knowing His Word is stored in my heart! Thanks ladies for doing this, I can't even imagine how you have the time to moderate all these comments!
This has been a wonderful dedication work-out for my mind. I have been starting my prayer time by reciting my verses one by one. It has been wonderful to see how these verses are food to my spirit and I literally chew on them. The revelation of a verse in a different light from the original form fron which I thought I liked it has been awesome. I love the accountability aspect.
Praise- I specifically had a hard week about 2 weeks ago and the verse that i had memorized one week before became a source of direct strength. The difference was me- my out look and my mental state. Gods answer was coming at the end of my week no matter what.
What i noticed is that i was not crumbling under the pressure as quickly. It was encouraging to realize this!
ok thank for that post i needed that.
I've never been able to memorize anything, but signed up since we had permission to just meditate. Turns out Scripture memorization is a breeze. I appreciate God showing me I'll be victorious when I do things that glorify Him. He is so good to encourage novices like me.
Scripture memorization has been beneifical in applying God's Word in my everyday life. I am encouraged by the dedication of the other ladies who are participating.
The scriptures God has been giving me are like weapons in the spiritual battle(sword of the Spirit). He gave me a scriture to start the year and He's been building on it to use as we are experiancing some major trials as this new year is progressing. And I've been speaking them out loud and praying them out loud. And God provided the Esther study in my life and DAILY He speaks into what my family is going through and what I am going through in the morning studies. I want to share that He has delivered us in the past and He will continue to deliver us. Blessed be the Name of The Lord. In Jesus' Love Kathy Knoblock
WOW! With memorizing scriptures, I have been taken to deeper places within my heart that I didn't know existed....almost like exercising and you get sore...and didn't know that those muscles existed! So...basically what I mean is that I have been able to self-correct through the Holy Spirit and help others self-correct by speaking the scripture - in ways that I hadn't done before! Our Lord Jesus is ALMIGHTY!
Love you girls!
Lea
I am LOVING this challenge and the JOY that floods my heart when the verses come to mind as I share them with others.
I have especially been able to use Daniel 2:20-22 (my January 15th verses) during the unrest in our country with budget woes and everything else as this scripture shares about our God changing times and seasons and setting up kings and deposing them and revealing hidden things and knowing what lies in darkness! GOD IS IN CONTROL!!!
The PLAN Beth chose and the accountability are working for me, and scripture memorization is something I have wanted to do for a long time.
May God be praised,
Georgia Jan
As much as I love learning my verses, I think I almost am as blessed reading through everyones posted verses. There is something so beautiful in reading down the list. I imagine women one by one standing up saying their verse and where they are from...it moves me so much to be a part of this, with everyone. It probably is because I feel so lonely spiritually where I live. I feel so thankful and so incredibly blessed.
Also, my 2 daughters have joined with me in this challenge and it is so utterly amazing to watch my 12 and 9 year old get excited about this and pick their verse.
And I make them pick their own. I would never have done that before. I know I would have strongly suggested some verse, but not after the little tutorial from Beth... :) ... I think my kids were even surprised when I said you pick out the verse that means something to you.
Love and Blessings to all,
Michelle in VT
It's helping me to think about God more. A very good means to a perfect and glorious End.
Reason enough to hide his Word in my heart...
peace~elaine
Oh my how great is our God!!!!My heart is over whelmed...trying to compose myself to type...it's like driving very difficult through tears ....*breath*
Ok...I so needed this today...heck...right now!! going through a lot this week nothing too major just a lot of it...if it was one or two things I wouldn't be such a basket case, but it's not; it's many ...But God is almighty! And you all have reminded me of that.
I have reviewed and meditated on my most recent verse this time but sitting here just now I can not think of even one of them...my mind is reeling...but I know that is why God has put all of you in my life to remind me and keep me on track...that I'm not alone…and that I so need to carve is name (aka word) into my heart…like that song “just like a tattoo”(sorry don’t know the proper title to the song nor it’s artist)…But this is the point of doing this right?
Feeling much shame... going to study the verses I have so far...I have 30 min. before a potential battle (one of those many things knocking) I give it all to You, God, just let me know what steps You would have me take...washed in the blood of the Lamb-Amen
I can't believe you posted this today b/c I was thinking as I was driving my car (today, isn't God great) that I should email you and let you know how much I love this scripture memory challenge. I have never been able to stick with it and memorize scripture and somehow this time I'm motivated and making it happen!! I don't believe this is a coincidence and know God is very pleased with what we are doing. Thank you - all siestas - for spurring us all on.
Debbie - Massachusetts
Bless. Bless. Who. Who. Who. Who. Who.
No, I am not making owl sounds...this is just how I was able remember my last scripture (Psalm 103:1-5)!! It really has helped me to use the principles in Beth's tutorial. As I observed these 5 verses, I took all of the first words of each sentence and that is what it looked like!
The Lord has just been penetrating my heart with the intensity of His power and how I can remind myself of His greatness and command my soul to bless HIM!
Who forgives? He does. Who heals? He does. Who redeems? He does. Who beautifies, dignifies and crowns? He does. Who satisfies? He does.
He does all of this to renew MY youth so that it is strong, overcoming and soaring!
I also am so blessed to be doing the Esther study. I am beside myself by the timeliness of the teachings with what is going on in my life from a circumstantial perspective. Thank God that He is giving me a heap of eternal perspective!
But I have a funny to share: Have you ever caught your reflection as you were making a funny face and surprised yourself by what you looked like? Oh, Lord I hope I am not the only one! Well, last night I caught my reflection in my laptop as I was watching session 4: My jaw was hanging wide open (I may even have had a little holy drool - not really bad, just like the drool you get when you eat a caramel. LOL) That is how sweet the revelation was! I was engrossed and I mean completely engrossed! Especially when Beth shared about the If _____, then _____. It was intense and I have been changed forever...God is so good...and sweeter that caramel!
I am loving the study, loving the scripture memory and most of all loving my Lord. I love the seasons when I can literally feel myself being changed.
Praise be to Who? Who? Who? Who? Who? God.
Hugs,
Kelli
One night laying in bed, I was kindof mad at my husband. I just kept saying the verse, the weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world.......
I wanted to really give him a piece of my mind which is a problem area for me.
But instead God gave me strength to react His way and it's unbelievable how something that could've been blown out of proportion was demolished just like the verse says
II Cor 10:4
PTL
I wasn't gonna respond to this blog because I'm not doing as well as I'd hoped to. I do struggle with memorization, big time. Then I read the note from Mcihelle from Dallas TX.
Michelle I'm not quiting, please don't either. I have not be told I have ADD, but honey it would sure explain a lot of things with me. I just say I have ABD. = A Big doofus.
So,I gonna keep on and so are you, because The Lord is on our side. He fights for us, his spriit deweels in us. And it makes the enemy mad as all get out.
So, Let's do it..together :0)
Becky/Brentwood
I want to dedicate this life of mine to the Lord Jesus who has been missing for years in me.
This scripture though was not one I shared in the past post but spoke and brought tears to me even before the Sunday School teacher told us to turn to it. My eyes landed on it and I wept at this verse not only in Sunday School class but when I had lunch with a girlfriend after church this past Sunday (Feb 22nd 2009)
KJV
"Then will I sprinkle clean water upon you, and ye shall be clean: from all your filthiness, and from all your idols, will I cleanse you."
Ezekiel 36:25
but i was touched with the one before and the one after:
"For I will take you from among the heathen, and gather you out of all countries, and will bring you into your own land." vs 24
"A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out you flesh and I will give you an heart of flesh." vs 25
Love you Amanda and all you do. Allison
I have always wanted to know God's word..always..The people who can quote scripture off the cuff are amazing! I wished I could do that. Now I can! 4 verses and counting!
Blessings to the Siestas!
Angela
Mansfield, TX
I have kept up with my two a month and am also memorizing Psalm 121 for Stepping Up. The Holy Spirit has brought the Word to mind in numerous situations, and I am feeling more at peace and hopeful in situations that would have had me consumed by fear and anxiety in the past. I asked God to set me free from fear and anxiety this year, and He is certainly using His Word (especially the memorized scriptures) to do that!
Jennifer in Texarkana, AR
Memorizing scripture keeps God even closer to me. I think of him even more than ever. I have been telling God over and over how much I trust him. I am a Christian writer and I have been asking God to put on my heart what he wants me to write about and he has been doing just that. Amazing how he is working in my life.He is all my heart desires!
This scripture memory has been a blessing in many ways. First, I have some good Words hidden in my heart. I have really taken personally what Beth mentioned in the video with the RENEW acrostic...particularly about the Need. The scriptures I am memorizing might seem out in left field for some but I have needed to get those truths through this thick skull!
But something even better has happened. For a few years now, I have been waking during the night and unable to goback to sleep. I have attributed it o being in my late forties. What I realized late last year was that Satan was having a tap dance on my head at night. Vain imaginations have been rampant, the what IF (Esther anyone...week 4 video) have been almost more than I can bear. I have been taking the scriptures I am memorizing and repeating them late at night. God's Word is amazing! Even if it does not pertain to anything I am thinking of, it really does allow me to take every thought captive and I have had PEACE!!! God is SO GOOD!
Thank you for this challenge. It has been a blessing to me!!! (And my children have enjoyed challenging me on my memorization...the Word is getting in their heart too! )
I am in awe of the grace that the Holy Spirit is bestowing - I have tried to memorize scripture over and over again - God is so in this as it comes easily and there are times when I am reviewing that I laugh, cry, smile, and see a new puzzle piece added to the overall picture. I so to sleep quoting and awaken in the night and quote and then upon awakening and throughout the day - continual washing in the Word as each of the scriptures so far, plus three more is reviewed over and over ----- added a second one this last half of February as the one noted in the blog "stuck" in one day - yeah God! I am truly in awe as this is so not the me of the past.
I seem to have a theme in where the Father has led me so far ---- "fear of the Lord" - just noticed that this week . . . I had studied that in depth the first of January with the first scripture - so did not plan for that theme to continue.
Hope, promise, encouragement, strength, correction ---- all of this and more has come in the last two months of scripture memorization - I can not wait to see what comes next in this incredible siesta adventure!
Thanks Beth for starting us on this journey.
The truth of God's word has renewed my heart and mind. Especially my mind...I struggle with brain chatter and continually meditating and memorizing has brought peace for the first time to the noise in my head. I have been able to fight the spiritual battle more effectively. I have been amazed by how many times I have been able to share what I am memorizing with others and encourage them with God's word. I have also been able to encourage several of my friends to join me in this endeavor. It has been a great experience and after 2 months and 16 verses I am more motivated than ever to continue on. Who knew that hiding God's word in your heart could be so beneficial?!
Each verse I am memorizing is getting its own special melody. So, not only am I memorizing the words, I am finding that I am waking up with a song in my heart that is connected to the verses, and the song often continues throughout the day. (This is also why I have chosen longer passages at a time, so that the song flows well, if I want to memorize more than one verse in the passage.) Thank you for this wonderful opportunity to memorize together and have this accountability, as well as to read the encouraging testimonies.
I have been convicted of complaining. So when this challenge came I chose some verses that spoke to that sin. God has made me much more aware of when I am about to unload. There certainly is alot to complain about BUT He wants us to "become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation in which you shine like stars in the universe" and my favorite part: "as you hold out the word of life!!!!!!!!" Philippians 2:14-16a GOD is so good and there is much much more to praise HIM about!!!
Love ya'll!!
Janice
I wasn't very prepared to select my first memory verse and I loved Beth's version of Isaiah 33:6, so that's what I chose. I have committed (and kept) it in my memory since the first of the year. Little did I know (but God fully did) that last week, my (almost 3 year old) son would escape from a church nursery in our downtown area last week! After the incident, I had a fresh perspective of God's stability, safety, and wisdom in my life and that of my family. I agree with others who have said that they wouldn't have done this without the structure you have provide here; thank you so much...my relationship with God is definitely stronger because of it!
My 1st verse this month was 1 Peter : 7.."Casting all your care upon Him; for He careth for you". In so many instances during the days this month I have found myself quoting this verse when cares increase. And it gives me comfort!
My 2nd verse for Feb. was Lam.3: 41 "Let us lift up our heart with our hands unto God in the heavens." There have been several mornings when I would wake up and immediately think of this verse and lift my hands up and say "Lord I lift up my heart to You in the heavens today!" Sort of a paraphrase but I love saying that to God!
Thanks for encouraging us so much Beth!
Marilyn
I was going out of town to spend time with my best friend over the New Years break. I decided to memorize my first scripture on the drive. I felt God was leading me to memorize John 14:27 "Peace I leave with you, my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid." I was surprised by this since I do not struggle with peace or fear. So I memorized it. I drove home late on Jan 2nd and all I could think about was getting to my computer and posting my scripture. When I got there I discovered my home had been broken into and my laptop had been stolen. Fear instantly entered my world but just as quickly I thought of this verse. It was a comfort in the days to come. I stayed at a friends house until my house could be put back in order and then I had to face my first night back in the house (I am single and live alone). These words again brought me peace. He is good!
I just got to post both of my February verses today because my work finally replaced my laptop. The blog is blocked at my work. I have missed everyone the past two months.
Lisa
I am amazed at how God is using each scripture I am memorizing to teach me deeper spiritual truths in my life and how incredible His timing is. I am finally "getting" how truly valuable I am to Him, being delivered from a very distorted self-image.
I have said many times over the last several years I just can't memorize any more...not just Bible verses but words to songs etc. I accepted this challenge because I wanted more than anything to be able to speak the word to myself when I needed it..there is such power in the Word.
The first verse I committed to memory, I had it memorized by the first week and I was so excited. I have learned all of my verses and once a week I write all of them to make sure I'm keeping them in my head. I have had several instances when the scripture I was learning was appropriate for uplifting someone else.
I have gained confidence just from giving this to God and knowing that because of His help, I was able to do this and I am putting on that piece of armor I did not have before.
Dear LPM Team,
Thank you so much for this challenge. I have never done anything like this before, didn't think I could do something like this. My favorite one is the 2nd one God chose for me, "O Israel (Debbie) put your hope in the Lord, for with Him is steadfast love and with Him is great power to redeem." Psalm 130:7. Whenever people get to me, I remember where my hope is supposed to be. I say this one often. Maybe too often. Maybe the next one should be about extending grace and mercy. Any ideas?
Thanks!! God Bless you all!
Debbie
well I have never been good at memorizing or so I thought. But since I started this challenge I feel like each verse God has been whispering the words to my heart which put a whole new aspect on this journey. Thinkig of it as God's whispers just for me and my heart. I carry my cards with me and there are times I pick them up when I need encouragement and say thank you Lord and thank you for Mama Beth who challenges us and brings Jesus to our hearts. It is just awesome and I am a an accountablilty person...so I don't like letting my fellow siestas down by giving up so that is wonderful and seeing all the different verses just touches my heart.
So here si to our Jesus year and learning scripture til our heart's content and over flowing.
love ya
Tammy S
Ps I was wondering about that visual art that one siesta mentioned...I am very visual...
This was my verse for the first part of Feb. Phil 4:6 "Do Not be anxious about ANYTHING but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with THANKSGIVING, present your requests to God." After I started memorizing that, we found out we need to move by April 1st(the house we're renting sold) and my husband is looking for a job(he's been in graduate school). Two stressful things at once, but God reminds me to present our needs to Him with thanksgiving, knowing He'll take care of our needs. He's so good to us!
The first scripture I chose, Jer.29:11, keeps "finding me". Friends of ours bought us a thank you gift (picture frame- Jer.29:11 was written around the frame) just 2 days after I had chosen that scripture. They had no idea I was starting to memorize scriptures this year. What is interesting is that they left it at our cabin in MT and I didn't know about it until Valentine's Day when we were back there. In the mean time, I had multiple occassions where someone I was with quoted it or something I was reading referred to it. God is using it in a huge way in my daily walk. Amazing!
Oh, my gosh I love His Word! I love how when meditating on it that it is showing me Him and edifying me in the progress. I have been memorizing Scripture using another method that systemizes it according to topics. Now, since I personally choose them on a "need to know basis" I have gained so much more! Not only are His inspired words speaking to me He equips me with the very Scriptures I memorize to help others He leads my way. I absolutely love it when someone needs nothing but the Word (because nothing else will do) for an on the spot encouragement because "it is written on my heart" out it flows to them.
Man, our God is awesome!! And so is His incredible Word!
Thank you so much for this privileged challenge.
Love you so.
Because of Him,
JoAnne
I can not describe with mere words how much memorizing The Word has influenced me. I joined this challenge with low expectations. The Lord has knocked my socks off since January 1st!
Most Amazing - the ease with which memorizing Scripture has been for me - which is highly unusual.
Most Exciting - the specific Scriptures the Lord has led me to memorize. He is really speaking to me in an intimate way.
Most Fun - I started a blog to share my Scriptures and journey; my cup is full and overflowing with the love of Jesus. I can't help but share! (http://hwinter-tracht.blogspot.com/)
I'm amazed (but don't know why I should be)...at the number of times one of the verses will come to mind when something happens during my day. I will be comforted, or affirmed, or encouraged and even better I can share a verse with someone who needs the same thing...comfort, affirmation, encouragement.
I love that He is rejoicing over me with singing!! (Zeph 3:17, my verse for 2/1/09)
Melana in Wyoming
Beth, my name is Amber Wright and I am living in Fayetteville, Ar. and am from Conway, Ar. and I'm not sure if you watch American Idol, but a guy from my hometown and church in Conway is on Idol, Kris Allen. He is amazing and the first time I heard him sing was worship music and he has been blessed by God to have a power for singing. I want to encourage you and everyone else to root for this man and his ministry with all the people around him. He is a newlywed, as I am, and I ask for prayers over their new marriage. I love doing the scripture memory, and have extended this to my bible study girls, which we are doing Get Out of That Pit. Thank you for your influence and direction to God in my life. Amber
Oh, I was wondering when we could respond on this because, it is so changing my life! Even more than Angela Cottrell's pancake recipe!!
I first memorized Jeremiah 29:11 with the emphasis on how God has a future for me after losing my job. But then my cousin told me, "Dianne, God has planned this time you are in right now." And there it is. In the first part of the verse. "I know the plans I have for you," says the Lord. Wow. I had never thought of it in that way. That God planned for me to be out of work at this time. So now I'm focusing on listening to what His plans are for me right now. And to listen to Him as I turn right or left in making future decisions. (Isa 30:21)
I am being completely blessed with this challenge. Oh, and I shared this with my Awana kids and they want me to say my verses to them too.
Dianne
Decatur, AR
The Lord gave me some tests right
away to go along with my verse in Psalms 119:36, 37 to turn my heart towards His statutes and away from worthless things. As my hunger for His Word has increased, I recognize some foolish temporal things I have desired. I am amazed because God is so alive and relevant and is interested in my everyday life.
Choose your verses wisely!
Love in Christ,
Ann
Michelle,
Siesta-Friend DO NOT GIVE UP!!!!!! Even if you do not feel like you are getting anywhere God promises that HIS Word will not return void, you just keep pluggin, keep reading over those scriptures and maybe all of it will not stick but God is going the bless your socks off. Just DON'T GIVE UP, that is the great thing about siestaville, we are all here cheering each other on to the finish line. You have a story girlfriend just keep going.:)
Just one more way to tell satan to shut it!!!!!!!!!! Beth, I love your story about how much you were walking in the spirit the day you were memorizing I think something in John and then combed that man's hair. That put something in my heart to want to walk in the spirit to that degree and if scripture memory was the route, I wanted to take it!
Kelly
I cannot even begin to express how faithful God has been to me through this. I have more struggles than victories with my mental strongholds, so script. memorization was already a life line. However, the format/ organization has really taken the connection to Him to a new level. I'll only share the one example, but I'll have you know that I could illustrate God's incredibly active presence in each one of the verses so far. I typically begin seeking God a few days to a week before it's time to select a verse. Well, the one time I heard a verse on the radio and knew immediately that was the one He had selected. There were a few moments I almost allowed satan to talk me out of it, but in the end, stuck with it. It was Isaiah 58:9a and basically says that when I call God will answer that He will say "here am I." I was able to memorize it fairly quickly, and within days I knew why God had given it to me. That week I was hit with so much rejection and hurt that I cried myself to sleep nearly every night. However, each time I did so with that verse echoing in my head until it finally reached a point where I didn't need to speak it for He was personally whispering it in my ear.
OK...Amanda, I know you guys probably get lots of requests for weird stuff but a friend of mine lost her son to a brain tumor right after Thanksgiving, she had also lost a baby to sids several years ago. She also has a blog and I referred her to the post Melissa wrote about the Acadamy Awards because she, Tammy, had written one about the Acadamy Awards...anyhow, my point is, your daughter, Annabeth shares her baby daughters middle name and there is a story that goes with it if you just follow the link to her blog and post for today 2/26. God is moving and it is AMAZING to see how He uses each one of us...Praise the LORD!
http://tammynischan.blogspot.com/
I am moving to Tanzania as a missionary in less than 3 weeks. I think these verses will be very important as I deal with a new culture and homesickness. Satan has already been attacking us. The verses are something I can meditate on so that I do not believe his lies.
Thank you for doing this on the blog. It is so much easier this way.
Amanda, I made a mistake in my previous post. The date of said blog was 2-25 not 2-26...Talks about the importance in a name.
I am also doing the Daniel study right now at my church which began with the importance in a name...God is so good.
1. The enemy has always fed me the lie that I was just a terrible 'memorizer' and that it was okay if I didn't try. It's amazing now how God is using these scriptures to speak specifically to me during my times of personal prayer.
2. Perhaps even more powerful is when He brings them to mind in instances during the day to defend me against my flesh. The Word truly is a Sword! I don't think I've really gotten that until now.
3. Yes, the Word is a sword and it is my job to hide it in my heart BUT the Holy Spirit wields that massive thing in HIS power. I'm not strong enough or smart enough to remember what is needed at the time but He IS. Realizing that has just blown me away..
Thank you for such a wonderful challenge. My notecards are in my purse at all times!
WOW.. Mahima (glory in nepalee) This scripture memorization has BLESSED my life. It has rocked my world. Not only has it helped me memorize a new verse for the 1st and the 15th but I also got inspired and memorized all of Romans 8 and whew glory that Has blown me away. I'm going to tell you that as I drive my crazy scooter in this crazy traffic in nepal where there are ABSOLUTLY no rules or method to the madness-- repeating this scriptures or YELLING them under my helmet when the cow is sitting in the road stopping traffic, or a whole village decides to cross wtihout looking, or the duck or dog runs out, or you run into an elephant.. heheheh.. in all these things as I am driving quoting my scriptures "keeps me christian!" What a blessing
Up until now, I've always known bits and pieces of scripture; maybe the verse but not the reference or vice versa. I was so excited when I read the post about the team because my schedule doesn't have as much room as I'd like for Bible studies and fellowship with other ladies that hold me accountable. Being able to enter my verse 2x per month is something for me to look forward to and is proving to be a big helping of some much needed spiritual food! I work as a secretary in the youth department at my church and I am always telling my boss (youth pastor) and co-worker my verses for practice! In addition, my mom is doing it to, so we repeat our verses to each other. I also repeat them to my 15 year old son. The bottom line is this: I've become a scripture memorizing diva (a good diva - if there is such a thing!) and I love it! I've even gone so far as to research the meanings of words in the verses I'm memorizing! The whole process has motivated and excited me to dig into the Word. Almost as soon as I've picked out my current verse, I'm thinking and praying about which verse the Lord wants to lay upon my heart for the next one! Thank you so much for allowing me to participate. I want to be able to remember, know and recite scripture, not just think of bits and pieces. Being a part of this team is allowing me to do just that.
On another note, I want you to know how much I enjoy your blogs. You all have such a God-given gift for writing. I've only been reading for a few months, but it has become a regular outlet for me in my walk with Christ. Thank you for your willingness to share yourselves with the rest of us Siestas!
The timing of this scripture memory endeavor was clearly no coincidence in my life. God has been very purposeful in planting the scripture he wants me to memorize. It seems as though just about every 2 weeks my husband and I get some really serious, life-changing news, either about family or finances or job status and instead of going into complete panic mode God reminds me that He doesn't want me to be bitter; instead He wants me to be tender-hearted. He doesn't want me to be consumed by the clamor; instead He wants me to thank Him for breaking my yoke and allowing me to walk with my head held high.
I am not surprised my faithful God is seeing us through these times but I am loving the evidence of His hand in this. He loves us so much that He is speaking over us so that we cannot become overwhelmed or down-trodden.
There is no doubt in my mind that the reason our "Mama Siesta" Beth shows the fortitude, the determination, the energy and will to keep going in an incredibly full and demanding life and schedule is because she has learned how to tap into the supernatural source of power that is available through our LORD Jesus Christ, and has applied His Word to her heart through careful and prayerful discipleship. (Yikes, I think that is the longest-compound sentence, ever! Smile...) Also, we faithful "Siestas" have been prayer warriors coming alongside to lift, to bring supply in the Spirit by grace in answer to heartfelt need. When we cry out to each other and to the LORD for a needed supply of grace through faith and prayer, we can be sure our Heavenly Benefactor will be there to recharge us, to give us what we need to get us going again, even when we think we have no more reserve left, He comes in with the power source and we are energized and strengthened. I believe this is the secret "Siesta Mama Beth" has found, and it's the secret we all need to tap into. We can't do it alone! This is the reason to apply God's Word to our hearts by memory, and to cry out when we need prayer support for supply. I'm praying today for the precious Siesta that cried out she only had strength to memorize one verse of scripture: "Jesus wept". And I say to her and all other Siestas who are struggling to memorize: "In the name and through the blood of the LORD Jesus Christ that her situation will turn around and result in her deliverance. I'm sure of it because we are praying for her and because Jesus himself promises to supply all her needs according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus. He will cause her brain which has been hindered by ADD to begin to function by the power of His glory and His supply!" Yes! So be it LORD Jesus! How do I know it? Because I too am ADD and He has done it for me, and He is no respecter of persons. For that reason, my scripture verse for this Sunday is, "For I know that this shall turn to my salvation through your prayer, and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ." Philippians 1:19 Just imagine the great Apostle Paul penning those words! He knew the "be, being saved" of salvation, and that it is a work of grace through faith, and that not of ourselves, lest any man (or Siesta) should boast. He knew he needed prayer! We all need a fresh supply, every single day and I admit I don't have enough strength in myself to do what the LORD has asked me to do. So I'm asking Him to give us what we need, a new and fresh supply of His grace so we can get up on our feet and do what He has told us to do, and I am believing Him to stir us all up in faith, in prayer and in believing God. "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me..."
Lovingly in Him
So. Cal Siesta,
Pam Houston
Buena Park, CA
On Friday, 2/6 I drove 400 miles from Grand Rapids, Mi to Appleton, WI where my Dad was undegoing surgery. Even through Chicago rush hour traffic, I was being carried by the Lord. Lamentation 3:22-23, His compassions never fail...They are new every morning...Great is Thy faithfulness
Surgery went well but there were many recovery issues. I decided to go home on Sunday in the event that we would be called back.
We were called back on Monday, but Dad rallied. Our son flew in from Florida so Papa could meet his new great grandson. So we stayed until Saturday.
My second verse for February was 2 Cor. 1:20, For as many as may be the promises of God, in Him they are yes. And it seemed that Dad was going to make it. But then on his 88th birthday, we got the call. On our drive I told my husband that I had wanted God's yes to be for Dad to live. But the assurance that God's yes is eternal life is so much more.
And may I just say how sweet the Lord has been through this. He has cared for details that I wouldn't have even considered.
I came to know Christ in college and have always identified with Him as my Savior. But recently I called out to my Father. I realized that I was given such a great earthly father that I hadn't emotionally needed my heavenly Father. But He was waiting with open arms.
We made it to the hospital before midnight. Dad opened his eyes when I told him that I loved him. He died the next day.
And as I shared with "the name post" I chose the blog name "Abraham's Daughter" because I am Ken and Ruth Abraham's daughter, in additon to having the spiritual heritage of Abraham. And I am blessed.
Terri Ruth Abraham Walker
God is so good. I didn't think I'd be able to keep up, but after a 2 wk bad spot (I was just going to do 23 passages), God led me to two shorter passages and I'm back on track. Let Him lead and it's easy to follow ;)
Anne
As i wait on the Lord to lay the next verse on my heart, i am anticipating what He is wanting me to hear and learn and apply. with each one, i've known it to be 'the' verse as soon as i heard it, though i didn't always know why. within days, i can testify that each verse has been exactly what i needed. God is SO amazing and kind and loving to know the very details of my life.
I am having a "terrible" time and not in the way I expected. Can I memorize the scripture? Yes. Is God speaking volumes to me? A thousand times yes! But I am having a terrible time choosing scripture because I have so many I want to memorize. I think I'm an official addict. Each time a scripture touches my heart I add it to my list of potential memory verses and the list is growing like a holy weed.
Beth, I advocate this scripture memorization on my blog and can't tell you how wonderful it is to plant God's word in my heart. Whether I am throwing the frisbee for my dog or waiting in line at the grocery store, God's word is circulating through my heart and mind. I recite them to our disabled daughter and she loves to hear His precious word. Her face shows such peace when she hears me recite scripture and it's clearly feeding her soul too. Even our dogs have become my audience.
Thanks you so much for heading this wonderful endeavor. The blessings are innumerable.
Blessings to you dear sister!
Nancy
You know my biggest reward so far? Peace when I go to sleep at night. That's when aallllll those thought normally become so loud in my head lying there in the dark -- worry, anxiety, over things going on, what I need to take care of and remember for the next day, overanalyzing anything and everything -- and since we started this, I have the habit now of lying down at night, and saying these scriptures over and over in my head. INSTANT PEACE. Not only am I sleeping better, but I think my whole outlook on the stressful things in life is better too.
:)
I sure love you all!
lavonda
I can't say that there has been a MAJOR shift yet, but there has been a basic one: the constant memory verses have given me something to dwell on when I fail to do my bible study homework for a couple of days.
It is also making me more aware of other influences in my life, things that take me away from a God-centered frame of mind.
I think by the end of the year I will be able to look back and see a real shift in my life and priorities.
hey thanks for the challenge of memorizing scripture-my memory verse is James1:19 -i opened my mouth when i should have been quick to listen-and God reminded me of that verse right away! now if i can just learn to apply the slow to speak part! k
To Michelle in Dallas,
Please don't give up or berate yourself. God's memory is not horrible, and He doesn't have ADD. Keep trying to memorize as you meditate on His Word. God's Word will not return void to Him. I will be praying for you. Your sister in Christ, Deidra
I have a terrible memory... but I am praying the Holy Spirit will help me remember the verses.
My husband has been away on business and I am fearful at night to go to straight to bed so I usually fall asleep on the couch and then get in bed. This is a stronghold I have always had until NOW!!!
On night I decided to go to bed and at least try to sleep. The verses I have been learning started going through my head, "my peace I give you, my peace I leave you"... until I fell asleep.
I also asked Jesus to sit on the side of the bed and protect me.
The verses are amazing! I have also kept the cards in my purse so any time I am waiting somewhere I have them close by.
I have also put a sticky note in my car with a verse on it.
Recently it has been difficult to memorize Scripture for some reason. I prayed that God would give me the ability and the desire to memorize His Word with my siestas during 2009 and He Has! I have loved learning more verses and am retaining them in my mind and heart. This is a true testimony to God's answering my prayer than any ability of my own.
Im so excited about what the Lord is doing in my life through Scripture Memory. I love that Im devloping new habits that are drawing me to Him. Oh how awsome He is! Thanks so much for spuring us on in this, and all the other ways in which you encourage us. Have a blessed day!
Stephanie
In the loss of my daughter His word has been as Psalm 119 proclaimes. Unless His law had been my delight I would have perished in my affliction. I live off His word and love this challange to memorize it. Also I speak my verses to the Lord when I get in bed at night. This works much better than counting sheep. I usually can't get passed my first one...Phil 2:5-8 and I am zzzzz Sandy S.
What a privilege to share what God is doing through scripture memory. I was feeling a little downcast today over an area of ministry, and as I started saying the scriptures I was memorizing, the last one was Psalm 138:8! Thank you, LORD!
God has blessed me so much in this scripture memorization. It amazing me how I have been able to memorize and remember without as much effort on my part as I thought it would take. The Holy Spirit is definitely a part of this and I am just praising God!! I love how I can bring to mind and speak out loud the verses that I am memorizing just as I need them. Praise God for His faithfulness!
Lynn in Alberta, Canada
I'll try to keep this short. In the past year, my family has dealt with an issue that is new to us, although I'm sure some of the Siestas will be only too familiar with it. My niece, who is ten years younger than I and in her twenties, managed to escape an abusive boyfriend. He had maintained his power over her by convincing her that her parents did not love her anymore and did not want her back. He used her own foolish and destructive choices (and the alienation from her family that resulted) to convince her that she was worthless and she could not go home. All the time, her parents were waiting to see if she was willing to turn around and make better choices.
I couldn't understand at first, how she came to let herself be manipulated this way. Why didn't she know that we loved her? What the Lord has taught me over the last year is that I have let the enemy abuse me in the same way. Even though I knew better doctrinally, I was overwhelmed with the feeling that, because of habitual sin, God must have been just as tired of me as I was of myself. The silence of the quenched Holy Spirit only seemed to confirm the idea that God must be done with me. I didn't repent because I couldn't seem to read any passage in Scripture without feeling God's condemnation. What God has been teaching me instead is that I must trust in His right to define Himself. He says that He has "steadfast love" and this is true regardless of my feelings or circumstances.
So, I am using this year of Scripture to memory to cement in my head and heart the promises of God's unfailing love. "For the mountains may depart and the hills be removed, but my steadfast love shall not depart from you and my covenant of peace shall not be removed says the Lord who has compassion on you." - Is. 54:10.
Heidi in fayetteville, GA
The Lord has impressing on me for some time the incredible urgency to hide his word in my heart. He keeps leading me to "chunks" of scripture which I have been working on. The whole of Psalm 25, Psalm 27 (which is still in progress) and key passages like Eph 1:3-8. Col 1:15-21.
The result: Making my life come alive to these scirptures. Parts of my heart letting go of old, old junk, and a VERY real perception of his presence. There have been some tough things come into my life lately and instead of whining about them, I've realized that he is allowing them as an opportunity to trust him and be blessed in ways I could not imagine. The things that are going on in my spirit could only happen by Jesus hand there.
Its so worth it!
I would just like to encourage siesta "Me". If you can't memorize the verses, don't beat yourself up over it. God knows you and understands. Just carry your cards with you and look at them as often as you can. God doesn't require of us what He hasn't equipped us to do. God Bless you girl and just carry those cards and read them!!
Lynn in Alberta
A Siesta by the name of Maria shared the acrostic R.E.N.E.W. as a way to learn to memorize scripture taught by "Mama Siesta Beth." Would someone be so kind as to post what the acrostic means? I have not heard her teaching on this and would love to know! I've imagined recite, echo, name it, energized, Word....now, I'm sure I'm way off....but can any Siesta out there help me by posting on the blog what it means? Thank you in advance and
Hugs,
Pam H.
Buena Park, CA
My verse this time was Malachi 3:16--as I spoke to my 83-year old mentor on the phone the other day, I quoted my verse to her and asked her if she knew that right at that moment God was listening & that a scroll of remembrance was being written in His presence at that moment concerning us! To which she replied--let's just keep on talking!
I could not have done this on my own. Thank you for the challenge. I'm a visual person too.:) My third verse is short but could not get it, could not!!! I was beginning to think it wasn't the one, but knew I sure needed it because things fly out of my mouth that I don't want coming out.. Then I remembered God made me visual and to use that. Well I started drawing pictures of the words. I am NOT a good drawer, that made if kind of funny ! Visualize; Set a guard, oh Lord, over my mouth Keep watch over the door of my lips. I had a little stick person setting on a bench and a soldier type figure for the guard. Oh Lord, was my vision if you will of Greatness or Glory !! Over was like a rainbow and of course a mouth, an open mouth!! Keep, then a picture of a watch and the over thing again and a door and then some nice lips. :) worked great had it down in no time. Thank you Lord
This last verse I knew that I knew it was the right one from God. Isn't that just the neatest thing that God in all His Glory takes the time to give each of us as if we were the only one,a word.It just over whelms me. Any way Philippians 4:19. And My God shall supply ALL your needs verse. At work the last couple weeks work is slow and hours cut and folks laid off. Not me, but others and listening to their fears and concerns. It was like the enemy saying your next,your next,then what are you going to do. But I just kept saying my verse and saying it. All the stress would leave. I heard that verse three different times and places after God chose it for me. I was so excited. And I am still praying for the ones that are off work for God to meet their needs as well. And thank Him that He is my source.
Sorry this is long. I just am so happy to have people to share with. Thank you LPM for that opportunity.
Bless you all. We are Jewels,God says so !!
This morning has been my quite time with the Lord looking at all the verses and reading these posts.
Pam
First of all actually being able to memorize scripture has been a great victory for me. I've been "trying" to do if for years and had always failed. I love "kneading" the scripture over and over in my head. It opens up the Word in a whole new way.
Secondly, one scripture I memorized started with, "I am the Lord your God" and another started with "Oh, God you are my God." I didn't choose these scriptures for these lines but God really used them to make a foundational point. HE IS MY GOD. I guess I always felt like an unwanted stepchild. And God made it clear that I'm not. That was pretty cool! Thanks for doing this, what a huge blessing it has been.
I'm so glad you asked, because I've been wanting to write to tell you how amazing it is to be a part of this challenge. First, I have always struggled to exactly memorize exact wording as well as reference and this time everything just flows. It is such a testament to Holy Spirit power accessed. The HUGE blessing is that God is speaking so powerfully not only through the memory scriptures but every day when I open His Word He is healing, restoring, encouraging, reminding, convicting, building me up... I could go on and on. Our family has been undor unbelievable attacks since mid November (can I email you and ask for your prayers?) and even as the attacks increase God's mercy increases all the more. Thank you for including all of us in this challenge.
god bless you and your ministry.
Susan in Florida
The Lord has just reinforced to me over and over about how much I love the Word and ho important it is to "hide it our hearts". I love being able to quote the scripture to someone without fumbling and not knowing where it is found.
I absolutely love the Word of GOd and I absolutely love you Beth & Amanda & Melissa!
In Him,
Beth
this is what scripture memorization has inspired me to write. Enjoy!
In this world of busyness and fast food,
It’s easy for our health to diminish.
Eating an apple a day and green veggies,
Takes a backseat to large fries we must finish.
It seems quicker to grab a McChicken,
Than to cook the stinking bird ourselves.
We buy healthy foods with good intentions,
And they sit idly as décor on pantry shelves.
Docs insist we consume RDA’s of vitamins,
Including A, B’s, C, D, and even E,
I fear they’ve left out the most beneficial one yet,
That being, a daily dose of “God” or vitamin G.
Fortunately, G can be taken hurriedly or at rest,
It is free to all who desire to partake.
Unlike the others that are harmful in large doses,
There’s no limit on how much G you can take!
Please try it for a 3 week trial period,
Then notice if your health has been affected.
If so, share your story of this miracle drug,
To others whose lives vitamin G is neglected.
God is so good! I feel Him drawing me closer and closer every day. I feel His protection over me and His favor. I was involved in a car accident while I was totally stopped at a red light -- it was not my fault -- and I so clearly see how it could have been worse, much worse. It could have totalled my car and if the other driver had hit my door any closer to the front, I would have been injured.
I am still waiting for God to bring a godly man into my life (I'm divorced for 8 years now) but this is part of the answer. I know I have to be in a closer relationship with Him. I wait with anticipation, watching Him work in me. Every day, I want more of Him.
To: PAM H
To find out what the RENEW acrostic stands for watch the video that Beth made up for us:
http://livingproofministries.blogspot.com/2009_01_01_archive.html
Scroll down the page until you find:
Thursday, January 8, 2009
Scripture Memory Mini-tutorial
To: ELAWHORN
Vitamin G! I love it! Thanks for putting a smile on my face today. :-)
Blessings in Christ,
Trudy
Alberta, Canada
I've been amazed that whatever verses I've been memorizing are also an encouraging word to another sister! It just pops out of my mouth at a time when she needs an encouraging word.
Beth said to start this challenge because we wanted to, not because we needed to. I did want to, and now I need to. I just found out today that due to cancer, my precious mom has 3 -6 months to live. The first verse I memorized is what I'm clinging to now, Psalm 126:5 - Those who sow in tears will reap with shouts of joy.
Thank you so much to the four of you who posted encouragement to me. I appreciate it SO much.
Due to years upon years of heartache & abuse of every kind, I feel like that God & I have been trying to put my mind, body, and heart back together the past year. Although I still have a LONG way to go, thank the Lord I am not where I used to be!
The past week has been particularly tough. I am often lonely and alone, with no one but Jesus to encourage me. I often feel that I post so much in many places, and wonder if anyone ever reads a thing I write.
Thank you so much for your encouragement. And no worries-- I will never, ever give up.
Michelle, Dallas Texas
Thank you so much to the four of you who posted encouragement to me. I appreciate it SO much.
Due to years upon years of heartache & abuse of every kind, I feel like that God & I have been trying to put my mind, body, and heart back together the past year. Although I still have a LONG way to go, thank the Lord I am not where I used to be!
The past week has been particularly tough. I am often lonely and alone, with no one but Jesus to encourage me. I often feel that I post so much in many places, and wonder if anyone ever reads a thing I write.
Thank you so much for your encouragement. And no worries-- I will never, ever give up.
Michelle, Dallas Texas
TO: PAM H
I see that the link that I sent previously for the RENEW acrostic didn't print out properly.
So, dear sister, go to the LPM Blog homepage. Look to the left side of the page and go down to:
"Blog Archive"
Then click on "2009"
Then scroll down the page to:
Thursday, January 8, 2009
Scripture Memory Mini-tutorial
Hope you are able to find this now!
Blessings in Christ,
Trudy
Alberta, Canada
I was so excited when I saw this post. I was just saying to my girlfriend how I am so enjoying memorizing verses this way.
I am learning so much and I seem to read the scriptures differently. I am pondering and thinking more about what I am reading now.
Thanks for doing this.
I sure would like to have a huge siesta, fiesta someday. Well........maybe when we get to heaven.
Love you all to pieces!!!
I have totally been trusting God to bring me to the verses that I need. So far, I have felt His hand leading me to just the right one. It's as if I can hear Him say, "That's it girl, lock it away in your heart." I have even found myself awake in the middle of the night with my memory verses running through my mind. I feel so blessed and loved by Jesus, doesn't He just give the best hugs ever??
May He make His face to shine upon all of you today and always,
Tina
To Trudy H. in Alberta Canada-
A million thanks...
Blessings all mine and ten thousand besides! I've been watching and waiting for someone to answer my query about R.E.N.E.W.
I so appreciate your taking the time to give me careful directions on how to get the teaching from our "Siesta Mama!" This will be a blessing, as I apply the principles to memory verses. I'm taking my Vitamin G today too! (SMile!)
Hugs and blessings,
Pam H.
Buena Park, CA.
I am jumping into this a little late, but I just discovered the LPM blog recently. Today I decided that this scripture memory is just the thing I need! I have been combating "mommy brain" lately as I continue to adjust to life with an 8 month old son and 2 and a half year old daughter. God is going to work mightily in my heart and in my life again, but I must regain control of my mind first! I am also doing the Daniel study, which is ROCKING my world! Thanks Beth. So, scripture memory....here we go! I am anxiously awaiting the 1st of March!
Just yesterday the Holy Spirit whispered my memory scripture, Malachi 3:16, in my ear when I was gossiping with friends and then again today when my dear friend was praying with me. Today started off with a HORRIBLE morning for my toddler and ME! and the Holy Spirit reminded me of Isaiah 33:2.."be our strength every morning, our salvation in time of distress". This scripture memorization has provided me with tools to face life issues, to help me pray, encourage me, sustain me. I wish I knew hundred other scriptures by heart already! Thank you Jesus for your word and for your grace!
To my Siesta Pam from Buena Park, Ca
R= Read it
E= Examine it
N= Need it
E= Echo it
W= Wield it
I have tried so many times to memorize scripture and it just didn't work. I am doing much better this time. It always surprises me when I hear someone reference those same scriptures. It's as if God is talking to me.
Charlotte P.
Ridgecrest, CA
This is an example of how I used the scripture this week in my life...I went for a MRI on my back because of chronic discs problems I have..wanted to see how things had changed. My doctor called to tell me that indeed some of my discs had gotten worse, but that she was concerned about the cysts on my ovaries, that one of them was rather large. (I'm thinking, just look at my spine and leave my other parts alone..lol). Anyway, this week I've had an ultrasound and am presently waiting on blood tests results. I have taken out my scriptures and additional ones that I love and have been repeating them over and over..I am trying to also re-wire my brain's hard drive. My mom is doing this scripture memory with me and she has also been repeating her scriptures to me. I have felt a calmness and peace...I so want my mind to be wallpapered with the promises of JESUS!
Thank you girls,
Stacy
Every time I have picked a scripture to memorize, it was something that I struggled with. I wanted it to be meaningful. Each time, I have asked God to show me which one, to lead me to the scripture that I would need to get through the next 15 days.
Early in the year I needed scripture on anxiety, because of the loads of anxiety some generalized and unfocused, I was carrying around. Romans 12:1-2 was huge to, reminding me that this whole process of memory was about renewing my mind, to be transformed, to know God's will.
Just this past month I have been working through 1 Peter 5:6-11. I have needed the reminder over this past month to be self controlled and alert, and to resist the enemy. I have needed it as I have felt my mind under assult, and my emotions as well.
It has been difficult, but God's word has helped me stand strong firm and steadfast.
Praise God!
Heather,
Mosinee, WI
I am so in awe of God! I am so in love with His WORD! Psalm 119 seemed like a natural place for me to start memorizing. I began a few months ago, and am up to 56 verses. I am blown away by His faithfulness to accomplish this in my life! Several times, I have leaned upon the verses memorized and they fit perfectly with something I was going through...
One week in particular, I memorized, "Princes also sit and speak against me, but Your servant meditates on Your statutes." (v.23) That very week, my husband and I had to take a stand against something that was unbiblical,and a sister in Christ was very angry with me. I certainly felt "spoken against" and under other circumstances would have been tempted to defend myself... and yet the truth of this Scripture spoke to me and instead I meditated on the Word and kept my mouth shut. The Lord became my Defense and worked it all out in the end, to the praise of His glory... but how I might have mucked that up had I chosen to speak back, instead of simply meditating on His statutes.
That's just ONE example of many. His timing is perfect!
Heather in NH
My latest is memorizing Psalm 62:5-8. It is amazing how many times I call upon (wield it) the last couple of weeks. I even had the opportunity to share it with a sister who asked me to intercede for her to have strength.
It is such a blessing to me to be able to do this in my faith journey!
Namaste,
Mary Ann
woodbury, MN
I have struggled with some of my verses, but was able to retain 2 Timothy 1:7-For God did not give us
a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power,of love and of self-discipline.
My husband was hospitalized two weeks ago with clots in both his lungs and a massive clot in his legs. Myriad numbers of people prayed for us, but I seemed unable to pray. However, I did recite that scripture...over and over and over!
Thank you from the bottom of this helpless siesta's heart for encouraging us to hide His Word in our hearts. My husband is home and recovering wonderfully and we are using this wake up call to get back into a healthlier lifestyle.
Leslie in Utah
I am LOVING this sooooo much! The Lord always surprises me with the scripture I will memorize....I think I'll do one and He gives me another. What is so wild is that the ones I would have chosen would have been just fine, it IS HIS WORD, but the ones He has chosen for me have been JUST what I needed in certain circumstances that I was unaware I would be facing. HE knew what I needed - I LOVE that about HIM - He knows what tomorrow holds and what we will need to feast on to sustain us.
All I know is that I have never been able to memorize scripture and I'm doing it! I've almost memorized an entire chapter and I haven't forgotten the first verse I memorized this year! That's always what has happened before. I could memorize a few scriptures, but then when I moved on to a new one I couldn't quote one or 2 of the other ones and just couldn't get to where that changed. I even forgot John 3:16 a couple of years ago! It was horrifying! But so far that hasn't happened this year.
You Siestas are a blessing and I have enjoyed reading your sweet comments. Our Father is so good! I think we need to pray for each other... to keep keeping on.
Thank you Beth, Amanda, and Melissa for your anointed ministry to us and for reading and processing countless comments. I have found this method of scripture memorization so helpful and revolutionary. Praying for a verse, the tutorial, and the posting of verses on the 1st and 15th is inspired. It works! I have particularly seen the Lord work through being able to readily pray these new scriptures, not only for myself, but for others. For example, praying the Lord's beauty over my family, and asking Him to establish the work of their hands. And, then for them to come home with an exciting story about how the Lord worked. The Sunday I posted my last verse, I was "pondering" what exactly does "make all grace about to you" mean ... and then Charles Stanely (on In Touch) expounded on that particular verse that evening. I was like, okay, Lord, clearly you wanted me to get it! He loves me so much(haha) and he loves you too, so much!!! He is "in this thing"! :)
Thank you ... this is AB (a blessing)! Thank you Lord Jesus for guiding us to this ministry. Continue to lead us in paths of righteousness for Your name's sake and for Your glory! We love you!
Hugs,
Beth
I have been so encouraged because I have actually been ABLE to memorize these scriptures, with not too much difficulty at all!!! I know that is only by the power of the Holy Spirit, because I have never been "good" at memorizing. Praise the Lord!
I look forward to picking a scripture which really gets me revved up each month. I like to memorize longer scripture passages which is why I just do one each month. I blogged about reciting scripture to a person's photograph (to help me to be better at making eye contact while I'm concentrating on remembering the scripture). This has now become praying memorized scriptures over loved ones photographs.
I like how memorizing the scripture keeps me learning continually from the scripture and makes me love the scripture even more.
My family likes hearing the scriptures I memorized too. But my mother doesn't want me to say mine to her until I can say them really well.
God has truly used the Scripture memorization to get me through a lot of difficulty this year. At 91, my grandmother moved to a nursing home last November. She has always been so independent and it's been a difficult transition for her and for me as well. Most recently, a very special aunt passed away and I learned that a cousin has been placed on hospice care with cancer. However, God is always faithful and gave me exactly what I needed in the way of Scripture. I am so thankful to God that He gave Beth (I'm so close to her age it's hard to call her 'Mama Beth')the desire to learn God's Word and that she shared her challenge with us.
Sharon Crouch
Pontotoc, MS
P. S. Beth--watched you on "Life Today" last night(I record it on Wed. nights) and loved the teaching on Mary and Martha. Thank you for everything.
I am severely disabled with a chronic illness and suffer cognitive impairment. Both my husband and I have been shocked that I have been able to memorize the scriptures. My husband tests me every week. Every week he shouts out, "It's a miracle." And I respond, "Yes, I know!"
Every time I start the memorization program I become overwhelmed and tell the Lord, "You know, I can't." Then with the next breath--in sheer desperation--I pray, "Please help me." The Lord has done abundantly above all that I have even asked or imagined. I am often memorizing new scriptures during the second week that I haven't posted to the LPM board, because of this incredible hunger and thirst for His Word.
First of all, I want to acknowledge the genius of Beth's plan. The genius of this program is in each woman asking the LORD to give her the scripture that He chooses. (I'm on another memorization list where the scripture is given out weekly, but I have never even started the program.)
Secondly, I think that there is success in having to publicly post our verses. By doing this there is a sense of accountability.
I notice that some sisters with illness are struggling with cognitive impairment. I can only share with you what I do.
First of all, I read the entire text about 10 times. (Of lately, the Lord has me memorizing an entire psalm, instead of just one verse.) Then I break it down and repeat one verse about 10 times. Then I try to do it on my own without looking at the card. Once I feel that I have most of it down, I then go to biblegateway.com (go to "Additional Resources") and listen to the scripture being read to me. (I really like Max McLean.) Then I listen again and recite my verses with him. I find that he helps me with the words and phrasing. And I try to repeat it on my own during the day. (I try to do this at least three times.)
Sometimes, if I am having problems with a particular verse, I go to my commentaries to study the verse so I can gain understanding. I have found this to be incredibly helpful in memorizing a verse that I am struggling with.
I once attended a small church where everyone was doing scripture memorization. One lady had her five children doing the memorization and the youngest was four years old. It was amazing because they were memorizing long portions of scriptures. I asked her how she did it. She told me that none of them memorized any scripture. All she would do was read to the children the designated scriptures every night for one month. At the end of the month, her children were able to recite the passage.
I'm hoping that these tips might help some people who are struggling with scripture memorization.
Blessings in Christ,
Trudy
Alberta, Canada
This is not my first attempt to memorize Scripture, but it is the most successful by far.
It just works for me, the way you are asking us to memorize a new verse (or verses) only twice per month; I review them every morning, and it takes until the second week usually for it to really take hold.
Not only that, each time I say the verses out loud, I get deeper understanding and meaning from them!
Deb from MN
I am having so much fun with this and cannot believe what God is helping me retain! The other day I wanted to memorize Proverbs 3:1-4 when reading over the first half of the chapter I was thinking this is all so good to commit to memory! I am considering memorizing the first 15 or so verses, but am a little scared I am bitting off more then I can chew! Please pray that I will be able to do this! I have talked to my son to say what I'm thinking of doing, so if I commit to it I need to set a good example for him! Thanks for the encouragement to memorize God's wonderful word!!
How can I even put into words how this has been blessing me everyday. The scriptures that God has placed on my heart these past two months have been such a comfort and encouragement. I am a Real Estate agent in a very uncertain time, with business being down. The verses have given me a peace that only God can give. I have a tendancy to become very anxious about the economy. (I have to turn off the news as it only upsets me). Being able to say my verses over and over, pray over them and let them fall all over me has been such a gift. I am looking forward to continuing this journey and then reflecting on my verses at the end of the year to see what tale they tell about the year's journey! I am sure they will tell a witness story!!!!
Also... I have had the opportunity to use them in the Bible study I am leading!
Thanks for your continued prayers for all of us, and the encouragement to perserve!
Love you all!
K
As always, God's timing is perfect. I stumbled across this blog and the scripture memory challenge just days before my pastor husband came to me and said he wasn't sure he could do this anymore. Satan was using some folks to push a lot of doubt into my husband and at that moment it worked. He began questioning his calling and feeling like God had finally given him more than he could handle. But what the sneaky little devil didn't know was that God was pouring HIS word into MY heart and I was prepared to do battle for not just my husband but for my family. When God would lay a scripture on my heart, I'd write it down on a note card and tape it to the bathroom mirror or to the kitchen cabinets. Not only could I learn them and feel guarded by them but my husband was as well. When he felt down, his "armor" was up all around him. Within just a few days of his "quitting comment", he came back to me and thanked me profusely for the scriptures posted around the house. He said they were "working" and he was feeling SOO much better!! He was even able to share them with some folks at church who were going through a similar spiritual battle. Let me say as well that I truly believe that not only memorizing these great scriptures but praying them over a paritucular situation in our church has caused a great kingdom victory. The battle that was getting my husband down so much was won!! Praise be to God!!
Beth, THANK YOU for sharing your love of God's Word with us so beautifully. It's been contagious for me.....life changing!!
Becky in Georgia :o)
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