WELCOME, EVERYONE, TO THE OFFICIAL LAUNCH OF THE 2015 SIESTA SCRIPTURE MEMORY TEAM!
WOOOOOOHOOOOOO!!!
Allow me to introduce myself to you as your fellow sojourner for the next 12 months and your official cheerleader. It will be my pleasure to remind you often that, in Christ Jesus, you most certainly CAN be victorious in this adventure of the faith, this challenge of the mind and this discipline of the Spirit.
Nothing we’ve done on this blog since its inception has seemed to attract more outrageous favor from God. We are convinced that He loves it. God never misses a single individual going to the work of memorizing His Word but imagine His delight when a huge community of tremendously diverse women in age, background, and worship tradition band together in a pilgrimage of faith. You don’t have to stop and wonder if it’s God’s will for His words to abide in you. The Word of God alive, active, and abiding in us speaks to us, shields us, warns us, strengthens us, sanctifies us, equips us in our callings, and directs us in our decision making. It sharpens our insight and improves our discernment. It makes us wiser and, let’s be bold enough to say, even smarter. Our brains were hardwired to flourish across the board when nourished by the Scriptures. Above all else, Scripture abiding and thriving in us builds up our faith, for “faith comes from hearing and hearing through the word of Christ.” (Romans 10:17) Â And, Girlfriend, we want to be women of faith. That faith erupts into works that were planned for each of us before the creation of the world. (Ephesians 2:10)
OK. I want to get right to it before I lose some of you so that no one will be unclear about the protocol.
The entry of your first verse is your official registration for SSMT (Siesta Scripture Memory Team). Everybody who joins us needs to start right here in a designated comment to this exact post. Even those who may jump in with us a couple of months late who are willing to work double-time to get it all done will start right here.
For a quick recap of our objective: Remember, we are committing to the memorization of 24 verses in 12 months. Two a month. We each get to select our own verses to align with our personal needs and challenges. Choosing a Scripture that resonates with you is immensely helpful in the memorization process. If you have trouble coming up with one of your own, you can always share mine or look through the other entries for ideas. You’ll find your SSMT posts right here on the blog at 8:00 AM on the 1st and 15th of every month in 2015. [Under the LINKS section listed on the right hand side of our blog home page, you will find all SSMT posts will store together for easy access. See “Scripture Memory Team 2015”.] If you haven’t had a chance to read all the instructions and hear about our end-of-year celebration, please go back and read the informational post then return to this spot. Questions unanswered here are answered there.
One of the most important things for you to know from the top is how to arrange your comment with the verse you’ve selected. We limit each comment to this information:Â
Your name, city, verse (written all the way out), reference, and translation.Â
SO, here goes mine! I’m obsessed with the Book of Ephesians right now so much of my memory work will probably come from those pages.
Beth Moore, Houston, Texas. “So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God.” Ephesians 2:19 ESV
We’re fellow citizens with the likes of Peter and John and James and Stephen and Paul and Timothy and Barnabas and Joanna and Susanna and Lydia and Tabitha and just try counting all the Marys. We’re fellow citizens and members of the household of Middle Eastern believers confessing Christ in hostile climates, of Chinese believers meeting in house churches, of Eastern European believers finding hope in the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. We have brothers and sisters in Thessaloniki, in Paris, in Belfast, in Riyadh, in Copenhagen, in Calgary, and Rome. We – right here in this community – are sisters to a household of God that stretches across this globe, saved by the blood of Jesus Christ alone. By grace through faith. “It is the gift of God, not the result of works, so that no one may boast.” (Ephesians 2:8-9) That’s what makes us family. We, beloved sister, are in gorgeous company. Let’s give our time on this planet as part of this household all we’ve got. Christ is so altogether worthy.
Wait, wait, wait, wait, wait! One last thing before I say Go! Don’t panic or jump the gun and post a second time if you don’t see your verse published soon. I will be moderating all these launch comments by myself because I don’t want my staff to have to work on the holiday so I beg your patience. I’ll be hard at work on it but it will take me a while to get them all posted. As a rule over the next 12 months, only post a second time if it’s been 48 hours since you left the comment and you still don’t see it.
****I noticed that some of you posted verses earlier than this post was published and they came up on the SSMT informational comments.  I should have doubly emphasized what time the posts will go up each round: 8:00 AM, each 1st and 15th. So sorry if I did not make that clear enough! If you submit your verse earlier than that, it unfortunately appears under the wrong post and, the way blog moderating works, there’s no way for us to transfer the comments over. If you left your 1st verse under any other post than this one, please add it here as well. This is the official registration post.  I know it’s a bit complicated at first! Hang with it! So sorry for your extra trouble!
Hey, I am so glad you’re doing this with us. So much love to you.
OK, GO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Gini, Saint Louis, For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come. 1 Timothy 4:8 NIV
Barbara Fenn, Medina,Ohio
John 1:14 ESV
And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen His glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.
Psalm 51:10 MESSAGE BIBLE
“God make a fresh start in me,Shape a Genesis week from the chaos of my life.”
Rhonda, Surprise, AZ.
Philippians 3:13-14 (NIV)
Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.
Inge Hoogerhuis in Carmel Indiana. The lord makes firm the steps of the one who delights in him; though he may stumble, he will not fall for the lord upholds with his hand. Psalm 37:23-24 NIV
Job 22:21 (NLT) Submit to God, and you will have peace; then things will go well for you.
Tammy Pendarvis, Baxley, GA
Make me to know your ways, O LORD; teach me your paths. Lead me in your truth and teach me, for you are the God of my salvation; for you I will wait all the day long. Psalms 25:4-5 ESVi
Darcey from Dekalb, Illinois
“Let everyone be quick to hear,slow to speak,slow to anger.”
James 1:19 NIV
Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you will abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13 NASB
Roni – Demopolis, Alabama: “So Jotham became mighty because he ordered his ways before the Lord his God.” 2 Chronicles 27:6
Jennifer, Harrisburg, PA, “Such confidence we have through Christ before God. Not that we are competent in ourselves to claim anything for ourselves, but our competence comes from God. He has made us competent as ministers of a new covenant—not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.” (â€2 Corinthians‬ â€3‬:â€4-6‬ NIV)
Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:26 NIV
Cheri C in Frisco, TX
Hebrews 4:16 NKJV – “Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.”
Psalm 51:10-12 “Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from your presence, and take not Your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of Your salvation and uphold me with a willing spirit.” (ESV)
Tanya Lundy, Cumming, GA,
Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10 (ESV)
Excited to begin .thanks for the opportunity.
Heidi Cahill, DeLand, Fl:
“The Lord is my strength and shield. I trust Him with all my heart. He helps me, and my heart of filled with joy. I burst out in songs of thanksgiving” Psalms 28:7 NLT
Cleveland, Ohio
Romans 12:1 Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. NASB
Lisa F.
Haley Church, Warsaw, IN
“Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, ‘This is the way; walk in it.'” – Isaiah 30:21 NIV
Carole from San Antonio, Tx
“Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.” Ephesians 4:2 (NIV)
Alicia Pullen, Walton IN ” If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind” James 5-6:2 NKJV
Christy Brey, Jackson, MO, “James, a slave of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ: to the 12 tribes in the Dispersion. Greetings.” James 1:1 HCSB
Abby Brey, 10 years old, Jackson, MO. Doing this with my mom, Christy Brey!
“In the beginning was the word, and the word was with God and the word was God.” John 1:1 HCSB
Yes, my soul, find rest in God; my hope comes from him.
Psalms 62:5 (NIV)
Shelley, Shiloh, IL “And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice-the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him.”
Romans 12:1 NLT
Melody Barbour, Florence, KY, “Rejoice always. Pray continually. Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
Donna Rose, Jayess, MS. “And we are confident that He hears us whenever we ask for anything that pleases Him. And since we know He hears us when we make our requests, we also know that He will give us what we ask for.” 1 John 5:14-15 NLT
Tara Condon, Madisonville, Louisiana, I delight greatly in the Lord; my soul rejoices in my God. For He has clothed me with garments of salvation and arrayed me in a robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom adorns his head like a priest, and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels.
Isaiah 61: 10, NIV
Sara Middleton, Kingsville, Texas, “Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” Matthew, 6:34, NIV
Rachael of Union, Maine – so excited to be a part! Xo.
Oh, taste and see that the LORD is good; Blessed is the man who trusts in Him! Psalm 34:8 NKJV
Lauren Miller, Mount Olive, MS
“But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience.” ~Romans 8:25 (ESV)
Let us hold tightly without wavering to the hope we affirm, for God can be trusted to keep his promise. Hebrews 10:23 NLT
Sherry McClure, Houston, Texas Isaiah 49:16 “Behold, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands; your walls are continually before me” ESV
Julie Ratcliff, Texarkana,TX, “Look, I am about to do something new; even now it is coming. Do you not see it? Indeed, I will make a way in the wilderness, rivers in the desert.” (â€Isaiah‬ â€43‬:â€19‬ HCSB)
Stephanie (Craily & Mikayla), Katy, TX
5 Act wisely toward outsiders, making the most of the time. 6 Your speech should always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you should answer each person.
Colossians 4:5-6 | HCSB
Tara Laney, Tupelo MS – The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth. John 1:14 NIV
Gigi Smith from West Milton, Ohio
New year, new cancer battle
Isaiah 54:10 Niv
Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet My unfailing love for you will not be shaken, nor My covenant of peace be removed says the Lord, who has compassion on you.
I covet your prayers Beth as I have just been diagnosed with esophageal cancer. Waiting for the game plan but I know it has already been won! Claiming victory in Jesus! Love you!
Praying for you, GiGi.
Praying now for wisdom & revelation for the medical staff. The Lord bless and keep you!
Gigi I will keep you in my prayers.
My prayers are with you as well
I am praying for you. Proverbs 3:5-6
No better way to battle the fear that comes with cancer than wielding the Sword of the Spirit. When the battle gets intence, come to this site, scroll and read aloud verse after verse, then breathe deep as the Peace of Christ that surpasses all human understanding floods your soul. I’m praying for you, Dear Sister.
Prayers from Iowa too
Praying my favorite verse for you today. John 14:27
Angie Peeks. Magnolia,AR
‘But those who trust in the LORD will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint. Isaiah 40:31 NLT
Paige, Atlanta, Romans 12:2 HCSB
Do not be conformed to this age, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may discern what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God.
Donna Stetzer, Hendersonville, TN: Psalm 1:1-3 (HCSB) How happy is the man who does not follow the advice of the wicked, or take the path of sinners, or join a group of mockers! Instead, his delight is in the Lord’s instruction, and he meditates on it day and night. He is like a tree planted beside streams of water that bears fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers.
Shannon, Buda, TX
The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor, He has sent me to bind up the broken-hearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners,
Isaiah 61:1 NIV
Tanya Beard, Cullman, AL…To ring in the new year, I select the following:
Phil 3:13b-14 NIV
Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.
Kay, Sheridan
Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed
By the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve
what God’s will is-his good, pleasing and perfect will.
Romans 12:2 NIV
Pam McDonald, Hendersonville, NC
“And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men;” Colossians 3:23 KJV
Kathleen Forbes, Katy, TX – “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” Psalm 119:105, ESV
Debbie Scherrer, Sevierville TN
Now listen daughter, don’t miss a word…the King is wild for you! Since He is your Lord, adore Him!
Psalm 45:10-11. Message
Psalm 34:1. I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth.
Dorothy Williams, Montgomery, Alabama
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your understand;” Proverbs 3:5 NIV
Tina Dill, Biloxi, MS
No discipline seems pleasant at the time but painful. Later on however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.
Hew 12:11 (NIV)
Pam in Guatemala
Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you will abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13 NASB
I will rejoice in the Lord; I will take joy in the God of my salvation.
Habakkuk 3:18 (ESV)