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!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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
Kelly E., Greenville, SC
(19)My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, (20) because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires. James 1:19-20, NIV
Laura Coppock, Bowling Green, Ohio
“Direct me in the path of your commands, for there I will find delight. Turn my heart toward your statutes and not toward selfish gain.” Psalm 119:35-36, NIV
John 3:16 For God so loved the world that He gave His only Begotten Son, that whoever should believe on Him shall not parish but have eternal life.
Jessi Kohring, Huntsville, AL. Hebrews 13:15-16. Therefore, let us offer through Jesus a continual sacrifice of praise to God, proclaiming our allegiance to his name. And don’t forget to do good and to share with those in need. These are the sacrifices that please God. NLT.
Faye from Calgary, Alberta Canada
Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect. (â€Romans‬ â€12‬:â€2‬ NLT)
2 Corinthians 5:17 NIV
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come. The old has gone, the new is here.
No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful and will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you will be able to endure it.
1 Cor 10:13 ESV
Lisa ‘t Hart, Papendrecht, The Netherlands (Europe).
Mijn plan met jullie staat vast – spreekt de HEER. Ik heb jullie geluk voor ogen, niet jullie ongeluk: ik zal je een hoopvolle toekomst geven. Jer.29:11
Karen Bruce
Vincennes, Indiana
Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: May they prosper who love you.
Psalm 122:6 NKJV
Melissa Matej, Aledo, TX: For this reason also, since the day we heard of it, we have not ceased to pray for you and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so that you will walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, to please Him in all respects, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; (â€Colossians‬ â€1‬:â€9-10‬ NASB)
Loganville, GA
Many are the plans in a man’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.
Proverbs 19:21 NIV
1 Peter 1:14-15 (NASB)
“As obedient children, do not be conformed to the former lusts which were yours in your ignorance, but like the Holy One who called you, be holy yourselves also in your behavior.”
Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours. Mark 11:24 NIV
Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up;do you not perceive it? I am makimg a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland. Isaiah 43:18-19 NIV
Hope Lueck, Columbia, LA
And be not conformed to this world; but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
Romans 12:2 (KJV)
Mandy Daniel from LaGrange, GA. James 1:1-2 (NASB) “James, a bond-servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes who are dispersed abroad: Greetings. Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials.”
Going for James 1 this year.
“Do not fear anything except the Lord Almighty. He alone is the Holy One. If you fear Him, you need fear nothing else. Isaiah 8:13, NLT
Carolyn, Orofino, Idaho
Watch closely: I am preparing something new; it’s happening now, even as I speak, and you’re about to see it. I am preparing a way through the desert; waters will flow where there had been none. Isaiah 43:19 The Voice.
Heidi Kaiser, Reynolds, Illinois.
“from the end of the earth I call to you when my heart is faint. Lead me to the rock that is higher than I” (Psalm 61:2 ESV)
Leah, FL
“Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us” Hebrews 12:1 ESV
Galatians 3:6 NVI-Consider Abraham: “He believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness. I am excited to be starting a Sunday school class of middle school age kids on integrity and righteousness on the second Sunday of this month.
Ronda Thompson -Munday, TX
With God All things are possible. MATTHEW 19:26
Ebony, Kansas City, MO
“I call heaven and earth to witness against you today, that I have set before you life and death, (X)the blessing and the curse. So choose life in order that you may live, you and your descendants, by loving the LORD your God, by obeying His voice, and by holding fast to Him; for this is your life and the length of your days, that you may live in the land which the LORD swore to your fathers, to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, to give them.” Deuteronomy 30:19, 20 (NASB)
Heather:Hempstead, TX
Wherefore if any man is in Christ, he is a new creature: the old things are passed away; behold, they are become new. 2 Corinthians 5:17 ASV
Melissa,Granbury TX
Colossians 3:16
Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom,teaching, and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual song singingwith grace in your your hearts to the Lord
Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. ” 2 Corinthians 5:17
For God did not give us a spirit of fear, but one of strength, love, and a sound mind. 2 Timothy 1:7
The LORD will fight for you, and you shall hold your peace and remain in rest. Exodus 14:14 MSG
Cheryl Autry, Dunn, North Carolina. “For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ:” 2 Corinthians 10:3-5 KJV
Margaret from Houston, “No recordais las cosas anteriores, ni considereis las cosas del pasado.” Isaias 43:18, LBLA
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope”. Romans 15:13
Lauren – Fort Worth, TX – NIV
1John 5:14 “This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us.”
Kristie Larsen, Mesa Arizona “He alone is my rock and my salvation; He is my fortress, I will never be shaken” Psalm 62 : 2 NIV
Andrea de Jong, Dordrecht,The Netherlands (Europe).
Mijn plan met jullie staat vast – spreekt de HEER. Ik heb jullie geluk voor ogen, niet jullie ongeluk: ik zal je een hoopvolle toekomst geven. Jer.29:11
Debbie Robinson, Bridgeport, WV “He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.” Ps. 91:1 WSB
Mikie Richter, Bryan, TX
“May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.” Psalm 19:14 NIV
Janet McCuistion, Minneapolis, MN.
“I sought the LORD, and he answered me and delivered me from all my fears. Those who look to him are radiant, and their faces shall never be ashamed. This poor man cried, and the LORD heard him and saved him out of all his troubles. The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear him, and delivers them. Oh, taste and see that the LORD is good! Blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him!” – Psalm 34:4-8 ESV
Chelsea, Kountze, TX Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins. 1 Peter 4:8 NIV
Lori, Lascassas, TN: “I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart; I will recount all of your wonderful deeds.” Psalms 9:1 (ESV)
Norma, Lenexa KS So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is only temporary but what is unseen is eternal. 2 Cor 4:18
Janet Calvert, Celina, Texas
Keep your lives free from the love of money, and be content with what you have, because God has said, “Never will I leave you, never will I forsake you.” Hebrews 13:5 NIV
Jennifer Klobe, Oro Valley, Arizona: Philippians 4:8 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. NIV
You crown the year with a bountiful harvest; even the hard pathways overflow with abundance. ~Psalm 65:11 NLT~
Tara Pease, Saucier MS
The faithful love of the LORD never ends! His mercies never cease. Great is his faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each morning. (â€Lamentations‬ â€3‬:â€22-23‬ NLT)
Jo Ellen Chance, Shawnee, Ks. “Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful.” Hebrews 10:23 ESV
Hannah Paul, Macon Georgia: “When I went to the gate of the city and took my seat in the public square,” Job 29:7
I am memorizing scripture for a trip to Israel and I want to be able to recite this when we enter Jerusalem.
Diana Triplett, Maple Valley, WA. “He settles the childless woman in her home as a happy mother of children. Praise the LORD.” Psalm 113:9 (NIV)
Shelbyville, Kentucky
“The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace.”
Romans 8:6 NIV
Linda, Gaylord, MI
If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. James 1:5 NIV
Sue Martinez Simi Valley CA
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
Philippians 3:13 NIV