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!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
For I know the plans I have for you, declares The Lord., plans to prosper you and not to harm you. Plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11 NIV
Do not be conformed to this world but be transformed by renewing your mind to prove what that good, acceptable and perfect will of God. Romans 12:2 NKJ
Makalah Boyer, St. Louis, MO. “Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.” James 5:16 NIV
Commit everything you do to the LORD. Trust him, and he will help you. (âPsalm⏠â37âŹ:â5⏠NLT)
“Ah Sovreign Lord, you have made the heavens and the earth by your great power and outstretched arm. Nothing is too hard for you.” Jeremiah 32:17 NIV
Mylinda, Bowling Green KY “Come back to your God, act with love and justice, and depend on Him always” Hosea 12:6 NLT
Lisa Griffin, Lincoln City, Oregon.
Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.
Hebrews 11:1 ESV
Janet Jobe – Hope, AR
“He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge;
His faithful promises are your armor and protection.”
Elizabeth from USA but currently residing in CĂŽte d’Ivoire, Africa…
Romans 4:20-21 But Abraham never doubted. He believed God, for his faith and trust grew ever stronger, and he praised God for this blessing even before it happened. He was completely sure that God was well able to do anything he promised. NLT
Cindy Belleque, Mount Morris, Illinois –
Hebrews 10:23
Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful.
Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice. And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you. Eph. 4:31-32 (nkjv)
Debbie Butler, Redding CA Forget about what happened; don’t keep going over old history. Be alert, be present. I am about to do something brand-new. It’s bursting out! Don’t you see it? There it is! I’m making a road through the desert, rivers in the badlands. Isaiah 43:18-19 MSG
Eva Jester – Freehold, NJ
Give ear to my prayer, O God,
And do not hide Yourself from my supplication.
Psalm 55:1 (NKJV)
I plan to memorize the whole chapter (23 verses)
Emily Griffin, Tifton, GA: “Therefore let us not pass judgment on one another any longer, but rather decide never to put a stumbling block or hindrance in the way of a brother. (âRomans⏠â14âŹ:â13⏠ESV)”
Kathy Gerskin, Ooltewah, TN. “Even to your old age I am the same, even when your hair is gray I will carry you. It is I who have done this, I who will continue, and I who will carry you to safety.
Isaiah 46:4
Patti, Minier, IL “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” Proverbs 3:5-6 NIV
Ruthie Riethmuller, Allison Park, PA
Philippians 1:27 NIV (’84)
Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in one spirit, contending as one man for faith in the gospel.
Cindy Sharp, Olathe, Kansas “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you.” Isaiah 43:2 ESV
Jenny Lott, Douglas, GA
“And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart.” Jeremiah 29:13 KJV
julie bauguess, Chesterland,OH
“My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.”
Psalm 73:26 ESV
Helen H. Sweet Home OR. 2 Timothy 2:7 NIV For God did not give us a spirit of timidity,but a spirit of power, of love and self-discipline.
So we fasted and prayed for God to protect us, and he answered our prayers. Ezra 8:23 GNT
Ruth M., Sherwood, Oregon – Colossians 2: 6-7 “You have accepted Christ Jesus as your Lord. Now keep on following him. Plant your roots in Christ and let him be the foundation of your life. Be strong in your faith, just as you were taught. And be grateful. (CEV)
Tammy Centofranchi, Escondido, California
“Trust in him at all times, you people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge.”
Psalm 62:8 NIV
Colossians 3:12 (NIV)
Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.
Nancy, Lakewood, WA âCall to Me and I will answer you, and I will tell you great and mighty things, which you do not know.’ Jeremiah 33:3 NASB
Sascha Martinez, red oak, tx
Matthew 17:20 esv
He said to them, ” because of your little faith. For truly, I say to you, if you have faith like a grain of mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, move from here to there, and it will move, and nothing will be impossible for you.” Praying for a baby this year!
Jenna Lynn Causey // McDonough, GA
Many, Lord my God, are the wonders you have done, the things you planned for us. None can compare with you; were I to speak and tell of your deeds, they would be too many to declare. (âPsalm⏠â40âŹ:â5⏠NIV)
Elisha Joy
Billings, MT
1 Peter 5:8 (ESV) Be sober minded; be watchful. Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion seeking someone to devour.
Love your name. My daughter is elise joy. Will be praying for you. From Marion, Arkansas
Ruth in San Antonio, Texas
Hebrews 10:16 KJV
This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, saith the Lord, I will put my laws into their hearts, and in their minds will I write them.
I take this as my promise that I will be successful at memorizing scripture.
Kalen Hahn, Hanston, KS
James 3:17-18 (NIV)
But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness.
Nancy White, Lee’s Summit, MO. For whatever was written in earlier times was written for our instruction, so that through perseverance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. Romans 15: 4. NASB
Leticia Beltran, Mesa, AZ
These words, which I am commanding you today, shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your sons. Deuteronomy 6:6-7 NAS
Debbie Hoover, AL. For I know the plans I have for you,â declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.â Jeremiah 29:11 NIV
Patsy Secrist from Benton City, Washington
I will exalt you, my God and King, and praise your name forever and ever. I will praise you every day; yes, I will praise you forever. Psalm 145:1-2 NLT
The Sovereign Lord is my strength; he makes my feet like the feet of a deer, he enables me to tread on the heights. Habakkuk 3:19
“Pleasant words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.”Proverbs 16:24 NIV
For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. 2 Timothy 1:7 NKJV
Kari Schmier from Jackson, California:
“Here is what I am commanding you to do. Be strong and brave. Do not be terrified. Do not lose hope. I am the Lord your God. I will be with you everywhere you go.” Joshua 1:9 NIRV
1Cor. 15:10
But by the grace of Gid I am what I am, and his grace to me was not without effect. No, I worked harder than all of then- yet not I, but the grace of God that was with me.
Tracy, Illinois: For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of Godâs glorious standard. 24 Yet God freely and graciously declares that we are righteous. He did this through Christ Jesus when he freed us from the penalty for our sins.
Romans 3:23-24, NLT
Molly Longo, Lititz, PA
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13 NIV
Christy Duffel, Pottsville, AR. Those who trust in the Lord are as Mount Zion, which cannot be moved, but abides forever. Psalm 125:1 NAS
Bonnie Badders. Lecanto Florida
Psalm 27:4 One thing I ask from the Lord, this only do I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze on the beauty of the Lord and seek him in his temple. Psalm 27:4 NIV
Robin Huffman, Hazelwood, MO
2 Corinthians 12:9 New International Version (NIV)
But he said to me, âMy grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.â Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christâs power may rest on me.
Yes. 1st verse
Mary Beth, Wake Forest, NC
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 ESV
Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us,fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.(Heb. 12:1-2 NASB)
Amy Edwards. Choudrant, LA
Jesus said to them, âMy food is to do the will of him who sent me and to accomplish his work -John 4:34, ESV
Sharon W, Little Rock, Arkansas
“And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose” Romans 8:28 NKJV
Sarah Jones, Baton Rouge , LA
Since we are living by the Spirit, let us follow the Spiritâs leading in every part of our lives. Gal. 5:25 NLT