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!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Teresa Dunn, Star, NC “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Chris died for us.” Romans 5:8 (NIV)
“Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise. Give thanks to Him and praise His name.” Psalm 100:4 HCSB
Kati B. from Central Arkansas.–“Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” Psalm 46:10 NIV
Cynthia–Ohio Matthew 6:33 seek first Zhis kingdom and righteousness and they will be added to you as well.
Cindy, Fairmont, WV “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
Dusty Mercier, Houston, TX, “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
Becky, Vicksburg, MS
He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear and put their trust in the Lord. Psalm 40:3 NIV
Laura Howard, Knoxville, TN
“May the God of hope grant you 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
May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight,Lord,my Rock and my Redeemer. Psalm 19:14 (NOV)
Tory Moreland, Kingwood, TX
“But now, thus says the Lord, who created you, O Jacob, And He who formed you, O Israel: “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; You are Mine.” Isaiah 43:1
“Love the Lord your God, listen to his voice, and hold fast to him. For the Lord is your life.
Deuteronomy 30:20
Pam DeStefano, Schwenksville, “But it is good for me to draw near to God;
I have put my trust in the Lord GOD, That I may declare all Your works.”, Psalm 73:28, NKJV
Susan Kinney
Hodges, South Carolina
And we all know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.
Romans 8:28 NIV
Tracy Kent, Westminster Maryland. Therefore I urge you brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God – this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform 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 – is good, pleasing and perfect will. Romans 12:1-2, NIV
Grace, Chicago, IL. Isaiah 43:18-19 NASB “Do not call to mind the former things, Or ponder things of the past. Behold, I will do something new, Now it will spring forth;
Will you not be aware of it? I will even make a roadway in the wilderness, Rivers in the desert.”
Andrea Highlands Ranch, CO
You will seek Me and find Me when you seek Me with all your heart.
Jeremiah 29:13 NIV
Susan Reeves Richmond, Texas.
“Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need” Hebrews 4:16 KJV
Angie, Tampa, FL You saw me before I was born. Every day of my life was recorded in your book. Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed. Psalm 139:16 (NLT)
He replied, ” Because you have so little faith. Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed,you can say to this mountain,’Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.”
Matthew 17:20
Sherry, St. Joseph, MI, Isaiah 44:6-8 (NLT)
6 This is what the Lord says—Israel’s King and Redeemer, the Lord of Heaven’s Armies: “I am the First and the Last; there is no other God.
7 Who is like me? Let him step forward and prove to you his power. Let him do as I have done since ancient times when I established a people and explained its future.
8 Do not tremble; do not be afraid. Did I not proclaim my purposes for you long ago? You are my witnesses—is there any other God? No! There is no other Rock—not one!”
Alexis Tena, Salem OR
“Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path.”
Psalm 119:105 NLT
But those who wait on the LORD Shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, They shall run and not be weary, They shall walk and not faint. (â€Isaiah‬ â€40‬:â€31‬ NKJV) Yukon, OK
Commit to the Lord whatever you do,
and he will establish your plans.
Proverbs 16:3 (NIV)
London, ON.
Sherri from Boise Idaho. For you shall not go out with haste nor go by flight; For the Lord will go before you, and the God of Israel will be your rear guard. Isaiah 52:12 NKJV. (New King James Version)
Micki, Prairie Village, KS
Romans 15:13 NIV
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.
Kenia Sawyer, North Carolina, I have been dealing with a lot of anxiety due to the death of my loved uncle – this verse carries me through those moments…
“Do not be anxious about anything. Instead, in every situation, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, tell your requests to God. And the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. (â€Philippians‬ â€4‬:â€6-7‬ NET)
Christie Marsh from Cheyenne, WY
Be still and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth. Psalm 46:10 NKJV
Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV)
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.
Eph 5:1 & 2 (NIRV)
You are the children that God dearly loves. So be just like him. Lead a life of love, just as Christ did. He loved us. He gave himself up for us. He was a sweet smelling offering and sacrife to God.
Stephanie Griffith Farmington, NM “But he said to me, “my grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.” 2 Corinthians 12:9 NIV
Nancy Slater, Eagleville, PA, ” For I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you and not to harm you,plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11 NIV
Leslie Brown, Denver, Colorado. “Whenever I am afraid, I will trust in You.” Psalm 56:3 NKJ
Denise, Van Alstyne, TX; “Yet those who wait on the Lord will gain new strength; they will mount up on wings like eagles, they will run and not get tired, they will walk and not become weary.” Isaiah 40:31 (NASB)
Commit to the Lord whatever you do and your plans will succees. Prov 16.3 NIV
Walking in God’s grace and turning my will over leads to a live of peace.
2 Corinthians 10:3-5
3For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. 4 For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, 5 casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ,
Nathalie Van Hoorebeke, Birmingham, Uk
Let the word [spoken by] Christ (the Messiah) have its home [in your hearts and minds] and dwell in you in [all its] richness. Col 3:16a Amp
Precious in the sight of the Lord is sight death of his saints. Psalm 116:15 KJV
Celeste Wells Tuscaloosa, Alabama
Philippians 4:7-8New International Version (NIV)
7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
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.”
Patty Keith, Callahan FL
“We can make our own plans, but the Lord determines our steps.” Prov 16:9
Jana S. from Fort Worth, Texas
“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.”
1 Corinthians 13:4 NIV
Grace Carlson – Yucaipa, CA “See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.” Isaiah 43:19, NIV.
I have never been apart of this before but one that I always cling to is Jer 29;11 For I know the Plans I have for you declares that Lord
AngieB Laurel,MS
2 Chronicles 7:14. If My people who are called by My Name will humble themselves, pray and seek My face,and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven , forgive their sins, and heal their land.
Kim Berndt -Minneapolis, MN. Isaiah 58:11 The Lord will guide you continually, give you water when you are dry and restoring your strength, you will be like a well watered garden, like an ever flowing spring.
Karen Davis, Brisbane, Australia, ” My grace is sufficient for you, for my strength is made perfect in weakness.” 2 Corinthians 12:9 NKJV
John 1:1, ESV. In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
It’s a new year, a new beginning, a chance to take a deep breath and start anew.
Loretta Pearson, Colville, Washinton. “And without fiath it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.” Heb. 11:6 NIV
Jennifer from Durham, NC: “See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up: do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.” Isaiah 43:19 NIV
Donna L., Ozark MO “They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when the heat comes; it’s leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit.” Jerem. 17:8 NIV
Beth Bell, Cartersville, GA
“So humble yourselves under the mighty power of God, and at the right time He will life you up in honor.” 1 Peter 5:6 NLT