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) Ā 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 ofĀ 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 areĀ 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:Ā
Your name, city, verse (written all the way out), reference, and translation.Ā
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 citizensĀ with the saints and members of the household of God.”Ā 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 householdĀ all we’ve got. Christ is so altogether worthy.
Wait, wait, wait, wait, wait! One last thing before I say Go!Ā 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 upĀ on the SSMT informational comments. Ā 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. Ā I know it’s a bit complicated at first! Hang with it!Ā 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 if anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation: everything old has passed away; see, everything has become new! I2 Corinthians 5:17 NRSV
Ann-Lee’s Summit,MO
Do not conform yourselves to this age, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and pleasing and perfect. Romans 12:2 NAB
Annette Palmer, Elkton, MD
I now the plans I have for you declared the Lord. Plans to prosper you and not to harm you. Plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11
Amber Woodard, Lumberton, TX: “Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.” Colossians 3:12 (NIV)
Is.43:1
But now, thus says the Lord, your creator, o Jacob, and He who formed you, O Israel.
“Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name; you are Mine!”
Heather Omaha, NE
NASB
Phenix City, Alabama “Faith is the confidence that what we hope for will actually happen; it gives us assurance about things we cannot see.” Hebrews 11:1 NLT
So sorry! I forgot to say that mine was from the NIV
Zoe, North Carolina: For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son so whoever believed in him should not perish but have eternal life.
Stephanie from Waconia, Minnesota. “I am the Lord your God, who teaches you what is best for you, who directs you in the way you should go.” Isaiah 48:17 NIV
All we like sheep have gone astray. Each of us has turned to his own way. But the Lord has caused the iniquity of his all to fall on him. Isaiah 53:10 – NASB
Megan McKinney, Tulsa, OK
Ephesians 1:17-18 KJV
That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him. The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints.
Andie, Andover, MN “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you are able to test and approve what God’s will is, his good, pleasing and perfect will.” Romans 12:2 NIV
Numbers 6:24 āāāThe Lord bless you and keep you;
Meg Edney,
Hattiesburg, MS
“So be very careful to Love the Lord your God.”
Joshua 23:11 NIV
Sharon Long, Belvedere Island, GA
Mark 13:29-31
Jesus answered him,”The first of all the commandments is: ”Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God is one. And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength. This is the first commandment. ” “And the second, like it is, is this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself. There is no other commandment greater than these.” (NKJV)
Betsy, Guam “Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children; and walk in love, just as Christ also loved you and gave himself up for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God as a fragrant aroma.” Ephesians 5:1,2 NASB
Tammy Beard, Reynoldsburg, Ohio says ” Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever.” 1 Chronicles 16:34 (NIV)
Kim, Yreka, CA Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as braided hair and the wearing of gold jewelry and fine clothes. Instead, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight. 1 Peter 3:3-4 NIV
Michelle Moultrie, Birmingham, Alabama “Now therefore go, and I will be with your mouth and teach you what you shall speak.” Exodus 4:12 ESV
Nita Wilkinson, Bellefontaine Ohio, “Consider it pure joy, my brothers ans sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds.” James1:2 NIV Joy is my word for 2015.
Hannah-Rose – Newcastle, AUSTRALIA.
Re health: “being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. Philippians 1:6 (NIV)
But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. Isaiah 40:31 NIV
Philippians 4: 6-7 Youngs Literal Translation for nothing be anxious, but in everything by prayer, and by supplication, with thanksgiving, let your request be made know unto God; and the peace of God, that is surpassing all understanding, shall guard your hearts and your thoughts in Christ Jesus
Katie Webber, Tampa, FL
Hebrews 10:38-39: “But my righteous one will live by faith; and I take no pleasure in the one who shrinks back.” But we do not belong to those who shrink back and are destroyed, but to those who have faith and are saved.
I sought the LORD, and he heard me,and delivered me from all my fears. Psalm 34:4 KJV.
Praise the Lord, my soul;
all my inmost being, praise his holy name.
Praise the Lord, my soul,
and forget not all his benefitsā
who forgives all your sins
and heals all your diseases,
who redeems your life from the pit
and crowns you with love and compassion,
who satisfies your desires with good things
so that your youth is renewed like the eagleās.
Psalms 103:1-5
Diane Anderson; Sherwood, OR;
Isaiah 43:18-19 “Do not call to mind the former things, or ponder the 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.” (NASB)
Be still and know that I am God. I will be exalted among nations, I will be exalted in the earth Psalm 46:10
Sallie Hagen, Ochelata, Oklahoma:
“The aim of our charge is love that issues from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith.” 1 Timothy 1:5 ESV
Lavana Yates, Hope, Arkansas
The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory if the one and only Son, who came from the Father full of grace and truth. John 1:14 NIV
Have mercy upon me, O God, according to your loving kindness; according to the multitude of Your tender mercies, blot out my transgressions. Psalms 51: 1 NKJV
Kassie Moon, FW Texas. The things which ye both learned and recorded and heard and saw in me, these things do: and the God of peace shall be with you. Philippians 4:9
Romans 12:12 (ESV)
Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.
“All your children shall be taught by the Lord, and great shall be the peace of your children.” Isaiah 54:13
Jennifer Shelton, Nassau Bay,TX Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. Deut. 6:5 NIV
Jo Carolyn — Dime Box, Texas
The Lord your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; He will rejoice over you with gladness; He will quiet you by his love; He will exult over you with loud singing.
Zephaniah 3:17 ESV
This is the one I esteem: he who is humble and contrite in spirit, and trembles at my word. Isaiah 66:2b NIV
Whitney Brown, Rio Rancho, NM – “For the mountains may move and the hills disappear, but even then my faithful love for you will remain. My covenant of blessing will never be broken,” says the Lord, who has mercy on you. Isaiah 54:10 NLT
Rebecca Abshoff, Waterloo, ON, Canada
Finishing up Psalm 25… “Turn to me and be gracious to me, For I am lonely and afflicted. The troubles of my heart are enlarged; Bring me out of my distresses. Look upon my affliction and my trouble, And forgive all my sins. Look upon my enemies, for they are many, And they hate me with violent hatred.” Psalm 25: 16-19 (NASB)
Vickie Squires- Guthrie, Ok
John 14:1 “Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me. NIV
Cornelius, North Carolina
“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.” Romans 12:1 NIV
Robin Murray, Arlington, TX
“He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.” Ps 147:3 KJV
Jamie Irvine Ky. Guide me in your truth, and teach me, my God, my Savior. I trust you all day long. (āPsalmsā¬ ā25ā¬:ā5ā¬ NCV)
Dayna, Metamora, MI
“āNow listen, daughter, donāt miss a word:
forget your country, put your home behind you.
Be hereāthe king is wild for you.
Since heās your lord, adore him.” Psalms 45:10-11 (MSG)
Madison~ Frisco TX~ For God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only son so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life~John 3:16 NLT
Miriam, New Zealand, “Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work in us, to him be all glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! AMEN!” Eh 3:20,21 (NIV)
My personal verse is 1 John 4:7-19. Even though my husband chose this for our wedding verse, I love it because it applies to married life, family life and our life as Christian in the larger world. We are called to love others; not because it is easy. Or because we feel amorous. But because God gave us love and showed us love FIRST! SO we, as followers of Jesus, are commanded to love others.
“7 Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. 8 Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. 9 This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. 10 This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. 11 Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. 12 No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us.
13 This is how we know that we live in him and he in us: He has given us of his Spirit. 14 And we have seen and testify that the Father has sent his Son to be the Savior of the world. 15 If anyone acknowledges that Jesus is the Son of God, God lives in them and they in God. 16 And so we know and rely on the love God has for us.
God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them. 17 This is how love is made complete among us so that we will have confidence on the day of judgment: In this world we are like Jesus. 18 There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.
19 We love because he first loved us.”
Kim Weaver
Hammond, LA
Therefore, since we have these promises, dear friends, let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God.
2 Corinthians 7:1 NIV
Sarah Gregg, Edmond, OK “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 praise worthy-think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me-put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.” Philippians 4:8-9, NIV
Teri Kurtz, Kalamazoo, Mich. “holding fast the word of life, so that I may rejoice in the day of Christ that I have not run in vain or labored in vain.” Philippians 2:16 NKJV