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!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Jen Sabad, Westminster, MD. “The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.” John 10:10, NKJ
Judy Conn, Ashland, Kentucky. “I pray that out of His glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ.” Ephesians 3: 16-18, NIV
Ramona Johnson, Mebane, N.C.
Job 5:17New International Version (NIV)
17 “Blessed is the one whom God corrects;
so do not despise the discipline of the Almighty.[a]
Deborah Duke, Houston TX – “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians‬ â€4‬:â€6-7‬ (ESV)
So, my dear brothers and sisters, be strong and immovable. Always work enthusiastically for the Lord, for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless. 1 Cor. 15:58
Rachel Patterson – Clover, SC – It is for FREEDOM that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourself be burdened again by a yoke of slavery. ~ Galatians 5:1 (NIV)
Katie Mitchell, Chesapeake, VA
Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world. He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power. After making purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, having become as much superior to angels as the name he has inherited is more excellent than theirs. (â€Hebrews‬ â€1‬:â€1-4‬ ESV)
Merissa, Staunton, IL
“Turn my heart toward your statutes and not toward selfish gain.”
Psalm 119:36 NIV
Ashley B. Little Rock, AR
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, ESV
“16 Rejoice always, 17 pray without ceasing, 18 for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”
Sara Swan, Valdosta, GA
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. (â€Philippians‬ â€4‬:â€8‬ ESV)
Emma Lail, Hickory, NC
“These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.”
John 16:33 KJV
Let your tender mercy and loving-kindness come to me that I may live, for Your law is my delight! Psalm 119:77 AMPLIFIED
Alesha Moreno, Charlotte, NC
“Do not remember the former things,
Nor consider the things of old.
Behold, I will do a new thing,
Now it shall spring forth;
Shall you not know it?
I will even make a road in the wilderness
And rivers in the desert.”
Isaiah 43:18-19 NKJV
Heather Ashley, Jacksonville, Florida.
“But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear.” 1 Peter 3:15 NKJV
Caddo Mills, Texas
John 16:33English Standard Version (ESV)I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”
Bree, Virginia
“Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.” James 1:2-4 {NIV}
Shelley Dowdle, Bedford, Texas. “For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self control.” 2 Timothy 1:7 ESV
Dorthey Jacobelli, Newport, PA
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, Galations 5:22 NAS
Hallsville, TX
Philippines 2:13 Holman Christian Standard
For it is God who is working in you, enabling you both to will and to act for His good purpose.
Galatians 1:10 NIV
Am I now trying to win the approval of men, or of God? Or am I trying to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a servant of Christ.
Rebecca Hahn – Colorado Springs, Co. – Proverbs 12:14 -“A man will be satisfied with good by the words of his mouth, and the work of a man’s hands will reward him.”
Marcelene Silver from Tucson, AZ. “For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh.” 2 Corinthians 10:3 NASB
Emily Ramsey, Madison WI. “Wisdom is the focus of the perceptive,
but a fool’s eyes roam to the ends of the earth.” Proverbs 17:24
Nancy Riordan, Pittsburgh,PA. submitting to overcome grief and depression:
My soul waits for The Lord, more than watchmen for the morning, more than watchmen for the morning.
Ps 130:6. ESV
Katherine, Livingston, Tx
Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. (â€Romans‬ â€12‬:â€12‬ NIV)
Mandy
Jonesboro, IL
“You are from God, little children, and have overcome them; because greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world.”
1John 4:4 NASB
Amber Anderson
Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
Micah 6:8 NIV
He has shown all you people what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with the Lord.
Danielle, Glencoe, IL
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. Philippians 4:8 (NIV)
Becky Johnson, Deland Fl
Hebrews 10:23 ESV – Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful.
2 Corinthians 10:3 ESV
For though we walk in the flesh, we are not waging war according to the flesh.
Vanda Stephens ~ Emporia, KS. “I will both lie down and sleep in peace for You alone Lord, make me live in safety.” Psalm 4:8 HCSB
Christine, Macclenny, FL, “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 making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland.” Isaiah 43: 18-19(NIV)
London Sommer- Denham Springs, LA
“Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see” Hebrews 11:1 NIV
Michelle, Houston “Not to us, LORD, not to us but to your name be the glory, because of your love and faithfulness.” Psalm 115:1, NIV
Reba, Harleysville, PA “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.” NIV
Amy, Dayton, Ohio
The Lord will keep you from all harm-he will watch over your life; the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.
Psalm 121:7-8 NIV
Georganne, Piedmont, Oklahoma
So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.
I Corinthians 10:31 NIV
***18 give thanks in all circumstances, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
Katie, Marietta, GA: “he restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. ” Psalm 23:3 NIV.
Donna Banks from Franklin, TN: “Religion that is pure and undefiled before God, the Father, is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world.”
James 1:27 ESV
Gayle Truitt, LaGrange, GA
Don’t be afraid, for I am with you.Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God.I will strengthen you and help you.I will hold you up with my victorious right hand. Isaiah 41:10 NLT
Kelly LaPorte Tx “Come now and let us reason together, says the Lord. Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red lie crimson, they shall be like wool.” (AMP)
Connie Capps,Pine Level, NC
Now may the Lord of Peace Himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with all of you.
2 Thessalonians 3:16 NIV
Mary Quarterman, Roswell, Georgia. “Cease from anger, and forsake wrath; Do not fret — it only causes harm.” Psalm 37:8 NKJV
Heidi ~ Lindale, Texas
“Find rest, O my soul, in God alone; my hope comes from Him.”
Psalm 62:5 NIV
Angela from Wichita, KS “Bring joy to your servant, Lord, for I put my trust in you.” Psalm 86:4 NIV
Kelly, Charlotte, NC
Tell the godly that all will be well for them. They will enjoy the rich reward they have earned.
Isaiah 3:10 NLT
Judy H – HuntsvilleAL – Have you not known? Have you not heard? The Lord is THE everlasting God. He does not faint or grow weary; his understanding is unsearchable, Isaiah 40:28
1 Peter 5:7 “casting all your care on Him, because He cares about you” HCSB
Sandy Shiflett Deming, NM
Jesus said I am the rising again and the life; he who is believing in me, even if he may die, shall live. John 11:25 YLT