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!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Penny Miller, Lapel, IN. ” to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.” (â€Ephesians‬ â€3‬:â€19‬ NKJV)
Brenda McKnight, Waldorf, MD
Delight yourself also in the Lord, and He will give you the desires and secret petitions of your heart. Psalm 37:4 Amplified Bible
Nicole, Avondale, AZ
Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. James 1:17
Lynn Hite, Mesa, AZ, “The unfailing love of the Lord never ends! By his mercies we have been kept from complete destruction. Great is his faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each day. I say to myself, “The Lord is my inheritance, therefore I will hope in him.” Lamentations 3:22-:24 (NASB)
Valerie Chamberlain, Austin, Texas “Fear not; you will no longer live in shame. Don’t be afraid, there is no more disgrace for you. … 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 43:4a & 10 NLT
Sandra, Houston, Texas. “Blessed be the God and Father of Our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ.” Eph.1:3 NKJV
Terrie Cash~~Pensacola, Florida~~~ You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you. Isaiah 26:3. ESV
Patty Pierce
Searcy AR
Romans 12:2
Do not be conformed to this world , but be transformed by the renewal of your mind , that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect .
Tampa, FL “You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your strength, and all your mind. And, Love your neighbor as yourself.” Luke 10:27 NLT
Kris, Shakopee, MN. “Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.” James 1:12 NIV
Kim, Spartanburg, SC Brothers, 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. Philipians 3:13
Nations will come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your dawn.
Isaiah 60:3 [NIV]
Brenda Tuttle, Hudsonville MI
“May the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer .”
Psalm 19:14
Kathleen, Athens, GA
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. (â€Zephaniah‬ â€3‬:â€17‬ ESV)
He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God Micah 6:8 ESV
Monday night I will start my 6th Beth Moore Bible study. You have blessed my life through your studies in so many ways. Thank you Beth!! Happy New year and Blessing Siesta 🙂
Kristin, Fort Worth, TX
“The Lord is my light and my salvation- whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life- of whom shall I be afraid?”
Psalm 27:1 NIV
Jessica Norfolk, Nebraska Proverbs 18:20-21 ” You will have to live with the consequences of everything you say. What you say can preserve life or destroy it; so you must accept the consequences of your words. TEV
DeDee Brown FT Drum, NY
The LORD is great! He should be highly praised. He should be feared more than all [other] gods Psalms 96:4 God’s Word
Lauren, Pittsburgh, PA. “He makes my feet like the feet of a deer, he enables me to tread on the heights.” Habakkuk 3:19 NIV
Anastasia Remmes Houston Texas,
“keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.
Jude 21 NKJV
Stephanie Jo
Crane OR
Your salvation requires you to turn back to me and STOP your silly efforts to save yourselves. Your strength will come from settling down in complete dependence on me.
Isaiah 30:15 MSG
Betsy Johnson, Lynchburg, VA
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.
Phil. 4:8 ESV
“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
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff, they comfort me. PSALMS 23:4 ESV
Linn Richards Rocksprings, Tx
1 Thesalonians 5:16-18. NIV
Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Jesus Christ.
Barb Faasse, Jenison, MI “It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.” Galatians 5:1 NIV
Hereford, TX
Psalm 19:14 NLT
“May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing to you, O LORD, my rock and my redeemer.”
Laura Hauser, Gildford Montana
Jeremiah 29:11(ESV)
For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil,to give you a future and a hope.
Shelley in Loganville, GA-
Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path. Psalm 119:105 (New Living Translation)
Julia Morata, Manila, “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;” Colossians 1:10 NASB
Kathi Roach ~ Eldersburg, Maryland ~ John 15:16 You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit – fruit that will last. Then the Father will give you whatever you ask in my name. ~ NIV
Megan, Goodlettsville, TN “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.” Romans15:13 (NIV)
Melissa, Detroit, Michigan Matthew 6:19-21 NIV Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in Heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
Tammy Runnels, Mize, MS
Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of it’s own.
Matthew 6:34, NIV
Mary Schmutz from Junction City, KS.
Proverbs 19:21 Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails. NIV I need to always remember His will and not mine.
Abbey Le Roy, Bluefield, West Virginia. “Who is a God like you, pardoning iniquity and passing over transgression for the remnant of his inheritance? He does not retain his anger forever, because he delights in steadfast love. He will again have compassion on us; he will tread our iniquities underfoot. You will cast all our sins into the depths of the sea.” Micah 7:18-19 (ESV)
Erica Kemper, Atmore, AL. “I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” Phillippians 3:14 NKJV
Stephanie Naaktgeboren, Sparta, TN
“Strive for peace with everyone, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord.” Hebrews 12:14 ESV
Julia Thomas, Brandon, FL
Don’t worry about anything. But in everything, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. Philippians 4:6 HCSB
Diana from Fountain, CO
“Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.” Joshua 1:8 NIV84
Marcy from Keller, TX
“Do not allow this world to mold you in its own image. Instead, be transformed from the inside out by renewing your mind. As a result, you will be able to discern what God wills and whatever God finds good, pleasing and complete.”
Romans 12:2 VOICE
For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.
Hebrews 12:11 (ESV)
Robbi, Ocala, FL “Be kind to one another, tender hearted, forgiving one another, as God in Chhrist forgave you.” Ephesians 4:32 ESV
JoAnn Wharton, Cary, NC ” Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen. Ephesians 3:20-21 NIV
DeShae McDonald, Murfreesboro, Tn
Always be joyful. Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 NLT
Janelle Oppenheimer, Flower Mound, TX “Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill his promises to her!” Luke 1:38 NIV
“… Give me neither poverty nor riches! Give me just enough to satisfy my needs.For if I grow rich, I may deny you and say, “Who is the LORD?” And if I am too poor, I may steal and thus insult God’s holy name.” ~ Proverbs 30:8-9 NLT
Cindy, Orlando, FL
“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
Barbara Campbell, Clinton, MS “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us FIX our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, scorning its shame and sat down at the right hand of God.” Hebrews 12:1-2 NIV84
“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10 NIV