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!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Christina, Colonial Heights VA
“You were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies” 1 Corinthians 6:20 NIV
Lori Kirsch, Reisterstown, MD
Therefore let us pursue the things which make for peace and the things by which one may edify another. Romans 14:19 NKJV
Joy Mast, Charlotte, NC
“Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men.” Phil 2: 5-7 ESV
Hillsboro, KS
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11 NIV
Cedarville, OH “But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us.” 2 Corinthians 4:7 ESV
Know this, my beloved brother: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger. For the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God.
James 1:19-20 ESV
Nikki Turpin- Moyock, NC
Isaiah 41:13 New International Version (NIV)
For I am the Lord your God
who takes hold of your right hand
and says to you, Do not fear;
I will help you.
Kechi, Ks
Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world. James 1:27 NIV
â€Hebrews‬ â€4‬:â€16‬ NIV
“Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.”
Sarah B. Stoney Creek, ON
Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business and to work with our hands, just as we told you, so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependant on anybody.
1 Thessalonians 4: 11 and 12 NIV
Debbie Cox, Lubbock,TX
“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, forever and ever! Amen. Ephesians 3:20-21, NIV
Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as elaborate hairstyles and the wearing of gold jewelry or fine clothes. Rather, 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. (â€1 Peter‬ â€3‬:â€3-4‬ NIV)
“Little children, you are from God and have overcome them, for he who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.” I John 4:4 ESV
Sharon Tavera Tampa FL
Isaiah 40:31
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.
1 Corinthians 13:12 NIV Lubbock, TX
“Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.”
Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert. (â€Isaiah‬ â€43‬:â€19‬ ESV)
Sandpoint, Idaho
Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, and into His courts with praise. Be thankful to Him, and bless His name. For the Lord is good.
Psalm 100:4-5A
Granger, IN “If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.” John 15:7 ESV
Crystal, Canton MI
Psalm 77:11-12 (NIV)
I will remember the deeds of the Lord; yes, I will remember your miracles of long ago. I will consider all your workds and meditate on all your mighty deeds.
My daughter, Reese, Canton MI
Psalm 84:1 (NLT)
How lovely is your dwelling place, O Lord of Heaven’s Armies
and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness. 2 Peter 1:6
Laura Webb Waxahachie, Texas
Joshua 1:9 Do not be frightened and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go. ESV
Christina Ramsey, Brady, Tx.
Philippians 4:6-7 NASB
“Be anxious for nothing,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 comprehension will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
Mindy Barton, Hoover, Alabama.
“Being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. For this reason also, God highly exalted Him, and bestowed on Him the name which is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee will bow, of those who are in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and that every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. – Philippians 2:8-11 NASB
Angie Johnson, Houston, TX. “Set a watch, O LORD, before my mouth: keep the door of my lips. Incline not my heart to any evil thing…..” Psalm 141: 3-4a (KJV)
My word for the year is TRUST. Proverbs 3:5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.
Debbie
Anderson SC
In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
1 Thessalonians 5:18 NKJV
Casey S Murray, Ky
Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy, without holiness no one will see the Lord.
Hebrews 12:14 NIV
Mackenzie Murray, Ky
I tell you the truth, if your faith is as big as a mustard seed, you can say to the mountain, “move from here to there.” And the mountain will move, all things will be possible for you. Matthew 17:20 NIV
(my 12 year old daughter^^)
Kira Dykema-Hudsonville, MI
“Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you. (â€Matthew‬ â€5‬:â€11-12‬ NIV)
Kansas…..
Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly. Colossians 3:16
Angie, Roanoke VA,
Philippians 4:4New International Version (NIV)
Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!
Emily Hamric, Panama City, FL “Blessed is the man Who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, Nor stands in the path of sinners, Nor sits in the seat of the scornful; But his delight is in the law of the Lord, And in His law he meditates day and night. He shall be like a tree Planted by the rivers of water, That brings forth its fruit in its season, Whose leaf also shall jot whither; And whatever he does shall prosper.” Psalm 1:1-3 NKJV
Phillipians 4:8
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.
Dolores Guill Anderson CA
A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one anothe. John 13:34-35 ESV
Natalie Snow from Katy, TX (re: my failing marriage)…Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” Matthew 19:26 (NIV)
Wendy Smith, Zebulon, Ga
Therefore, no condemnation now exists for those in Christ Jesus, because the Spirit’s law of life in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and death. Romans 8:1-2 HCSB
Great peace have they who love Your law; nothing shall offend them or make them stumble.
Psalm 119:165 Amplified
from: Boise, Idaho
He has shown you, O mortal, what is good.
And what does the Lord require of you?
To act justly and to love mercy
and to walk humbly with your God. (NIV)
Cheryl Maras, Avon, MN.
Good News Bible
Today’s English Version
2 Timothy 1:7 For the Spirit that God has given us does not make us timid; instead, his Spirit fills us with power, love, and self control.
Jan Ramirez, Lubbock, TX. “David said about him: I saw the Lord always before me. Because he is at my right hand, I will not be shaken.” Acts 2:25 NIV
You will make known to me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy;In Your right hand there are pleasures forever. Psalms 16:11
Nicole, Fresno, CA
“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 a hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11
Fairfield Ca
Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking in anything.
James 1:2-4 (NIV)
Angie P. – Newark, DE
Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing. 1 Peter 3:9 (NIV)
Robin Grega, Elizabethtown, KY We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain Hebrews 6:19 (NIV)
Jean Crawford – Boring, OR
Do not be conformed any longer 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 – His good, pleasing and perfect will.
Romans 12:2 NIV
Janice Churchill, Apple Valley, Ca
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3:5-6 NASB
Jo Aukes, Ankeny, Iowa. “Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will not pass away.” Luke 21:33 Updated New American Standard
Lauretta Market from Flemington New Jersey
For I am the LORD your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you. Isaiah 41:13, NIV
Nancy; Hamilton, OH. “So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive His mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most.” Hebrews 4:16 NLT
“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