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!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Mount Vernon, Ohio
Let the Word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom and teachings. Colossians 3:16a
Kathryn Anderson, Jacksonville, Florida: “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” Proverbs 15:1 NASB
Nancy Barber, Merced, California: “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
Angela, Lawrenceburg, KY
“And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ,” Ephesians 3:17b-18 (NIV)
Jamie McClary, Columbus OH. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in the time of need. Heb 4:16 ESV
Anderson, SC
“But not so with you. Rather let the greatest among you become as the youngest, and the leader as one who serves.” Luke 22:26 ESV
AmyJoy, Waxahachie, TX: Proverbs 31:26 (NLT) When she speaks, her words are wise,and she gives instructions with kindness.
Angel Garrett, Smithville, MO
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight! Proverbs 3:5 & 6 NIV
Fay, Springfield,NO
Psalm 90:17 NIV May the favor of the Lord our God rest on us; establish the work of our hands for us–yes, establish the work of our hands.
Michelle,Russellville, AR:
Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom. Psalm 90:12 NIV
Leah T.
Greer SC
“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
Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. (â€Lamentations‬ â€3‬:â€22‬ NIV)
Melodi Bowen Kansas Jeremiah 29:11 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
Keylea H Athabasca AB Canada
Since Jesus went through everything you’re going through and more, learn to think like him. Think of your sufferings as a weaning from that old sinful habit of always expecting to get your own way. Then you’ll be able to live out your days free to pursue what God wants instead of being tyrannized by what you want.
1 Peter 4:1-2 MSG
Ivy – Prattville, AL.
“He who pursues righteousness and love finds life, prosperity, and love.” Proverbs 21:21 (NIV)
I want to be apart of this!
Eph 4:29 KJV. “Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.”
(From Brownsburg, IN) The hearts of the wise make their mouths prudent, and their lips promote instruction. Proverbs 16:23 NIV
Valerie Hendricks Princeton West Virginia, Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassion never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. Lamentations 3::22-23 NIV
Mount Vernon, Ohio
Let the Word of Christ dwell in you richly. Col 3:16a
– Sitting down, Jesus called the Twelve and said, “anyone who wants to be first must be the very last, and servant of all.” Mark 9:35 NIV Wichita Kansas
Laura Allnutt, Allen,TX.
” O Lord, you have searched me and you know me. Psalm 139:1
“I have rejoiced in the way of Thy testimonies,
As much as in all riches.” Psalm 119:14 NASB
Romans 15:13 (NIV)
13 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.
Michelle Averitt, New Roads, LA: Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have out my trust in you. Show the way I should go, for to you I lift up my soul. Psalm 143:8 NIV
I am from Leesburg, Fl – Isaiah 41:10 “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, yes I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.” I so need this verse right now!
Rachel Irwin, Bixby, Oklahoma
“The Lord says: I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you.” Psalms 32:8 NLT
Downtown Tonya Brown, Watauga, Texas – “In a wealthy home some utensils are made of gold and silver, and some are made of wood and clay. The expensive utensils are used for special occasions, and the cheap ones are for everyday use. If you keep yourself pure, you will be a special utensil for honorable use. Your life will be clean, and you will be ready for the Master to use you for every good work.” 2 Timothy 2:20-21 NLT
Galatians 5:13 – For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. ESV
Tamela Ward, Piedmont, SC. If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking. (â€James‬ â€1‬:â€5‬ NLT)
Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. Colossians 3:16 NIV
Donise, Longmont, CO The Lord Himself goes before you and will be with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Deut 31:8 NIV
Crawfordsville, IN
With my whole heart I have sought you; Oh, let me not wander from Your commandments! Your word I have hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against You. Psalms 119:10-11 NKJV
Lee Sullivan, Tampa, FL – Philippians 4:8 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.
Kara C.
Aurora, Il
“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.” (â€Isaiah‬ â€40‬:â€31‬ NIV)
Sharon Berg, Bowie, MD, For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so that we can do the good things he planned for us long ago. Ephesians 2:10 NLT
Amarillo, TX. Now I want each of you to demonstrate the same DILIGENCE for the final realization of your hope, so that you won’t become lazy but will be imitators of those who inherit the promises through faith and perseverance. Hebrew 6:11-12 (HCSB)
Brooke Orlandella, Duluth, Ga. “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind”. 2Timothy 1:7. New King James
Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there be any virtue and if there be anything praiseworthy–meditate on these things.
Philippians 4:8 NKJ
Therefore, do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. Matthew 6:34
John 15:16 NKJV
You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain, that whatever you ask the Father in My name He may give you.
Therefore encourage one another, and build up one another, just as you also are doing. I Thess 5:11 NAS
“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
Jesus replied: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.” Matthew 22:37 NIV
Joanna-Ft. Myers, FL
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
“cast all your anxieties on Him because He cares for you.” 1 Peter 5:7
Sue, Luck WI -1 Samuel 16:7b – For the Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.
Connie
Greene IA
2 Corinthians 1:21 AMP
But it is God Who confirms and makes us steadfast and establishes us [in joint fellowship] with you in Christ, and has consecrated and anointed us [enduing us with the gifts of the Holy Spirit];
Amber Campbell, Gilbert AZ
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” 2 Corinthians 5:17 NIV
Gretchen, Mason, OH
Philippians 4:6 [NIV]
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God