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!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.”
Proverbs 3:5 (ESV)
Kim Hitt Tyler Texas 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. Ephesians 3:16
Dawn, Mt Holly, NC
Do not conform 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)
Jacque Watkins
Corona, CA
“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 (ESV)
Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer & supplication with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; & the peace of God which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts & minds through Christ Jesus
Phil 4:6-7 NKJV
Eileen Orona from Goodyear, AZ “Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful.” -Hebrews 10:23 NIV
Sara Thompson, Stigler, OK. “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God , which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Phillipians 4:6-7
J’net
Pelham, AL
“Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.”
– Hebrews 4:16 ESV
Susan E., Allison Park, PA “Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies.” 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 NIV
God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Psalm 46:1 NIV
Vickie Tennent, Wooster, Ohio
Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him. James 1:12 (ESV)
Leslie Westmoreland, Franklinton LA “You can make many plans,
but the Lord’s purpose will prevail.” Proverbs 19:21 NLT
Fran Baldwin, Eufaula, OK; “Therefore, let us offer through Jesus a continual sacrifice of praise to God, proclaiming our allegiance to his name.” NLT
Jedonne, Nashville, Tennessee, “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” Isaiah 41:10 (NKJV)
Sabrina Brown, Pikesville, Maryland. “And the Lord said: “Because this people draw near with their mouth and honor me with their lips, while their hearts are far from me, and their fear of me is a commandment taught by men, 14 therefore, behold, I will again do wonderful things with this people, with wonder upon wonder; and the wisdom of their wise men shall perish, and the discernment of their discerning men shall be hidden.” Isaish 29:13-14 (ESV)
Bethany Kennedy, Spokane, WA. “”Truly, truly, I say to you, he who hears My word, and believes Him who sent Me, has eternal life, and does not come into judgment, but has passed out of death into life.” John‬ â€5‬:â€24‬ NASB
Smithfield, NC 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 wilderness and streams in the wasteland. Isaiah 43: 18-19 (NIV)
Jill Marshall, Owasso, OK – “Your adornment must not be merely external – braiding the hair, wearing gold jewelry, or putting on dresses; but let it be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable quality of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is precious in the sight of God.” 1 Peter 3:3-4.
“The end of all things is near;therefore be of sound judgment and sober spirit for the purpose of prayer.” 1Peter 4:7 NAS
Connie, Wolfforth, TX
Let us hold on to the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful. Hebrews 10:23
Mischia Tinnin from Morganton, North Carolina
But the Lord’s plans stand firm forever;
his intentions can never be shaken.
Psalm 33:11 (NLT)
Tiffani, Savannah, MO
1. The faithful love of The Lord never ends! His mercies never cease. Great is his faithfulness, his mercies begin afresh each morning.” Lamentations 3:22-23 NET
Teresa Rangel, Fort Worth, TX
“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
Jill Heileman, Montgomery, Alabama
“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.” Isaiah 43:19 NIV
Laura Grassi, Denver, CO
All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work. 2 Tim 3:16-17 ESV
Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all than we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen Ephesians 3:20-21 ESV
Hannah, Roanoke, VA
“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, signing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.” Colossians 3:16 ESV
Oak Ridge, Tennessee
“And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?” Esther 4:14 NIV
Knoxville, TN
For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end. Jeremiah 29:11 KJV
“Oh sing to the Lord a new song, For He has done marvelous things; His right hand and His holy arm have gained Him the victory.” Psalms 98:1
Barbara, Fort Wayne,IN “Now what I am commanding you today is not too difficult for you or beyond your reach.” Deuteronomy 30:11 NIV
Angelica Bell, Cary, NC
“Rest in the Lord; wait patiently for him to act.” Psalm 37:7 TLB
Katie, South Point, OH “By faith Abraham, when he was tested, offered up Isaac, and he who had received the promises was offering up his only begotten son” Hebrews‬ â€11‬:â€17‬ NASB
May our minds be open to His word – “For you the entire vision will be like the words of a sealed document. If it is given to one who can read and he is asked to read it, he will say, “I can’t read it, because it is sealed.” Isaiah 29:11
Ritty,Charlotte, NC
“Do not be terrified;do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”
Joshua 1:9 NIV
I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called,
Ephesians 4:1
Jenni Neal, Dunn, NC “Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ.” Philippians 1:6 KJV
Patsi-Callahan, Florida
“Where can I go from your Spirit?
Where can I flee from your presence?
If I go up to the heavens, you are there;
If I make my bed in the depths, you are there.
If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea,
Even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast.”
Psalm 139:7-10 NIV.
Kristen, Landisville, Pa, “God is not unjust; He will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them.” Hebrews 6:10 NIV
Ripley, TN.
Behold, the eye of the Lord is on those who fear him, on those who hope in his steadfast love, Psalm 33:18 (ESV)
Jessica Porche, Clarksville, TN
But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 2 Corinthians 12:9 ESV
And I sought for a man among them, that should make up the hedge, and stand in the gap before me for the land, that I should not destroy it: but I found none. Ezekiel 22:30 (KJV)
Hillsborough,NJ
Galatians 5:25
If we are living now by the Holy Spirit, let us follow the Holy Spirit’s leading in every part of our lives.
Lenora Grayson, Nixa, Missouri
“All the nations you have made shall come
and worship before you, O Lord,
and shall glorify your name. For you are great and do wondrous things;
you alone are God.”
Psalm 86:9-10 ESV
Kelley Taylor
Atoka, TN
“Therefore if you have been raised up with Christ, keep seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.” Colossians 3:1 NASB
Kelly Duckworth, Lees Summit, MO
“For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven and do not return there but water the earth, making it bring forth and sprout giving seed to the sower and bread to the eater, so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it.” Isaiah 55: 10-11
Cindi Dowler, Eureka, CA This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun! 2 Corinthians 5:17 NLT
Lisa H, Bloomington, IN “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33 (NIV)
Come, let us sing for joy to the LORD; let us shout aloud to the Rock of our salvation. Let us come before him with thanksgiving and extol him with music and song. Psalm 95:1-2 NIV
Create in me a clean heart, O God, And renew a steadfast spirit within me. Psalms 51:10