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!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Liz, Corona, CA
I’ve been in a small group for 3+ yrs that has been memorizing chapters at a time but fell off a few months ago. Getting back on the horse…
James 2: 23-24, ESV
23 “”and the Scripture was fulfilled that says, “Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness” -and he was called a friend of God. 24 You see that a person is justified by works and not by faith alone.””
Ashley Bornholdt Inman, KS
“Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you” James 1:21 NIV
Isaiah 43:25
“It is I who sweep away your transgressions for My own sake and remember your sins no more.”
Mark 11:24 – That’s why I tell you to have faith that you have already received whatever you pray for, and it will be yours. GWT
Schel, Bayou Vista, TX, “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.” Colossians 3:23-24
Becky from Virginia ” Act Justly, Love Mercy, Walk Humbly” (Micah 6:8 ESV)
Renee Wilson, Highlands Ranch, CO
Philippians 4:6-7 (NIV)
6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
for I know the plans I have for you – this is the Lord’s declaration – plans for your welfare, not disaster, to give you a future and a hope. Jeremiah 12:11 (HCSV)
Karen, Commerce GA, Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails. Proverbs 19:21 (NIV)
Philippians 4:6-7 ESV “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.”
Franklin, TN
Mandy Dowdy, Aberdeen, MS
Psalm 24:1–The earth and everything in it, the world and its inhabitants, belong to the Lord.
Pam Hartzler, Harrisonville, MO. We love because He loved us first. 1 John 4:19. NET
Christina from Plain City, OH.
Charm is deceptive and beauty is fleeting, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised. Prov 31:30 NIV
Brandy, Prattville, AL. I eagerly expect and hope that I in no way will be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death. Philippians 1:20 NIV
JA, St Charles, IL
“Look, I am about to do something new.
Now it begins to happen! Do you not recognize it?
Yes, I will make a road in the desert
and paths in the wilderness.” Is 43:19, NET
Jenny Young, Pittsburgh. For I am about to do something new. See, I have already begun! Do you not see it? I will make a pathway through the wilderness. I will create rivers in the dry wasteland. (â€Isaiah‬ â€43‬:â€19‬ NLT)
Dawn Hernandez Cypress, Texas- “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 about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, Then I am strong.” 2 Corinthians 12:9-10 NIV
Philippians 2:3
Kelli Rochester MN
“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
Sandy McCarthy, Phoenix, AZ
“5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart And do not lean on your own understanding. 6 In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He will make your paths straight.”
Proverbs 3:5-6 (NASB)
Debra
Baraboo, Wisconsin
“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.” Philippians 4:8 ESV
Every valley shall be filled, And every mountain and hill shall be brought low; And the crooked shall become straight, And the rough ways smooth; (Luke 3:5 ASV)
Kate K., Lafayette, IN
“And it is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to him must believe that God exists and that he rewards those who sincerely seek him.”
Hebrews 11:6, NLT
Isaiah 43:18-19
18 Do not remember the former things. Nor consider the things of old. 19 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.
Jennifer – Trussville, AL
“Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of time, because the days are evil.” – Ephesians 5.15 (ESV)
“For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self control.” 2 Timothy 1:7 ESV
Cheryl Washburn, Mesa AZ. Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old. 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. Is. 43:18-19 ESV
Erika, West Palm Beach, FL
“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
Jessica Norrell, Atlanta, GA, “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you,and before you were born I consecrated you; I appointed you a prophet to the nations,” Jeremiah 1:5 ESV
Laura, Grand Rapids, MI: For I am about to do something new. See, I have already begun! Do you not see it? I will make a pathway through the wilderness. I will create rivers in the dry wasteland. Isaiah 43:19 NLT
Patty McAlpin, Marble Falls, TX. “Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.” Hebrews 11:1, New International Version.
Linda – King George, Virginia
“I seek you with all my heart; do not let me stray from your commands.”
~ Psalm 119:10 NIV
Sara McDaniel
Corpus Christi, TX
Thanksgivings will pour out of the windows;
laughter will spill through the doors.
Things will get better and better.
Depression days are over.
They’ll thrive, they’ll flourish.
The days of contempt will be over. Jer. 30:19 MSG
Connie from Phx,AZ
NIV
Matthew 7:1
Do not judge, or you too will be judged.
Good one Mom!
Susan Rogers, Cary NC ” Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, to God’s holy people in Ephesus the faithful in Christ Jesus: Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.” NIV
Julie Boyd
Sharpsburg, Ga.
The Lord will keep you from all evil; he will keep your life. The Lord will keep your going out and your coming in from this time forth and forevermore.
Psalm 121: 7-8 ESV
Charlene Morgan– Lincoln City, OR
Those who consider themselves religious and yet do not keep a tight rein on their tongues deceive themselves, and their religion is worthless. James 1:26 NIV
Erin – Columbia, MO “But to you who are listening I say: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.” Luke 6:27-28
Jen Welton, Knox, PA
1 Keep me safe, O God, for in you I take refuge. 2 I said to the LORD, “You are my Lord; apart from you I have no good thing.” Psalm 16:1-2 NIV
Lori Sprinkle, Indianapolis, IN
“Not to us o Lord, not to us, but to your name give glory, for the sake of your steadfast love and your faithfulness!
Psalm 115:1
Wendy- Jonesboro, AR
For the LORD your God is living among you. He is a mighty savior. He will take delight in you in gladness. With his love, he will calm all your fears. He will rejoice over you with joyful songs.
Zephaniah 3:17 (NLT)
Jessie Hurst New Palestine, Indiana
Isaiah 49:13
Shout for joy; you heavens, rejoice, you earth; burst into song, you mountains! For the Lord comforts his people and will have compassion on his afflicted ones.
Mary Jo W Whitman, NE ” Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers.” (Eph 4:29 NKJ)
Paige Harris. Geraldine, AL
Jeremiah 29:11. For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for calamity, to give you a future and a hope.
New American Standard
Esther, Newport News
Let your character or moral disposition be free from love of money [including greed, avarice, lust, and craving for earthly possessions] and be satisfied with your present [circumstances and with what you have]; for He [God] Himself has said, I will not in any way fail you nor give you up nor leave you without support. [I will] not, [I will] not, [I will] not in any degree leave you helpless nor forsake nor let [you] down (relax My hold on you)! [Assuredly not!] [Josh. 1:5.] (â€Hebrews‬ â€13‬:â€5‬ AMP)
Be Kind and Compassionate to one another. Forgiving each other, Just as in Christ God Forgave You. Ephesians 4:32 NIV
Lauren – Little Rock, AR
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. – Isaiah 43:19 ESV
Kim (Trenton, TX)
Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom… Colossians 3:16a ESV
Sherry. Painter, TN,
He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say to the Lord, My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.
Psalm 91:1-2 ESV
Kaylee Schlabach, Tampa, Fl
I will not die but live, and will proclaim what the Lord has done. The Lord has chastened me severely, but he has not given me over to death. Open for me the gates of the righteous; I will enter and give thanks to the Lord. This is the gate of the Lord through which the righteous may enter. (â€Psalm‬ â€118‬:â€17-20‬ NIV)