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!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
In the fear of the LORD is strong confidence: and his children shall have a place of refuge. Proverbs 14:26 KJV
Sulphur, LA
You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.
Ephesians 4:22-24 (NIV)
Diane,Adrian,MI. “It is for freedom that Christ set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.” Gal 5:1, NIV
Cleveland, Texas January 1,2015
Three times…Forget the former things, do not dwell on the past. See I am doing a new thing.
Isaiah 43:18-19 NIV
Abbey Holcomb, Alabama Proverbs 27:19 NIV
” as water reflects a face so a man’s heart reflects the man.”
Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, trust also in me. John 14:1 NIV
Sheri, OR
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. John 3:16 KJV
And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who diligently seek Him. Hebrews 11:6 NIV
He has shown you, O man, what is good; And what does the Lord require of you, but to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God? Micah 6:8 NKJV
Jaylene Covina, CA
“Blessed are those whose ways are blameless, who walk according to the law of the Lord.” Psalm 119:1 NIV
Della, York, Pa. Romans 5:3-5 Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance character; and character, hope and hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured our his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.
Julaine Caceres, Lake Jackson, TX
“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 43:19 (NIV)
Karen Hinson, Greensboro, North Carolina
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. (Hebrews 4:16 NIV)
Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for he who loves his fellowman has fulfilled the law. Romans 13:8 NIV
“But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere.” James 3:17 ESV
Melissa McCorkle, Tulsa, Oklahoma. “Do nothing out of selfish amibition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourself.” Phil. 2:3. NIV
Linda – Houston, TX. “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come; the old has gone, the new is here!” 2 Corinthians 5:17 NIV
Amber, Athens, GA “Now listen daughter, don’t miss a word … the king is wild for you. Since he’s your lord, adore him.” Psalm 45:10-11 (The Message)
Proverbs 3:5-6 (NLT)
Trust in The Lord with all your heart; do not lean on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.
Deanna Holley wichita falls,TX
And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.
Romans 8:28 kjv
Vicky Ohio “I sought The Lord and He answered me, He delivered me from all my fears”. Psalms 34:4
Estee Hawkins
Kapolei, HI
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9 NIV
Amy McMillan, Carlsbad, Texas. “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.” Matthew 5:8 NIV
Robyn Angst-Lebanon, MO
Peace I leave with you;my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. John 14:27 NIV
Heather, Ooltewah, TN, “Do not call to mind the former things, Or ponder things of the past. “Behold, I will do something new, Now it will spring forth; Will you not be aware of it? I will even make a roadway in the wilderness, Rivers in the desert. Isaiah‬ â€43‬:â€18-19‬ NASB
Denise, Ruby, SC
“For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”
Ephesians 2:10 NIV
Allie- Jonesboro, AR
Anyone who continues to live in him will not sin. But anyone who keeps on sinning does not know him or understand who he is.
1 John 3:6 (NLT)
Nancy- Yonges Island, SC
“For you shall not go out with haste, nor go by flight;
For the Lord will go before you, and the God of Israel will be your rear guard.” Isa 52:12 NKJ
Tracie Fountain, Madison, WI “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.” Romans 12:2 ESV
Murfreesboro,Tn. Acts 4:12 (NIV) Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.
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 future and a hope!
Dee Ferris
Montgomery, TX
Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly. Col 3:16
Christina Cosby, Mission Viejo , CA
“For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.”
Mitzi Garrett, Bulverde, Texas. “Create in me a clean heart, Oh God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me”. Psalms 51:10 NKJV
Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.Matthew 6:34, NIV
Tina Armstrong — Oxford MI
The LORD your God is with you, His power gives you victory, The LORD will take delight in you and in His love He will give you new life. He will sing and be joyful over you.
Zephaniah 3:17
I’m in!
Alicia Shepherd
Stockton, CA
“Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them” Ephesians 4:29
Amy Sepp, Edwards, CA 1 Corinthians 13:4-8a “Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on it’s own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never ends.” (ESV)
Teach me to do your will, for you are my God;
may your good Spirit lead me on level ground.
Psalm 143:10 NIV
Shannan Glaser, Scio, OR
“If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God.” Col.3:1 ESV
Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Philippians 4:6 NLT
“So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” 1 Cor. 10:31 ESV
Allison from Brighton, MI
But you man of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance, and gentleness.
1 Timothy 6:11 NIV
He will guard the feet of his servants, but the wicked will be silenced in the place of darkness. It is not by strength that one prevails; 1 Samuel 2:9 NIV
J Brown Lord,You will establish peace for us. For You have also
done all our works in us. Isaiah 26:12 NKJV
Katherine, Atlanta, Ga, You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives. Genesis 50:20 NIV
Monica Metcalf Genoa, Ohio
As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord. Joshua 24:15
“For the Lord is good. His unfailing love continues forever, and His faithfulness continues to each generation. Ps. 100:5 NLT
Alissa Jansen – Knoxville, TN “So God has given both his promise and his oath. These two things are unchangeable because it is impossible for God to lie. Therefore, we who have fled to him for refuge can have great confidence as we hold to the hope that lies before us. This hope is a strong and trustworthy anchor for our souls. It leads us through the curtain into God’s inner sanctuary.” Hebrews 6:18-19 NLT