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!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Becky Hennesy, Cedar Hill, TX, “Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful.”
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)
Janna Hicks
Cary, NC
Col 3:23 Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters (NIV)
Jessica Thomas TRA(Temporarily Residing Abroad 🙂 ) Colorado Springs, CO; Verse: As for God, His way is perfect; The word of the LORD is proven; He is a shield to all who trust in Him.
2 Samuel‬ â€22‬:â€31‬ NKJV
Sherry
Indianapolis, IN
“This is what the Lord says-he who made a way through the sea, s path through the mighty waters. “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: 16, 18-19
NIV
Tracey LeGrand, Lawrenceburg, KY, “But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumphal procession in Christ and through us spreads everywhere the fragrance of the knowledge of him.” 2Corinthians 2:14
Tracey, I love that you’re doing this too! You always inspire me.
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
Cynthia Moore, Liscomb, Iowa “As for God, his way is perfect: The LORD’s word is flawless; he shields all who take refuge in him.” Psalm 18:30 NIV
Kim, St.Charles, IL
“Only fear the Lord, and serve him in truth with all your heart: for consider how great things he hath done for you.”
1Samuel 12:24 (KJV)
Amanda
Columbia, TN
Philippians 4:8 ESV
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.
Catherine, forney Texas
John 1:16-
For from his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace.
ESB
Heather- singer, louisiana.
“My flesh and heart may fail but God is the (rock) strength of my heart and my portion forever”- Psalms 73:26 ESV
Tina Markley, Lake Wales, FL ” But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks yiu to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.” I Peter 3:15 NIV
Beverly Hearn, Irving, Texas
“The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock in whom I take refuge, my shield and my horn of salvation, my stronghold.” Psalm 18:2 (NIV)
Whitney Zahnd, Springfield, IL
“The heart of the discerning acquires knowledge; the ears of the wise seek it out”
Proverbs 18:15 NIV
Allison Parkhurst, Wichita Kansas “There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” Romans 8:1
A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another. John 13:34-35 NIV
Merilee New Sharon,Iowa “Bless me with life so that I may continue to obey you “Psalms 119:17
Julie Welch – Madison, MS
“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. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all of your heart.” Jer 29:11-13 NIV
Tammy Gold, Cleveland, TN And He who was seated on the throne said, “Behold, I am making all things new.” Also, He said,”Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.” Revelation 21:5 ESV
Scarlett from Salisbury, NC
Philippians 1:20 For I fully expect and hope that I will never be ashamed, but that I will continue to be bold for Christ, as I have been in the past. And I trust that my life will bring honor to Christ, whether I live or die.
Cindy Martino, Miami, FL Proverbs 18:10 NIV. The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe.
Sorry forgot my town. Brownwood, TX
Bethany in Jacksonville, North Carolina
“I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” Galatians 2:20 NKJV
Marge Turner, Chili, Wisconsin
But the man who looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues to do this, not forgetting what he has heard, but doing it-he will be blessed in what he does.
James 1:25 NIV
Anna Rostock, Boise, ID “but we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord.” 2 Corinthians 3:18 NKJV
Somerset, KY
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 (NIV 84)
Beverly Welch, Dallas, NC – Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage: be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.
Joshua 1:9 KJV
Melanie Groff, Katy, TX, 1 Thes 5:5, “For you are all children of light, children of the day. We are not of the night or of the darkness.”
January 1, 2015
Reena Alexander, Climax
A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a broken spirit saps a person’s strength. Proverbs 17:22 NLT
Lori Smith, Benton Arkanas
James 1:5 New King James
If any of you lacks wisdom let (her) ask of God who gives to all liberally and without reproach and it will be given to (her).
Julia Barry, Clarence, Missouri “Wait for the lord and keep his way. He will exalt you to inherit the land; when the wicked are cut off, you will see it.” Psalm 37:34
Melinda, Mesa, Arizona. “Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.” Proverbs 31:30 NIV
Suzy Adams, Wheelersburg,OH – “Behold, I am coming soon! Blessed is he who keeps the words of the prophecy in this book.” Revelation 22:7 NIV
Claire, Dayton OH. “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
Heather Gray, Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. “Seek the Lord and his strength; seek his presence continually!” 1 Chronicles 16:11 ESV
Marble Falls, Tx “Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.” Mark 13:30 ESV
Mabe in Conway, SC–I do not cease to give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers, that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of him, (â€Ephesians‬ â€1‬:â€16-17‬ ESV)
Katie, Charleston, SC
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
For unto us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6 NIV
Kyra, Tecumseh, OK. “Yes, just as you can identify a tree by its fruit so you can identify people by their actions.” Matthew 7:20 NLT.
Telena Haneline, Maryville, TN, “just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.” Matthew 20:28
Ally Haneline, Maryville, TN, “And God said, let there be light, and there was light, Genesis 1:3 KJV
Diana Houston, Tx “In Him was life; and the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness and the darkness has not overcome it.” John 1:4 ESV
Lisa Cooper, Fort Worth, Texas: “But when I am afraid, I will put my confidence in you. Yes, I will trust the promises of God. And since I am trusting him, what can mere man do to me?” Psalm 56:33-4 (TLB).
Lori Lozano Seymour TN Titus 2:11-12New International Version (NIV)
11 For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. 12 It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age,
Katherine Couvillon, Charlottesville, VA
Cast away from you all the transgressions that you have committed, and make yourselves a new heart and a new spirit! Ezekiel 18:31a (ESV)
Rebekah Poole, Middlebury, IN
“You have heard that it was said, ‘love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.” Matthew 5:43-45 NIV
Lei Ann Brown (Princeton, KY): “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places.” Ephesians 6:12 (NASB)
Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another–and all the more as you see the Day approaching. (NIV) ( Hebrews 10:25 )
Psalms 31:14 – 31:15
14 But I trusted in thee, O LORD: I said, Thou [art] my God.
15 My times [are] in thy hand: deliver me from the hand of mine enemies, and from them that persecute me.
I know it’s two verses but they go together and are short! It’s King James Version