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) Ā 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 ofĀ 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 areĀ 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:Ā
Your name, city, verse (written all the way out), reference, and translation.Ā
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 citizensĀ with the saints and members of the household of God.”Ā 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 householdĀ all we’ve got. Christ is so altogether worthy.
Wait, wait, wait, wait, wait! One last thing before I say Go!Ā 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 upĀ on the SSMT informational comments. Ā 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. Ā I know it’s a bit complicated at first! Hang with it!Ā So sorry for your extra trouble!
Hey, I am so glad you’re doing this with us. So much love to you.
OK, GO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
From Cambridge, Mn
Psalm 103:2 NIV
Praise the Lord , my soul, and forget not all his benefitsā
Collierville, TN.
Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5: 16-18 NIV.
āLet me hear of Your unfailing love each morning, for I am trusting You. Show me where to walk, for I give myself to You.ā Psalm 143:8 NLT
MIchelle, Salem, MO
Col 3:16 Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you, with all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God.
Tara Sjuts, Ogallala, NE
“Jesus replied, ‘You don’t understand now what I am doing, but someday you will.'” John 13:7
James says “If any of you (Debby or place your name here) lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives to all generously. James 1:5
Christy, Greencastle, Pa. – But the Fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control, against such things there is no law. Galatians 5:22-23 ESV
Christina, St Louis, MO – 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
Eph. 4:32 “Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you.”
(NASB)
Leslie Young
Wisner, La.
“In his hand is the life of every creature
and the breath of all mankind.”
Job 12:10 NIV
Fort Walton Beach, Fl
2 Samuel 22:33 NIV
It is God who arms me with strength and makes my way perfect.
Melanie; Birmingham, AL
“One thing have I desired of the LORD, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the LORD, and to enquire in his temple.” – KJV
Brandi, Huntsville, AL – Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!
2 Corinthians 5:17 NIV
Melinda Tripp, Wausau, WI: “Let your roots grow down into him, and let your lives be built on him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness.” Colossians 2:7 NLT
Orlando, FL “Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.” Romans 12:12 ESV
Sandra
Imlay City, MI
No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to humanity. God is faithful, and He will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation He will also provide a way of escape so that you are able to bear it.
1 Corinthians 10:13, HCSB
Deb Ninis – Loudon TN, Deuteronomy 6:4&5 (esv) – Hear O Israel; The LORD our God, the LORD is one. You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might
2Corinthians5:7 “For we walk by Faith and not by sight!” NLT
Tia, Hudson, IN. I too am doing Galations 6:9 NIV…”Let us not become weary in doing good for at the proper time we will reap a harest if we do not give up.”
Gloria from Pueblo, CO
Isaiah 43:18-19 “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” NIV
“
Teach us to number our days that we may gain a heart of wisdom. psalm 90:12 NIV
Stephanie Z – Roanoke, VA
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race that is marked for us. – Hebrews 12:1 NIV
Naomi Reyes, Norman, OK
“Teach me your way, O Lord, and I will walk in your truth; give me an undivided heart, that I may fear your name.” Ps 86:11, NIV
Crystal, Fayetteville, NC –
Then he said to me, “Prophesy to the breath; prophesy, son of man, and say to it, ‘This is what the Sovereign LORD says: Come from the four winds, O breath, and breathe into these slain, that they may live.
Ezekial 37:9 NIV
Kim
Bryant,AL
Joshua 1:8 NLT
Study this book of instruction continually. Meditate on it day and night,so you will be sure to obey everything in it. Only then will you prosper in everything you do.
Sara Schroader, Owensboro, KY
I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me Philippians 4:13 KJV
Erin L.
Sugar land, TX
I am about to do 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, Nrsv
Melanie, Sharpsburg, GA
Yes, Lord, walking in the way of your laws, we wait for you; your name and renown are the desire of our hearts. Isaiah 26:8
Tami Sinnema, Manhattan, MT Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?” And I said, “Here am I. Send me!” Isaiah 6:8 NIV
My daughters, 10 year old (Emma) and 13 year old (Taylor), are doing this with me as well!
Edmond, OK
My verse: Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones. Proverbs 16:24 NIV
Emma’s verse: Because you are my help, I sing in the shadow of your wings. Psalm 63:7 NIV
Taylor’s verse: And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28 NIV
I love that your girls are doing this too. I am including my 4 yr old daughter as well!!! What a seed we are planting š
Suzie, Wenona, Maryland
Oh give thanks to the Lord, for He is good,
For His loving kindness is everlasting.
Psalm 107:1 NASB
Annika T. Norman, Oklahoma “Instead clothe yourself with the presence of the Lord Jesus Christ. And don’t let yourself think about ways to indulge evil desires.” – Romans 13:14 NLT
“All scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.”
2 Timothy 3:16-17 NIV
Isaiah 40:31 NIV- 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.
Gail Alderman, Minden, NE “For the Word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.” Hebrews 4:12 NIV
Jena, louisville, tn
All the people answered together and said, āAll that the Lord has spoken we will do.ā And Moses reported the words of the people to the Lord exodus 19:8
Proverbs 3:5-6 NIV
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.
Heather, Watseka, Il
For it is by Grace you have been saved, through faith- and this is not by yourselves, it is the gift of God- not by works, so that no one can boast. Ephesians 2:8-9 (NIV)
Heather R. Cleveland, TN
Isaiah 43:18-19 NIV āForget 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.”
Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you,ā declares the Lord, āplans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
Brooke Petty, Boiling Springs, SC “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
Sandy Darnell, Villa Ridge, Missouri
Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take. PROVERBS 3:5-6 NLT
Isaiah 12:2
Behold, God is my salvation;I will trust, and will not be afraid;for the Lord God is my strength and my song,and he has become my salvation.
ESV
April Smith San Angelo, TX
He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God? (āMicahā¬ ā6ā¬:ā8ā¬ ESV)
Alixchaillou@yahoo, Abingdon, MD “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith – and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God” Ephesians 2:8 NIV
Stephanie, New Jersey
“Wait and hope for and expect the Lord; be brave and of good courage and let your heart be stout and enduring. Yes, wait for and hope for and expect the Lord.” Psalmā¬ ā27ā¬:ā14ā¬ AMP
Terrie
Westminster, Md.
John 3:17 (NKJV)
For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.
Psalm 46:1
God, you are our refuge and strength,
A very present help in trouble.
Misty Fernandez, San Angelo Texas
āBehold, 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 43:19, NASB
Saralyn Miller, Catlettsburg, Kentucky. “God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God.” Ephesians 2:8