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!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Wendi from Simi Valley, CA
“For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are – yet he did not sin. 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: 4:15, 16 NIV
Brenda Rice, Lithia, FL
If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land. 2nd Chronicles 7:14
I got so caught up I forgot the protocol.
Brenda Rice, Lithia, FL
You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised. Hebrews 10:36 NIV
Jo
Williamsburg, VA
1 Corinthians 3:11. For no one can lay any foundation other then the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ.
Susan Davis, Lawrenceville, GA. “Keep your servant from willful sins; may they not rule over me. Then will I be blameless, innocent of great transgression.” Psalm 19:13 NIV
Nikki – Howell, MI.
“And when they say to you, ‘Seek those who are mediums and wizards, who whisper and mutter,’ should not a people seek their God? Should they seek the dead on behalf of the living?”
Isaiah 8:19, NKJV
Sara Cain, Fort Worth, Texas. ” Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ…” Ephesians 1:4 NASB
Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author & perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
Hebrews 12:2 NIV
Deborah Bard, Grants Pass, OR 2 Peter 1:2-3a Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord, as His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness…” NKJV
DeAnna, Sycamore, Georgia. “For the Lord God is a sun and shield; the Lord bestows favor and honor. No good thing does he withhold from those who walk uprightly.” -Psalm 84:11 ESV
Arlington, TX
For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline. 2 Timothy 1:7, NIV
Lubbock,TX.
I will put my Spirit within you and move you to follow my decrees and be careful to keep my laws. Ezekiel 36:27 NIV
Mary Thomas, Lexington, KY
“God, your God, will cut away the thick calluses on your heart and your children’s hearts, freeing you to love God, your God, with your whole heart and soul and live, really live.” -Deuteronomy 30:6 (MSG)
Mary Hahn, Conyers, GA
In the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning . Niv
Sandy E.; Kansas City, Missouri. “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
Angela Kincade, Springfield, MO
Isaiah 55:1 ESV “Come, everyone who thirsts, come to the waters; and he who has no money, come, buy and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without price.”
Ally Velderman, Memphis, TN “Meanwhile, live in such a way that you are a credit to the Message of Christ.” Philippians 1:27 MSG
But those who trust in the LORD will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint. (â€Isaiah‬ â€40‬:â€31‬ NLT)
Mindy Petty- Ingleside, TX
Be still and know that I am God. Psalm 46:10. NLT
Britney, Concord, NC “Be joyful 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)
Christie Brown, Asheboro, NC And for me, that utterance may be given unto me that I may open my mouth boldly to make known the mystery of the gospel. Ephesians 6:19 kjv
Aileen, Joplin, MO – I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. John 15:5 NIV
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. (â€Isaiah‬ â€43‬:â€19‬ ESV)
Sine, Buckeye, AZ
Truly He is my rock and my salvation; He is my fortress, I will not be shaken. Psalm 62:6. NIV
Tina, Morris, Illinois “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.” Jeremiah 29:11
Anna H. New Waverly TX
“”Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.” An angel from heaven appeared to him and strengthened him”
Luke 22: 42-43 NIV
Mallory, Fort Smith, AR
Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. (â€Isaiah‬ â€40‬:â€28‬ NIV)
Bardstown, KY
But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it.
1 Timothy 6:6-7 NIV
Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. Be sure of this : I am with you always, even to the end of age. Matthew 28:20 NLT
Hebrews 13:15-16 Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise – the fruit of lips that openly profess His name. And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.
Pam, Centreville, VA. Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. I Peter 4:18 NIV
Rachel
Little Rock, AR
“No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.”
Romans 8:37 NIV
from Houston, Texas
“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.” Jeremiah 29:11 NIV
This is a good one. I am sure that it will be one of mine as we progress through this!
Joy Eakins – Wichita, KS
Daniel 2:20-21 NIV
“Praise be to the name of God forever and ever;
wisdom and power are his.
He changes times and seasons;
He sets up kings and deposes them.
He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning.”
Katy, TX
verse from Gloria:
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.”
Stacey Morrison. Warsaw, MO. So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring it’s own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today. Matthew 6:34 (NLT)
Roxanne Foster, Denver, CO — “Trust in the Lord and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture.” Psalm 37:3 NIV
Jenny, Chardon, OH “So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal” 2 Corinthians 4.18 NIV
Ephesians 3:20- Now unto Him that is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us,
Ontario, CA
He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God. (Micah 6:8 NIV)
Isaiah 43:19 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. NASB
Melissa Sugg, Goldsboro, NC
“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
Rhonda, Plano, TX ~ “Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time” 1 Peter 5:6 (KJV)
Shauna Green, Murfreesboro, TN. “For we walk by faith, not by sight.” 2 Corinthians 5:7 NKJ
Barbara-Greeley,Colorado
“For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are-yet he did not sin. 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 4:15-16 NIV
Patsy, Phoenix
“being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” Philippians 1:6 NIV
Lisa – Wrentham, MA
“Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never ends…”
1 Corinthians 13:7-8a ESV
Cheryl Clark, Limestone, Tennessee
2 Timothy:1 You then, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.
“You crown the year with your good blessings, and you leave abundance in your wake.” -Psalm 65:11 (NET)
“Be anxious for nothing, 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 comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Phillipians 4: 6-7
Psalm: 139:14 – “I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; marvelous are Your works, and that my soul knows very well.” (NKJV)
Jeanne, from southern Indiana
Lisa Stinson, Wichita, KS – …so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, bring rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all of the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. (Ephesians 3:17-19 NIV)
Carrol J from Ndola, Zambia
You crown the year with your bounty and your carts overflow with abundance. Psalm 65:11 NIV