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!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Psalm 103:8 (HCSB) The Lord is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger and rich in faithful love.
rRomans 12:12 niv
Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.
This is going to be a great year
Chris, Portland, OR Ephesians 6:12 A great reminder that it is not the human person we’re struggle with, but rulers, authorities and powers of this dark world. Trust Him, lean not on your own understanding.
Margaret, Falls Church Va – “I have been crucified with Christ, and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” Galatians 2:20, NIV
I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And, the life 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 ESV
āEphesiansā¬ ā4ā¬:ā29ā¬ NIV
“Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.” Ephesians 4:29 NIV
Amy H, St Louis, MO “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it” John 1:1-5
Beverly , Columbus, Mississippi
Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever.. Hebrews13:8 NIV
Tamara
Bonnyville, Alberta
He bowed the heavens also, and came down: and darkness was under his feet.
Psalm 18:9 KJV
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
āMy friend, I ask, āWho do you think you are to question God? Does the clay have the right to ask the potter why he shaped it the way he did?āā (Romans 9:20 CEV)
Michele Simmons, Milwaukee, WI James 1:17 Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. (NIV)
Tecca Wright; Hillsborough, NC;
“My people will live in peaceful dwelling places, in secure homes, in undisturbed places of rest.” (āIsaiahā¬ ā32ā¬:ā18ā¬ NIV)
Karissa, Martinsburg, WV “The fruit of righteousness will be peace; the effect of righteousness will be quietness and confidence forever.” Isaiah 32:17 NIV
Cathleen Drew, Cypress, TX
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Galatians 5:22.
Alexis Atlanta, GA
A fool gives full vent to his anger, but a wise man keeps himself under control.
Proverbs 29:11 (NIV)
Michele, Pearland, TX “Commit your works to the Lord And your plans will be established.” Proverbs 16: 3 NASB
Brooklyn from Siloam Springs, Arkansas “But as for you, be strong and courageous, for your work will be rewarded.” 2 Chronicles 15:7
New Living Translation (NLT)
Kiana from Alabaster
Search me, God, and know my heart. Text me and know my anxious thoughts. Psalm 139:23
Hebrews 13:21 May He equip you with everything good for doing his will and may he work in us what is pleasing to him through Jesus Christ to whom be the glory forever and ever”
Sherry Bennett, Longview, Texas.
In the council of the holy ones God is greatly feared; he is more awesome than all who surround him. (āPsalmā¬ ā89ā¬:ā7ā¬ NIV)
Heather Wilkinson
Springfield, VA
Faith means being sure of the things we hope for and knowing that something is real even if we do not see it.
Heb 11:1 (NCV)
My youngest daughter’s life verse – thought maybe I should have this one memorized š
Jessica- Nashville, TN Colossians 1:9-12 NASB
9For this reason also, since the day we heard of it, we have not ceased to pray for you and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, 10so that you will walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, to please Him in all respects, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; 11strengthened with all power, according to His glorious might, for the attaining of all steadfastness and patience; joyously 12giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified us to share in the inheritance of the saints in Light.
Allison Schrader, Rancho Cucamonga, CA
that you would walk worthy of God who calls you into His own kingdom and glory. (āI Thessaloniansā¬ ā2ā¬:ā12ā¬ NKJV)
Waldene B., Tifton, Georgia. Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing. 1 Peter 3:9 NIV
Amanda Fletcher, Winchester, Virginia, “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what Godās will isāhis good, pleasing and perfect will.” Romans 12:2 (NIV)
Vanessa Szanto, Corrales NM
Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish on another with all wisdom, and as you sing songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. Colossians 3:16 NIV
Sharon, Union, KY. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is — his good, pleasing and perfect will. Romans 12:2. NIV
“Be still and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” Psalm 46:10 TNIV
Amanda, Monona, WI. “Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing!” -Isaiah 43:18-19a NIV
Amy Roberson, Apex, NC “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
Sharon DeWitt, Many, LA
“I will extol the Lord at all times; His praise will always be on my lips.
My soul will boast in the Lord; let the afflicted hear and rejoice.
Glorify the Lord with me; let us exalt His name together.” Ps. 34:1–3 NIV
And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you for My strength is made perfect in weakness.”
2 Corinthians 12:9a
Sarah, Jefferson City, MO
“But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” Matthew 6:33-34
Sandra Kelly, Laramie, Wyoming
Psalm 139:7-10, NIV
“Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there. If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast.”
Kristen, Paramount, CA “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
Jeanine Minneapolis, Minnesota
“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 43:19 NIV
Traci Williams, Santa Clarita, CA. James1:4, NIV
Let perseverance finish it’s work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.
Batavia
Phillipians 4:19 But my God shall supply all of your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.
Lisa Wagner, College Station, Texas:
Trust in the Lord with all your heart,
And lean not on your own understanding;
In all your ways acknowledge Him,
And He shall direct[a] your paths.
Proverbs 3:5-6 (NKJV)
Madison, Ms
Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails. Proverbs 19:21 NIV
Job 23:10 But He knows the way that I take; when he has tried me, I shall come out as gold.
Susan Proctor, Temple, TX, “For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.” Ephesians 6:12, ESV.
Elizabeth Seibert, Monroe, LA
And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you. (āEphesiansā¬ ā4ā¬:ā32ā¬ NKJV)
Debra S.
Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
Canada
John 8:12 When Jesus spoke again to the people He said, ” I am the light of the world, whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life” NIV
Jamie, Tyler, TX, “Therefore, as Godās chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.” Colossians 3:12 NIV
Isaiah 30:21 (NIV)
Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, “This is the way; walk in it.”
Stephanie, Marion, Ohio
“One thing I ask from the Lord, this only do I seek:
that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze on the beauty of the Lord and to seek him in his temple.” Psalm 27:4
Isaiah 42:16
“I will lead blind Israel down a new path guiding them down an unfamiliar way. I will brighten the darkness before them and smooth out the road ahead of them.”
New Living Translation
Leigh, Olathe, KS
Psalm 126 (Message)
It seemed like a dream, too good to be true,
when God returned Zionās exiles.
We laughed, we sang,
we couldnāt believe our good fortune.
We were the talk of the nationsā
āGod was wonderful to them!ā
God was wonderful to us;
we are one happy people.
And now, God, do it againā
bring rains to our drought-stricken lives
So those who planted their crops in despair
will shout hurrahs at the harvest,
So those who went off with heavy hearts
will come home laughing, with armloads of blessing.