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!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Joslin, Concord, NC.
“This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun! (NLT)
Erica Stidham, Houston, TX, “I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called” (Ephesians 4:1)
Abi Copeland, Springfield, Mo.
“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
Becky, Lynchburg, Virginia. Jeremiah 1:12 NIV
The Lord said to me, “You have seen correctly, for I am watching to see that my word is fulfilled.”
My daughter and I pick a verse a week and this one came when I needed it most.
Christina B, Pittsburg KS: “He gives to the vower his vow and blesses the sleep of the just. For the pillars of the Earth are the Lord’s and he has set the world upon them.” 1 Samuel 2:8 New American Bible
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
Lisa Hypes, San Jacinto, CA: I have set the Lord always before me; because he is at my right hand, I shall not be shaken. Therefore my heart is glad, and my whole being rejoices; my flesh also dwells secure. (â€Psalm‬ â€16‬:â€8-9‬ ESV)
Missy Edgmon, Sugar Land, TX: I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened, so that you may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, and what is the surpassing greatness of His power toward us who believe. Ephesians 1:18 (plus a little) NASV
Tina – Orrville, OH
Don’t repay evil for evil. Don’t snap back at those who say unkind things about you. Instead, pray for God’s help for them, for we are to be kind to others, and God will bless us for it.
1 Peter 3:9 (TLB)
Joslin, Concord, NC.
“This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun! (NLT)
2 Corinthians 5:17
Jenna, Bluffton, Indiana. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. â€Hebrews‬ â€4‬:â€16‬ ESV
Lisa Royère, Glendale, AZ
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. Isaiah 43:19 (ESV)
Michaella, Whangarei, New Zealand “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path” Psalm 119-105 NIVA
Laura Trent Warner Robins, Ga The eyes of the LORD search the whole earth in order to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him. 2 Chronicles 16:9 NLT
Isaiah 43:1 (NIV):
But now, this is what the Lord says – he who created you, Jacob, he who formed you, Israel: “Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are Mine.”
Tyrondé Broussard, Arlington VA
Do not fret or have any anxiety about anything, but in every circumstance and in everything, by prayer and petition (definite requests), with thanksgiving, continue to make your wants known to God . Philippians 4:6 AMP
Sheri Roth – Germansville, PA –
The LORD confides in those who fear him;
he makes his covenant known to them. ~ Psalm 25:14 NIV
Susie Parsons, Boston, Massachusetts. “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
The Lord God is my Strength, my personal bravery, and my invincible army; He makes my feet like hinds’ feet and will make me to walk and make progress upon my high places! Habakkuk 3:19 [AMP]
Now unto Him, that is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we could ever ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us. Ephesians 3:20 NKJ
Rachel, Nashville TN
Psalm 86:15 – But you, Lord, are a compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness.
Megan White, Lafayette LA: “I believe that I shall look upon the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living! Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord!
Psalm 27:13-14, ESV
2 Peter 1:3, NIV translation – plan to go through v. 9 eventually
Leeza, Vineland, NJ
“He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things?” Romans 8:32 (ESV).
Gresham, OR “For Ezra had devoted himself to the study and observance of the Law of the Lord, and to teaching its decrees and laws in Israel” Ezra 7:10 (NIV)
Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ. Galatians 1:10
Rebecca, Murfreesboro, Tennessee “Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Isaiah 43:18-19a NIV
Jennifer Crider Madisonville, KY “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. “(â€Isaiah‬ â€43‬:â€19‬ NIV)
Fran Davis, Acworth, GA.
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
Amy Hicks, Billings Montana
But those who trust in The Lord will find new strength. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint. Isaiah 40:31 NLT
Elise Barnes, Fayetteville, Tennessee, “Do not conformed 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)
Lorrie, Zachary, LA.
I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.” Psalm 91:2 NIV
Fresno, CA. “And he said: “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 18:3 NIV
Korrine Carrera, West Palm Beach, FL
“The Lord is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble; He knows those who take refuge in Him.” Nahum 1:7 ESV
Melody, Oakland, Maine
“I know what I’m doing. I have it all planned out- plans to take care of you, not abandon you, plans to give you the future you hoped for. When you call on me, when you come and pray to me, I will listen.” (Jeremiah 29:11-12) MSG translation
Vanessa Klingler Huntington, WV
Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness. (â€Isaiah‬ â€41‬:â€10‬ KJV)
Michal Joyner, Scottsdale, Arizona, Jer 29:11NIV 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.
Nancy Turner, Woodbridge, VA: 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)
Karen Myers, Kingsport, TN
“This is my command – be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9 NLT
Heidi, Bellevue, Nebraska – Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers. Ephesians 4:29 (KJV)
Donna Horvath, Smithville, Ohio
And we are confident that he hears us whenever we ask for anything that pleases him. And since we know he hears us when we would make our requests, we also know that he will give us what we ask for. 1 John 5:14-15 NLT
Debbie Martin,Hendersonville,TN.
Jesus wept. John 11:35 KJV
Tami Glasscock
Franklin, TN
“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.” Proverbs 3:5-6 NIV
Chris Blair Tecumseh mi
Psalm 51:10
Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me
Psalm 90:1 NIV Lord, you have been our dwelling place
throughout all generations.
The Lord will fight for you; you must be quiet. Exodus 14:14 HCSB
Clara,Springfield, MO
What other nation is so great as to have their gods near them the way the Lord our God is near us when we pray to Him? Exodus 4:7 TNIV
Julie Elrod, Smyrna, GA: John 3:30 ESV “He must increase, but I must decrease.” So excited!! Can’t wait to celebrate with everyone!!
New Castle, IN. Isaiah 43:18-19 (NLT) 18 “But forget all that—
it is nothing compared to what I am going to do.
19 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.
DeAnna Stanley Longview, Texas
But now they desire a better place-a heavenly one. Therefore, God is not ashamed to be called their God, for He has prepared a city for them.
Hebrews 11:16