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) 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:
Your name, city, verse (written all the way out), reference, and translation.
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!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Janna Halterman, Fresno, CA.
“Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.” James 1:22 NIV
Jennifer Loll, Kissimmee, FL – “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
Allison, Grifton, NC
“Do all things without grumbling or disputing, that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world.” Philippians 2:14-15, ESV
Paula- Albertville,Alabama – For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. 2 Timothy 1:7 NKJV
Emily, Grand Prairie, Texas
Keep your life free from the love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” Hebrews 13:5 ESV
Rochelle, Bryan, TX
But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance , whatsoever I have said unto you. John 14:26 KJV
Lisa: Lewis Center, OH
Hebrews 12:1. “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 marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith.” NIV
Rebecca and Emma Jamerson, Hallsville, TX
Emma
Trust in the Lord with all thine heart and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and he shall direct your paths. Proverbs 3:5-6, KJV
Rebecca
But let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth me, that I am the Lord which exercise loving-kindness, judgement, and righteousness, int he earth: for in these things I delight, saith the Lord. Jeremiah 9:24, KJV
S. Ray, Kansas City, MO.
Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting, but a woman who fears The Lord is to be praised. Proverbs 31:30 NIV
Cyndi Swords, Houston TX
A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. Proverbs 15:1
Linda Hernandez, Phoenix, Arizona “She watches over the ways of her household, and does not eat the bread of idleness.” proverbs 31:27 NET
Rogers, Texas
Psalms 139:13-14
For you created my intermost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb.
I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.
I know this is two scriptures, but they have to go together
Kelly Cecil, Richmond, Virginia
Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.
Psalm 51:10. (NIV)
Rose, Lyn, ON, Canada
“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
Laureen Davis, Fairhope, Alabama
I pray that out of his glorious riches He may strengthen you with power throughHis Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lords holy people, to grasp how wide and long and deep is the love or Christ, and to know this love that surpasses all knowledge-that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. Ephesians 3:16-19
Diane Laxen, Hemet, CA
We know that the Son of God has come and has given us an understanding, that we may know Him who is true; and we are in Him who is true, in His Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God and eternal life
1 John 5:20 NKJ
Leona McCormick Lakewood,CO
Philippians 4:8 Summing it all up, friends, I’d say you’ll do best by filling your minds and meditating on things true, noble, reputable, authentic, compelling, gracious-the best, not the worst; the beautiful, not the ugly; things to praise, not things to curse. (MSG)
Linda Lorring, Reno, NV
And I will give you a new heart, and I will put a new spirit in you. I will take out your stony, stubborn heart and give you a tender, responsive heart. Ezekiel 36:26 NLT
Yay! My accountability partner is here! So looking forward to sharing this journey with you!
Kim R., Clearwater, FL
“My soul finds rest in God alone; my salvation comes from Him. He alone is my rock and my salvation; He is my fortress, I will never be shaken.” Psalm 62:1-2 NIV
Blessed is she who has believed that God would fulfill His promises to her. And He did. {Luke 1:45}
Jessica Dias, San Diego, California
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 marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Hebrews 12:1-2 NIV
Jennifer Huffman, Fairfield, CA “He who calls you is faithful, who also will do it.” 1 Thessalonians 5:24 HCSB
Ruth Augustine,Sparta MI.
Isaiah 41:10 (NLT) Don’t be afraid, for I am with you
Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right Hand.
I am going through some struggles and this verse reminds me not to be afraid because God will strengthen me and help me.
Amos 5:6a
Seek the Lord and live, or He will sweep through the tribes of Joseph like a fire.
Julie, Wildwood, MO – “Have mercy on me, O God, according to your unfailing love; according to your great compassion blot out my transgressions.” Psalm 51:1 – NIV
Jen Lovelace, Ridgecrest, CA.
“Don’t be afraid for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.”
Lisa P., Smyrna, GA
Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth.
Colossians 3:2 NASB
Lucille, Cookeville,TN. He parted the heavens and came down; dark clouds were under his feet. He mounted the cherubim and flew; he soared on the wings of the wind. II Samuel 22:10 – 11
Charleston, SC
“You will go out in joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains and hills will burst into song before you, and all the trees of the field will clap their hands.” Isaiah 55:12 NIV
Come unto me, all who are weary and heavyladen, and I will give you rest. Matthew 11:28. ESV
Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See I am doing a new thing.
Isaiah 43:18 (NIV)
Glenna Buttrey, Anaheim Hills, CA “Do not let kindness and truth leave you; Bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. So you will find favor and good repute in the sight of God and man.” Proverbs 3: 3-4 (NASB)
Brittany Anne Baldwin, Peoria, IL, consider it all joy, my breathern, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance . And let endurance have it’s perfect result, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. James 1:2-4 NASB
23 “Everything is permissible”–but not everything is beneficial. “Everything is permissible”–but not everything is constructive. 24 Nobody should seek his own good, but the good of others
I Corinthians 10:23-24 (NIV)
Marie, Independence, MO. James 1: 5 NIV ” If any of you lack wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you”
Joni Sobels, Salinas, CA
2 Corinthians 5:21
“God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.”
Diana Brasher, Magnolia, AR, Gen. 1:1-2, NKJV: In the beginning God created the heavens and the Earth. The earth was without form and void, and darkness was on the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters.
Pam Hawley Anchorage, Alaska
No weapon forged against you will prevail, and you will refute every tongue that accuses you. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and this is their vindication from me, declares the Lord. Isaiah 54:17
Justine Tausch Helotes, TX
“He lifted me out of the slimy pit; out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand.”
Psalm 40:2 NIV
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable -if anything is praiseworthy – think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me- put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you. Philippians 4:6-9 NIV
Molly, India: “And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment…” Phil 1:9 (ESV)
Oops! I forgot the reference…Isaiah 41:10 ESV
Darcie Flight, Griswold, CT
“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” James 1:2-4 NIV
Heather Shelton: Grayson, Kentucky
“When pride comes then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom” Proverbs 11:2 NIV
Cathy , Houston , TX, Philemon vs. 4 – 6, I thank my God, making mention of you always in my prayers, hearing of your love and faith which you have toward the Lord Jesus and toward all the saints, that the sharing of your faith may become effective by the acknowledgement of every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus. NKJV
6 Be anxious for nothing, but in all things, by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, make your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will keep your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7 kjv.
Sheri Unrau from Winkler, Manitoba, CANADA
Zechariah 9:16 HCSB
The Lord their God will save them on that day as the flock of His people; for they are like jewels in a crown, sparkling over His land.
And he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, my strength is made perfect in weakness.”
2 Corinthians 12:9 (NIV)
Deena Prater, Cypress, TX.
“Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.”
I Corinthians 6:19-20 ESV
Ginny Carr, Lascassas, TN.
“And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope. Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts By the Holy Spirit who was given to us. ” Romans 5:3-5 NKJV