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!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Penny
Pea Ridge, AR
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, prresent your requests to God. Phillipians 4:6 NIV
Linda Nicevelle, FL
So let us come body to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy and we will find grace to help us when we need it most. Hebrews 4:16 NLT
Tiffany Lollar , Tennessee
“13 For thou hast possessed my reins: thou hast covered me in my mother’s womb.
14 I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well.”
Psalm 139:13-14
Kjv
Annette B.
Reno, NV
He says” 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 NIV
Lindsay from Fairbanks, Alaska
What I tell you in the dark, speak in the daylight; what is whispered in your ear, proclaim from the roofs. (Matthew 10:27 NIV)
SE Michigan
Look to the LORD and his strength; seek his face always.
1 Chronicles 16:11
Megan L,Coweta,Oklahoma. “The Lord is my light and my salvation-whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life-of whom shall I be afraid?” Psalm 27:1 NIV
Angie Cremer, Chickasha, OK
We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain, Hebrews 6:19 NIV
Tammy, Champaign, IL. ” I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. ” Phil 4:13 NKJV
Sandra Cardwell, Calgary, Alberta. “Come now, let us reason together,” says the LORD.
“Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool.” Isaiah 1:18 NIV
Lorén from Houston, TX. “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 make our requests, we also know that he will give us what we ask for.” (1 John 5:14-15 NLT)
For it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure. (Philippians 2:13 ESV)
Linda, Bossier City, La.
Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God-this is your spiritual act of worship. Romans 12:1 NIV
I Timothy 15-16 NIV
Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the worst. But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his unlimited patience as an example for those who would believe on him and receive eternal life.
Stazie Church, Stanton, TX
As many of you as were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. There is no longer Jew or Greek, there is no longer slave or free, there is no longer male and female; for all of you are one in Jesus Christ. Galatians 3:27-28
Jax Douglas-Jones, Cape Town , South Africa “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own unserstanding;in all your ways acknowledge him,and he will make your paths straight.” Proverbs3:5-6 NIV
Samantha B., Bossier City, LA: Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Jesus Christ throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen. Ephesians 3:20-21
Jen Travis, Kenosha, Wisconsin
For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline. 2 Timothy 1:7
Valerie Llanas, Lubbock, Texas
“For through the Spirit, by faith, we await the hope of righteousness.”
Galations N.A.V.
He says, “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 (NKJ)
2 Timothy 1:7 (NIV) “For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline.”
Katie – Sweetser IN
Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant (1 Corinthians 13:4 ESV)
Donna from Edwardsville IL. Phil. 4:8NIV. Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable–if anything is excellent or praiseworthy– think about such things.
Anita Beyer, San Antonio Aguas Calientes, Guatemala.
“Truly I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it at all.” Luke 18:17 NASB
stacey, oregon
Jeremiah 29:11(NIV) For I know the plans I have for you. Declared the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and. Future.
Heather and Camdyn Wood, Frisco, Texas. “Charm can be deceptive and beauty doesn’t last, but a woman who fears and reverences God shall be greatly praised.” Proverbs 31:30 The Living Bible
Cindy Mason, Hayden, Idaho. “You can make many plans, but the Lord’s purpose will prevail.” Prov 19:21
Becky Pace, Colorado Springs, CO
“But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you. “(John 14:26 ESV)
Andrea Anglin, Wichita,KS “Cast all your cares upon Him for He cares for you.” 1Peter 5:7 NIV
Ecclesiastes 5:19-20(NKJV)
19 As for every man to whom God has given riches and wealth, and given him power to eat of it, to receive his heritage and rejoice in his labor—this is the gift of God. 20 For he will not dwell unduly on the days of his life, because God keeps him busy with the joy of his heart.
Tiffany Garrett, San Antonio, Texas
Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. (Romans 12:9-10 NIV)
Diane Whitlock, Fort Wayne, IN
“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
Patty Meraz, Los Angeles, CA. “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:13 NKJV
From Ohio~ 1 Corinthians 13:1- If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal.
I wanted to memorize this scripture to remind me that love is a spiritual fruit and a choice. I want to exude love to all I meet and make sure that I am “doing” out of love and not just because. I want to represent the Lover of our souls the best I can.
Lindsay Carlson Lakeville, MN
There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens.
Ecclesiastes 3:1 NIV
Lorie Dudeck-Thorpe Palm Desert, California
And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful (Colossians 3:15 NIV)
For thus says the Lord; When seventy years are completed for Babylon, I will visit you, and I will fulfill to you my promise and bring you back to this place. For I know three plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will hear you. You will seek me and find more, when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you declare the Lord, and I will restore your fortunes and gather you from all the nation’s and ask the places where I have driven you, declares the Lord, and I will bring you back to the place from which I sent you into exile. Jeremiah 29: 10-14 ESV
Cannon Falls,Minnesota
Like good stewards of the manifold grace of God, serve one another with whatever gift each of you have received. 1 Peter 4:10(NIV)
Susie Jenkins Dubuque,Iowa – Job 23:12 ” I have not departed from His commands,but have treasured His words more than daily food. “
Sarah K, Lincoln, NE. “My brothers, as believers in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ, don’t show favoritism.” James 2:1 NIV
Denise, Nashville, TN
Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in Heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
Philippians 2:9-11. NIV
Darlene Campbell, Branson,MO.
“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
“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” 2 Timothy 3:16 & 17 (NIV)
Psalm 103:10-12 NKJV
He has not dealt with us according to our sins,
Nor punished us according to our iniquities.
For as the heavens are high above the earth,
So great is His mercy toward those who fear Him;
As far as the east is from the west,
So far has He removed our transgressions from us.
Whitney, Big Timber, MT
“For the eyes of the LORD range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to Him.”
2 Chronicles 16:9a NIV
Matthew 11:28-30
Come to Me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and ‘you will find rest for your souls.’ For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” (Matthew 11:28-30 TLV)
Psalm 119:37
Turn my eyes from worthless things, and give me life through your word.
Psalm 73:23-26
Yet I am always with you;you hold me by my right hand. You guide me with your counsel,and afterward you will take me into glory.
Whom have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besides you. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.
“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.” Isaiah 43:18-19 NIV
Kristen from Atlanta, GA
“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
Isaiah 41:10, NIV