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!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Roanoke Rapids, NC I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through Him who gives me strength. Phillipians 4:11-13 NIV
Sue from Lakeland Florida says
But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. 2 Corinthians 12:9 NIV
Amanda Richardson, West Monroe, Louisiana- You are worthy O Lord our God to receive glory, power, and honor. For You created all things and they exist because You created what you pleased. Rev 4:11 ,NLT
Sherry A., Dolores, CO “He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall remain stable and fixed under the shadow of the Almighty [Whose power no foe can withstand]. Psalm 91:1 AMP
Mary Saul, Houston, TX
In you, Lord my God, I put my trust. Psalm 25 NIV
Katy Barecky, Wimberley, Texas,
“Thy words were found, and I did eat them; and thy word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart: for I am called by thy name, O LORD God of hosts. Jeremiah 15:16 KJV
Beth C, Huntsville, AL. ” Blessed are the people who know how to praise you. They walk in the light of your presence, O Lord. ” Psalm 89:15 GWT
Katie Collins, Texas City, TX
But me, I’m not giving up. I’m sticking around to see what God will do. I’m waiting for God to make things right. I’m counting on God to listen to me. Micah 7:7 The Message
Becca Bell
Joplin, Missouri
“If disaster comes upon us, the sword, judgement, or pestilence, or famine, we will stand before this house and before you-for your name is in this house-and cry out to you in our affliction, and you will hear and save.”-2 Chronicles 20:9, ESV
You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore. Psalm 16:11 ESV
Polly, Pa
Isa.43:19 See I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up. Do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland. NIV
Patsy French Reidsville, North Carolina Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Galations 6:9 (NLT)
Kim Beechem, Idabel, OK
“Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves,
for the rights of all who are destitute.
Speak up and judge fairly;
defend the rights of the poor and needy.” Proverbs 31:8-9 NIV
Isaiah 61:7 NIV Instead of shame you will recieve a double portion and instead of disgrace you will rejoice in your inheritance. And so you will inherit a double portion in your land and everlasting joy will be yours.
Kim Foley, Arnold, MD
Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise- the fruit of lips that openly profess his name. Hebrews 13:15 NIV
1John 4:1, NIV.There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.
Rachel Mitchell, Big Spring, TX – PSALMS 100:4,”Enter his gates with thanksgiving,and his courts with praise! Give thanks to him, bless his name!”
Laura – Morgantown, WV
“Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.” – Psalm 37:4 (NIV)
Lori Crabdree,Willis,TX. “But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.” Isaiah 40:31 ESV
Kristina Davenport, Lake Jackson, TX
9 How can a young person stay pure? By obeying your word. 10 I have tried hard to find you—don’t let me wander from your commands. 11 I have hidden your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.
Psalm 119:9-11 NLT
Judy Mullins – Maple Valley WA.
…but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 3:13b-15 NASU
Kim Caraway Fort Worth, Texas but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. (Isaiah 40:31 NIV)
Susan Meigel, East Meadow, New York
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Romans 15:13 NIV
Erika Morgan, Signal Mountain, TN
Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom. Psalm 90:12 NIV
Paula Hamilton, Petrolia, ON, Canada
‘Do not fear, for I am with you;
Do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you, surely I will help you,
Surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.’ Isaiah 41:10 NASB
I’m just noticing that your entry and the one below are the same, just different versions. love that! Have a great day!
“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.” Isaiah 41:10 NLT
I’m just noticing that your entry and the one above are the same, just different versions. love that! Have a great day!
And you shall love the Lord your God out of and with your whole heart and out of and with all your soul (your life) and out of and with all your mind (with your faculty of thought and your moral understanding) and out of and with all your strength. This is the first and principal commandment. (Mark 12:30 AMP)
Hayden Pace
Forsyth, GA
“Commit to The Lord whatever you do and your plans will succeed.” Proverbs 16:3 NIV
Kristin Thompson, Derby, Kansas
“But godliness with contentment is great gain.” 1 Timothy 6:6 NIV
Stephanie B., Augusta, GA.
As it is my eager expectation and hope that I will not be at all ashamed, but that with full courage now as always Christ will be honored in my body, whether by life or by death.
Philippians 1:20 ESV
Diane Ellison, Portland, Oregon. “It is the Lord who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.” Deuteronomy 31:8 ESV
Amanda Gay, Amarillo, TX. “For You equipped me with strength for the battle; You made those who rise against me sink under me.” Psalm 18:34 ESV
“The Lord your God in your midst. The Mighty One, WILL save; He WILL rejoice over you with gladness, He WILL quiet you with His love, He WILL rejoice over you with singing”
Zephaniah 3:17 NKJV
Kari. Cypress, TX. The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit. Psalm 34:18 ESV
Sherwood, Oregon Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you, he will never leave you nor forsake you. Deuteronomy 31:6
Kristen Schwark, Indianapolis, IN
The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer,my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge,my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.
~Psalm 18:2 ESV
Rebecca Stern, Austin, Texas: “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.” Romans 15:13 ESV
Laura Jacobson, The Woodlanda, TX
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! ~2 Corinthians 5:17
Lisa from Ephrata PA. Your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be. Psalm 139:16
Rita Trinkle, Evansville, IN
Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.
Proverbs 3: 5-6 (NIV)
Jessica Jenkins, Indianapolis, “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.” Philippians 4:6-7, NIV.
Nancy Gordon, Lafayette, 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 ans a future.” Jeremiah 29:11 NIV
Vicki Koons, Surprise Arizona
Delight yourself in the Lord,and he will give you the desires of your heart. Psalm 37:4 ESV
Leighann Holloway, Longview, Texas. “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
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!
2 Corinthians 5:17
To remind myself this a new year and a new start to being closer with My Lord.
Janice Meredith, Springfield, MO – Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us. Hebrews 12:1 ESV
Connie Williams, Wakarusa,IN.
“Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.” Joshua 1:8 NIV
Tina Johnson, Elizabethtown, KY “For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.” Hebrews 4:12 NIV
Charmaine, Miami, Florida — “But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.” 1 Peter 2:9 NIV
Miranda Oliver, Grand Lake, La. “And when they had prayed, the place where they were assembled together was shaken; and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and they spoke the word of God with boldness.” Acts 4:31 NKJV