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!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Christina Smith, Las Vegas, NV
“Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.” Psalm 51:10
Shiloh Alling. Liberal,KS
“For I know the plans I have for you” says the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11 NIV
Stacy Wesson, Bend Oregon. My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry,
– James 1:19 (NIV)
Trish Sproat, Lebanon, MO: “Ah Sovereign Lord, you have made the heavens and the earth by your power and outstretched arm. Nothing is too hard for you”. Jeremiah 32:17 (NIV)
Lisa Arp, Lubbock, TX
See how great a love the Father has bestowed upon us, that we should be called children of God; and such we are. For this reason the world does not know us, because it did not know Him.
1 John 3:1 NAS
The name of the Lord is like a strong tower: the righteous person runs to it and is set safely high. Prov 18:10 NET
Stephanie Hart Flomaton, AL
Donāt be afraid, for I am with you. Donāt be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand. (āIsaiahā¬ ā41ā¬:ā10ā¬ NLT)
Paula Porter, Guntersville Alabama ~ Psalm 147:11 But the Eternal does take pleasure in those who worship Him, those who invest hope in His unfailing love.
Vanessa , Calgary AB
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
Joan Hogue Burkeville TX
Take delight in the Lord and He will give you your hearts desires. (Psalms 37:4) HCSB
In the same way, the Spirit too comes to the aid of our weakness for we do not know how to pray as we ought, but the spirit itself intercedes with the inexpressible groanings.
Romans 8:26 NAB
Ozark, MO Daniel 2:20-21 “Blessed be the name of God forever and ever, to whom belong wisdom and might. He changes times and seasons; he removes kings and sets up kings; he gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to those who have understanding.” ESV
Tina Banks , Scottsboro, AL
Isaiah 41:10
fear not,for Iam with you, be not dismayed for I am your God. I will strengthen you , yes I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
Kristen Lingerfelt, Madisonville, TN. “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be provided for you.” Matthew 6:33 HCSB
And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrificeāthe kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him. Donāt copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know Godās will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect. (āRomansā¬ ā12ā¬:ā1-2ā¬ NLT)
Finally brothers and Sisters, whatever is true, whatever is Nobel, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable-if anything is excellent or praiseworthy-think about such things. Philippians 4:8
Joy Urlaub. Lubbock, TX. āForget 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
Ashley – Canton, Tx
Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past.
Isaiah 43:18 NIV
Also, my 4yr old daughter will be participating with small excerpts of verses!! š
Heather Torres, Alexandria, VA. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make straight your paths. Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord, and turn away from evil. It will be healing to your flesh and refreshment to your bones.” Proverbs 3:5-8 ESV
Lori Sullentrop Lincoln, Missouri…..Be Still and know that I Am God : I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth. Psalms 46:10 , KJV
Bernadette Stevens Point, WI
May the words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer. (Psalm 19:14, NIV)
John 15:4
Abide I me, and I in you. As the branch cannot produce fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, and you cannot be fruitful unless you remain in me.
ESV
Tulsa, OK
Remember ye not the former things, neither consider the things of old.behold, I will do a new thing;now it shall spring forth;shelly not know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert.Isaiah 43:18-19 (KJV)
Cindy Sansing Brandon MS
Rather he must be hospitable , one who loves what is good , who is self controlled, upright, holy and disciplined. Titus 1:8 TNIV
Sarah Wright, Kennewick WA
Romans 12:2 “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.”
NIV
Jane, Plano TX. “When Iam afraid, I put my trust in you.” Psalm 56:3 (NIV)
“For now we live, if you are standing fast in the Lord.” 1Thess 3:8 ESV
Belinda Mulshine, Springfield, Illinois; “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
Pam, Wichita, KS
How lovely is your dwelling place, O LORD of Heavenās Armies. I long, yes, I faint with longing to enter the courts of the LORD. With my whole being, body and soul, I will shout joyfully to the living God. (āPsalmsā¬ ā84ā¬:ā1-2ā¬ NLT)
āFor I know the plans I have for youā declares the Lord, āplans to prosper you and not to harm you. Plans to give you hope and a future.ā Jeremiah 29:11
Sarah Flores, Killeen, Texas. “” You are my witnesses,” says the Lord and My servant whom I have chosen, that you may know and believe in Me and understand that I am He. Before Me there was no God formed, nor shall there be after me.” Isaiah 43:10 NKJV
Psalm 73:21-24 MSG
When I was beleaguered and bitter, totally consumed by envy, I was totally ignorant, a dumb ox in your very presence. Iām still in your presence, but youāve taken my hand. You wisely and tenderly lead me, and then you bless me.
Lauren D., Traverse City, MI
Ephesians 2:1-2
As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins,Ā 2Ā in which you used to liveĀ when you followed the ways of this worldĀ and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air,Ā the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. (NIV)
Denise Robsky, Hancock, NY “I have told you these things, that in me you might have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart!I have overcome the world. John 16:33 NIV
Claire, Cedarville, Ohio
“Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine.” Isaiah 43:1b ESV
Heather, Carthage, Missouri
And we can be sure that we know him if we obey his commandments. If someone claims, “I know God,” but doesn’t obey God’s commandments, that person is a liar and is not living in the truth. But those who obey God’s word truly show how completely they love him. That is how we know we are living in him. 1 John 2:3-5 NLT
Jennifer Fenton, Columbus, Ohio
Jeremiah 29:11
For I know he plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, plans to prosper you, plans to give you a hope and a future.” Sorry, I accidentally posted on FB, and just got home from work, I work second shift, and I posted on lunch break.
Valerie. Yucaipa CA
Isaiah 50:7. Because the Sovereign LORD helps me I will not be disgraced. Therefore, I have set my face like flint and I know I will not be put to shame.
Donna Mayfield, Archdale, NC
You are forgiving and good, O Lord, abounding in love to all who call to you. Psalm 86:5 NIV
Stacy from Kansas City, MO. Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister unto the hearers. EPH 4:29 KJV
Sharla, Boise, ID. “I will extol you my God and King. I will bless your name forever and ever.” Psalms 145:1 ESV
Amy Clark Neoga, IL
“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 excellent or praiseworthy–think about such things.” Philippians 4:8 NIV
Lisamarie Maui Hawaii
If my misery could be weighed and my troubles be put on the scales they outweigh all of the sands of the sea-Job 6:2-3 NLV
Maggie Grisetti, Douglasville, Ga. “Do not remember the former things, Nor consider the things of old. Behold, I will do a new thing, Now it shall spring forth; Shall you not know it?” Isaiah 43:18-19 (New King James)
Audra, Boise City, OK
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
Sorry, I forgot to list where I am. Hot Springs Arkansas.
Lisa Muth, Leesville, Louisiana
Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert. (Isaiah 43:19 KJV)
1Peter 3:8,9
To sum up, all of you be harmonious, sympathetic, brotherly, kindhearted, and humble in spirit; not returning evil for evil or insult for insult, but giving a blessing instead; for you were called for the very purpose that you might inherit a blessing. (NASB)
Eva Kendrick Delton, Michigan
“Count it all joy when you meet trials of various kinds,
for you know the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.
And let steadfastness have its full effect,
that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.
James 1:2-4 (ESV)
Shari Monnier, Hillsboro, OR
“So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.” 2 Corinthians 4v18 NIV