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!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Jessica Urrutia, Lewisburg, PA “Trust in the Lord and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy great pasture. ” Psalm 37:3 NIV
Patricia Burney. Milton, Georgia.
“He shall call upon me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honor him.” Psalm 91:15. NIV
Christina Hodge, Sterling IL “I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know (live out) the hope (calling) to which He has called you.” Ephesians 1:18 NIV (parentheses mine)
“Jesus said, ” My Grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness”. 2 Corinthians 12:9 NIV
Christina, Fremont, NE, “Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.” II Corinthians 3:17
WAYNE, PA
“Great and marvelous are your works, O Lord God Almighty. Just & true are your ways, O King of the Nations.”
Rev 15.3 NLT
Cristy, Warrensburg, MO “Survey the path for your feet, and all you ways will be sure.” Proverbs 4:26
Katie Davison, Bradley Beach, NJ “You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.” Isaiah 26:3 NIV
Jenifer, Melbourne, “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. (â€Psalm‬ â€46‬:â€1‬ NIV).
Libby, Alexandria, VA: “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.” Colossians 3:15 (NIV)
Jeremiah 31:16-1
This is what the sovereign Lord say “restrain your voice from weeping and your eyes from tears,for your work will be rewarded,”declares the Lord.”They will return from the land of the enemy.So there is hope for your descendants,”declares the Lord.Your children will return to their own land.”
Carrie Holdcraft. Ashburn, Va
Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed,” says the Lord, who has compassion on you.
Leslie Hattig, Houston, Texas. 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)
Laura, Iowa City, IA
“14 For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. 15 For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!”” Romans 8:14-15
Michele, Rockford, IL
I hope this isn’t a duplicate post!
Jeremiah 30:17, NASB
“‘For I will restore you to health and I will heal you of your wounds,’ declares the Lord, ‘Because they have called you outcast, saying: It is Zion, no one cares for her.'”
sandy KingsportTn. I can do all things through Christ which strengthen th me. Phillipians 4:13
I’m LaShara Jones from Louisville, MS. My verse is Matthew 6:21 KJV For where your treasure is there will your heart be also.
Whitney W, Louisville KY
2 Peter 1:7–“For God has not given us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, love, and of self-discipline.” I am focusing on becoming more disciplined in all areas of my life in 2015, and found this verse when I was looking up verses on the subject. It was very freeing and empowering to learn that God has already given me self-discipline, and I just need to start living this truth.
Kenzie Mares, Glenrock, WYoming, “yes, I will bless The Lord and not forget all the glorious things he does for me.” Psalms 103:2, The Living Bible
Sulphur Springs, Tx
Jesus said, “This is My commandment, that you love one another, just as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends.” John 15:12-13 NASB
Ashley Rowden, Hoschton, Ga, “We can make our own plans, but The Lord determines our steps.” Proverbs 16:9 (NLT)
Kelly-Enid
There is one God, the Father,
By whom all things were created
And for whom we live.
And there is one Lord, Jesus Christ,
Through whom all things were created,
And through whom we live.
1 Corinthians 8:6 NLT
Meredith from Columbus, Oh: “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am always with you, to the very end of the age.” -Matthew 28:19-20
Judie, New Caney – My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth. – Psalm 121:2 – NIV
Pam Anderson, Canton, MS, “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. Jer 29:11 NIV
Karen Riekeman
Coffeyville, KS
Romans 4:20-21 ESV
No unbelief made him waver concerning the promise of God, but he grew strong in his faith as he gave glory to God, fully convinced that God was able to do what he promised.
Just as you do not know the path of the wind, and the way bones are formed in the womb of a pregnant woman, so you do not know the activity of God who makes all things. Eccl. 11:5 NASB
Sharon Martinez, Raleigh, NC “All the paths of the LORD are steadfast love and faithfulness,
for those who keep his covenant and his testimonies.” Psalm 25:10, ESV
Heather Mills, Bangor, Maine: Seek the Lord and His strength; seek His face continually.
Psalm 105:4, NASB
Gail Nelson, Owasso OK “The LORD your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; He will rejoice over you with gladness;He will quiet you by His love; He will exult over you with loud singing.” Zephaniah 3:17 (ESV)
Kristi Bracelin, West Des Moines, IA. “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” John 15:5 NIV
Piper Stephens
Hickory,NC
And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. (â€2 Corinthians‬ â€12‬:â€9‬ KJV)
Frances from Fort Worth, TX
Matthew 11:28
“Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy laden and I will give you rest.”
NASB
I Sam 18:14 “God, I pray that I will act wisely in all my ways and that I will honor You with all my behavior. I thank You that you will be with me, causing me to succeed.”
Tara Vinson, Clarksville, TN – “Behold, I am doing a new thin;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
Renee Yates, Pearl, MS. “I seek you with all my heart; do not let me stray from your commands. I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.” Psalm 119:10-11 NIV
Tina Austin Loxahatchee, FL Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Colossians 3:12 NIV
Christine Jackman, Denham Springs, LA
I lift my eyes up to the hills, where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord; the maker of heaven and earth.
Psalm 121:1-2 NIV
So let us come boldly 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
Kerry Devlin, Winona Lake IN
For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. Ephesians 2:10 NIV
I left mine yesterday, but did not get a message that it was waiting confirmation, just got a message something like I may have already submitted it. I though maybe I had double clicked. So a few hours later I looked for my submission and couldn’t find it. So I will try to submit it again. Sorry if this is a problem. Here goes-
Sue Palmer, Elkton,MD. “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.” Colossians 3:16 ESV
Barbara, Knoxville, TN “Let the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer.” Psalms 19:14 KJV
Mary, Waxahachie, TX
The Lord your God is 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
Lisa, Mapleton, ME. 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
Karen Tucker, Queensbury, NY Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.
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. Phil 4:4-7
Lindsay, Chisholm, MN
For you shall not go out in haste,
and you shall not go in flight,
For the Lord will go before you
and the God of Israel will be your rear guard.
Isaiah 52:12, ESV
Niki R., North Little Rock, AR “Therefore, since we receive a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us show gratitude, by which we may offer to God an acceptable service with reverence and awe; for our God is a consuming fire.” Hebrews 12:28-29
Meagan, Columbia,SC, “May the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O LORD, my rock and my redeemer.” Psalm 19:14 NIV
Niki Flannigan, Bridge City, TX. But I will bring Israel back to their own pasture,and they will graze on Carmel and Bashan; their appetite will be satisfiedon the hills of Ephraim and Gilead. Jeremiah 50:19 NIV
Rebecca Persails, Marietta, Georgua, Phil. 3:13, 14
“Brethren, I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet; 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 Christy Jesus.” (NASB)