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!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. Romans 12:2 NKJV
Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 3:12-14 NIV
Betty Allemang Portage,MI. 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 your path straight. Proverbs 3:5-6. NIV
Trish Main, St. Louis, MO, “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.” John 10:10 (ESV)
Amanda-Knoxville,TN
Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. In everything give thanks;for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you! 1Thessaluons 5 16-18 KJV
Danville, Indiana
“Rejoice in The Lord always, again I will say, rejoice!” Philippians 4:4 ESV
Twila Baker Fayetteville,Ga
Do not be conformed to this age, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may discern what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God.
Romans 12:2 HCSB
Ashley Bruggeman, Lexington, Kentucky “Listen to Me, you who pursue righteousness, you who seek The Lord: Look to the rock from which you were cut, and the quarry from which you were dug” Isaiah 51:1 HCSB
Michelle Watt, Lexington, South Carolina
“Don’t work for food that spoils. Work for food that gives eternal life. The Son of Man will give you this food, because God the Father has given him the right to do so.”
John 6:27 CEV
Ruth Clemence, Exeter, United Kingom
“We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God. God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.” 2 Corinthians 5:20-21 (NIV)
John 16:33New International Version (NIV)
33 “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
Jackie Houser, Pikeville, NC: Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom. Psalm 90:12 NIV
“For it is by Grace you have been saved,this is not from yourselves but a gift from God” Ephesians 2:8 NIV
I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us. (â€Philippians‬ â€3‬:â€14‬ NLT)
Gaylyn Kelly, Marietta, Ga.
It is for freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm and do not be burdened again by the yoke of slavery. Galatians 5:1, esv
Shirley from Jefferson City, Missouri. “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.” Galatians 5:22, KJ NIV
Bethany, Lompoc, CA:
“Show me your ways, Lord, teach me your paths. Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in your all day long.” Psalm 25:4-5 (NIV)
Amy Lynn Kelley, Chapel Hill, NC – “He (Christ) must become greater; I must become less.” – John 3:30 (NIV)
I’m late! Sorry!
“I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.” ~Romans 12:1
Brooke, Maumelle AR. 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, wil guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7. NIV
Terri Proctor, Andalusia, AL “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
“For the Lord Himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:”
1 Thessalonians 4:16
Denise Haskins, Sylacauga, Alabama “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
Donna, Belton, SC: Return to your rest, O my soul,, for the Lord has dealt bountifully with you. psalm116:7
Traci Morris – Bossier City, LA
“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. Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you.” Jeremiah 29:11-12 (NIV)
Angie Winnipeg Manitoba Canada
“Become useful and helpful and kind to one another, tenderhearted (compassionate, understanding, loving-hearted), forgiving one another (readily and freely), as God in Christ forgave you” Ephesians 4:32 AMP
Teresa Burns, Jonesboro, AR
Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. Philippians 1:6 NIV
So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness. Colossians 2:6
Kitten Pearson, North Little Rock, Ar.
“this is what Yahweh asks of you: only this, to act justly, to love tenderly and to walk humbly with your God.”. Micah 6:8 The Jerusalem Bible
Stacie Mills, Kingwood Texas
But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint. Isaiah 40:31 KJV
Cory Hanson, Katy Tx. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. (â€Philippians‬ â€4‬:â€6‬ ESV)
Susan Neifert, Pratt, KS: “Blessed (happy, fortunate, prosperous, and enviable) is the man who walks and lives not in the counsel of the ungodly [following their advice, their plans and purposes], nor stands [submissive and inactive] in the path where sinners walk, nor sits down [to relax and rest] where the scornful [and the mockers] gather.” Psalm 1:1 (AMP)
Susan R, Chapel Hill, NC says: “For it is by grace you have been saved,this is not from yourselves but a gift from God” Ephesians 2:8 NIV
Kristin Funston, Memphis, TN:
“Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.” (â€Hebrews‬ â€4‬:â€16‬ NIV)
Christina Capraro, Mahopac NY,
1 Samuel 12:22
For the sake of his great name the Lord will not reject his people, because the Lord was pleased to make you his own. (NIV Study Bible)
Amen!
Kim Daniell, Villa Rica, Georgia
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” Philippians 4:6 NIV
Needed that reminder,sister! Glad we are posting “neighbors”!
Rachel Watts, Machesney Park IL;
“Being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ.” Philippians 1:6 (NKJV)
Sara Kuehner, Halifax, Nova Scotia – “Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. 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 4:16-18
Kimberly Atkins, Garland, TX. “Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and your plans will succeed.” Proverbs 16:3 (NIV)
Valerie, Columbus, GA, “For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord. They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.” Jeremiah 29:11 NLT
Beth, Paducah, KY
“For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.”
Romans 8:18 ESV
Cheryl Putman, Gadsden, Alabama
Isaiah 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 wilderness and streams in the wasteland.
“Oh God, You are my God, early I will seek you: my soul thirsts for You, my flesh longs for You in a dry and thirsty land, where there is no water.”
Psalm 63:1
Jamie Wichita, Ks:
“I am my Beloved’s and my Beloved is mine…” Song of Songs 6:3a (ESV)
Desiree, Pensacola, Florida. “Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.” 2 Timothy 2:15, NIV
Jennie, Dexter , Michigan
Isaiah 55:11 (NIV)
“so is my word that goes out from my mouth:
It will not return to me empty,
but will accomplish what I desire
and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.”
Jo Anna Tremper,Norfolk, Va. “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God;” Philippians 4:6, NKJV
April Romero, Arrington, Tennessee. 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
Faith Young, Houston, TX, “He is the rock, His work is perfect, for all His ways are law and justice. A God of faithfulness without breach or deviation, just and right He is.” Deuteronomy 32:4 AMP
“Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.” (â€Luke‬ â€10‬:â€41-42‬ NIV)