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!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
“I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed to us”. Romans 8:18 NIV
Sheena Connolly, Keller, TX
Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Phil 4:6 NLT
Shellina Guthrie, Charlotte, NC
Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.
Galatians 6:9 (NIV)
Springdale AR. Mathew4:4 Jesus answered, it is written: man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God. Niv
Lacy Dodd, Norman, Oklahoma
“Then he continued, “Do not be afraid, Daniel. Since the first day that you set your mind to gain understanding and to humble yourself before your God, your words were heard, and I have come in response to them.” Daniel 10:12 NIV
Edmond, OK
The Lord is my light and my salvation;
Whom shall I fear?
The Lord is the strength of my life;
Of whom shall I be afraid? Psalm 27:1 NKJV
Pam Worcester, Glen Elder, Kansas. 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 desert and streams in the wasteland. Isaiah 43:18-19 (NIV 1984)
Christina Heitz, Monticello, MN
But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. Those who want to get rich fall into the temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. 1 Timothy 6:6-9 NIV
For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what they already have? Romans 8:24 NIV
“You are my refuge and my shield; your word is my source of hope.”
Psalms 119:114 NLT
Angie Keener, Bella Vista, Arkansas
“Make Your ways known to me, LORD; teach me Your paths. Guide me in Your truth and teach me, for You are the God of my salvation; I wait for You all day long.” Psalm 25: 4-5 HCSB
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
Casie Gall, Wylie TX “Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform (me!) into a new person by changing the way (I) think…” Rom 12:2a NLT
Psalm 19:12b & 13 – Forgive my hidden faults. Keep your servant also from willful sins; Then will I be blameless, innocent of great transgression. (NIV)
Joy Eaton, West Palm Beach, FL: “But that is the time to be careful! Beware that in your plenty you do not forget the Lord your God and disobey His commandments, regulations, and laws.” Deuteronomy 8:12 NLT
Jamie, Lexington KY “Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.: Ephesians 6:11-13 NIV
“Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.”
Offer the sacrifices of righteousness, and put your trust in the Lord. Psalm 4 : 5 KJV
Alana W., Houston TX
Isaiah 48:10-11 “Behold, I have refined thee, but not with silver; I have chosen thee in the furnace of affliction. For mine own sake, even for mine own sake, will I do it: for how should my name be polluted? and I will not give my glory unto another.”
Melissa Magera, Rosenberg, TX
“I keep my eyes always on the Lord. With him at my right hand, I will not be shaken.”
Psalm 16:8 NIV
‘To all who mourn in Israel,[a]
he will give a crown of beauty for ashes,
a joyous blessing instead of mourning,
festive praise instead of despair.
In their righteousness, they will be like great oaks
that the Lord has planted for his own glory.”
– Isaiah 61:3
Sue Brenner, Gilbert, AZ
Jesus replied, “What is impossible with men is possible with God.” Luke 18:27 NIV
Makoto Houck, Carlsbad, CA
When she speaks, her words are wise, and she gives instruction with kindness.
Proverbs 31:26 NLT
Michelle, Brandon, Florida.
For I know the plans that I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope. Jeremiah 29:11 NASB
Kristi Martin, Milton, FL “Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe.” Philippians 2:14-15
Jadine, Port Matilda, PA “And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.” Phil 1:6
” And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless until the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ –to the glory and praise of God. Philippians 1:9-11
Lesa from Garden City, Kansas
Laura from Greensboro, NC
A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh.
Ezekiel 36:26
Claudia, Raeford, NC …that through death He might render powerless him who had the power of death, that is, the devil, and might free those who through fear of death were subject to slavery all their lives. (â€Hebrews‬ â€2‬:â€14b-15‬ NASB)
Susan, Blacksburg, Virginia
He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. Psalms 91:1 KJV
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
Lynne Razor, Huntington, IN: “But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.” NKJV
Jill Coody, Waco, TX
the Lord appeared to him from far away.
I have loved you with an everlasting love;
therefore I have continued my faithfulness to you. Jeremiah 31:3 ESV
Jen Caldwell, Bradenton, Fl
Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.
James 1:2-3 NIV
A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.
Proverbs 15:1
Kari Ellis, Bloomington, MN: “Do not be afraid, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.” Luke 12:32 NRSV
Melonie from Sparks, OK
Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am being tempted by God,” for God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempts no one. But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. James 1:13-14 ESV
Julie Zaragoza, Cuecuecuautitla, Mexico “That is why it is said: ‘Wake up, sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.’ Be very careful, then, how you live – not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.” Ephesians 5:14-16 (NIV) “Porque la luz es lo que hace que todo sea visible. Por eso se dice: ‘Despiertate, tu que duermes, levantate de entre los muertos, y te alumbrara Cristo.’ Asi que tengan cuidado de su manera de vivir. No vivan como necios sino como sabios, aprovechando al maximo cada momento oportuno, porque los dias son malos.” Efesios 5:14-16 (NVI)
Amanda Silliman Tuscaloosa, AL “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” Philippians 4:6
Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord! Psalm 27:14E ESV
I lie down and sleep; I awake again, because The Lord sustains me. I will not fear tens of thousands drawn up on every side. Psalm 3:5-6
Charlotte Keifer. Houston, Tx. “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
I will lift up my eyes to the hills— From whence comes my help? My help comes from the LORD, Who made heaven and earth. (â€Psalms‬ â€121‬:â€1-2‬ NKJV)
Annette McDonald, Greenwood, MS
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)
Alesia Campbell, Robertsdale, Alabama. “So I command the enjoyment of life, because nothing is better for a man then to eat and drink and be glad. Then joy will accompany him in his work all the days of the life God has given him under the sun. ” (Ecclesiastes 8:15. NIV)
Holly from Frisco, Texas
“Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.”
Isaiah 43:18-19
Sandy Costello, Oak Grove, Louisiana
Therefore I will look unto the Lord; I will wait for the God of my salvation: my God will hear me. Micah 7:7 KJV
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 NLT
12 Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. 2 Do not conform 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.
Romans 12:1-2 NIV
Becca Lynch, Mebane, NC.
I will say to the Lord, “My refuge and my fortress,
my God, in whom I trust.” Psalm 91:2 ESV