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!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Kim from Minot, ND Isaiah 26:3(NIV)
“You will keep in perfect peace, him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you.”
Mary, Chandler, OK
Call upon me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you shall glorify me.
Psalms 50:15 NKJV
For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. Ephesians 2:10 NIV
Cindy B., Grand Rapids, Mi — Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us. Ephesians 3:20 NIV
Elaine L, Fort Worth, TX. He who was seated on the throne said “I am making everything new!” Then he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true!” Rev. 21:5
Reyne from erie, pa
Is. 43:19 AMP
“Behold, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs forth; do you not perceive it and know it and will you not give heed to it? I will even make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.”
Colleen Berry
Spanaway, Washington
Do not speak against one another, brethren. He who speaks against a brother or judges his brother, speaks against the law and judges the law; but if you judge the law, you are not a doer of the law but a judge of it. James4:11 NASB
“As for God, His way is Perfect.
The Word of the Lord is proven.
He is a shield to all who trust in Him.
For Who is God, except the Lord? And who is our Rock, except our God?
It is God who arms me with strength and makes my way perfect.”
Psalms 18:30-32
Ann Craft, Tulsa OK, Hebrews 4:12
For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword; cutting between soul and spirit, joint and marrow. It exposes our in er most thoughts and desires.
Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ. Phil 2:5
The Lord is my rock, my fortress, my deliverer, my God, my stronghold in whom I take refuge, my shield, the glory of my salvation, and my high tower. Psalm 18:2 ISV
Kerry, Glasgow, Scotland
And if you do not carry your own cross and follow me, you cannot be my disciple.Luke 14:27 NLT
Erin, Oregon City, OR
“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.”
Colossians 3:12 (NIV)
Tina Ahlfield, Sikeston, MO
Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.
Matthew 11:28-30 NKJV
In the beginning was the Word; and the Word was with God; and the Word was God. John 1:1
Patti, from Brentwood TN. Romans 6:1 What shall we say then? Am I to continue in sin that grace may abound? ESV
Esther Birge, Snellville, GA
Romans 11:33 KJV
33 O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out!
Kathy – Billings, MT
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
Lisa DeCandia, Fayetteville, 1 Peter 1:3 “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to abundant mercy begotten us again to a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.” KJV
I can do all things through Him who strengthens me. Philippians 4:13 NAS
Rose, Fontana, CA
“It is God working in me to make me want to do AND be able to do what pleases Him.”
Philippians 2: 13 NCV
Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need. Hebrews 4:16 KNIV
“She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come.”
Proverbs 31:25 NIV
Crista, Forest, VA
“I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the Truth.” 3 John 4 NIV
Tracy-Aurora, CO
The Lord himself will fight for you. Just stay calm. Exodus 14:14 (NLT)
“The day I cried out, you answered me and made me bold with strength in my soul.” Pslams 138:3 NKJ
Tina Arndt, Silverthorne, Colorado. “Surely or only goodness, mercy, and unfailing love shall follow me all the days of my life, and through the length of my days the house of the Lord (and His presence) shall be my dwelling place.” Psalm 23:6 AMP
Becky
Mt. Carmel,IL
2nd Timothy 1:7
God has not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and if a sound mind.
Rhonda, Goodlettsville, TN Isaiah 26:3 You will guard him and keep him in perfect and constant peace whose mind [both its inclination and its character] is stayed on You, because he commits himself to You, leans on You, and hopes confidently in You. AMP
Misty, Tampa, FL “A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” Proverbs 15:1 NRSV
Tara Spears, Chandler, AZ
“Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!” Psalm 46:10 ESV
Romans 5:8 NIV But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
Penny Lovett – Tuscaloosa AL
Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.
Ephesians 5:1-2 NIV
Jodi Alley, Humble, TX Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, to God who alone is wise, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen. 1 Tim 1:17 NKJV
Melissa, Perry, GA 31069
Hebrews 12:11 NIV
No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.
(Yay Siestas & Siesta Mama!!! Let’s go for 2015!)
Love this verse! Great reminder I needed today! Thank you!
Gail Ouimette, Bend, OR
Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.
James 1:2-5 (NIV)
Dee Bayes from Lynnwood, WA: “…to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn.” Isaiah 61:2 NIV
D’Anne, Loganville, GA. 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. (â€Romans‬ â€15‬:â€13‬ NIV)
Lindsey – Phoenix, AZ
The Lord said to him, “Who gave men his mouth? Who makes him deaf or mute? Who gives him sight or makes him blind? Is it not I, the Lord? Now go; I will help you speak and will teach you what to say.” Exodus 4:11-12 NIV
Romans 12:2 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. (NKJV)
Kathy Lindsey, Ellerslie, GA: “Submit therefore to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.” James 4:7
Kathy Madison, CT
“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)
Tonya German, wichita, ks,I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. (â€Philippians‬ â€4‬:â€11‬ NIV)
Janice Berryman: Boise, Idaho
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
NIV
Rebecca Miller, Dublin, California. Romans 8:1-2 “So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus. For the power of the life-giving Spirit has freed you through Christ Jesus from the power of sin that leads to death.”
Michelle Silveous, Colorado Springs, CO
Romans 8:23 NIV
“He who did not spare his own Son, but gave home up for us all-
how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?”
Tobi, Santa Ana, California-She is clothed with strength and dignity,and she laughs without fear of the future.Proverbs 31:25 (NLT)
Kristin Clouse, Pe Ell, WA. Jeremiah 6:16 “Thus says the Lord: ‘Stand by the roads, and look, and ask for the Ancient Paths, where the good way is, and walk in it, and find rest for your souls.” ESV
Psalm 28:6-7 NKJV blessed be The Lord, because he has heard the voice of my supplications! The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in Him and I am helped; therefore my heart greatly rejoices, and with my song I will praise Him.
Ephesians 2:19 NASB–“So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints, and are of God’s household.” I belong. By the grace of God Himself, I belong.