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!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Amy Van Sky, Grove City,OH
We are afflicted in every way; but not crushed; perplexed, but not despairing; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed. (2 Corinthians 4:8-9)
Becky Miller, Horseshoe Bay, Texas
Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves. Phil. 2:3 NIV
Joining Siesta.
Kassi Rushing, Ridgeland, MS – â€Psalm‬ â€16‬:â€6‬ ESV
The lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; indeed, I have a beautiful inheritance.
Laurie, Sutton Ontario
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
Ginni Bartlett, Orlando, John 15:5 I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. NIV
Susan Clark Norfolk VA. My brothers, show no partiality as you hold the Faith in our Lord Jesus Christ. The Lord of glory James 2:1 NSV
Emily Cikra, Bay Village, OH
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)
Kristine from Welland
“Sow for yourselves righteousness, reap the fruit of unfailing love and break up your unplowed ground; for it is time to seek the Lord, until he comes and showers righteousness on you.”
Hosea 10:12 NIV
Jacque Martin, Ewa Beach, Hawaii, Psalm19:14 “May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight.” NIV
Joel 2:13 HCSB “Tear your hearts, not just your clothes and return to the Lord your God. For He is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger, rich in faithful love, and He relents from sending disaster”
Shawna, Boise Idaho
Psalm 62:5-6 HCSB
Rest in God alone, my soul, for my hope comes from Him. He alone is my rock and my salvation, my stronghold; I will not be shaken.
Heather Russell, Jonesborough, TN
Deuteronomy 31:8. “It is the Lord who goes before you. He will not leave you or forsake you. Do not be fear or be dismayed.” ESV
Katie Gravens, Crawford, Texas – Psalm 62:1 (NIV) “Truly my soul finds rest in God; my salvation comes from him.”
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. Hebrews 12:11 NIV
Traci. Cleburne, TX. “Always be joyful.”
1 Thessalonians 5:16 NLT
(Joy is my word for 2015.)
to the only God our Savior be glory, majesty, power and authority, through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages, now and forevermore! Amen. Jude1:25
Jules Lane, Foothills of the Rocky Mtns, Colorado, “So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.” Psalm 90:12 KJV
SB, Knoxville. Paul, a servant of the Lord Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle and set apart for the gospel of God the gospel he promised before hand through his prophets in the holy scriptures, Romans 1:1-2, NIV
Jennifer T, Fort Worth, TX.
For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases Him. Phil 2:13 NLT
Along unfamiliar paths I will guide you; I will turn the darkness into light before you and make the rough places smooth. These are the things I will do; I will not forsake you.”Isaiah 42:16
Boise, Idaho
“We love because He first loved us. If anyone says,’I love God,’ yet hates his brother, he is a liar. For anyone who does not love his brother, whom he has seen, cannot love God, Whom he has not seen. And He has given us this command: Whoever loves God must also love his brother.”
1 John 4:19-21
Shelley from San Angelo
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)
Lauren T. Fort Worth, TX
The Lord detests lying lip, but He delights in those who tell the truth. Prov 12:22 NLT
Rhonda Wilmore Staunton VA “I lift my eyes 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
Julie from Naperville IL
1 Thess. 5:23-24 (NIV 1984)
May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. The one who calls you is faithful and he will do it.
Kendra Kennedy, Southlake, TX
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 1:5 (NIV)
Kayla Viliborghi, Atlanta, GA
Proverbs 3:5-6 NIV
Trust in the Lord with all of your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.
Jamie from Dallas, Texas:
“But the Lord stood with me and strengthened me, so that the message might be preached fully through me, and that all the Gentiles might hear. Also I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion. And the Lord will deliver me from every evil work and preserve me for His heavenly kingdom. To Him be glory forever and ever! Amen!” 2 Timothy 4:17-18. (NKJV)
Phil 1:6 ~HE WHO BEGAN A GOOD WORK IN ME WILL CONTINUE TILL OF DAY OF JESUS CHRIST
He said to them, “This is what I told you while I was still with you: Everything must be fulfilled that is written about me in the Law of Moses, the Prophets, and the Psalms.
Then He opened their minds so they could understand the scripture. Luke 24:44-45. NIV
Moore, Oklahoma, When life is heavy and hard to take, go off by yourself. Enter the silence. Bow in prayer. Don’t ask questions: wait for hope to appear. Don’t run from trouble. Take it full-face. The ‘worst’ is never the ‘worst’. Lamentations 3:28-30 MSG
Jeremiah 29:11 NIV “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.”
Shauna, Midland TX FOR I KNOW THE PLANS 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 NISB
Linda Bolle – Orting, WA – “The Lord will command his lovingkindness in the daytime; and his song will be with me in the night, a prayer to the God of my life.” Psalm 42:8 – NIV
Jennifer Owens, McDonough, 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)
“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
“Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God – this is your spiritual act of worship. 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.” (Romans 12:1-2 NIV)
Jill Moss, North Scituate, Rhode Island “For this reason I bow my knees to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, from whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, that He would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner man…” Ephesians 3:14-16 NKJV
Roxanne Livermore, CA
“Now The Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of The Lord is, there is freedom. And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lords glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from The Lord, who is the Spirit.” 2 Corinth. 3:17-18 NIV
Finally, all of you, live in harmony with one another; be sympathetic, love as brothers, be compassionate and humble. 1 Peter 3:8 NIV
Noreen Unger, Calgary, Alberta
“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)
Rom 12:1 ESV I appeal to you therefore, brothers and sisters, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.
Theresa, Federal Way, WA; “Moreover, I will make your battlements of rubies, and your gates of crystal, and your entire wall of precious stones.”–Isaiah 54:12 NASB
Debbie Green, Brandon, MS Psalm 103:3 who forigves all your sins and heals all your diseases; (NIV)
Jamie from Phoenix: “Restore to me the joy of Your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.” Psalm 51:12 (NIV)
And this is His command: To believe in the name of His Son, Jesus Christ, and to love one another as He commanded us. 1 John 3:23 NIV.
James 1:22 “Do not merely listen to the work, and deceive yourselves. Do what it says” NIV
So do not fear for I am with you,
Do not be dismayed for I am your God,
I will strengthen you and help you;
I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
Isaiah 41:10
Shannon,
Loved to see Isiah 41:10 just before I posted. Three year’s ago I had a journey with breast cancer and this is the verse that God saw was a verse for this journey. I am a three year survivor. Sandy
Sandy,
Thank you for sharing your testimony of God’s faithfulness to you in your battle with cancer. I rejoice with you in God’s provision, peace, and protection over you!
Angie Lett, Kingston, TN “Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; but his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night.” Psalm 1:1-2 ESV