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!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Sandra
Wichita Falls, TX
for he who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is his name. (â€Luke‬ â€1‬:â€49‬ ESV)
Rebekah Giannatala, Wichita, Kansas. “A gentile tongue is a tree of life, but perverseness in it breaks the spirit.” Proverbs 15:4 ESV
Mary Lail, Hickory, NC
“The LORD your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing.” Zephaniah 3:17 NIV
Found this gem after Casting Crowns came out with their “Voice of Truth” song. Soon after, my preacher used this scripture during one of his sermons. How awesome is God?!! He’s singing over me!
Hayley, Dallas, TX
“Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.” Philippians 2:3-4 ESV
Angela Dhans from Brooksville, Fl.
Isaiah 57:1 The righteous perishes, And no man takes it to heart; Merciful men are taken away, from evil.
“When the Cheif Spedherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away.” I Peter 5:4 GW
Rachel, Mechanicsville, VA
“To sum up, all of you be harmonious, sympathetic, brotherly, kindhearted, and humble in spirit;”
1 Peter 3:8 ASV
June, Soddy Daisy, TN
Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path. Psalm 119:105 KJV
Deana Cummins, Williamstown, KY
“He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful.” John 15:2 NIV
Jennifer Hutton, North Richland Hills, TX
“When you pass through the water, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.”
Isaiah 43:2 NIV
O God, you are my God; earnestly I seek you; my soul thirst for you; my flesh faints for you as in a dry and weary land where there is not water. Psalm 63:1
Adriann Goodridge, Oklahoma City, OK
“No discipline is enjoyable while it is happening — it’s painful! But afterward there will be a peaceful harvest of right living for those who are trained in this way.” Hebrews 12:11
Amber Hess, North Fairfield, OH “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 12:2 NIV
Dawn Berreth, Lewiston, Idaho
“Even if that person wrongs you seven times a day and each time turns again and asks forgiveness, you must forgive.” Luke 17:4 NLT
but those who hope in the Lord
will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
they will run and not grow weary,
they will walk and not be faint
Isaiah 40:31
Kristin Cho; Northville, Michigan
“The Lord, the Lord, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness, maintaining love to thousands, and forgiving wickedness, rebellion and sin.” ~Amen
Exodus 34:6b-7 NIV
I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world. (John 16:33 NLT)
2Cor 9:8 “And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you abound in every good work.(ESV/NIV)
“Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the spirit through the bond of peace.” Ephesians 4:2-3
Psalms 32:8(NIV)
“I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go;
I will counsel you and watch over you.”
Lendy Nicholson Fort Worth, Texas
“Now to HIm who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us, to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever. Amen.”
Eph. 3:20-21 NASB
Jennifer Shuler, Coeur d’Alene, ID
“The vexation of a fool is known at once, but the prudent ignores an insult.” Proverbs 12:16 ESV
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 a approve of what God’s will is, His good, pleasing and perfect will. Romans 12:2
I don’t think that I have all the info that I need. Could you please tell where I go to to be part of the group? Is there a list of the scriptures that are to be learned?
Hi Martha! We welcome you to SSMT! If you haven’t yet read the Instructions post (http://blog.lproof.org/2014/12/siesta-scripture-memory-team-2015-instructions-and-spiral-information.html), that information will help you tremendously. Please let us know if we can help you further.
Sylvia Done, Roseville CA
“Does the LORD delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obeying the LORD? To obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed is better than the fat of rams. 1 Samuel 15
Cindy Coombes, Villa Grove, Illinois. “He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives, and release from darkness for the prisoners…to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes the oil of gladness instead of mourning and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. “. Isaiah 61: 1,3 NIV
Sarah Porter
Martin, GA
But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. Matthew 6:33 KJV
“Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since you were called to peace. And be thankful.” Col. 3:15 NIV
Lo I am with you always, even unto the end of the world.
Matthew 28:20
Now to Him who is able to do immeasurable more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us, Ephesians 3:20 (will finish the 15th) NIV
For the LORD God is a sun and shield;
The LORD will give grace and glory;
No good thing will He withhold
From those who walk uprightly. O LORD of hosts,
Blessed is the man who trusts in You!
Psalm 84:11-12
“You are all children of the light and children of the day. We do not belong to the night or to the darkness. So then, let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be alert and self-controlled.” I Thessalonians 5:5-6 NIV
“Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you.” Luke 10:19 (KJV)
Becky Richter, Oak Harbor, WA
“Those who know your name trust in you, for you, O Lord, do not abandon those who search for you.” Psalm 9:10 (NLT)
This letter is from Jude, a slave of Jesus Christ and a brother of James. I am writing to all who have been called by God the Father, who loves you and keeps you safe in the care of Jesus Christ. (â€Jude‬ â€1‬:â€1‬ NLT)
“When I tried to understand all of this, it was oppressive to me till I entered the sanctuary of God, the I understood their final destiny.” Psalm 73:16-17 NIV
“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. He will not let your foot slip — he who watches over you will not slumber; indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep. The Lord watches over you — the Lord is your shade at your right hand. The Lord will keep you from all harm — he will watch over your life; the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.” Psalm 121 (NIV)
Amanda Iles, Woodworth, Louisiana
“Blessed are they whose ways are blameless, who walk according to the law of the Lord.” Psalm 119:1 NIV
Nihla, Amarillo, Tx
2 Corinthians 3:18 (NKJV)
But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord.
Kim Witman, Greencastle, PA “Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful.” Hebrews 10:23 NIV
Mandy Blocker, Oklahoma
“Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.” – Proverbs 19:21
Jamie Engstrom, Peoria, AZ, “Therefore since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfector of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” Hebrews 12:1-2 NIV 1984
Mary Arancibia, Garden Grove, CA. “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.” Psalm 46:1 NIV
“For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.” Hebrews 4:12 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.” Jer. 29:11 (NIV)
Andrea Roebuck, Nashville TN
“Have no fear of sudden disaster or of the ruin that overtakes the wicked, for the Lord will be your confidence and will keep your foot from being snared. Proverbs 3:25-26 NIV
Rebecca – Las Vegas, NV “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.”
James 1:2-3 NIV
A familiar verse and one that I need to recommit to memory is: “I have been crucified with Christ; and it is not longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me, and delivered Himself up for me.”
Galations 2:20 NAS
Chris
Canton, NC
For the LORD God is a sun and shield;
The LORD bestows favor and honor;
no good thing will He withhold
from those whose walk is blameless.
LORD Almighty, blessed is the one who trusts in You!
Psalm 84:11-12 NIV
Glenda, Pasco, WA “YOU have made known to me the paths of life; YOU will fill me with joy in YOUR presence, with eternal pleasures at YOUR right hand.” Psalm 16:11 NIV