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) Ā 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 ofĀ 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 areĀ 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:Ā
Your name, city, verse (written all the way out), reference, and translation.Ā
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 citizensĀ with the saints and members of the household of God.”Ā 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 householdĀ all we’ve got. Christ is so altogether worthy.
Wait, wait, wait, wait, wait! One last thing before I say Go!Ā 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 upĀ on the SSMT informational comments. Ā 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. Ā I know it’s a bit complicated at first! Hang with it!Ā So sorry for your extra trouble!
Hey, I am so glad you’re doing this with us. So much love to you.
OK, GO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Chris Robertson from Fort Wayne, Indiana
“My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.”
2 Corinthians 12:9 NIV
Kelli Swisher, Beavercreek, Ohio.
“When God gives someone wealth and possessions, and the ability to enjoy them, to accept their lot and be happy in their toil–this is a gift of God. They seldom reflect on the days of their life, because God keep them occupied with gladness of heart.”
Ecclesiastes 5:19-20 (NIV)
Leigh Ann Hradil Copley, OH
Exodus 14:14 ESV “The Lord will fight for you, and you have only to be silent.ā
Anniek Sturm, Hoofddorp, The Netherlands (Europe). ‘Ik weet dat niets buiten Uw macht ligt en geen enkel plan voor U onuitvoerbaar is’. Job 42:2, NBV
Jennifer Kinney,Asheboro, NC “Blessed is she who has believed that what the Lord has said to her will be accaccomplished!” Luke 1:45 NIV
Selena Rosetti, Wiggins, Mississippi
“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 a hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11, NIV
Search me, O God, and know my heart; Try me, and know my anxieties; (āPsalmsā¬ ā139ā¬:ā23ā¬ NKJV)
“For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord”- Romans 8:38-39 (NIV).
Philippians 1:9-10 NIV
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 for the day of Christ
Jocelynn Bailey, Clifton, VA
2 Chronicles 20:12 (NIV)
Our God, will you not judge them? For we have no power to fight this vast army that is attacking us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you.
Beth Searcy, Fredericksburg, VA. “As a prisoner of the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.” Ephesians 4:1-2 NIV
Sarah Owen, Kansas City, Missouri. “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.” Galatians 5:22-23 ESV
Brenda Wilken from Eureka , MO
But he gives us more grace. That is why scripture says:
“God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.”
James 4:6 NIV
Sharon Brittain – Wylie, Tx
“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.” 1 Cor 13:4-5 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 a hope and a future. Then you will call on me and come and pray to me and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with your whole heart. I will be found by you”, declares the Lord, “and will bring you back from captivity. I will gather you from all the nations and places where I have banished you”, declares the Lord, “and will bring you back to the place from which I carried you into exile”. Jeremiah 29:11-14 (NIV)
Sue Heth Elk Run Heights, IA
“Now may the Lord of peace Himself give you peace at all times & in every way (under all circumstances & conditions, whatever comes). The Lord be with you all.” 2 Thess 3:16 Amp
Liz Nelson- Shawnee, OK
“If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.” Colossians 3:1 ESV
Debbie Hogan, Pocahontas, “God is our hope and strength, and help in troubles, ready to be found.” Psalm 46:1 Geneva 1599
Michelle Thompson, Rowlett, TX. “Many are the plans in a persons heart, but it is the Lords purpose that prevails.” Proverbs 19:21. ESV
“Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor.” Romans 12 9-10 ESV
Nikki Murdock, Brentwood, Tn
“He gives strength to those who are tired and more power to those who are weak.” (āIsaiahā¬ ā40ā¬:ā29ā¬ NCV)
Donna D., Victoria Tx
“…I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that He is able to guard what I have entrusted to Him for that day.” 2 Tim 1:12 NIV
Sherry Campbell, Nowata, Oklahoma.
The Lord’s unfailing love and mercy still continue, Lamentations 3:22 GNT
emily lorin | atlanta, ga | “For we are Godās masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.” ephesians 2:10 {nlt}
Melissa Ruth, Houston, Texas.
1 Peter 1:13 NLT
So prepare your minds for action and exercise self-control. Put all your hope in the gracious salvation that will come to you when Jesus Christ is revealed to the world.
Cynthia Rollins, Union City, Oklahoma
“Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit to their husbands in everything.” Ephesians 5:24 NIV
Michelle Rudolph, Chattanooga, TN
We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. 2 Corinthians 10:5
Sandy Hammock
Durant, OK
Grace and Peace to you from God, our Father and the Lord, Jesus Christ.
Philippians 1:2
Dianne, Magnolia, TX
Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee. – Psalm 119:11 (KJV)
Fran_ Knoxville, TN
Colossians 3:23-24 NKJV
And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ.
Pam Reeves
Orlando
I will give you back your health and heal your wounds.
Jer 30:17 NLT
Jackie Bozman, Trenton MI., 1 Samuel 1:27 I prayed for this child, and the Lord has granted me what I asked of him. NIV
Pat Wagar, Jekyll Island, GA
You can make plans, but the Lord’s purpose will prevail.
Proverbs 19:21 NLT
Lindsay Arellano, Los Alamos, nm
Surely the righteous will never be shaken; They will be remembered forever. They will have no fear of bad news; their hearts are steadfast, trusting in the LORD. Psalm 112:6-7 NIV
Robyn May
McKinney, TX
Isaiah 43:18-19 (NIV)
“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.”
Dacia Edmonson, Bullard, Texas
Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, “This is the way; walk in it.” Isaiah 30:21 NIV
Kristine, DFW, TX – “And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.” I Peter 5:10 ESV
Melissa Ballard Liberty, West Virginia. “Lead me in Your truth and teach me, for You are the God of my salvation; for You I wait all the day long.” Psalm 25:5 ESV
Van Alstyne, TX
“In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength, but you would have none of it.”
Isaiah 30:15 NIV, 1984
(Inspired by the term “siesta”) š
From Troy, Ohio
“Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ.” Galatians 1:10 NIV
Wendy, Colorado Springs, CO
“But Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible but with God all things are possible.” Matthew 19:26 ESV
Joshua 1:8 (ESV) This book of the law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.
Kelly Mabe, Brashear, TX. “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
Stephanie Ansel, Fleetwood, PA
For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, “Abba Father.” Romans 8:15 NKJV
Janae Igo, Sundown, TX “let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to god.” Colossians 3:16 NIV
Holly from Orangevale, Calif “Look to the Lord and his strength, seek his face always.” Psalm 105:4 (NIV)
“For I the Lord do not change; therefore you, O children of Jacob, are not consumed.”
Malachi 3:6 ESV
Beth, Toronto: “Thus says the Lord God to these bones: Behold, I will cause breath to enter you, and you shall live.” Ezekiel 37:5 (ESV)
Ephesians 3:20 (ESV)
Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly than all we ask or think , according to the power at work within us ,
Heather G., Goodhue, MN 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