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!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Kerri Hagee, League City, TX, “Likewise, you who are younger, be subject to the elders. Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for ‘God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.'” 1 Peter 5:5 ESV
Deneen Epperson, Winder, Georgia “But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. 1 Timothy 6:6-7 NIV
Amy, Grand Rapids, MN “Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go, for to you I lift up my soul.” Psalm 143:8 (NIV)
Beautiful!
Brianna Hartman Brighton, Co. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed for The Lord your God is with you wherever you go. Joshua1:9 NKJV
Laurabehn / Mission Hills, CA / Colossians 2:6-7 (NLT) “(6) And now, just as you accepted Christ Jesus as your Lord, you must continue to follow him. (7) Let your roots grow down into him, and let your lives be built on him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness.”
Carla Armstrong from Harlingen, Texas “The Lord himself is my inheritance, my prize. He is my food, and drink, my highest joy! He guards all that is mine.” Psalm 16:5 LAB
Kelly, Lexington, MS, “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.” Colossians 3:15 NIV
I can do all things through Christ who strengths me.
Amanda Allen, Nashville, TN
“Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.” Colossians 3:15 (NIV)
Tricia, Xenia, Ohio
It is God who arms me with strength and keeps my way secure. (â€Psalm‬ â€18‬:â€32‬ NIV)
Amber Samousseva, Atoka, TN:
“Because he bends down to listen, I will pray as long as I have breath!” Psalm 116:2 NLT
Cindy, Roxana, IL “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.” Collossians 3:23 NIV
Kim Lohman, Hillsboro, IL
Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Philippians 4:6
Leah, Ontario, Canada
You crown the year with Your bounty, and Your carts overflow with abundance. Psalm 65:11 NIV
Judy, Ringgold, GA, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.” Matthew 22:37
In the same way let your light shine before men that they might see your good deeds and praise your father in heaven.
Matthew 5:16NIV
Julie Zaragoza, Cuecuecuautitla, Mexico
didn’t see my post, so I am reposting
“This 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)
jacqui from Chesnee, Sc Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. Matthew 6:34 NIV
Nutrioso, AZ
Because He bends down to listen, I will pray as long as I have breath. psalm 116:2 NLT
God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help us in times of trouble. Psalm 46 : 1 (NLT)
Sharon Rendon, Rapid City, SD
Luke 6:45
“A good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and an evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of.” NIV
Vickie Cook, Houston, TX “The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in him, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in him”. Learning I am good enough…
Brenda Horazdovsky, Freeland MI I am full of the wrath of the LORD and I cannot hold it in. Jeremiah 6:11
Phyllis, Houston, Tx Trust in The Lord and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture. NIV
Deborah Fulton, Weatherford, Oklahoma “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 wilderness and streams in the wasteland.” Isaiah 43:18-19 (NIV)
Cathy, Birmingham, AL
But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.
Isaiah 40:31 ESV
“Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong. Do everything in love” 1 Corinthians 16:13-14 (NLT)
Vickie Cook, Houston, TX “The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in him, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in him” Matthew 12:35 NIV. Learning I am good enough…
Lori Dangerfield, Newport News, VA, “The Rock, his work is perfect, for all his ways are justice. A God of faithfulness and without iniquity, just and upright is he.”. Deuteronomy 32:4 ESV
Vanessa- Modesto, Ca.
Isaiah 43:18-19
“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 wilderness
and streams in the wasteland.
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 (1 Peter 5:10)
Laura Eoff, Bourbon, Mo
Ephesians 4:2 (NIV) Be completely humble and gentle; be patient bearing with one another in love.
Janet Brolund Montgomery, Alabama
Who among you is wise and understanding? Let him show by his good behavior his deeds in the gentleness of wisdom.
James 3:13 NASV
Vero Gonzalez, Cuecuecuautitla, Mexico
“Ante la promesa de Dios no vacilo como un incredulo, sino que se reafirmo en su fe y dio gloria a Dios, plenamente convencido de que Dios tenia poder para cumplir lo que habia prometido.” Romanos 4:20-21 (NVI)
“Yet he did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, being fully persuaded that God had power to do what he had promised.” Romans 4:20-21 (NIV)
Pepper Edwards, Midland, TX “Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.” Psalm 51:10-12 NIV
Arlington, Texas
Romans 7:18 HCSB For I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my flesh. For the desire to do what is good is with me, but there is no ability to do it.
Oh,Jan,thank you! That is exactly what I needed to read right here, right now. God is so good, all the time.
Nichole from Quinton Va. “For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile.” Romans 1:16 NIV
Rebecca A, St Simons Island, GA. “I know what I’m doing. I have it all planned out–plans to take care of you, not abandon you, plans to give you the future you hope for. When you call on Me, when you come and pray to Me, I’ll listen. When you come looking for Me, you’ll find Me. Yes, when you get serious about finding Me and want it more than anything else, I’ll make sure you won’t be disappointed.” Jeremiah 29:11-13 MSG
Staci
Columbus,OH
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead
1 Peter 1:3
ESV
Heather Boyd, Joplin Missouri, “I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.” Psalm 119:11 NIV
Kim/Colmesneil, Texas
Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men. Colossians 3:23 NIV
Erin Emerson from Fresno, CA
“I lift up 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
Sandra from Renfrew, Ontario Canada. “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 NIV
Melanie
Greeley, CO
2 Timothy 4:18, “The Lord will deliver me from EVERY evil work and preserve me for His heavenly kingdom.” – NKJ
Mary Ann Russell, Coalfield, TN, “Fear not; I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; you are mine.” Isaiah 43:1 NKJV
Michelle Brown, Winter Haven, Florida.
“Turn my heart toward Your statutes and not toward selfish gain.” Psalm 119:36 NIV
Nancy
Odessa, Tx
Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God. Matthew 5:8 NIV
Lisa, Lake Oswego, OR “Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go, for to you I lift up my soul.” Psalm 143:8 (NIV)
Phyllis Sills, Charlotte, NC, “It’s in Christ that we find out who we are and what we are living for. Long before we first heard of Christ and got our hopes up, he had his eye on us, had designs on us for glorious living”, Ephesians 1:11, The Message
Lauren Unger from Steinbach, Manitoba: 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 NIV)