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!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Kristen, Ridgecrest, CA – “So I say to you: Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.” Luke 11:9-10 NIV
Linsey, New Haven, CT
For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you and asking God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding. Colossians 1:9 NIV
Ligianette Cordova, Miami, FL
“I have heard of You by the hearing of the ear, but now my eye sees you. Therefore I abhor myself, and repent in dust and ashes.” Job 42:5-6 NKJV <3
Tooele, UT – “And the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God, and into the patient waiting for Christ.” II Thess. 3:5 (NKJV)
Sugar Land, Tx
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Phil 4:13 NKJV
Mary Beth Brannon, Cleveland, GA
Exodus 14:13 NKJV
And Moses said to the people, “Do not be afraid. Stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord, which He will accomplish for you today. For the Egyptians whom you see today, you shall see again no more forever.
Lisa Martin, Chesterfield, MO
And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us (and we beheld his glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father), full of grace and truth. (â€John‬ â€1‬:â€14‬ ASV)
Happy Birthday Jesus! HE is the reason for the season.
Let us, then, feel very sure that we can come before God’s throne where there is grace. There we can receive mercy and grace to help us when we need it. Heb. 4:16
1 Thes. 5:5-6
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 awake and sober.
Tina Roberts-Reid, Lakeland, FL. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all ways submit to Him and He will make your paths straight.” Proverbs 3:5-6. NIV
I forgot to add my address Joleen Huyck, Swartz Creek, Michigan
Carolyn Tarman, Jetmore, Ks.
“Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. Matthew 7:1-2 NIV
Amy, Tuscaloosa, AL
Jeremiah 1:15 NLT
I knew you before I formed you in your mother’s womb. Before you were born I set you apart and appointed you as my spokesman to the world.
103 Hawkins Dr #16
Ephesian 3:20 Now to him that is exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us, NKJV.
I am recently a child who has come back to the lord and Savior Jesus Christ. I went on a women’s retreat for the very first time with my church. On this retreat we watched several women but the one who stood out the most was Priscilla Shirer. Ephesians 3:20-21 was one of thing verses she touched upon. It touched me because of where I am in my life right now. I was a wretch, broke down with nothing left to lose but my life. I turned my life around and let the blessing in my life be the presence of God. So now whenever I am feeling down or like I cant make it, I look to this verse. These are not just words to me but they are life. I thank God everyday for what he has done for me and what he is doing right now for me in my life.
Praise the Lord 🙂
Nikki Hyatt, Orlando, FL
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
Guthrie Center, Iowa. Romans 8:28 ESV And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.
Becky Frazier, Stromsburg, NE
Ephesians 2:3b-5
Like the rest, we were by nature deserving of wrath. But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions-it is by grace you have been saved.
Kati Hart Spanish Fort, AL
The Light shines in the darkness,
and the darkness has not overcome it.
John 1:5 NIV
Jenna, Petal, MS
For God has not given us a spirit of fearfulness, but one of power, love, and sound judgement.
~2 Timothy 7~ HCSB
Finally, brothers, 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. Phil 4:8 NIV
Melena Brackins, Pigeon Forge, Tennessee
“Teach me your way, O Lord, and I will walk in your truth;
give me an undivided heart, that I might fear your name.”
Psalme 86:11 (NIV)
Bennie Edwards, Amarillo,TX
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
Jessica H, Brandon, FL
Psalm 34:18 – NIV
The Lord is close to the brokenhearted
and saves those who are crushed in spirit.
I am so confused on how this works. Will you please xplain to me? Sorry to be a bother.
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.
in all your ways acknowledge him, and He will make your paths straight.”
Proverbs 3:5-6. NIV
Jen, Mishawaka, IN. “But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.” Matthew 6:3-4 NIV
And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge – that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. Ephesians 3:17b-19. NIV
For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope. Romans 15:4 KJV
Beth, I’m not sure if my verse was posted. I’m sure it was and I’ve tried to scroll through, but there are so many as I’m sure you’re very aware of. Your eyes are probably crossed by now, haha. I didn’t know how to double check to see if it was there. Is there a faster way to search it?
Thank you and have a wonderful Sunday.
Shadow Welty – Star Idaho
I Thes 5:16-18 NKJV
“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everthing give thanks for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”
Patricia, Sevierville, TN
John 3:16 NIV
For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
Diane Crocker, Durham, NC
John 6:29 NIV
Jesus answered, “The work of God is this: to believe in the one he has sent.”
Jeannie, South Georgia
1 Corinth. 2:5 (NAS)
Your faith should not rest on the wisdom of men but on the power of God.
Cheri W, Indianapolis, IN
yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Savior. Habakkuk 3:18 NIV
Vivienne, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.
Philippians 4:8(NLT)
Toni Land, Fort Mill, South Carolina
That my soul may sing praise to You and not be silent. O LORD my God, I will give thanks to you forever. Psalms 30:12 NASB
Mary-Hamilton Bennett
Oxford, MS
In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.
Genesis 1:1 HCSB
GIna, Houston, Tx
“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
amy g- Come to me with your ears wide open. Listen and you will find life. I will make an everlasting covenant with you. I will give you all the unfailing love I promised to David.- Isaiah 55:3 NLT
Maria Bennett
Oxford, MS
Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it.
Proverbs 22:6 NIV
I love this verse. I can only hope and pray that my kids follow this verse.
Renee Miracle – Westfield, IN
2 Corinthians 4:7 NIV
But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us.
Holly DeBolt, Mansfield OH
“To this end I labor, struggling with all his energy which so powerfully works in me.”
Colossians 1:29 NIV
Nicole, Brentwood,CA, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28 NIV
Pleasant words are as a honeycomb sweet to the soul and health to the bones. Proverbs 16:24
The grace of the Lord be with you. 1 Corinthians 16:23
Jo ~ Yuma,CO
Don’t fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns. Before you know it, a sense of God’s wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down.
Philippians 4:6 (The Message)
” Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” Philippians 1:6
Therefore †we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things which we have heard, lest at any time we should let them slip. Hebrews 2:1 KJV
Janine, Ojai CA
Galatians 2:20 (ESV)
“I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.” Looking to start the year in the proper mindset. So excited to be apart of this!
Tiffeny Folsom, California
“I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. 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.” Romans 12: 1-2 NKJV