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, Battle Ground, WA
1 Corinthians 2:14 (NASB)
14 But a natural man does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually appraised.
Cassy Hill, Canton, Ohio
A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have love you, so you must love one another . By this all men will know that you are my disciples:; if you love one another. JOHN 13:34-35
Stacy Winton, Kimberly, WI
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 43:19 NIV
Denise, Wife of Steve, Mom of four daughters in Michigan
I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.
Psalm 139:14 NIV
JoAnn Heath, Houston, TX. “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. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” James 1:2-4 NIV
Lindsey Gibson, Soddy-Daisy, TN, This is my command be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go. Joshua 1:9 (NLT).
Carol Valencik – Fredericksburg, VA
Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help us in time of need.
Hebrews 4:16 NKJV
Mary Hattabaugh Farmington, NM “Mankind, He has told you what is good and what it is the Lord requires of you: to act justly, to love faithfulness, and to walk humbly with your God.” Micah 6:8
John 10:14 ESV “I am the good shepherd. I know my own, and my own know me.”
Brenda Powell, Grant, Alabama. “Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ love us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.” Eph. 5:2 NIV
Pam,Caldwell,TX
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
Tammy Holley, Sugar Land, TX
“I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you and watch over you.” Psalms 32:8 NIV
Sarah Gibson, Soddy-Daisy, TN, But I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you! Matthew 5:44 (NLT).
Connie B. Riddle Prattville, AL
In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone O Lord, will keep me safe. Psalm 4:8 NLT
Suzanne from Canton, MI
Colossians 3:1, NIV
Since then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God.
Shannon L
For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.
Jeremiah 29:11 NLT
I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.
Galatians 2:20 NIV
Kay Berland, Richmond Hill, GA “Watch for the new thing I am going to do. It is happening already-you can see it now! I will make a road through the wilderness and give you streams of water there. Isaiah 43:19, GNB
Blessed is the pure in heart, for they shall see God Matthew 5:8
Okay, I hope I’m doing this right! 🙂
My verse:
Yet I still dare to hope when I remember this: The faithful love of the Lord never ends! His mercies never cease. (NLT) ( Lamentations 3:21-22 )
I came across this scripture on my daily devotion today and it really spoke to me and make me think it would make a wonderful memory verse! I have struggled because I am 47 years old and feel like I still don’t know what I want to be when I grow up. And although I trust God in every step of my life, sometimes I feel like he leads on on a wild goose chase…or I unseemingly lead myself there and I end up running in circles. Anyway, enough rambling, I love the verse and it touched my heart! 🙂 Looking forward to getting to know you ladies!
Shepherdsville, Ky 6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And
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
Cindy from Angelton, TX
My son do not forget my teachings, but keep my commandments in your heart, Proverbs 3:1 NIV
Put on the new self, created after the likeness of God, in true righteousness and holiness. Ephesians 4:24
Denise, Ontario, Canada
Blessed is the person who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked, or stand in the way of winners or sit in the seat of scoffers, Psalm 1:1 NIV
“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.” Jeremiah 29:11 ESV
NOTE: This was the verse God gave to me during my quiet time the day I was baptized on Dec 7, 2014.
1 Peter 5:2 NLT
Care for the flock that God has entrusted to you. Watch over it willingly, not grudgingly—not for what you will get out of it, but because you are eager to serve God.
Brandi in Watson, LA
“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
“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
Kim
Central Coast California
But you will receive power when the HOLY SPIRIT comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.
Acts 1:8
Kate, Hudsonville, MI
6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:6-7
“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
Sydney, Rockwall, TX, “I cling to you; your strong right hand holds me securely.” Psalm 63:8 NLT
Cheryl, Morehead, KY
“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
Deb, Tampa FL 2 Cor 10:5 NIV
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.
The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. Psalm 28:2(NIV)
Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time.–1 Peter 5:6
Connie Newman, Prairieville LA
My son, do not forget my law,
But let your heart keep my commands.
Proverbs 3:1 NKJV
Vicky Stanley, Madison, AL, Psalm 4:1 “Answer to me when I call to you, O my righteous God. Give me relief from my distress; be merciful to me and hear my prayer”, NIV
Nancy Oliver, Centerville, Ohio
2 Chronicles 7:14 If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.
Becca Godkin, Dallas, TX
Yes, Lord, walking in the way of your laws,we wait for you; your name and renown are the desire of our hearts. Isaiah 26:8 NIV
But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. Matthew 6:33. KJV
Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand. ISAIAH 41:10 (NLT)
Liz Bell
Salem, Oregon
If the Lord delights in a man’s way, he makes his steps firm; though he stumble, he will not fall, for the Lord upholds him with his hand.
Psalm 37:23-24 NIV
Teresa
Cartersville, GA
Proverbs 4:23
Guard your heart above all else. For it determines the course of your life.
Ann Whitney, TX
Phil 4:7 And the peace of God which transcends all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
Pam, Knoxville, TN
“Be of good courage, and let us be strong for our people and for the cities of our God. And may the Lord do what is good in His sight.”
2 Samuel 10:12(NKJV)
Nancy, Florien, LA
For his anger endureth but a moment; in his favour is life; weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning.
Psalm 30:5
Jen Cavalcanti, Carmel, IN
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
Jamesburg NJ
John 15:4 4 “Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me.” {NKJV}