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!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Diane White, Williamstown WV
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
John 1:1 NASB
Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God- this is your spiritual act of worship. Romans 12:1 NIV
Wendy, Palmyra PA
Gina Johnstown, CO
Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. Philippians 4:6 NKJV
Don’t worry about anything, instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Phillipians 4:6.nlv
Janet, Charlotte, MI. Wait on the LORD, be of good courage and He shall strengthen your heart; Wait, I say, on the LORD! Psalm 27:14 NKJ
Meredith, Nashville, TN
“You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you. Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord, the Lord himself, is the Rock eternal.” Isaiah 26: 3-4, NIV
Crazy!! I just posted my verse and looked at the next one up… Yours is the same as mine!! May we both learn to trust in our Lord more fully!
Brandy, Lynchburg, VA
For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it. Hebrews 12:11 ESV
A little late but…
Mandy Eley
Watkinsville, GA
Lamentations 3:22-23- “The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.”
ESV
Megan Starnes, Granite Falls, NC
“You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you. Trust in the LORD forever, for the LORD, the LORD himself, is the Rock eternal.”
Isaiah 26:3-4 HCSB
Minnie Mares San Antonio, TX
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 12:2 NKJV
Marisha, Pendleton, IN
“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace that transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:4-7 NIV
Terri Buckley, Houston, Tx “It is the gift of God, not the result of works, so that no one may boast.” (Ephesians 2:8-9)Â
“For I know the thoughts that I think towards you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.” Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV)
Rebekah, Wentzville, MO
“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.” Ephesians 3:20-21 NAS
1 Corinthians 10:13
No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.
I am trying to lose weight and get healthy. 🙂
Pam, Hutto, TX
“For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel, and not with eloquent wisdom, lest the cross of Christ be emptied of it’s power.” 1 Corinthians 1:17 ESV
As you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so continue to live in Him. Keep your roots deep in Him, be strong in the faith, just as you were taught, and always be thankful.
Colossians 2:6-7 NIV
Audra, Jackson, TN. “Finally brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy, meditate on these things.” Phil. 4:8 NKJV
Lonnie Hall – Brunswick, GA
John 14:27
Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful.
Diana Vereen Princeton, WV 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. NIV Jeremiah 29:11
Cindy Criss, Candler, NC “When the righteous cry for help, the Lord hears and delivers them out of all their troubles. The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit. Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but The Lord delivers him out of them all.” Psalm 34:17-19 ESV
Valerie H., Mooresville, NC
In the fear of the Lord one has strong confidence, and his children will have a refuge.
Proverbs 14:26, ESV
Conne, Angel Fire,
“so let us seize and hold fast and retain without wavering the hope we cherish and confess and our acknowledgement of it, for He Who promised is reliable, sure and faithful to His word.”
Hebrews 10:23
You crown the year with
Your blessing and You leave
abundance in Your wake !
psalm 65:11 (esv)
(THANKS BETSY ROBERTS!)
Nancy, Sanger TX
“Now may the God of peace-who brought up from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great Shepherd of the sheep, and ratified an eternal covenant with his blood–may He equip you with all you need for doing his will. May he produce in you through the power of Jesus Christ, every good thing that is pleasing to Him. All glory to Him forever and ever! Amen Hebrews 23:20,21 (NLT)
Pam K from Tempe, AZ.
In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace, that he lavished on us with all wisdom and understanding. Ephesians 1:7-8 NIV
Heather from Livonia, MI:
Micah 6:8 NIV He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.
My flesh and my heart may fail, but GOD is the STRENGTH of my heart and my portion forever. Psalm 73.26
Lil Noland, Perrysville, Ohio, And be not 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 12:2 NKJ
Robin Pryor, Arlington, Tx “And calling the crowd to him with his disciples, he said to them, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.” Mark 9:34 ESV
Kathy, Alliance, Oh
“May the Lord direct your hearts to God’s love and Christ’s endurance.” 2 Thessalonians 3:5 HCSB
Isaiah 26:3. You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, whose thoughts are fixed on you!
Jennifer Osteen, Houston, TX “In the morning, Lord, you hear my voice;
in the morning I lay my requests before you
and wait expectantly.” Psalm 5:3 NIV
Dina Hart, Hartsville, SC. “Jesus therefore was saying to those Jews who had believed Him, “If you abide in my word, then you are truly disciples of mine;” John 8:31 NASV
My first verse for this 2015:
Depend on the LORD and his strength;
always go to him for help. Psalm 105:4 (NCV)
Laura McKenzie, Mentone, AL
And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of His glory in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19 NIV
Callee, Houston, TX: “Set a guard over my mouth, O Lord; keep watch over the door of my lips.” Psalm 141:3 NIV
“Trust in The Lord with all your heart. Lean not on your own understanding but in all your ways acknowledge Him and He shall direct your path” Proverbs 3:5-6 NKJV
Jeanette Cole, Bloomington, Illinois. “For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.” Galatians 5:1 ESV
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
– Jeremiah 29:11 NKJ
Psalm 51:10Living Bible (TLB)
10 Create in me a new, clean heart, O God, filled with clean thoughts and right desires.
My worldy heart & mouth is hard to change…”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
My Name is Jessica from Columbus, Ohio.For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:38-39 NKJ
Madge, Marietta, GA
For what is our hope, our joy, or the crown in which we will glory in the presence of our Lord Jesus when he comes? Is it not you? Indeed, you are our glory an joy. 1 THES. 2:19-20 niv
“Love suffers long and is kind; does not envy; lovedoes not parade itself, is not puffed up; does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, it is not provoked, thinks no evil; does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 NKJV
i know the plans I have in mind for you declares the Lord, they are plans for peace not disaster, to give you a future full of hope. Jeremiah 29:11
Debra P., Kingwood, Texas, “When my anxious thoughts multiply within me, Your consolations delight my soul.” Psalms 94:19 NASB
Erin, Conway, AR.
“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.” → Ephesians 2:4-5 (NIV)
Cyndi from Sterling, VA
For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline. 2 Timothy 1:7 (NLT)
Hi Cyndi! That’s my verse too!!! Blessing to you! Jacque
Kimberly
Kasana, Uganda (currently on home assignment; logging in from Fort Wayne, Indiana)
Lamentations 3:22-24
“The steadfast love of the Lord NEVER ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness, “The Lord is my portion,” says my soul, therefore I will hope in him,”