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!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Tonya from New Haven IN
Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear. Ephesians 4:29 (ESV)
Lisa Brown
Mineral Wells, WV
“Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice!”
Philippians 4:4 NKJV
Melani from Grangeville, ID
All the ends of the world shall remember and turn to the Lord and all the families of the nations shall worship before you. Psalms 22:27 NKJV
Debbie, Little Rock, Ar, I know that you can do l things, and that no purpose of yours can be thwarted. Job 42:2 ESV
Tabitha Whitacre, Louisville, KY
“Since we are living by the Spirit, let us follow the Spirit’s leading in every part of our lives.”
Galatians 5:25 NLT
Chelle from Humble, TX
“For God hath not given us the spirit of fear: but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.”
–2 Timothy 1:7 (KJV)
Denise from King, NC January 5th – For Christ has entered, not into holy places made with hands, which are copies of the true things, but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God on our behalf. Hebrews 9:24 (ESV)
Mary Kate ~ Richmond, VA
I keep asking the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, to give you a Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. Ephesians 1:17 NIV
Kitty Yates from Humble, TX
“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”.
Jeremiah 29:11 NIV
Elly King, Westerville, Ohio. “For where you go I will go, and where you lodge I will lodge. Your people shall be my people, and your God my God.” Ru the 1:16-17, NSV
Grace Morris, Fort Worth TX: Phil. 4:8 – 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.
Amy Smith, McKinney, TX
“Teach me your way, Lord, that I may rely on your faithfulness; give me an undivided heart, that I may fear your name.” Psalm 86:11 NIV
Hi!
Jen Wellman from Spring, TX.
My verse is Psalm 65:1 ESV
“Praise is due to you, O God, in Zion,
And to you shall vows be performed.”
Diana from Seekonk, MA
For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ. II Cor. 10:4-5 NKJV
Patti Calk – Rayville, 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 (This verse carries me through difficult times)
Patti,
I just saw that you chose the same verse that I did!!! This verse has helped me soo much, even through the past 24 hours!!! This is such an exciting way to start the New Year, and I pray that this will be the start of a lifelong habit of memorizing and holding the Scriptures close to our hearts! Happy New Year and God Bless You!!!
Jennifer
“For He has satisfied the thirsty soul, and the hungry soul He has filled with what is good.”
Psalm 107:9
Denise- Midland, TX
1 Peter 2:2-3 NIV
Like newborn babies, crave spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in salvation, now that you have tasted that the Lord is good.
Melissa from West Lafayette, IN – Seek His will in all you do, and He will show you which path to take.
Proverbs 3:6, NLT
Crystal from Gridley, IL
“Whoever desires to love life and see good days, let him keep his tongue from evil and his lips from speaking deceit. Let him turn away from evil and do good, let him seek peaces and pursue it.”- 1 Peter 3:10-11 (ESV)
Leah from Westerville, OH
“Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.”
Psalm 119:105
Donna. Millbrook ,AL
” I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I 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
Bobbie Puckett — Ft. Worth, Texas
John 1:16
For from His fullness we have received, grace upon grace!!
John 1:16 ESV
Theresa Smith, Fayetteville, NC, “Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it?
I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.” Isaiah 43:19English Standard Version (ESV)
Heather Johnson, Wilmington, NC “Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer” Romans 12:12 NIV
Chastity Shifflett, Virginia
Do not be anxious about anything but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving present your request to God. Philippians 4:6 (NIV)
You don’t have to publish this comment, I just didn’t know where else to ask. Are you planning on having an app for SSMT this year? I only saw the 2013 one in the Google Play store. I keep my verses on my phone in a Google Document so that I can access them all at once, wherever and whenever I need to. My digital spiral :). But apps are fun too so I thought I’d find out! Thanks!
Hi Kaitlyn, I know the app is being updated and edited, but I do not have news of when or if it will be ready for use. We will surely let you know when it is!
Gena Carter – Elgin, Texas
Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong. Let all that you do be done in love.
I Corinthians 16:13&14 (ESV)
“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.” Jeremiah 29:11
I tried to post earlier on my phone, but it didn’t appear to work.
Christina L, Longmont CO
It is God who arms me with strength and makes my way perfect. He makes my feet like the feet of a deer; He enables me to stand on the heights.
2 Samuel 22:33-34
Tenille, Mountain Home, AR
He has showed you, O man, 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. Micah 6:8, NIV
Jana Slaughter – Perry, OK “The man who trusts in the Lord, who’s confidence indeed is in the Lord is blessed”
Jeremiah 17:7 HCSB
Stefanie Parker from Tuscaloosa, AL
“And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are called according to His purpose” Romans 8:28
Ashley, Los Angeles
If I gave everything I have to the poor and even sacrificed my body, I could boast about it; but if I didn’t love others, I would have gained nothing.1 corinthians 13:3
“Rest in the Lord and wait patiently for Him; do not fret because of him who prospers in his way, because of the man who carries out wicked schemes. Psalm 37:7. NASB
Comfort during these uncertain days.
Veronica Harvey-Colorado Springs, CO. “who gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us out of this present evil world, according to the will of our God and Father.” Galatians 1:4 ASV
Kyla, Arlington, VA
“If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to deliver us from it, and he will deliver us from Your Majesty’s hand. But even if he does not, we want you to know, Your Majesty, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up” Daniel 3:17-18 (NIV)
Dawn Wagner – Menomonee Falls, WI
“Whoever brings blessing will be enriched, and one who waters will himself be watered.” Proverbs 11:25 esv
Sarah Whittle – Tahlequah, OK.
17 “But thanks be to God, that you who were once slaves of sin have become obedient from the heart to the standard of teaching to which you were committed, 18 and, having been set free from sin, have become slaves of righteousness.” ~ Romans 6:17-18 ESV
Isaiah 43:18, 19
Lora, Florida
Isaiah 43:18, 18 NLT
18
“But forget all that—
it is nothing compared to what I am going to do.
19
For I am about to do something new.
See, I have already begun! Do you not see it?
I will make a pathway through the wilderness.
I will create rivers in the dry wasteland.
Andrea Winn ~ Waddell, AZ
“I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.” ~ John 16:33 NLT
Julie Bottger, Alliance, Nebraska. “Because of your unfailing love, I can enter your house; I will worship at your Temple with deepest awe. Lead me in the right path, O Lord,or my enemies will conquer me. Make your way plain for me to follow.” Psalm 5:7-8 NLT
Carmen, Lafayette, In
Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever. 1 Chronicles 16:34 NIV
Be strong and of good courage;
Do not be afraid nor be dismayed
for the LORD, your God, is with you wherever you go.
Joshua 1:9 NKJV
Christine Rau from Rancho Murieta, CA “I am the Door; anyone who enters in through Me will be saved (will live). He will come in and he will go out [freely], and will find pasture. The thief comes only in order to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance (to the full, till it overflows).” John 10: 9-10 AMP
Andrea Whitley – Wendell, NC
“for You have been my help, and in the shadow of Your wings I will sing for joy.”
Psalm 63:7
Kennewick, WA
1 John 4:7
Beloved Let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God. ESV
Kendra, Safford AZ “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
Janna Johnson, Lehigh Acres FL-“In all thy ways acknowledge him and he shall direct thy path.” Proverbs 3:6 KJV.
Maria Cristina Bruschi – Orlando, Florida
For you are all cchildren of light, children of the day. We are not of the night or of the darkness. 1 Thessalonians 5:5, IIIM
Calgary, Alberta, Canada
Psalm 105:4 ESV
Seek the Lord and His strength.
Seek His presence continually!