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) Ā 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 ofĀ 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 areĀ 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:Ā
Your name, city, verse (written all the way out), reference, and translation.Ā
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 citizensĀ with the saints and members of the household of God.”Ā 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 householdĀ all we’ve got. Christ is so altogether worthy.
Wait, wait, wait, wait, wait! One last thing before I say Go!Ā 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 upĀ on the SSMT informational comments. Ā 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. Ā I know it’s a bit complicated at first! Hang with it!Ā So sorry for your extra trouble!
Hey, I am so glad you’re doing this with us. So much love to you.
OK, GO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Ashley, The Woodlands, TX
Hebrews 11:1 – Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.
Believing in something that we can’t see with our own eyes but that we feel in our hearts.
Devina varela, San Angelo, TX :Yet to all who did receive Him, to those who believed in His name, He gave the right to become children of God. John 1:12, NIV
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
For God gave us not a spirit of fearfulness; but of power and love and discipline.
2 Timothy 1;7
Sharyn
Wichita, KS
Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sister, whenever you face trials of many kinds, James 1:2 NIV
Kristen, Wilmington, North Carolina, “Let the king be enthralled by your beauty; honor him for he is your Lord.” Psalm 45:11 NIV
For from his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace. John 1:16
Zechariah 4:6-7 NKJV
6 So he answered and said to me: āThis is the word of the Lord to Zerubbabel: ‘Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,ā Says the Lord of hosts.
7 āWho are you, O great mountain? Before Zerubbabel you shall become a plain!
And he shall bring forth the capstone with shouts of āGrace, grace to it!āāā
Kylee
Roanoke,VA
Hebrews 11:6 NKJV
“But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.”
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7 NIV
Annette Jennings
Pearland, Texas
“Do not conform 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 Godās will isāhis good, pleasing and perfect will.”(āRomansā¬ ā12ā¬:ā2ā¬ NIV)
Rachel
Seneca, IL
Psalm 23:1 The Message
God,my shepherd! I don’t need a thing.
Joel 2:25 KJV
And I will restore to you the years that the locust hath eaten, the cankerworm, and the caterpiller, and the palmerworm, my great army which I sent among you.
Proverbs 3:5 NIV Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding;
Janet
Lexington, KY
God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble.
Psalm 46:1 NLT
Debra Searcy, AR Praise the Lord, O my soul; all my in inmost being, praise his holy name. Psalm 103:1
Linda, Holts Summit, MO
NIV
1 Peter 5:10
And the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will Himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.
Guide me in your truth and teach me for you are God my Savior, my hope is in you all day long. Psalm 25:5
Katie T. San Antonio, TX “Consecrate yourselves and be holy, because I am the Lord your God. Keep my decrees and follow them. I am the Lord, who makes you holy” Leviticus 20:7-8 NIV
Lonie Slater, Houston, Texas, āForget the former things; do not dwell on the past.” Isaiah 43:18 ESV
Megan Farmer, Queen City, Texas. “Jesus said to him, I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one come to the Father except through me.” John 14:6 NKJV
Annissa Hackney Canton, GA
Therefore, let us approach the throne of grace with boldness so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us at the proper time. Hebrews 4:16 HCSB
Emily Slater, Houston, Texas, Isaiah 54:10 For the mountains may depart and the hills be removed, but my steadfast love shall not depart from you, and my covenant of peace shall not be removed,ā says the Lord, who has compassion on you. ESV
Galatians 6:9 And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. (ESV)
“Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now
see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory.” I Peter 1:8 ESV
Anna, Shelby, NC “Every word of God is flawless; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him.” Proverbs 30:5
Jennifer Hargrove, Ardmore, TN “I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me.” KJV
Allie Pilcher
Panama City, FL
Isaiah 43:19 NLT
“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 desert.”
Tracy Rieger, Round Rock, Texas
“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 43:19 ESV
Kathy
Wichita, Ks
“I will help both of you speak and will teach
you what to do.” Exodus 4:15b NIV
I sought the Lord, and He heard me, and delivered me from all my fears. Psalm 34:4 NKJV
Michelle Berkey, Thompson’s Station, TN – “Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it.” Luke 18:17 ESV
Heather, Mount Airy, MD.
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 a making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland. Isaiah 43:18, NIV
Proverbs 3:6 NLT
“Seek His will in all you do, and He will show you which path to take.”
JoLene Bensen, Blair, NE. “But you, O Lord, are a shield around me, my glory and the one who lifts my head high.” Psalm 3:3 NIV
Becky, Fairfax, VA.
He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. Psalm 91:1 (KJV)
A man’s mind plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps and makes them sure. Prov.16:9 AMP
Linda Patrick, Florence,SC – “Let all that I am praise The Lord; may I never forget the good things that He does for me.” Psalm 103:2 NLT – Life Application Study Bible
Jeremiah 29:13
And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart.
Kim Lazarus, Humble, TX
29 “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.” (āEphesiansā¬ ā4ā¬:ā29ā¬ NIV)
Catherine, Hurst, Tx “And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou riseth up.” KJV
Susannah San Angelo, Texas
Even when I am afraid, I still trust you. Psalm 56:3 gods word translation
Karin Cain, Marble Falls, TX
For I, the Lord your God, will hold your right hand, saying to you, “Do not fear; I will help you.” Isaiah 41:13 MEV
Anita, Miami, FL “Do not be overcome by evil but overcome evil with good.” Rom. 12:21 NASB
Gwen Kuhn, Beaverton, OR
Psalm 119:4-5 NLT
You have charged us to keep your commandments carefully. Oh, that my actions would consistently reflect your decrees!
Super excited about joining with some great Seista’s at work. My first scripture is… Joshua 1:9. Be strong and courageous. Do you be afraid for or discouraged for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go. Irving TX.
Nacogdoches,Tx
For the poor will never cease from the land; therefore I command you saying ‘You shall open your hand wide to your brother, to your poor and your needy, in your land.
Karen Martinez, Houston, TX So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will up hold you with my righteous right hand. All who rage against you will surely be ashamed and disgraced; those who oppose you will be as nothing and perish. Isaiah 41: 10-11
Cindy
Henrietta, TX
Proverbs 31:25 NIV
She is clothed in strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come.
Phillipians 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.