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!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Shelley, a people pleaser from Frisco, TX “How can you believe, when you receive glory from one another and do not seek the glory that comes from the only God?” John 5:44 ESV
Dorothemarjolijn from Zoetermeer, the Netherlands
Laat de Heer uw vreugde blijven; ik zeg u nogmaals: wees altijd verheugd. Filippenzen 4 : 4 NBV
Lynn, Lake Villa, IL
Once you were dead because of your disobedience and your many sins.
Ephesians 2:1 NLT
Theresa Conner, Brandon, Mississippi — “Each time he said, ‘My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.”‘ So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me.” -2 Corinthians 12:9 (NLT)-
Emily York from St. Paul, Minnesota. “Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead.” Philippians 3:12-13
Christy McCreight, Arlington, TX. Look to the Lord and his strength, seek his face always. Psalm 105:4 NIV
Cathy Bailey, Laguna Beach,CA. “One thing that I ask of the Lord, this is what I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the Lord and to seek him in his temple.” Psalm 27:4 NIV
Diane Turpen form Alexandria Tennessee. Pleasant words are as a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and health to the bones. Proverbs 16:24 KJV
Meleah Spencer, Springfield, Missouri. “Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, my strength and my Redeemer.” Psalms 19:14 NKJV
Leslie Craven – Pittsburgh, PA
Psalm 113:24 NKJV
This is the day the lord has made,
We will rejoice and be glad in it
Donna, Plano, TX
The words of the LORD are pure words; As silver tried in a furnace on the earth, refined seven times. You, O LORD will keep them. Ps 12:6-7a NASU
Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened for you. For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And to everyone who knocks, the door will be opened. Matt 7:7-8
Marti Tidwell, Concord, NC: “It is the gift of God, not the result of works, so that no one may boast.” (Ephesians 2:8-9)
Kimberly H, Northfield, MN “The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” Lamentations 3:22-23 ESV
Missie Rigdon, Edgewood, NM – When I am afraid, I will trust in You. In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I will not fear. What can man do to me? (â€Psalms‬ â€56‬:â€3-4‬ HCSB)
Lancaster OH
“It is the LORD who goes before you. He will be with you; He will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.”
Deut. 31:8 ESV
Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. -Psalm 51:10
“As for God, his way is perfect: The Lord’s word is flawless; he shields all who take refuge in him.” 2 Samuel 22:31 NIV
Leah Eller, San Antonio, Texas. “So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.” Romans 10:17 ESV
Francine Goldberg, Orillia,Ontario,Canada
You’re blessed when you’ve worked up a good appetite for God. He’s food and drink in the best meal you’ll ever eat.
Matt 5:6-The Message
Teresa Strickland, Riverview, Florida. “You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You.” Isaiah 26:3, NKJV
Christ has set us free to live a free life. So take your stand! Never let anyone put a yolk of slavery on you. Galatians 5:1 The Message. Julie Medway Port Macquarie, NSW Australia
April Hamlin from Milan Ohio
Romans 12:12 Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.
Courtney Norman, Waco, 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 a hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV)
Mary Austin, Brandon, MS,
This is one of my favorite verses ever! <3 to Courtney Norman.
Mary Austin Conner, Brandon, MS — 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.
Lori, Wildomar CA
“The LORD is my portion, says my soul, Therefore I hope in Him! Lamentations 3:24
Jennie Marie Knill from DeWitt, Arkansas
“”Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.” Romans 12:1-13 NIVjennie
Yorktown, VA
“And the Father who sent Me, He has testified of Me, You have neither heard His voice at any time nor seen His form.” John 5:37 (NASB)
Michelle Bredine, Arvada, CO, “The Lord is my light and my salvation-whom should I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life-of whom should I be afraid?” Psalm 27:1 HCSB
Darlene
New Carlisle, OH
Let all that you do be done in love. 1 Corinthians 16:14
Amanda Dymacek, Morgantown, WV “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.” Philipians 4:8 ESV
Christine, Bethesda, MD
It will be said on that day,
“Behold, this is our God; we have waited for him, that he might save us.This is the Lord; we have waited for him; let us be glad and rejoice in his salvation.” Isaiah 25:9 ESV
Faye Stringer, Bay Springs, Ms But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk and not faint. Isa 40:31 NKJV
He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes I will give to eat from the tree of life, which is in the midst of the Paradise of God.
Spirit Filled Life Bible
Allison Rains, Benton, Louisiana, “Be imitators of God, as beloved children, and live in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.” Ephesians 5:1-2 NIV
Steph, Ontario, Canada
“So the Word became human and made His home among us. He was full of unfailing love and faithfulness. And we have seen His glory, the glory of the Father’s one and only Son.”
John 1:14 NLT
Karin Medina, MN
“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
Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. Hebrews 11:1
Spirit filled Life Bible
Jessie Spencer. Linden, MI
“But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.”
2 Corinthians 12:9 NIV
“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:13
Jesus strengthens me EVERY DAY, therefore I know that there is nothing I can’t do without Jesus!!! When the scripture says ALL – ALL means ALL and that’s ALL that ALL means!
Matthew 6:19-21King James Version (KJV)
Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.
Abby, Seminary, MS
“So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most.” Hebrews 4:16 NLT
Terry, Sacramento, CA
“I am the Lord and I do not change.” Malachi 3:6 NLT
Ashdown,Arkansas. In the same way, let your light shine before men, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven. Matthew 5;16 HCSB
I would love to join with you ladies in the scripture memory verse challenge: a verse even came to mind so I guess God wants me “in”. I don’t know how to get on the blog system: I’m from the generation that lived most of my life without a mobile phone & PC. However Beth, this has been the first time your name popped- up on my Facebook page so here goes. I’ve done a couple of in-depth study guides of yours and thoroughly enjoyed them (with my girlfriends) : One on Daniel: Babylon/ end times the other 2 years ago : dealing with past generational sin. The titles escape me right now : but the affects on my life have been beyond measure. Huge thanks to you Beth IJN much love Shirley Pounder, Pembrokeshire, Wales, UK.
Shirley Pounder, Pembrokeshire, South Wales, UK. “If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish and it will be given you” John 15 : verse 7: NIV.
Reply
Welcome to SSMT, Shirley!
LOVE this one! He’s recently shared that with me as well
Angela Dedman, Murfreesboro, TN. “But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weakness, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.” 2 Corinthians 12:9 ESV
Christa Lanier, Murfreesboro, TN. “But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weakness, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.” 2 Corinthians 12:9 ESV
Jer 29:11 is one of my favorite scriptures….
Melanie Crockett, Bell Buckle, Tennessee. “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.” James 1:5 NIV
Isaiah 43:18-19 — Do not remember the past events, pay not attention to things of old. Look I am about to do something new. Even now it is coming. Do you not see it? Indeed, I will make a way in the wilderness, rivers in the desert.