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) 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:
Your name, city, verse (written all the way out), reference, and translation.
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!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Cheryl Burns Pooler, GA
If the ax is dull and its edge unsharpened, more strength is needed, but skill will bring success. (Ecclesiastes 10:10 NIV)
Aletta Indianapolis. Luke 4:18 the Spirit of the Lord is on me because he has anointed me to proclaim Good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.
Sarah Wood, Whitewright, TX – But those who hope in The Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. Isaiah 40:31 NIV
Chasity Gibson, De Witt, AR 1″Do not fret because of those who are evil or be envious of those who do wrong;2″for like the grass they will soon wither, like green plants they will soon die away.” Psalms 37:1-2 NIV
Erin Eady Crystal Springs, MS
For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline. (2 Timothy 1:7 NLT)
Lauren, Leander, Texas. “When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.” Psalm 56:3 NIV
Chris Jung, Houston, TX.
“My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires. Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you.” James 1:19-21
Heidi Berry, Cheyenne WY: But he said to me, “My grace is enough 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
Pat Adrion, Hilltop Lakes, TX. “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service.”
Romans 12:1 NKJV
Nancy Easter, Springfield Missouri, “Be still, and know that I am God, I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” Psalm 46:10 NIV
Judy Reid, Richmond, Tx. “And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:7 NIV
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. Matthew 11:28-29 (NIV)
Brenda Horn, Terrell TX. “Her children arise up and call her blessed;her husband also, and he praiseth her” Proverbs 31:28 KJV,
Kim, Gaithersburg, MD. “The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; His mercies never come to an end; they are renewed every morning; great is your faithfulness. The Lord is my portion, says my soul, therefore I will hope in Him.” Lamentations 3:22-24
795 HAVILLAH RD Tonasket WA. 1 Thess. 2:7-8. but we were gentle among you like a mother caring for her little children. We loved you so much that we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God, but our lives as well because you had become so dear to us.
Lilah Hurley, Davenport, IA “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.” NIV
Valerie, Denver, Colorado.
‘Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,’
Says the LORD of hosts. Zechariah 4:6 NKJV
Karla Behunin, Fort Bridger, WY. “For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.” 2 Timothy 1:7 NIV
Sonja Cedeno Pflugerville, TX
Phillipians 3:3 ESV
“For we are the circumcision, who worship by the Spirit of God and glory in Christ Jesus and put no confidence in the flesh”
I am so excited to be joining this group.
Because of Christ and our faith in Him, we can now come fearlessly into God’s presence, assured of His glad welcome. Ephesians 3:12 NLT
Nancy, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
Psalm 139:9-10
If I rise on the wings of the dawn,
if I settle on the far side of the sea,
even there your hand will guide me,
your right hand will hold me fast
Melody Flurry, Prairie Grove, AR “Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; Whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life.” Galatians 6: 7-8 NIV
Janice Barber, Virginia Beach, VA.
But in yor hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect. 16. keeping a clear conscience so that those who speak against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander. 1 Peter 3: 15-16 NIV
Susan Humphreys, North Augusta, SC “These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” John 16:33 (NKJV)
Allison Skinner, Greer, SC. “She is clothed with strength and dignity and she laughs without fear of the future.” Proverbs 31:25, NLT
Margie Sims, Land O Lakes, FL.
“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
Marcy Rader, Bradenton, FL
She opens her mouth with wisdom and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue. Prov 31:26 ESV
Lori Maddox, Bushnell, Florida -Going to memorize 1 Thessalonians 5 this year: January verses are: Now, brothers and sisters, about times and dates we do not need to write to you, for you know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. (1 Thessalonians 5:1-2 NIV)
James 1:19-20
Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God.
Stephanie Frakes, Abilene, TX
Again Jesus said, “Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, so I am sending you.” And with that he breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit.”
John 20:21-22, NIV
And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus. Phil 4:19 NIV
“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.
Amy Cobb, Murfreesboro, TN
Hebrews 4:16
“Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.” NIV
Jeremy Corona Lake Bluff, Illinois, “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.” Romans 15:13 ESV
Kelly, Aliso Viejo, CA – Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. Philippians 4:4 (ESV)
Anita Mulders, Hoofddorp, The Netherlands.
Nu laat Gij, Here, uw dienstknecht gaan in vrede, naar uw woord, want mijn ogen hebben uw heil gezien, dat Gij bereid hebt voor het aangezicht van alle volken. Lucas 2:29-31,NBG.
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come. The old has gone, the new is here!” 2 Corinthians 5:17 NIV
But the Lord stood at my side and gave me strength, so that through me the message might be fully proclaimed and all the Gentiles might hear it. And I was delivered from the lion’s mouth. 2 Tim 4:17. NIV
Liz Lyons; Cypress, Texas. “O Lord, you have searched me and you know me.” Psalm 139:1 (NIV)
Darien Lyons; Cypress, Texas. “O Lord, you have searched me and you know me.” Psalm 139:1 (NIV)
Kendall Lyons; Cypress, Texas. “O Lord, you have searched me and you know me.” Psalm 139:1 (NIV)
Deanna Hunt, Madisonville, La, “But because of his great love for us, Hod, 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
Patti Priest
Waco, Texas
1 Peter 4:7 ESV
The end of all things is at hand, therefore, be self-controlled and sober-minded for the sake of your prayers.
(thanks to Francis Chan and Passion Live Stream)
Mary Coulter, Springfield, MO. “Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” Galatians 6:2 NIV
Teri Turner
Rock Hill, SC
“Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.”
Psalm 27:14 NIV
Yes, This anguish was good for me, for you have rescued me from death and forgiven all my sins. Isaiah 38:17
Melanie, Armuchee, GA
Your word is a lamp to my feet And a light to my path. Psalm 119:105 (NKJV)
(correcting my earlier post)
Cindy Jordan, Sugar Grove, Ohio
“Yes, this Anguish was good for me, for you have rescued me from death and forgiven all my sins.” Isaiah 38:17 NLT
Rebecca Heck, Atlanta, GA
“You who call on the Lord, give yourselves no rest, and give him no rest till he establishes Jersualem and makes her the praise of the earth.” Isaiah 62:6b-7
The righteous cry and the Lord hears, and deliver them from ALL their troubles. The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. Psalm 34:17-18