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!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.
2 Timothyā¬ ā1ā¬:ā7ā¬ NIV
Jenny in Shelby Township, MI
The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases. His mercies never come to an end, they are new every morning. Great is they faithfulness. Lam. 3:22-23
(Sorry I’m late to the party, but I’ll catch up quick! Can’t wait!)
You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you. Isaiah 26:3
Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly. NIV
Colossians 3:16
Debbie Cox, Fort Collins, Colorado
Shake off your dust; rise up, sit enthroned, O Jerusalem.
Free yourself from the chains on your neck, O captive Dayghter of Zion.
Isaiah 52:2 NIV
The Lord is my light and my salvation, whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life, of whom shall I be afraid? Psalm 27:1
My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.
James 1:19
NIV
Natalie M., Humble, TX
“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”
(Phil 4:13)
Ellen, Colorado Springs, Colorado
Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the lord rises upon you.
Isaiah 60:1 (NIV)
Karen Smith from Denton, TX
Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10 (ESV)
“But when you pray-go away by yourself, shut the door behind you, and pray to the Father in quiet. Then the Father who sees everything will reward you.” Matthew 6:6
Sandra Grizzell, Houston, TX
Philippians 4 v8 (new living translation)
Donāt worry about anything instead pray about everything. Tell God what you need and thank him for all he has done.
Amanda Robinson, Cortez, CO
I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people, (āEphesiansā¬ ā1ā¬:ā18ā¬ NIV)
Cathy Scott San Bernardino Ca.
ye are the light of the world a city that is set on a hill cannot be hid.
Matthew 5:14 kjv.
Angie Hensley, Madison Heights, Michigan
Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. Galatians 6:2 ESV
Margie, Starks,LA
Therefore let us boldly 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
2 Timothy 1:7 For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control
Jan Cusimano – Birmingham, Alabama
In the morning, Lord, you hear my voice;
In the morning I lay my requests before you and wait expectantly.
Psalm 5:3 (NIV)
Cheryl, Brisbane, Australia,
“Kind words are like honey – sweet to the soul and healthy to the body”. Prov 16:24 NLT
Debbie Northern Virginia
When she speaks, her words are wise, and she gives instructions with kindness. Proverbs 31:26 NLT
Jennifer Magnuson- huntersville, nc
A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.
Proverbs 15:1 NIV
Bethany Peterson, Overland Park, KS
He brought me out into a spacious place; He rescued me because He delighted in me.
Ps 18:19 NIV
Denise Boling, Paragould, Arkansas
“Lord, I have heard of your fame, I stand in awe of your deeds, Lord. Repeat them in our day, in our time make them known.” Habakkuk 3:2 NIV
Melanie Underwood, Parrish Florida
Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours. Mark 11:24 ESV
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 uphold you with my righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10 NIV
Galatians 5:16
So I say, live by the Holy Spirit’s power. Then you will not do what your sinful nature wants you to do.
Leah Diduch, Pembroke, Ontario
“Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.” Jamesā¬ ā1ā¬:ā12ā¬ NIV
Jennifer Cochran, Sealy, TX
“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear.” Psalm 46: 1-2a (NIV)
Judy Fleetham, Baport, New York
Hebrews 11:1
“Now faith is the substance of things to hope for, the evidence of things unseen.” NKJV
Gelean -Bayport, N.Y.
Psalm 121-Where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord,
the Maker of heaven and earth.
Psalms 19:14- May the words of my mouth and meditation of my heart be pleasing to you Oh Lord my Rock and my Redeemer.
Kellie Brown
Leesville, LA
Linda Blue Point NY
John 14:27 (NKJV) – My peace I leave you, my peace I give to you, not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart to be troubled, neither let it be afraid.
“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.”
Colossians 3:12 NIV
Katherine Lavonia, Georgia
The wise man saves for the future, but the foolish man spends what he gets. Proverbs 21:20 Living Bible
Beth Howard~ Gillette, Wyoming
I Corinthians 8:6
“But we know that there is only one God, the Father, who created everything, and we live for Him. And there is only one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom God made everything and through whom we have been given life.”
Mary Agius, Colorado Springs, CO
“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.”
Romans 15:13 NIV
Kari Burgess, Overland Park, KS. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven, Matthew 5:16 NIV
Rose Coulter.
Orange, Texas
“let the word of Christ dwell in you richly,” Colossians 3:16a (ESV)
“No one will be able to stand their ground against you as long as you live. For I will be with you as I was with Moses. I will not fail you or abandon you.” Jos 1:5 NIV
Caroline Dotson Craig CO
Seek the Kingdom of God above all else and He will give you everything you need. Luke 12:31 NLT
Angela Riley, Las Vegas
Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God and trust in me. John 14:1 NIV
Anna – Conroe, TX
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! – 2 Corinthians 5:17 NIV
Leslie, Boerne, Texas
For everything there is a season, and a time for every purpose under heaven.
Ecclesiastes 3:1
American Standard Version
Denise Ferrell, Stillwater, Oklahoma If you need wisdom, ask our generous Goc and he will give it to you . He will not rebuke you for asking. James 1:5 NLT
Bethanne Woodham, Orlando FL
Lord, may I walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which I have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, showing tolerance for others in love, being diligent to preserve the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. Eph. 4: 1-3 NASB
Dannielle, Greensboro, NC
Zephaniah 3:17
The Lord your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you; in his love he will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing..
Teri Virginia Beach, Virginia
Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of it’s own.
Matthew 6:34 NIV
My soul clings to you
Your right hand upholds me
Psalm 63:8 NIV
I’m working on all of Revelation 21! š
Cassandra Wimauma, FL Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. 2 And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. 3 And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, āBehold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.ā Revelation 21:1-4 ESV
“Listen, O Daughter, consider and give ear. Forget your people and your father’s house.”
Psalms 45:10
Jillian, Nashville, TN. “Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.” Romans 12:2 NLT