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!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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
Wanda Martin Calif.
John15:1 Nkjv
I am the true vine and my Father is the vine dresser.
Paula Wood Colorado Springs, CO
Therefore let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” Hebrew 4:16 NASB
Margaret Russell Atlanta, Tx.
Jeremiah 29:13 KJV
And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart.
Nancy Lacy, Lake Oswego, Oregon
The precepts of the Lord are right, giving joy to the heart.
The commands of the Lord are radiant, giving light to the eyes.
(â€Psalm‬ â€19‬:â€8‬ NIV)
III John 4 (NKJV) “I have no greater joy than to hear my children walk in truth”
Marva Morris – Oklahoma City, OK – Ephesians 3:20 – “Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine according to His power that is at work within us.” NIV
“Come to me” all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Matthew 11:28 NIV
Leslie Brown, Denver, Colorado
A man’s hear plans his way, But the LORD directs his steps. Proverbs 16:9–NKJ
Kim Lee, Faison NC
Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.
Deuteronomy 6:5 NIV
Adecia, Ruakaka, Northland, New Zealand
Proverbs 27:17 NLT
As iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend.
Alyssa DeLaFrance, Reno, Nevada. “Whom have I in heaven but you? And there is nothing on earth that I desire besides you. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.” Psalm 73:25-26 ESV
Donna, Houston, TX
And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life? Luke 12:25 ESV
Albertville Alabama
“I can do all things through Christ who strengtheneth me.”
Phillipians 4:13 KJV
Hannah Marks, Harare, Zimbabwe
Psalm 19:7 ESV
‘The Law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul. The testimony of the Lord is sure making wise the simple. ‘
Karen Colvin, Austin, Texas
But in your hearts revere 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, 1 Peter 3:15 (NIV)
Sandy. From Los Angeles, CA.
Joshua 1:9 “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” NIV
But now, thus says the LORD, who created you, O Jacob, And He who formed you, O Israel: “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; You are Mine. (â€Isaiah‬ â€43‬:â€1‬ NKJV)
Carmen Davis, Ocean Springs, MS, Do not be anxious for anything but in everything, by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, present you request to God. Philippians 4:6 NIV
Tamica White ~ Columbus, Ohio
“However, as it is written: No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him.”
I Corinthians 1:9 NIV
Tamica White ~ Columbus, Ohio
“However, as it is written: No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him.”
I Corinthians 2:9 (NIV)
Carol, Sewickley PA, 2 Corinthians 9:8 (NIV)
And God is able to make all grace abound in you, so that in all things, at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.
Cathy Robinson, Chester UK
For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self discipline. So do not be ashamed to testify about our Lord or be ashamed of me his prisoner.
2 Timothy 1v 7-8b (NIV)
Cheryl Dillard, Matthews, NC “He who dwells in the shelter of the most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.”
Psalm 91:1 NIV
Lori, Summersville, West Virginia “When my spirit grows faint within me, it is You Who know my way.” Psalm 142:3a
This one made me tear up. So thankful to serve our God who’s never surprised by any circumstance. Then He helps us navigate through those circumstances to a road that leads us to become closer to Him. Love this verse, thanks for posting it.
Ruthie May from Everett WA “I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh.” Galatians 5:16 NKJV
I’m starting late! I didn’t think I could manage SSMT this year but after Jan Morton’s post I can’t resist! Thanks again Jan!
Tess
Cartersville, GA
John 1:4 “In Him was life, and the life was the light of men.”
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. Philippians 4:6 (NIV)
He must become greater, I must become less. John 3:30 NIV
Oh my word I love this one so much. What a great daily reminder.
Janice
Wilmore, KY
As for me, I will always have hope; I will praise You more and more.
Psalm 71:14
Tracy
Bluffton, Indiana
Be still and know that I am God. Psalm 46:10 NLT
Tammi Edwards, Rockford, IL
“To such as keep His covenant, and to those who remember His commandments to do them.” Psalm 103: 18 (NKJV)
I’m memorizing this scripture to follow up verse 17 from chapter 103 in the book of Psalms.
Greenwood, SC- Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind. ESV 1Peter3:8
Kay from Amarillo says: “be strong and courageous. Do not tremble or be dismayed, for The Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9. NASV
Barb, Prescott Valley, AZ Phil 4:6-7 “Never worry about anything. But in every situation let God know what you need in prayers & requests while giving thanks. Then God’s peace, which goes beyond anything we can imagine, will gaurd your thoughts & emotions thru Christ Jesus.” GW
Consider it wholly joyful, my brethren, whenever you are enveloped in or encounter trials of any sort or fall into various temptations,
Be assured and understand that the trial and the proving of your faith bring out endurance and steadfastness and patience.
James 1: 2,3 Amplified Bible
Ephesians 3:19
And to know this love that surpasses knowledge-that you may be filled to the measure of all fullness of God.
Connie Morrow from Midland, Tx
“For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in His steps.” 1 Peter 3;21 ESV
1 John 4:18-19
18 There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love. 19 We love Him because He first loved us.
Kotty, Mobile, Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight. (NIV)
Kim Hall Taylors SC
James 1:3
Consider it pure joy my sisters when you face trials of many kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.(NIV)
Psalm 96: 7,8,&9 (KJV)
Gretchen from Georgia
7.Give unto the Lord, O ye kindreds of the people, give unto the Lord glory and strength.
8. Give unto the Lord the glory due unto his name: bring an offering and come into his courts.
9.O worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness:fear before him all the earth.
Amy Ramsey, Flowood MS
Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say rejoice!
Philippians 4:4 NKJK
Nicole Collier, Reston, VA
The Lord bless you and keep you;
the Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you;
the Lord life up his countenance upon you and give you peace.
Numbers 6:24-46 (Aaron’s Blessing), ESV
Marilyn Andrews, Piedmont, OK
For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his love for those who fear him; as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us.
Psalm 103:11-12 NIV
Pam Barnes, Macon IL
For the day of the Lord is near upon all the nations. As you have done, it shall be done to you. Your deeds shall return on your own head. Obadiah 1:15 ESV
I am praying to you because I know you will answer, O God. Bend down and listen as I pray. Show me your unfailing love in wonderful ways. By your mighty power you rescue those who seek refuse from their enemies. Psalm 17:6-7 (NLT)
Galatians 5:22-23
“But the fruit of the spirit is love, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self control. Against such things there is no law.
When a mans ways please the Lord, he maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him. Proverbs 16 : 7 NKJV
Cathy, Fort Worth, TX – 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