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!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Lorrie Rawe, Melbourne, Ky ,” Be on guard. Stand firm in the faith. Be courageous. Be strong. And do everything with love. ” (â€1 Corinthians‬ â€16‬:â€13-14‬ NLT)
“A gentle response defuses anger, but a sharp tongue kindles a temper-fire”
Proverbs 15:1 MSG
Kelli Smith
McKinney, Texas
“In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven”. Matthew 5:16 (NIV)
Sara, Hillsboro, KS
If you spend yourselves on behalf of the hungry and satisfy the needs of the oppressed, then your light will rise in the darkness, and your night will become like the noonday. Isaiah 58:10 NIV
Mt. Juliet, Tn
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. ESV
Nikki Stahl, Katy, TX
“But He said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.’ Therefore, I will most gladly boast all the more about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may reside in me.” 2 Corinthians 12:9 HCSB
“My son, do not forget my teaching, but let your heart keep my commandments, for length of days and years of life and peace they will add to you.” Proverbs 3:1-2 ESV
Kelley Bendheim, Winston-Salem, NC. “A new command I give you: love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.” John 13:34 NIV
Elizabeth Smoot, Strasburg VA
“Then Moses said, “Now show me your glory.” Exodus 33:18 NIV
The Son of Man came not be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many Mark 10:45 ESV
Heidi, Narvon, PA
Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.
Catherine, Wilmington, NC
“Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts.
See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.” Psalm 139:23-24NIV
Leslie from Elkhart, IN
My flesh and my heart faileth: but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion for ever.
Psalm 73:26 (KJV)
Tammy Rochelle, Centerville, TN. Cast all your anxiety on Him for He cares for you.
1 Peter 5:7
Trust in the Lord with all your heart,
And lean not on your own understanding;
In all your ways acknowledge Him,
And He shall direct your paths.
Proverbs 3:5-6 NKJV
Amanda, League City, TX- ” Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.” Ephesians 3:20, NKJV
Celeste, Thompson’s Station, TN:
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)
No, O people, the LORD has told you what is good, and this is what he requires of you: to do what is right, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God. ~Micah 6:8 (NLT)
Bonnie Janus from Clarks Summit, PA “For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth) and find out what pleases the Lord.” Ephesians 5:8-10, NIV
Christine Caine, Sydney, Australia. “With your help I can advance against a troop; with my God I can scale a wall” Psalm 18:19 NIV
Jill Sherbet- Plano, TX
Acts 27:25Living Bible (TLB)
25 So take courage! For I believe God! It will be just as he said!
Nicole from Omaha, Nebraska: “As soon as I pray, you answer me; you encourage me by giving me strength.” Psalm 138:3 NLT
You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you. Isaiah 26:3 NIV
Pam Taber, Newalla, OK, “Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Psalms 51:10 NIV
Christy Rucker, Coatesville, PA (near Philadelphia) – For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16 (TNIV)
2 Corinthians 1:20 New Living Translation (NLT)
For all of God’s promises have been fulfilled in Christ with a resounding “Yes!” And through Christ, our “Amen” (which means “Yes”) ascends to God for his glory.
Melissa, Benton, KY, “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
Janet Perez, Perris, CA
1 Corinthians 15:58, eaves
Therefore,my beloved brothers, be steadfast,immovable,always abounding in the work of the LORD, knowing that in the LORD your labor is not in vain.
“For I know the thoughts that I think towards you, says the Lord, “thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.”
Jeremiah 29:11
NKJV
Pam Combs from Fort Worth, TX. I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. (â€Galatians‬ â€2‬:â€20‬ NIV)
Amy Edgemon, Benbrook, TX ” 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.” Isaiah 43:19 (HCSB)
Laura Primus from Pleasant Hill, CA
James 1:5 (CEB)
But anyone who needs wisdom should ask God, whose very nature is to give to everyone without a second thought, without keeping score. Wisdom will certainly be given to those who ask.
Kaleigh Cox, Memphis, Tennessee
“But I do not account my life of any value nor as precious to myself; if only I may finish my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God.”
Acts 20:24 ESV
Achaiah from Oneida, TN.
Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.
Isaiah 41:10 (KJV)
Heather Owens – Mt. Vernon, IL
The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.
2 Peter 3:9 (NIV)
Carmaris Denson, Massachusetts, “Do not conform any longer 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 God’s will is – his good, pleasing and perfect will.” Romans 12:2 NIV
Normalee, Sierra Vista, AZ.
Those who know your name trust in you, for you, O Lord have never abandoned anyone who searches for you. Psalm 9:10 NLT
yes, trusting and not abandoned. It is so.
Carol Woodbridge, CA
“Trust in the Lord,and do good; Dwell in the land and cultivate faithfulness.”
Psalm 37:3. NASB
1 Peter 1:1 TLB
This letter is from Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ. I am writing to God’s chosen people who are living as foreigners in the provinces of Pontus, Galacia, Cappodocia, Asia and Bithynia.
Delores O.
Lake Stevens, WA
From this time many of His disciples turned back and no longer followed Him. “You do not want to leave too, do you?” Jesus asked the Twelve.
Simon Peter answered Him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. We believe and know that You are the Holy One of God.”
John 6:66-69 NIV84
“being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” Philippians 1:6 NIV
Carla, Pierre, SD
I am still confident of this: I will see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living. Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD.
Psalm 27: 13-14 NIV
Tracy Carden
Whitesburg, TN
For the kingdom of God is not a matter of talk but of power. 1 Corinthians 4:20
Anita Martin, Stuart, FL. Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me and lead me in the way everlasting. Psalm 139:23-24 NIV
Jennifer H., Fort Wayne, IN
“For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love he predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves.”
Ephesians 1:4-6 TNIV
Jen Harvey, Clearwater FL, “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, the will walk and not be faint” Isaiah 40:31 NIV.
Merideth Pobst, Jackson, Missouri
Romans 12:2
“Do not conform any longer 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 God’s will is – His good, pleasing and perfect will.” NIV
Brittney, Philadelphia, PA
2 Peter 3:18 (ESV)
But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen.
Astrid- Grand Island, NE
“God showed how much he loved us by sending his one and only Son into the world so that we might have eternal life through him. This is real love- not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as a sacrifice to take away our sins.”
1 John 4:9-10 (NLT)
Debra T., Madison, Mississippi
(I hope it’s ok to use this since I have been working on memorizing it anyway.)
“O Lord, You have searched me and known me. You know when I sit down and when I rise up; You understand my thought from afar. You scrutinize my path and my lying down, and are intimately acquainted with all my ways. Even before there is a word on my tongue, Behold, O Lord, You know it all. You have enclosed me behind and before and laid Your hand upon me. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; I cannot attain to it. Where can I go from Your Spirit? or where can I flee from Your presence? If I ascend to heaven, You are there; If I make my bed in Sheol, behold, You are there. If i take the wings of the dawn, if I dwell in the remotest part of the sea, even there Your hand will lead me, and Your right hand will lay hold of me. If I say, Surely the darkness will overwhelm me, and the light around me will be night, events darkness is not dark to You, and the night is as bright as the day. Darkness and light are alike to You.”
Psalm 139:1-12 (NASB)