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!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Lori Dixon, Abbotsford BC, Canada
ForĀ those who live according to the flesh set their minds onĀ the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds onĀ the things of the Spirit.
Romans 8:5 ESV
Becky, Gladbach, Germany
Since you have been raised to new life with Christ, set your sights on the realities of Heaven, where Christ sits in the place of honor at God’s right hand. Think about the things of Heaven, not the things of earth. For you died to this life and your real life is hidden with Christ in God. And when Christ, who is your life, is revealed to the whole world, you will share in all His glory. Colossians 3:1-3 (NLT)
Bethany Gilliam – Statesboro, GA:”The plans of the diligent lead to profit as surely as haste leads to poverty.” Proverbs 21:5 (NIV)
Love you!
Terri Mann. Garland Ut
For I know the plans I have for you declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. JER 29:11 ESV
Kim H. from McKinney, TX
āForget the former things;
do not dwell on the past.”
Isaiah 43:18 NIV
Traci
Vadnais Heights, MN
Psalm 119:73 (Message)
“With your very own hands you formed me; now breathe your wisdom over me so I can understand you.”
Minnesota
Bless the Lord, Oh my soul, and all that is within me, Bless His holy name. (Ps. 103:1 NASB)
Chris from Bend, OR John 15;4 ESV Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me.
Kelley Baumgardner from Oak Point, Texas – Luke 6:21 “God blesses those who are hungry now, for you will be satisfied. God blesses you who weep now, for in due time you will laugh.” NLT
“Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth”. 2 Timothy 2:15 KJV
Kaitlin W, Rockwall,Texas. “Be on you guard; stand firm in the faith; be men of courage; be strong. Do everything in love.” 1 Corinthians 16:13-14 (NIV)
Sandy, Dodge City, KS
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable – if anything is excellent or praiseworthy – think about such things.
Philippians 4:8 NIV
Franklin, TN…Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. Philippians 3:13-14 NIV
Missy S, Chapel Hill, NC
“But now hear, O Jacob my servant, Israel whom I have chosen! Thus says the LORD who made you, who formed you from the womb and will help you: Fear not, O Jacob my servant, Jeshurun whom I have chosen. For I will pour water on the thirsty land, and streams on the dry ground; I will pour my Spirit upon your offspring, and my blessing on your descendants.” Isaiah 44:2-3 (ESV)
Caitlyn Rhodes from Flower Mound, TX
“So we have come to know and to believe the love that God has for us. God is love, and whoever abides in love abides in God and God abides in him.”
1 John 4:16 ESV
Karen Thiessen, Everett, WA:
Elohim-God, Mighty Creator
“In the beginning You laid the foundations of the earth, and the heavens are the work of Your hands.”Psalm102:25 (NIV)
Dutchess of North Carolina (sharing with Becca from Mississippi) –
āEven now,ā declares the Lord, āreturn to me with all your heart, with fasting and weeping and mourning.ā (Joel 2:12 NIV)
Stephanie Glynn, Lawrenceburg, IN “I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. And I will put my Spirit in you and move you to follow my decrees and be careful to keep my laws.” Ezekial 36:26-27 NIV
Caroline Sory, North Palm Beach FL
“I lift up my eyes to the hills. From where does my help come? My help comes from the LORD, who made heaven and earth.” Psalm 121:1-2 ESV
Keli Cartwright, Talihina, Oklahoma
“But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.” (Matthew 6:33 NKJV)
Cindy W /Ludington,MI
Luke18:27
Jesus replied, What is impossible with man is possible with God.
Martha Thomas,Pine Bluff, AR.
For I am the Lord your God , the one who takes hold of your right hand, who says to you, “Don’t be afraid, I am helping you’ Isaiah 41:13 NET
Cheri Beltramo, Phoenix, AZ
Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. (āColossiansā¬ ā3ā¬:ā2-3ā¬ NIV)
Elaine, New Orleans, LA
So keep up your courage, [wo]men, for I have faith in God that it will happen just as he told me. Acts 27:25
Kait Pollock from Clovis, NM
We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ, (ā2 Corinthiansā¬ ā10ā¬:ā5ā¬ ESV)
Robin Crumrin, Terre Haute, Indiana
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the sons of God.” Matthew 5:9 SRV
Tammy ~Atlanta
Isaiah 30:18
Yet the Lord longs to be gracious to you.
He rises to show compassion.
For the Lord is a God of justice.
Blessed are all who wait for him.
Psalms 1:2-3a
But they delight in the law of The Lord, meditating on it day and night. They are like trees planted along the riverbank, bearing fruit each season.
Michelle Rademacher, Aurora, Illinois. My first memory verse of 2015! (excited!)
“And so, from the day we heard, we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding.” Colossians 1:9 (ESV)
Heather, Grand Prairie, TX “Cast your burden upon the Lord and He will sustain you; He will never allow the righteous to be shaken.” Psalm 55:22 NASB
Debra/San Diego,CA
“If anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, this personās religion is worthless.” James 1:26 ESV
Celia Grabowski, Cheswick PA. “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 hope and a future.”
Jeremiah 29:11 NIV
Wendy, West Monroe
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. 2 Corinthians 5:17 NKJV
Tellie Brown Hope Mills, NC He who was seated on the throne said ” I am making everything new!” Then he said “write this down for these words are trust worthy and true.” Revelation 21:5 NIV
Kassidy Reidenbach from Dover, Ohio
Jeremiah 29:11 “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 hope and a future.”
NIV
Sandy Hammock
Durant, OK
Grace and Peace to you from God, our Father and Lord, Jesus Christ.
Philippians 1:2 NIV
Brandi Hunter, Memphis, TN.
I love You, O Lord, my strength. Psalm 18:1 NASB
Jennifer
Goodman, MO
“Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old.
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 43:18-19 ESV
Christiane Salts, Buena Park, CA
I plan to be available and ready to walk and spread the Good News this year! āHow beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation, who say to Zion, āYour God reigns!’ā (Isaiah 52:7, NIV)
Kathy Long from Van Wert, Ohio
2 Corinthians 10:4-5New Life Version (NLV)
4 We do not use those things to fight with that the world uses. We use the things God gives to fight with and they have power. Those things God gives to fight with destroy the strong-places of the devil. 5 We break down every thought and proud thing that puts itself up against the wisdom of God. We take hold of every thought and make it obey Christ.
Kira Chaloupka
Auburn, AL
And when God counted him as righteous, it wasn’t just for Abraham’s benefit. It was for our benefit, too, assuring us that God will also count us as righteous if we believe in Him, the one who raised Jesus our Lord from the dead.
Romans 4:23-24 (NLT)
Shelly Henton, Marysville, Washington
“Rejoice always,pray continually, give thanks in all circumstance;for this is God’s will for you in Jesus Christ.”
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
Amanda Grant from Calgary, Alberta, Canada
“For I am about to do something new. See, I have already begun! Do you not see it? I will make a pathway through the wilderness. I will create rivers in the dry wasteland.”(āIsaiahā¬ ā43ā¬:ā19ā¬ NLT)
Kasyn Peacock, Longview, Texas. “Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” (NIRV)
Gail Peacock. Longview, Texas. “I want to know Christ and experience the mighty power that raised Him from the dead. I want to suffer with Him, sharing in His death” Philippians 3:10 NLT
Greensburg, PA
“Every word of God is flawless: He is a shield to those who take refuge in Him” (Proverbs 30:5 NIV)
Abundant peace belongs to those who love your instruction; nothing makes them stumble. Psalm 119:165 Holman Christian Standard Bible
Trista Metzler Cody, Wy.
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!
2 Corinthians 5:17Ā NIV
Lanae Boyd, Jefferson City, TN
“Donāt remember the prior things; donāt ponder ancient history. Look! Iām doing a new thing; now it sprouts up; donāt you recognize it? Iām making a way in the desert, paths in the wilderness.” (āIsaiahā¬ ā43ā¬:ā18-19ā¬ CEB)
Tara McCann, Pleasant Plains, Illinos.
“I don’t mean to say that I have already achieved these things or that I have already reached perfection. But I press onto possess that perfection for which Christ Jesus first possessed me.” Philippians 3:12 New Living Translation
1 Samuel 16:7 Nueva VersiĆ³n Internacional (NVI)
7 Pero el SeƱor le dijo a Samuel:
āNo te dejes impresionar por su apariencia ni por su estatura, pues yo lo he rechazado. La gente se fija en las apariencias, pero yo me fijo en el corazĆ³n.