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!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
“The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.” Exodus 14:14 NIV Jennifer Anderson – Ingleside, IL
Ashley Lewis, Saginaw, Michigan.
“Trust in the Lord and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture. Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him and he will do this; he will make your righteous reward shine like the dawn, your vindication like the noonday sun.”
Psalm 37: 3-6, NIV
Pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:17-18 NIV
Amanda Brucki from Denver, CO
“She is clothed with strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future. When she speaks, her words are wise, and she gives instructions with kindness,” (Proverbs 31:25-26; New Living Translation).
Pam Block from Minneapolis, MN area: “(21)This I recall to my mind, therefore I have hope. (22)The Lord’s lovingkindnesses indeed never cease, for His compassions never fail.” Lamentations 3:21-22 NASB
Beth Araya from Missoula, Montana
20 My son, give attention to my words; Incline your ear to my sayings. 21 Do not let them depart from your eyes; Keep them in the midst of your heart; 22 For they are life to those who find them, and health to all their flesh. Proverbs 4:20-22 (NKJV)
Heather Mote, Charleston, SC,
” 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. ” (â€Romans‬ â€15‬:â€13‬ NIV)
Stacey, Omaha, NE “Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go for to you I lift up my soul.” Psalm 143:8 NIV
Emily (Age 14) “O Lord, you have examined my heart and know everything about me.” Psalm 139:1 NLT
Ally (Age 12) “I will call to you when I am in trouble, and you will answer me.” Psalm 86:7 NLT
Danielle, Indiana
“He has shown you, O mortal, what is good.
And what does the Lord require of you?
To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” Micah 6:8 NIV
Julia Culbertson, Bethany, CT:
“My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.” Psalm 73:26 NIV
Eva, Knoxville, TN – There is a time for everything and a season for every activity under
heaven: Eccelesiastes 3:1 NIV
Kelly Davis, Fredericksburg, VA
“Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.”
Romans 12:12 ESV
Jenny
Covington, Kentucky
“The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” (Deut. 31:8 NIV)
I Thessalonians 5:16-18: Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ. Jesus (NIV)
Cheryl Cash Fort Portal, Uganda
“I waited patiently for the LORD; he turned to me and heard my cry.” Psalm 40:1 NIV
Stephanie Sharp, Thomasville, Georgia, “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
Tracy Tucker from Georgetown TX
You make known to me the path of life;
in your presence there is fullness of joy;
at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.
Psalm 16:11 ESV
Finally brothers and sisters, 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)
Lori, Orland Park, IL
Psalm 19:14 NLT
May the words of my mouth and the thoughts of my heart be pleasing to you, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.
Tisha Millersmith, Spokane, Washington:
Romans 8:28
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.
“Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven. Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” Luke 6:37-38 (NIV)
Fern Massey, Leavenworth, KS – Create in me a clean heart, God. Renew a right spirit within me. Psalm 51:10 WEB
Lauren McGuigan from Arkansas City, Kansas
“And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord who has enabled me, because He counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry.” – 1 Timothy 1:12 (NKJV)
Ashley Reffit, Garner, NC. “I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.” John 15:11 (NIV)
My flesh and my heart my fail, But God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.
I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ. Philippians 1:6 ESV
Karen from Sturgis, Michigan. “I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better.” Ephesians 1:17 NIV
Ashley Smith, Anniston, AL “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 ESV
Beth Kellett – Calgary AB Canada
For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline. (â€2 Timothy‬ â€1‬:â€7‬ NIV)
Kay Quinones from Plant City, Florida–
“The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. The grace of our Lord Jesus be with you.” Romans 16:20
Becky, Elkhart, Ks. Put God in charge of your work, then what you’ve planned will take place. (The Message)
Sarah, Bracknell, UK
“For the Lord takes pleasure in His people;
He will beautify the afflicted ones with salvation.”
Psalm 149:4(NASB)
Malisa Grantham, Tucson, AZ.
Search me, O God, and know my heart: Try me, and know my thoughts: And see if there be any wicked way in me, And lead me in the way everlasting. Psalm 139: 23-24 (KJV)
Lindsay Newman, Prophetstown, IL. “Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 NIV
Connie Woods from Marion,Arkansas “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28 NIV
Even in my illness!
Tica Rogers, Kokomo, IN
I Peter 3:8 esv
Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind.
Jessica Zsiray–Logan, UT
Isaiah 43:10-11
10 “You are my witnesses,” declares the Lord,
“and my servant whom I have chosen,
so that you may know and believe me
and understand that I am he.
Before me no god was formed,
nor will there be one after me.
11 I, even I, am the Lord,
and apart from me there is no savior.
Heather, Little Rock, AR
The heavens proclaim the glory of God. The skies display his craftsmanship. Day after day they continue to speak; night after night they make him known. (â€Psalms‬ â€19‬:â€1-2‬ NLT)
Sara, Bakersfield, CA
Isaiah 26:3 [ESV] You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you.
Rachel, North Alabama,
“You will guard him and keep him in perfect and constant peace whose mind [both its inclination and its character] is stayed on You, because he commits himself to You, leans on You, and hopes confidently in You. (â€Isaiah‬ â€26‬:â€3‬ AMP)
Amanda Aikin from Pittsburg, KS
A GENTLE answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.
Proverbs 15:1 NIV
Hollie Tiemeyer Va Beach, Virginia :
“Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland.” Isaiah 43:18-19 (NIV)
Terri Lopez, Cedar Grove, WI. “So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.” ESV
Lisa Butler, Murfreesboro TN, ” And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28 (NIV)
Danae Rushing, Tacoma, WA..
I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.
Galatians 2:20
ESV
Marissa/Seattle, WA
“My sheep listen to my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.” John 10:27, NET
Angie Quinn, Carterville, IL
“My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.” Psalms 73:26 ESV
“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves.” Philippians 2:3 NIV
Dina Turner
Godfrey, Illinois
“Wait for the LORD; be strong and let your heart take courage; wait for the LORD!” Psalm 27:14(NASB)
Marilyn Isaak, Abbotsford, BC, Canada.
“Therefore the Lord waits to be gracious to you,
and therefore he exalts himself to show mercy to you.
For the Lord is a God of justice;
blessed are all those who [earnestly] wait for Him, who expect and look and long for Him [for His victory, His favor, His love, His peace, His joy, and His matchless, unbroken companionship]!”
Isaiah 30:18 First part ESV & last phrase AMP