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!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Kayla Davisson from Fort Wayne, Indiana-
“16 This is how we know what (agape-sacrificial) love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers. 17 If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him? 18 Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth.” (1 John 3:16-18, NIV)
Yvette Palmer
Mesa Arizona
Have I not commanded thee? Be strong and of good courage; be not afraid, neither be dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest. Joshua 1:9 KJV
Robin Ritzenthaler, Clarence Center NY
“Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.” This is the first and greatest commandment. Matthew 22: 37-38 NIV
Jaime Tyler, Texas
“Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own, you were bought at a price. Therefore, honor God with your bodies.” 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 NIV
Lynda/Boynton Beach, FL “Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing!” Isaiah 43:18 NIV
Gwen Ziegler Washington, IL “Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.” Proverbs 19:21 NIV
Trisha lebanon,mo
Rejoice 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)
“Cause me to hear thy lovingkindness in the morning; for in thee do I trust: cause me to know the way wherein I should walk; for I life up my soul unto thee.” (Psm 143:8 KJV)
Bobbie Jo Branford, FL
ROman 5:3
Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produced perseverance NIV
Gloria Hartman, Martinsburg, PA “Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His love endures forever.” Psalm 107:1 NIV
Dawn from Auburn, NY
So I sent messengers to them, saying ” I am doing a great work and cannot come down. Why should the work cease while I leave it and go down to you.
Lansing of Las Vegas,NV
For I am the Lord, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you.
Isaiah 41:13 NIV84
Emily C, Castle Pines, Colorado. “Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the LORD’s purpose that prevails.” Proverbs 19:21 NIV
Marilyn Brown/The Plains ,Ohio
“So no matter how many promises God has made, they are “Yes” in Christ, and so through Him the “Amen” is spoken to the glory of God.” 2 Cor.1:20 NIV
Kelly Jenkins, Reno, NV. “It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.” Galatians 5:1 NIV
Lani Short, Charlotte, NC,
“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…” (Ephesians 3:20 NIV)
Paula Rutherford from Decatur, Tx…
“Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things to you, to me indeed is not grievous, but for you it is safe. Beware of dogs, beware of evil workers, beware of the concision.”
Philippians 3:1-2 KJV
Joelle, Agawam
Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill his promises to her!
Luke 1:45 NIV
Carol Zymroz, Cooper City, FL
But honor the Messiah as Lord in your hearts. Always be ready to give a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you. 1 Peter 3:15 HCSV
Melissa Turner, Senatobia MS “Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works.” Hebrews 10:24 NLT
“But when the Holy Spirit controls our lives, he will produce this kind of fruit in us: Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Faithfullness, Gentleness, and Self Control”
(Galatians 5:22)
Jennifer Tinsley, Indianapolis, IN “Don’t worry about anything; instead pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7 NLT
MaryKay, Seattle, Washington
“You have said, “Seek my face.” My heart says to you, “Your face, Lord, do I seek.”
Psalm 27:8 ESV
Karen Connors, Delmont, PA, Isaiah 43:18-29 – 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. NIV
Reanea from Fresno, TX… Summing it all up, friends, Iād say youāll do best by filling your minds and meditating on things true, noble, reputable, authentic, compelling, graciousāthe best, not the worst; the beautiful, not the ugly; things to praise, not things to curse. Put into practice what you learned from me, what you heard and saw and realized. Do that, and God, who makes everything work together, will work you into his most excellent harmonies. Philippians 4:8The Message
Kelly B from Jefferson City, MO
“Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in Him. Fear the Lord, you His holy people, for those who fear Him lack nothing.” Psalm 34:8-9 (NIV)
My Son, Keep my words and store up my commands within you. Proverbs 7:1 NIV
Lavonne Balkema – Ganzel from Cedar Lake, Indiana
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
Teresa Ford, San Jacinto CA,
āFinally, brothers whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in meāpractice these things and the God of peace will be with you.ā Philippians 4; 8,9 ESV
Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Psalm 51:10 NIV
Kathi Zucchero, Bridgewater, New Jersey. “The Son is the radiance of Godās glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven.” Hebrews 1:3 NIV (1984)
You will keep in perfect peace
him whose mind is steadfast,
because he trusts in you.
Isaiah 26:3 – NIV –
Black Diamond, Washington š
Erin from Conway, AR
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
Melody, Colorado Springs, CO
“Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.” ā1 Corinthiansā¬ ā13ā¬:ā4-7ā¬ ESV
Mandi, New Orleans, LA
And Jesus said to him, āāIf you canā! All things are possible for one who believes.ā (āMarkā¬ ā9ā¬:ā23ā¬ ESV)
Beth, Colorado Springs, CO – Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, (James 1:2 NIV)
Kelly Laughlin from San Diego, CA
He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say to the Lord, “My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.”
Psalm 91:1-2 ESV
Annette; Richmond, TX; Romans 12:9, NET
Love must be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil, cling to what is good.
Karen DuBois, Lawson, MO
Philippians 4:6-7 HCSB
Don’t worry about anything, but in everything, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses every thought, will guard your hearts and mind in Christ Jesus.
Jennifer, Fort Worth
“He shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that brings forth its fruit in its season, whose leaf also shall not wither; and whatever he does shall prosper.” Psalm 1:3 NKJV
Desha from Owasso,OK
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. Rom 15:13 NIV
Catherine Meyer Palatine Illinois
Hebrews 12:23 NKJV
to the general assembly and church of the firstborn who are registered in heaven, to God the Judge of all, to the spirits of just men made perfect,
Carolyn from Garland, TX
“May God be gracious to us and bless us and make His face shine on us – so that Your ways may be known on earth, Your salvation among all nations.” Psalm 67:1-2 NIV
Your love, O Lord, reaches to the heavens, your faithfulness to the skies. Psalm 36:5 NIV Midland, Texas
Stephanie Gamble, Mt Juliet TN-
Your ears are open but you donāt hear a thing.Your eyes are awake but you donāt see a thing.
The people are blockheads!They stick their fingers in their ears so they wonāt have to listen;
They screw their eyes shut so they wonāt have to look, so they wonāt have to deal with me face-to-face and let me heal them. (Matthew 13:15 MSG)
Kim S. from Ridgeland, MS —
“For I know the plans I have for you,ā declares the Lord, āplans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV)
Tera Sparks from Corbin, Kentucky
“Offer to God a sacrifice of thanksgiving, and perform your vows to the Most High, and call upon me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you shall glorify me.” Psalm 50: 14-15, ESV
Melanie, Cape Girardeau, MO – Proverbs 4:7 NIV: The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding.
Rebecca Copico from Monticello, AR
Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him. (āPsalmā¬ ā34ā¬:ā8ā¬ NIV)
“The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love.” Galatians 5:6