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!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Beth, Cowpens, S.C. “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
My first verse is this:
Forget the things that happened in the past.
Do not keep thinking about them.
I am about to do something new.
It is beginning to happen even now.
Don’t you see it coming?
I’m going to make a way for you to go through the desert
I will make streams of water in the dry and empty land.
Isaiah 43:18-19 NIRV
I love this promise and eagerly await the revelation
Judy of Marietta,Ga says “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.” 1Corinthians 13:4 NIV
Yet You are Holy,
Enthroned on the praises of Israel.
Psalm 22:3 NLT
Tracee Tanner-Marianna, Florida- And Jesus said to him
“‘If You can?’ All things are possible to him who believes.” Mark 9:23 KJV
Donna Herndon, Ashland, KY
Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.
Matthew 11:28
NIV
Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such a word as is good for edification according to the need of the moment, so that it will give grace to those who hear. Ephesians 4:29 NASB
Lisa, Rootstown, Ohio. Ah, sovereign Lord, you have made the heavens and the earth by your great power and by your outstretched arm. Nothing is too hard for you. Jer. 32:17 NIV
Katie Rodriguez, San Antonio, Texas. “You wives must accept the authority of your husbands. Then, even if some refuse to obey the Good News, your godly lives will speak to them without any words. They will be won over by observing your pure and reverent lives.” 1 Peter‬ â€3‬:â€1-2‬ NLT
Keri Lee, Las Vegas, NV. “On the first day of the first month he began his journey from Babylon, and on the first day of the fifth month he came to Jerusalem, according to the good hand of his God upon him. For Ezra had prepared his heart to seek the Law of the LORD, and to do it, and to teach statutes and ordinances in Israel.” (â€Ezra‬ â€7‬:â€9-10‬ NKJV)
Christine, Greenville, NC
“The Lord your God is with you, the mighty warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you, in his love he will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing. Zephaniah 3:17 (NIV)
Angie
Albertville, AL
Therefore if you have been raised up with Christ, keep seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Colossians 3:1 NASB (memorizing the chapter)
Psalm119:11 niv
I hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you
Emily Martin, Anna, TX “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares The Lord.” ISAIAH 55:8 NIV
Elizabeth, Jackson, TN
“And so, Lord, where do I put my hope? My only hope is in you. ” Psalms 39:7 NLT
Robyn, Celina, Ohio – to combat fear:
“The Lord is my light and my salvation – whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of life – of whom shall I be afraid?” Psalm 27:1, NIV
Laurie Townsend, Fayetteville, Georgia
“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
Man is like a breath; his days are like a fleeting shadow. Psalm 144:4, NIV
Teri, Brandon, Florida “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.” Galatians 5:22-23 ESV
Rachel – Le Mars, IA “The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock.” – Matthew 7:25 NIV
Rachel
Good to see another Iowa gal!!! Praying that your foundation be founded on the sure Rock of God! Have a great day!
Julie Renner, Worth, IL “Yet the Lord longs to be gracious to you. He rises to show you compassion.
For the Lord is a God of justice, blessed are all who wait for him.” Isaiah 30:18, NIV
But as for me I will watch expectantly for the Lord I will wait for the God of my salvation. My God will hear me. Micah 7:7 NASB
Kelly Snodgrass
Rogersville, Tn
“Treasure the Wonder” – 2015
John 1:1-5 ESV
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made. In him was life, and the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.
Ke’Ren Grimaldo-Lubbock TX
Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ. (â€Colossians‬ â€3‬:â€23-24‬ ESV)
Kerry
Jackson, TN
I discipline my body like an athlete, training it to do what it should. Otherwise, I fear that after preaching to others I myself might be disqualified.
1 Cor 9:27 NLT
Susan Aldridge, Richmond, VA.
I know what I am doing. I have it all planned out—plans to take care of you, not abandon you, plans to give you the future you hope for.
Jeremiah 29:11 MSG
Melinda, Shenyang, China: “I delight to do Your will, O my God; Your law is within my heart.” Psalm40:8, ESV
“Enlarge the place of your tent, stretch your tent curtains wide, do not hold back; lengthen your cords, strengthen your stakes.” Isaiah 54:2 NIV
Amanda Duciaume, Elysian MN. “For the one who wants to love life and see good days must keep his tongue from evil and his lips from uttering deceit” 1 Peter 3:10 NET
Hi Amanda!
I grew up in Mankato, so I have been to nearby Elysian many times in my life. I love this scripture you’ve chosen.
Melanie, Vernon, NJ
Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. (â€Hebrews‬ â€4‬:â€16‬ ESV)
Lynette, Nashville, TN
My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is my strength of my heart and my portion forever. Psalm 73:26 ESV
Lisa Medina, Fort Worth, Texas
“Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.” Psalm 51:10, NAS
My resolute verse for 2015!
That He will surely do Lisa!
Camille Benson, Knoxville, TN “Let me hear of Your unfailing love each morning, for I am trusting You. Show me where to walk, for I give myself to You.” Psalm 143:8 NLT
Lacie Glenn- London, England-
“I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” Galatians 2:20 (NIV)
Rose-Anne Theriault, Brockville, Ontario ” [For my determined purpose is] that I may know Him [that I may progressively become more deeply and intimately acquainted with Him, perceiving and recognizing and understanding the wonders of His Person more strongly and more clearly].. From Phil 10:3 Amp
Kelly, Columbus OH
See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland. (â€Isaiah‬ â€43‬:â€19‬ NIV)
Ashley Weaver, Fayetteville, GA, “Why do you see the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when there is the log in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother’s eye.” Matthew 7:3-5, ESV
Janell ~ Frisco, TX. ~ you are my refuge and my shield; your word is my source of hope. Psalm 119:114 NLT
Debbie,LaVergne,TN. “Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.” Philippians 4:5 NIV
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3:5-6. NIV
Claudia, Durham, NC, “Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for He who promised is faithful.” Hebrews 10:23, NIV
Karen Glisson, Kennesaw, GA, You will keep in perfect peace those whose mibds are steadfast, because they trust in you. Isaiah 26:3 NIV
Marilyn Yarbrough, Gadsden, Alabama
Do not be conformed to this age, but transformed by the renewing of your mind so that you may discern what is the good, pleasing and perfect will of God. Romans 12:2 Holman CSV
Gina Shipley, San Angelo, Texas
“You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. ‘I will be found by you,’ declares the Lord, ‘and will bring you back from captivity.'”
– Jeremiah 29:13-14 (a) NIV
Susanne Franson, Houston TX
Those who know your name trust in you, for you, LORD, have never forsaken those who seek you (NIV)
Kim Cook – Valley, AL
Psalm 91:1 (NIV) He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.
April Smith San Angelo, TX. He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God? (â€Micah‬ â€6‬:â€8‬ ESV)
Louise, Irvine, Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct your paths. (NIV)
Heather, Chattanooga, TN
Romans 8:12-13, ESV
So then, brothers, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh. For if you live according to the flesh you will die, but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live.
Jean, Woodbine, Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Ephesians 4:2 NIV