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!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Jennifer Holliday
Willis, TX
Philippians 4:6 HCSB
“Don’t worry about anything, but in everything, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.”
Kim Moore from Portola, CA
“Do not be afraid, for I have ransomed you. I have called you by name; you are mine. When you go through deep waters, I will be with you.” Isaiah 43:1b-2a NLT
Sue, Mazomanie WI, “You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they were created and have their being.” Rev. 4:11 NIV
Lori McNutt, Lompoc California
“I am praying to you because I know you will answer, I God. Bend down and listen as I pray.” Psalms 17:6 NLT
Tish Evans, Ashland, KY. “For everything comes from him and exists by his power and is intended for his glory. All glory to him forever! Amen.” Romans 11:36 NLT
Kaydi Shaw, Arlington, Texas
“Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again-rejoice!” Philippians 4:4 (NLT)
“You have already been pruned for greater faithfulness by the message I have given you. Remain in me and I will remain in you. For a branch cannot produce fruit if it is severed from the vine and you cannot be fruitful apart from me.” John 15:3-4 NLT Jill Barkacs, Springfield, MO
Lisa Abarta, Yakima, Washington. “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” 2 Corinthians 5:17 NIV
Humble yourselves,therefore,under Gods mighty hand,that he may lift you up in due time
1Peter5:6 NIV
Betty Clark, Ann Arbor, MI “We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ.” II Corinthians 10:5 ESV
Lori Morris, Townsend, Montana.-He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. Col.1:15 NIV
Liz Carver, Canyon Texas
So shall My word be that goes forth out of My mouth: it shall not return to me void (without producing any effect, useless), but it shall accomplish that which I please and purpose, and it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it. Isaiah 55:11 AMP
Jennifer B. in Wichita, KS
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
Charlene Agan, Cartersville GA
“I say to the Lord, “You are my Lord; apart from you I have no good thing.” Psalm 16:2 NIV
Desiree Poore, Rowlett, Tx “Keep your eyes open, hold tight to your convictions, give it all you’ve got, be resolute, and love without stopping.” 1 Corinthians 16:13-14 MSG
Val, Aldergrove, BC ‘And those who know Your name put their trust in You, for You, O LORD, have not forsaken those who seek You.’ Psalm 9:10 ESV
Carolea, Chino CA, Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, âNever will I leave you; never will I forsake you.â (âHebrews⏠â13âŹ:â5⏠NIV)
Teresa Marsh, New Bern, NC
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)
Malaena from Lynchburg, VA “For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ.” 2 Corinthians 10:3-5 NKJV
Robin, Leo, IN. âYou will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart.â Jeremiah 29:13 ESV
Cassie Bradshaw, Charlottesville, Va. “Dear friend, do not imitate what is evil but what is good. Anyone who does what is good is from God. Anyone who does what is evil has not seen God.” 3 John 11 TNIV
Jeri McNeany from Knoxville TN “I can do everything through him who gives me strength.” Phi. 4:13 NIV
Judy, Littleton, NC
But the Lord stood at my side and gave me strength, so that through me the message might be fully proclaimed and all the Gentiles might hear it. And I was delivered from the lion’s mouth.
II Timothy 4:17
My theme is the Lord’s STRENGTH since I have been undergoing chemo for 2 yrs and now I want to be strong in the Lord and the power of His might!
Linda Koistinen, Sugar Land, TX
“My sheep listen to my voice; I know them and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand.” John 10:27-28 NIV
Gabriella Slater, Harleysville, PA. “Ah, Sovereign Lord, you have made the heavens and the Erath by your great power and outstretched arm. Nothing is too hard for you.” Jeremiah 32:17 NIV
Jill, Sydney, Australia. God is a safe place to be. Psalm 62:8 The Message
Amy, Sacramento, California,
“We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.” 2 Cor. 10:5 NIV
Samantha Goedken, Sioux Falls, South Dakota
“For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Jesus Christ our Lord.” Romans 8:38-39 (NIV)
Melissa; Enid, OK/Parker, CO; “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing each other in all wisdom.” Colossians 3:16a, ESV.
Kim, Amherst, Ohio
Jn.14:27 NIV
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you.
I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not
let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.
Emily, Topeka, Kansas
“I pray that out of His glorious riches He may strengthen you with power through His Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge – that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.” Ephesians 3:16-19 (NIV)
(Dala Lawrence Hoffman,IL) 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,they will walk and not be faint. Isaiah 40:31 NIV
Trudi Dossey, Austin, TX “For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.” (â2 Timothy⏠â1âŹ:â7⏠NLT)
Jenn Walker, Sarver, PA. “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart form me you can do nothing.” John 15:5
Jeanne Warner Robins, GA
Psalm 19:14 NLT
May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing to you, O LORD, my rock and my redeemer!
Ann from Ramona, CA
“The Lord will fulfill his purpose for me;
your love, O Lord, endures forever–
do not abandon the works of your hands,” Psalm 138:8 NIV
Valerie Robertson, Taylors, SC
“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
Diane, Pella, IA. 1John 1:5 NIV
This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all.
Sharla Robertson, Granbury, TX. So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive His mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most. (âHebrews⏠â4âŹ:â16⏠NLT)
Fenton, Ashburn, VA, “Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it.” Matt. 7:13 NKJV
Philippians 3: 13-14 (KJV)
13 Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended; but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, & reaching forth unto those things what are before.
14 I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.
Angela D. Padilla ,of Frost Tx. “For I Know the Plans I have for you declares the Lord’ Jeremiah 29:11
Nicole Christmas
Winnipeg, Manitoba
“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
Isaiah 41:10 (NIV)
Kathy Jo, Plano TX
“Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come.
1 Corinthians 5:17 NASB
Lona Rae St.G UT âIt is the gift of God, not the result of works, so that no one may boast.â (Ephesians 2:8-9) I’m sorry I posted on yours, Kathy Jo, but it’s the only way I could figure out how to post! đ I’m not a blogger but I think this challenge is a good one. Thanks đ
Trust God from the bottom of your heart; don’t try to figure out everything on your own. Listen for God’s voice in everything you do, everywhere you go; He’s the one who will keep you on track. Proverbs 3:5-6 (MSG)
Tirsa Pittaway, Bloemfontein, South Africa. “Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and uphold me with a willing spirit.” Psalm 51:12 ESV
Heather Louisville, KY
” for God did not give us a spirit of cowardice, but rather a spirit of power and of love and of self-discipline.”
2 Timothy 1:7 (NRSV)
Diane, Harker Heights, TX. “If this is so, then The Lord know how to rescue the godly from trials and to hold the unrighteousness for punishment on the day of judgement.” 2 Peter 2:9 NIV
Pam Seipp in Fredericksburg, Texas
Be watchful, standing firm in the faith, act like men, be strong. Let all you do be done in love.
1 Corinthians 16:13-14 (ESV)
Linda Reuther, Mc Millan, Michigan. “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.”