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!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Brenna from Highlands Ranch, Colorado: “Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ. Galatians 1:10 NIV
Lindsay Haselden, from Florence, SC
And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, (â€Philippians‬ â€1‬:â€9-10‬ NIV)
Sharon West, Miller, MO Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. Lamentations 3:22-23 NIV
Melinda Reimer, Manitoba, Canada “The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. Psalm 18:2 NIV
Cheryl Paganelli,Medford,New Jersey “Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones. Proverbs 16:24 ESV
Connie,Chariton,For the Lord your God is God of gods and Lord of lords, the great God, mighty and awesome, who shows no partiality and accepts no bribes. Deut. 10:17 NIV
Rebecca Jackson, College Station Texas, “Therefore, if anyone is in Jesus Christ, he is a new creation: old things have passed away, and look, new things have come.” 2 Corinthians 5:17 HCSB
Hey SSMT partner! We picked the same verse!! Yay!
“And now, Israel, what does The Lord your God ask of you but to fear The Lord your God, to walk in obedience to him, to love him, to serve The Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul.” Deuteronomy 10:12
Haley in Grain Valley, MO (Kansas City)
“God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble. So we will not fear, EVEN IF earthquakes come and the mountains crumble into the sea.”
Psalm 46:1-2 New Living Translation (emphasis was all mine.) 🙂
Lisa Williams Etowah, TN. Philippians 4:6 “Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God” KJV
Abby T., Ferndale, WA:
“Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God–this is your true and proper worship.
–Romans 12:1 (NASB)
Marley Tribble Lexington, KY – Hebrews 10:23 “Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;) KJV
Pam Hunter asheville, NC and the seed whose fruit is righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace. James 3:18 NASB
Robin Parris, Cleveland, Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; and if there be any praise, think on these things. Philippians 4:8 KJV
Stillwater, NY
Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly… Colossians 3:16 NKJ.
what a great first verse… sets the whole tone for the rest of the year! Happy New Year!
Kate, Marion, OH: “But clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ and forget about satisfying your sinful self.” Romans 13:14 (NCV)
Michele Gibbons, Waterloo, Ontario. “So then, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; what is old has passed away—look, what is new has come!” 2 Corinthians 5:17 NET
Deuteronomy 32:43 He will purify His land and His people. HCSB
Romans 12:10
Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves.
Becky Jo
Chesterfield, MI
The Lord says, “I will rescue those who love me.
I will protect those who trust in my name.
When they call on me, I will answer;
I will be with them in trouble.
I will rescue and honor them.
I will reward them with a long life
and give them my salvation.”
Psalm 91:14-16NLT
Melissa Major, Fitzpatrick, AL
Matthew 5:13 “You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses is saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men.”
Andrea McKane, Jacksonville, AR. “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men.” Colossians 3:23 NIV
Faith, Minneapolis, MN
Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! (â€Philippians‬ â€4‬:â€4‬ NIV)
Valerie Weber, Wadsworth, Ohio
Philemon 1:6
“I pray that you may be active in sharing your faith, so that you will have a full understanding of every good thing we have in Christ.” (NIV)
Sarah Jackson, Pasadena, Texas
Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Philippians 4:4 NIV
Lauren in Birmingham, Alabama!
“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 Corinthians 10:5 (NIV)
Jackson, TN
For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. Romans 15:4 NIV
Laurie Case, Keizer, OR
Matthew 11:28-30 NIV
Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.
Chester, VA
“When I discovered Your words, I ate them up:
they were my great joy and my heart’s delight.
I am Yours, and I bear the name of the Eternal God,
Commander of heavenly armies.”
Jeremiah 15:16 (The Voice)
Linda Smith Little Rock, AR ” Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.” 1 John 2:17 ESV
Lonoke, Arkansas
2Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. NIV
Alyssa Homeier, Elysian MN. “My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this. Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry.: James 1:19-NIV
Lana, Bryant, AR. “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So are My ways higher than your ways And My thoughts than your thoughts.” (â€Isaiah‬ â€55‬:â€9‬ NASB)
Kristi Schnipke, Kettering, Ohio: “O LORD, in the morning you hear my voice; in the morning I prepare a sacrifice for you and watch.” Psalm 5:3 ESV
Rachelle, Pendleton, SC: “Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil; cling to what is good.” Romans 12:9 NKJV
Susanne Franson, Houston TX
Those who know your name trust in you, for you, LORD, have never forsaken those who seek you. Psalm 9:10 NIV
Devote yourselves to prayer, keeping alert in it with an attitude of thanksgiving; Colossians 4:2 NAS
Erika- Monson, MA
Jacqlyn, Clinton Twp. MI,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. Isaiah‬ â€43‬:â€19‬ NLT
Helene Howell. Lakeland, Florida. Commit everything you do to the Lord. Trust Him and He will help you. Proverbs 37:5
Misty Schoephoerster, Abilene, TX. “And the LORD restored the fortunes of Job, when he had prayed for his friends. And the LORD gave Job twice as much as he had before.” Job 42:10 ESV
Cathy R, Corona, Calif. So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. (â€Galatians‬ â€5‬:â€16‬ NIV)
Candy, Amarillo, TX
The Lord will fight for you; you only need to be still.
Exodus 14:14 NIV
Robyn Barnes, Orlando, FL
But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore, I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.
2 Corinthians 12:9. NIV
Alyssa, Houston, TX
“Even to your old age and gray hairs I am he, I am he who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you.”
Isaiah 46:4, NIV
I loved this verse I almost used it here, because at my age I can relate, but I believe God is calling me to praise & give Him Adoration in 2015. Thanks for sharing.
Bonnie Tolson, Outer Banks, North Carolina. “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.” Isaiah 26:3 AMP
*So wordsy I know! I love the AMP version, couldn’t get away from it! Extra exercise for my brain right off the bat! 🙂 Love all of you Siestas!
Mary Ann Lindsey Lubbock, Texas
Matthew 19:26 NKJV
But Jesus looked at them and said to them, “With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”
Jenny Rich, Owasso,OK
“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ.” Eph.1:3 NIV
For the eyes of the Lord range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to Him. 2 Chronicles 16:9 NIV
Jenna Unruh, Kansas City, MO
A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. Prov 15:1 (TNIV)
Mandi, Deatsville, AL
Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus The Lord, so walk in him, rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving.
Colossians 2:6-7 ESV