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!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Amy Embree
Germanton, NC
Romans 12:10 NIV
Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.
Catherine Thomas, Texarkana, TX, “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
Carol Barthol, Cordova, Tn, “When I am afraid, I will trust in you.” Psalm 56:3 esv
Mary Eidson Gallatin, TN “The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light.” Romans 13:12 KJV
The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some count slackness, but is long suffering toward us, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. 2 Peter 3:9 NKJV.
For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him. (â€Philippians‬ â€2‬:â€13‬ NLT)
Elaine Rice, Henderson, Texas, “It is the gift of God, not the result of works, so that no one may boast.” (Ephesians 2:8-9)
We know dear brothers and sisters, that God loves you and has chosen you to be his own people. 1 Thess. 1:4 (NLT)Mansfield, Ohio
Opelika, al
Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. Jane’s 3:13 NIV
Joy Huber, Indian Trail
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. Phil. 4:8
Deirdre Hawkins,Windsor Mill. “Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips;meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. ” Joshua 1:8 NIV
My verse is 1Corinthians 2:4-5
My measure and my preaching were not with the wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the spirit’s power, so that your faith might not rest on men’s wisdom, but on God’s power.
Love you Beth, thank you for your obedience and for sharing your heart with all of us, you truly are a blessing to so many.
Blessings to you and your staff, Vicki
Gilroy, Ca
Submit yourselves then to God, Resist the devil and he will flee from you. James 4:7 (NIV) Marshfield, MO
Diana Tucker, Houston, TX.
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. Isaiah 43:19 NIV
Ruth-Anne Thomas, Toronto, Canada
“For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 8:38-39 KJV
Barb Powers, Naperville, IL “You need to persevere, so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised.” Hebrews 10:36 NIV
Melissa Stiffler, Toronto, KS, “For no matter how many promises God has made, they are “yes” in Christ. And so through Him the “Amen” is spoken by us to the glory of God.” 2 Corinthians 1:20 NIV
I have been journeying with Beth for over 20 years. I feel like we are truly family. Happy New Year. May this be a year that God shows Himself in BIG and CLEAR ways. I just love when God SHOWS OFF for ALL of us. Love in Christ Jesus, Jacqueline
Ephesians 3:14-19New International Version (NIV)
A Prayer for the Ephesians
14 For this reason I kneel before the Father, 15 from whom every family[a] in heaven and on earth derives its name. 16 I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, 17 so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, 18 may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, 19 and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.
Isaiah 43:19
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.
Malorie Elrod, Sharpsburg, GA “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” Proverbs 15:1
Proverbs 1:33 “But all who listen to me will live in peace, untroubled by fear of harm.” (NLT)
Paige McMahon, Buckeye, AZ: For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of Sonship. And by Him we cry “Abba” father. NIV Romans 8:15
Rebecca, Thornton, CO – In the same way the Spirit also helps our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we should, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words(NASB) Romans 8:26
Shannon Parum, Sumner, TX. “Many are the plans in a man’s heart, nevertheless The Lord”s counsel – that will stand.” Proverbs 19:21 NKJ
Beth Wilkerson Edmond, OK
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 of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 2 Corinthians 12:9 ESV
Dawn Davison Fruitland Park,FL. “But now you must put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and obscene talk from your mouth.” (Colossians‬ â€3‬:â€8‬ ESV)
Landstuhl Germany Romans 8: 28 And we know all things work towards the good of those he loves, who have been called according to his purpose.
Galatians 5:16 New Living Translation
So I say, let the Holy Spirit guide your lives. Then you won’t be doing what your sinful nature craves.
I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength. Phil 4:13 NIV
Kathy Carenza Chattanooga,Tn
Philippians 2:1 GW
So then, as Christians, do you have any encouragement? Do you have any comfort from love? Do you have any spiritual relationships? Do you have any sympathy and compassion?
Lynda Martin, Jacksonville, AR, “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.” Psalm 46:1 NIV
Lois McCoy, Rising Sun, MD, “Let every thing that hath breath praise the Lord. Praise ye the Lord. Psalms 150:6 KJV
Amy, Laurel,MS, “May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O Lord, my Rock and my Reedemer.” Psalm 19:14 NIV
Clayton, GA
Isaiah 26:8 NIV
“In the path of your judgments, O Lord, we wait for you; your name and remembrance are the desire of our soul.”
“Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.” Isaiah 43:19
Isaiah 46:4
Even to your old age & gray hairs
I am He, I Am He who WILLSUSTAIN YOU
I have made you & I WILL CARRY YOU
I WILL Sustain YOU AND I Will rescue you
Jonesboro Arkansas: FAITH IS THE CONVICTION CONCERNING THESE THING THAT ARE IN HOPE, AS IF IT WERE THERE THINGS IN ACTION, AND THE REVELATION OF THIS THINGS THAT ARE UNSEEN. Hebrew 11:1 ARAMAIC BIBLE in plain English
Mary Kessler, Forest, VA and Perm Russia, “If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things that are above, where Christ is setting, at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above not on things on the earth.” Col. 3:1-2
Carla Seeley, Georgetown, TX- “O Lord you have searched me and known me!” Psalm 139:1 ESV
Kirtland, Ohio Psalm 86:11 Teach me your way, O LORD, and I will walk in your truth;
give me an undivided heart, that I may fear your name.
Take captive every thought.
2 Corinthians 10:5 NIV
Jenny Coffey, Allen, TX, “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. He is my stronghold, my refuge and my savior – from violent men you save me. I call to the Lord, who is worthy of praise, and I am saved from my enemies.” 2 Samuel 22:2-4
Stacy Edwards, Bowling Green, KY
“Blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what was spoken to her from the Lord.” Luke 2:45 ESV
Janie from Texas find know the plans I have for you declares the Lord the plan for welfare and not for evil can give you a future and a hope. Jeremiah 29:11 ESV
Charlotte Kiser, Austin, Texas – “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
Hollie, Gardner Ks, ‘My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience.’ James 1:2-3 NKVJ
Debbie, Crystal Springs, MS
“You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in You, all whose thoughts are fixed on You.” Isaiah 26:3 NLT
Castle Rock, CO. “May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.” Psalm 19:14 NIV
January 1, 2015
I know that you can do anything, and no plan of yours can be thwarted.
Job 42:2. HCSB
Churie Johnson, Surprise, Arizona, “Do not 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 minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6,7