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!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Debbie, Oakland, MD
Exodus 4:12 “Now go; I will help you speak and will teach you what to say.”
JoAnn Dyer, Conyers, Georgia
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.” 2 Corinthians 5:17
Kelley Mae Craver, SJAFB Goldsboro, NC
“Eye has not seen nor ear heard nor entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for those who live Him” (1 Corinthians 2:9 NKJV)
Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what His will is-His good and perfect will. Romans 12:2
Connie Hughey, Bolingbrook, Illinois “The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation…For God was pleased to have all His fullness dwell in Him.” Colossians 1: 15, 19 NIV
Psalm 91:1-2
1 Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.
2 I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.” (NIV)
Brianna, Huntsville, AL
For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. John‬ â€1‬:â€17‬ (ESV)
Laurie Doverspike, The Woodlands, TX. “Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.” Colossians 3:12 NLT
Lolo McClure Campbellsville, Kentucky
Psalm 119:11–I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you. (NIV)
And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. -Romans‬ â€8‬:â€28‬
9 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9
Tracy. Marietta, GA. Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” (â€Deuteronomy‬ â€31‬:â€6‬ NIV)
Natalie Roe; Mobile AL; “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path.” Psalm 119:105 KJV
Karen Myers from Kerrville, Texas. The Lord will fight for you. You need only be still. Exodus 14:14 NIV
Jeremiah 29:7Work for the well-being of the city where I have sent you to and pray to the Lord for this. For if it is well with the city you live in, it will be well with you.’NLV
Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the LORD’s purpose that prevails.Proverbs 19:21 NIV
Praise the Lord, my soul, and forget none of his benefits -who forgives all of your sins and heals your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion, who satisfies your desires with good things . Psalm 103:2-5a NIV
Shreveport Louisiana
Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers. (â€Ephesians‬ â€4‬:â€29‬ NKJV)
Judy, Columbia, SC “May the words of my mouth and the thoughts of my heart be pleasing to you, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.”
Psalm 19:14
Kiva, Irvine, California.
“There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love.” 1 John 4:18 NKJV
Bridgette Rockwall, TX
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (NIV)
Be joyful always; pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
Shelby Winchester, Gresham, OR. “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, do not be dismayed, for the Lord your god is with you whoever you go.” Joshua 1:9 ESV
Kyra Harwel, l Rowlett, Texas
With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in God’s likeness. James 3:9. NIV
Jennifer Moir-Spring,Tx- “You said to me, ‘I will point out the road that you should follow. I will be your Teacher and watch over you'” (cev)
Kelly Watson, Duncan, SC “You crown the year with Your good blessings, and You leave abundance on Your wake.” -Psalm 65:11 NET
Kendall Cruce from Perry, Florida
2 Corinthians 12:9 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.
Kelly Davis from Danville VA. “But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect,” 1 Peter 3:15 NIV
John 5:24 NIV
Very truly I tell you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be judged but has crossed over from death to life.
Angela Davis, Tulsa, OK.
Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need. (â€Hebrews‬ â€4‬:â€16‬ NKJV)
Beth, so far I have missed you twice in my area. First at UNH (didn’t have the money) and second at a church in Rochester. I had paid my money, but then I noticed it was 9-10-11. I had to cancel. My son was getting married that day. When will you be in Southern NH again?
Lacey Thames, Kirbyville, Texas.
May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing to you, O LORD, my rock and my redeemer. (â€Psalms‬ â€19‬:â€14‬ NLT)
Ellie, Conroe, Texas. ” Bow down thine ear to me; deliver me speedily: be thou my strong rock, for an house of defence to save me.” Psalm 31:2 (KJV)
South Bend, IN
“for while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come.” 1 Timothy 4:8 ESV
Kerry Lynn Elieff Potterville, MI
Psalm 119:58-60 NASB
I sought Your favor with all my heart;
Be gracious to me according to Your word.
I considered my ways
And turned my feet to Your testimonies.
I hastened and did not delay
To keep Your commandments.
Suzie Henderson Silver Creek, Georgia
Though the fig tree should not blossom, nor fruit be on the vines, the produce of the olive fail and the fields yield no food, the flock be cut off from the fold and there be no herd in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord; I will take joy in the God of my salvation. (â€Habakkuk‬ â€3‬:â€17-18‬ ESV)
“every word of God is flawless; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him.” Proverbs 30:5
New international version
Joyce Blosser Puerto Napo, Ecuador. “The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me;because the Lord hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound.” Isaiah 61:1 KJV
kathy, Bastrop, LA, he who dwells in the shelter of the most high will rest in the shadow of the almighty. Psalm 91:1
“Look to the Lord and His strength; seek his face always ” Psalm 105:4
Tracey Wood- Marietta, Ga- Proverbs 3:5-6
“Trust in Jehovah with all thy heart, And lean not upon thine own understanding: In all thy ways acknowledge him, and He will direct thy paths.” ASV
Put your faith in Him – go to him – let him guide.
I love Beth Moore studies
Allyson, League City TX
“This is the message we have heard from Him and proclaim to you, that God is light, and in Him is no darkness at all.”
I John 1:5 ESV
Sarah Lampe, Houston, TX, “In him we have redemption through his blood,the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of Gods grace.” Ephesians 1:7 NIV
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your own understanding.”
Proverbs 3:5
Heather B., Simi Valley,CA – “Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.” 2 Cor.3:17 NIV
Mary Roth, Raymore, MO
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,b
and to walk humbly with your God? Micah 6:8 ESV
April, Middletown, OH
“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness”
2 Timothy 3:16 NIV
Brenda Wright , Mims, FL. “Sow for yourselves righteousness, reap the fruit of unfailing love and break up your unplowed ground; for it is time to seek The Lord until He comes and showers righteousness on you.” Hosea 10:12 ESV
Monticello, MN. Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come.
2 Corinthians 5:17 NASB