**January 20-21, 2012**
Hear bells and whistles and lots of music, maybe even a few beginning bars of the Hallelujah chorus: YOU MADE IT EXACTLY HALFWAY!!!! You are officially over the hump after you get this entry behind you.
Way to go, Sisters. Way to go! It’s a pretty good feeling, isn’t it? Don’t think for a second that the enemy didn’t try to steal away your focus and commitment. If you made it this far, you fought with him and won. This is a big victory. Celebrate it with your very faithful God.
I want to brag on you for being so fastidious about limiting your comments to the memory verses. Even when I’ve taunted you with extra conversation, you’ve held steadfastly to the rule. You are the best group ever. To look down the comment stream and see nothing but verses is immensely powerful. My faith explodes in my chest every single time. The sight of it and the effect it was having on my own personal life led me to invite anybody on Twitter who could use a fresh brainwashing to come and peruse it. I pray that numbers were blessed and that some took the challenge and decided to start memorizing Scripture.
All that said, this time, since we’re at the halfway point, I’m going to open your comments up to one extra line for the sake of personal testimony. After you’ve documented all your usual information (First name, city, verse, and translation), finish this sentence: Memorizing God’s Word this year has…
Get as specific as you can!
So you’ll have an example to go by, here’s my entry this time around with the completion of the added sentence:
Beth, Houston. “Make every effort to present yourself before God as a proven worker who does not need to be ashamed, teaching the message of truth accurately.” 2 Timothy 2:15 (The NET Bible) Memorizing God’s Word this year has caused me to have a redirected mind in a situation that could have bred fear and discontentment.
Get the idea? OK, now it’s your turn.
P.S. Here’s some really great news! Android and Blackberry SSMT apps are up, running and available. AND, plans toward our January celebration are already in full swing! We can hardly wait to host you here, Sisters.
I love you like crazy.
Beth
Wanda North Canton, Ohio
For the sun rises with scorching heat and withers the plant; its blossom falls and its beauty is destroyed. In the same way, the rich man will fade away even while he goes about his business.
James 1:11 NIV
Memorizing Scripture this year has helped my mind to be more disciplined, especially in stressful times.
Melissa; Nashville, TN: Jeremiah 33:3 “Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.” NIV Memorizing God’s word for the first time ever in my life has given me prayer in times when I may have otherwise been speechless. Praise HIM for that.”
Jennifer Lutz, Florida
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9 NIV
Memorizing God’s word this year has given me peace and courage through many trials!
oops…part #2
Memorizing Scripture has calmed my mind, encouraged my heart and soothed my soul!
For the Lord gives wisdom; From His mouth come knowledge and understanding, He stores up sound wisdom for the upright. He is a shield to those who walk in integrity, Guarding the paths of justice, and He preserves the way of His godly ones.
Proverbs 2: 6-8
New American Standard
Jamie, Holly Springs, NC
Proverbs 25:9
He guides the humble in what is right and teaches them his way.
Memorizing God’s word this year has cut the chains that bound me to my past, enabling me to love my husband with joy and freedom!
Vicki in Burton, MI
“Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit to sustain me.” Psalm 51:12
I know God’s Word is LIFE, but I’m about 3 months behind in my memorization. Please pray that I can get caught up this summer!
Sarah, Elgin, IL
Psalm 81:10 NLT
For it was I, the Lord your God,
who rescued you from the land of Egypt.
Open your mouth wide, and I will fill it with good things.
Memorizing God’s Word has given me weapons against anxiety and depression.
Marilyn Gadsden, Al Jehovah the self existence one. Before me no god was formed nor will there be one after me I even I am the LORD and apart from me there is no savior. Is 43:10-11
Pam H. Buena Park, CA. “Even the darkness is not dark to You and the night is as bright as the day. Darkness and light are alike to You.” Psalms 139:12 NASB
Memorizing God’s Word this year has caused me to fix my focus on His ability in spite of my dis-ability!
Hollie, Mount Vernon
“Find rest, O my soul, in God alone;
my hope comes from him.”
Psalm 62:5, NIV
Memorizing God’s Word this year has awakened in me a desire to be in His Word and to do some intense study. I have never been more curious or had such a yearning to learn His Word. Thank You Lord!
Sandra, Swainsboro,GA
“Amen!
Praise and glory
and wisdom and thanks and honor
and power and strength
be to our God for ever and ever.
Amen!” Revelation 7:12
Learning memory verses and having them before me in my spiral has helped me have verses at hand to share with others when they are going through difficult times.
Rebekah from Marion, IN – “But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.” – 1 Peter 2:9, NIV. Memorizing God’s Word this year has (as I’ve looked back over the verses and their timing in each month) laid the groundwork for the exact, unexpected path God has chosen for me to walk in this season.
Then my head will be exalted above the enemies who surround me; at his sacred tent I will sacrifice with shouts of joy; I will sing and make music to the LORD. Psalm 27:6 (NIV)
Memorizing God’s Word this year is like manna in the desert–the Lord provides exactly what I need at the right time in the right amount, teaching me to trust Him for tomorrow and follow His instruction for today.
Barbara, North Tonawanda, NY-
Pleasant words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones. Proverbs 16:24
Tami, Michigan:
“For the Lord God is a sun and shield;
The Lord will give grace and glory;
no good thing will He withhold
from those who walk uprightly.”
Psalm 84:11
Memorizing God’s Word this year has helped me know Him better and focus on my relationship with Him amidst the distractions of a household with small children. 🙂
Kim, Poplar Bluff, MO. “The one who calls you is faithful, and he will do it.” I Thessalonians 5:24 (NIV)
Memorizing God’s Word this year has helped me speak against the enemies attempt to drag me into losing hope over a season of life I am going through.
ginger, Trussville: The LORD is my strength and song, and He has become my salvation. Psalm 118:14 (NASB). Memorizing God’s word this year has been the saving grace of my soul – that has been tempted to crumble under the pressure of despair.
elaine – brea, ca
Romans 12:11 – Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. (continuing to memorize a whole passage in Romans 12)
Memorizing God’s Word this year has… been challenging and a HUGE blessing at the same time…
Patty
Talbott
By Him let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God, that is the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His name. Hebrews 13:15 NIV
Memorizing God’s Word this year has…given me hope in what used to be a hopeless situation.
Troy, Ohio
James 3:17-18 NIV
But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy
and good fruit, impartial and sincere.
Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness.
Scripture memory this year has pulled my mind to truth when it is tempted to go to other places.
Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the LORD, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.” Psalm 91:1-2 NIV
Memorizing God’s word this year has given me a fresh insight on who God is, how much He truly does love me and the sacrifice that was made for me! Hallelujah!!!
Rachel, Rochester, NY: “If you think you are better than others, when you really aren’t, you are wrong. Do your own work well, and then you will have something to be proud of. But don’t compare yourself with others. We each must carry our own load.” ~Galatians 6:3-5 (CEV)
Memorizing verses this year has completely changed my mind! Any time I start feeling negative, anxious or impure thoughts seeping in, I recite my verses and feel victory over my mind!
Stacie Livonia, Mi BF Verse for Wk 2
“You are my witnesses,” declares the Lord, “and my servant whom I have chosen, so that you might know and believe Me and understand that I am He. Before Me no god was formed, nor will there be one after Me.” Isaiah 43:10
Memorizing God’s Word this year has made me hungrier for it!
Norwood, MA
“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. ” Romans 8:28 NIV
Lichelle, Austin Texas
John 15:8 NIV
It is to your Fathers glory that you bear much fruit; showing yourselves to be my disciples
And isn’t today someone’s birthday at Living Proof?
If so Happy Birthday!
Jayma, Ft. Wayne, IN
My old self has been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. So I live in this earthly body by trusting in the son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.
Galations 2:20 NLT
Ange, Louisville KY
Thou art holy, O Thou Who art enthroned upon the praises of Isreal. Ps. 22: 3 NASB
Memorizing Scripture this year has helped me to know the importance of hiding God’s Word in my heart.
jackie from Missouri
Jesus replied, “You do not realize now what I am doing, but later you will understand.” – John 13:7 (NIV)
Memorizing God’s Word this year is a continual source of amazement as the 1st and the 15th roll around and God provides just the right verse that meets my need at that moment. it IS alive and active!
Stefanie Dailey-Parrish, FL:
The Lord is far from the wicked, but he hears the prayers of the righteous. Proverbs 15:29 NLT
Patty from Vicksburg, MS
“As he thinks in his heart, so is he.” Proverbs 23:7 NKJ
Memorizing God’s Word this year has brought me to the realization that
God actually speaks to ME through Scripture.
Jennifer h. Jonesboro, ar
Proverbs 21:23. He who guards his mouth and his tongue,
Guards his soul from troubles. NASB
We wait in hope for the Lord; He is our help and our shield. In Him our hearts rejoice, for we trust in His holy name. Psalm 33:20-21 (NIV)
Memorizing God’s Word has drawn me closer to Him and helped me to lay up His words in my heart.
Jenny, Elida, “This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down His life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers.” 1 John 3:16 (NIV)
Memorizing God’s Word this year has taught me what I am able to accomplish through the power of the Holy Spirit and joined me in a life changing activity with my precious 10 year old daughter Grace.
Grace, Elida, “I showed you in all things that you should work as I did and help the weak. I taught you to remember the words of Jesus. He said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.'” Acts 20:35 (ICB)
Memorizing God’s Word this year has made me feel so much smarter.
Johanna, Carlsbad
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 saints, 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.
Ephesians 3:16-19 (NIV)
Memorizing scripture this year has protected me from despair, encircled my heart with hope, and renewed a passion within me to pursue God’s Word, His Spirit and His Will for my live. I am so grateful to be a part of this “great cloud of witnesses.”
Victoria, Thomasville
Memorizing God’s Word this year has highlighted God’s movement in ways I’ve not slowed down enough to see before.
Of anything beyond these, my child, beware. Of making many books there is no end, and much study is a weariness of the flesh. Ecclesiastes 12:12, NRSV
“May the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.” Hebrews 13:20-21
Memorizing God’s Word this year has l.i.t.e.r.a.l.l.y. carried me day by day through one of the most difficult times of my life.
Rock Hill, SC
He who guards his mouth and tongue keeps himself from calamity. Proverbs 21:23 NIV
Connie, Chariton,Psalm 103:3 Who forgives all your iniquities, Who heals all your diseases,NKJV. Gods’ word is so amazing always something new. Doing this has kept me more on task.
Anita, Purcellville, VA
“But let him who boasts boast about this: that he understands and knows me, that I am the LORD, who exercises kindness, justice and righteousness on earth, for in these I delight,” declares the LORD.
Jeremiah 9:24 NIV
Memorizing God’s Word this year has shown me again that in God’s Word there is something for every need in my life and God’s timing is so awesomely perfect.
Lisa, Jackson, MO
And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us. Romans 5:5 NIV
Memorizing scripture this year has caused me to fill my mind with good things instead of fretting over things that will pass away.
Staci, Bismarck, ND “My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place. When I was woven together in the depths of the earth, your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be” Psalm 139:15-16 (NIV)
Cheney
Therefore, as Gods chosen people, holy and dearly loved,
clothe yourself with compassion, kindness, humility,
gentleness, and patience.
Col 3:12 (NIV)
Susan
Lititz, Pa.
“And I will give them singleness of heart and put a new spirit within them. I will take away their stony, stubborn heart and give them a tender, responsive heart, 20 so they will obey my decrees and regulations. Then they will truly be my people, and I will be their God.”
Ezek 11:19-20 (NLT)
Memorizing His Word has been my lifeline once again this year! His precious Word continues to remind me of my desperate need for His continuous work in my heart.
Lynette, Nashville, TN:
The promises of the Lord are promises that are pure,
silver refined in a furnace on the ground,
purified seven times.
Psalm 12:6 NRSV
Barb St Cloud, MN “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. Galations 5:1 NIV
Memorizing God’s word this year has helped me become unloosed from the yoke of slavery.
Emily, Thibodaux- I prayed to the Lord, and he answered me. He freed me from all my fears. Psalm 34:4 NLT
Lisa, Marion, IN
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. (NIV)
Memorizing scripture has equipped me and enabled me to focus my mind for daily battle with the enemy.
Barb D Lakeland, FL
19 Don’t you know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit? The Spirit is in you. You have received him from God. You do not belong to yourselves. 20 Christ has paid the price for you. So use your bodies in a way that honors God. 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 NIRV
Col.3:12 NIV Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.