**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
Christa, Kansas City, MO: Reckless words pierce like a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing. Proverbs 12:18, NIV
Memorizing God’s Word + SSMT encouragement = PEACE and JOY
Delight yourself in the LORD and he will give you the desires of your heart. Psalms 37:40 NASB
I have printed out each verse and hung it on the wall so I can memorize as I workout on my Wii fit. Body and Soul work out. FUN!
Heidi – Lancaster, PA
Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.
Colossians 3:13 (NIV)
Memorizing God’s Word this year has helped my mind to stay focused on God’s goodness
Karla, Broomfield, CO
“The LORD is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble; he knows those who take refuge in him.”
Nahum 1:7 (ESV)
Memorizing Scripture this year has given me hope.
Lisa, Lynnwood WA
“But as for me, I watch in hope for the Lord, I wait for God my Savior; my God will hear me.” Micah 7:7 (NIV)
Memorizing God’s Word this year has helped me focus on the one thing the truly matters – MY GOD! All else pales in comparison.
Honestly I would not have
taken the time to memorize
so many of my favorite scriptures.
Also finding delight in new ones
along the way to keep in my heart.
My heart is blessed.
“9 With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in God’s likeness. 10 OUt of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers, this should not be” James 3:9-10 NIV
NIV
He says, “Be still and know that I am God;
I will be exalted among the nations,
I will be exalted in the earth.”
Psalm 46:10
Kim, Richmond, TX, 1 Chron. 4:10 Jabez cried out to the God of Israel, “Oh, that you would bless me and enlarge my territory! Let your hand be with me, and keep me from harm so that I will be free from pain.” And God granted his request.”
Memorizing God’s word with this 3×5 consistent card system is freeing and refreshing; it takes away the pressure of spending weeks focusing on memory work and then taking a break to pursue other spiritual focuses.
Susan – Statesville, NC
For this commandment which I command you today is not too difficult for you, nor is it out of reach. Deut. 30:11
Memorizing God’s Word has made me long for Him.
Melodie, Orlando
Galatians 5:22, MSG
But what happens when we live God’s way? He brings gifts into our lives, much the same way that fruit appears in an orchard-things like affection for others, exuberance about life, serenity. We develop a willingness to stick with things, a sense of compassion in the heart, and a conviction that a basic holiness permeates things and people. We find ourselves involved in loyal commitments,
The scripture focus this year has given me peace, comfort and direction (over and over again!).
Barb, Prescott Valley, AZ
“Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (NIV)
Memorizing God’s Word this year has brought a focus to my prayers – every verse seems to be just what I need for that moment/time, plus when I repeat the previous verses, usually one will become more powerful with an understanding & awareness of our AWESOME God in my life, that I never had before.
Shannon, Orange County, CA: “If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging symbol.” –1 Corinthians 13:1, NIV
Memorizing God’s Word this year has helped me focus on Him and not the painful trial in front of me.
Leigh, Montgomery: They never primp or shop, but have you ever seen color and design quite like it? The ten best-dressed men and women in the country look shabby alongside them. Matthew 6:29 MSG
Anna, Montgomery: Made us lords of sheep and cattle, even animals out in the wild. Psalm 8:7 MSG
Learning scripture with my 11 y.o. daughter = priceless. Bonus = We are learning each other’s verses, too!
Tammy Monroe,Ga.
“And you will know the Truth and the Truth will set you free.” John 8:32 (NASB)
Memorizing scripture has set this captive FREE!!!!!
Tanya, West Paducah, Ky. Whoever believes in me, as the scripture has said, “out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.” John 7:38 ESV Memorizing scripture has renewed and refreshed my heart and mind.
I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints,
Ephesians 1:18 NIV
Carolyn
Oceanside,Ca
Memorizing scripture has been very challenging this time around. But the enemy will not prevail!
Lacey, Keller TX. “But YOU, O Lord, are a compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love AND faithfulness.” Psalm 86:15 NIV Memorizing God’s Word this year has strengthened my faith as my family experienced new challenges.
Kay, Sheridan
Jesus replied:”Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.”
Matthew 22:37 NIV
Memorizing God’s Word this year has drawn me closer to him and changed my attitude toward others.
Katie, Augusta, Ga ¤ And I will betroth you to Me forever, Yes, I will betroth you to me in righteousness and in justice, in lovingkindness and in compassion, And I will betroth you to Me in faithfulness. Then you will know the Lord. Hosea 2:19-20 (NASB).
Memorizing God’s word this year has disciplined me even more in meditating on his word and keeping it hidden in my heart, deepening my relationship with Him more on a daily, weekly, and monthly level than ever before.
He answers him from his holy heaven with the saving power of his right hand. Psalm 18:6 NIV
Lynn, Bossier City. “I sought the LORD, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears.” Psalm 34:4 NIV Memorizing God’s Word this year has brought me to the Word to get through what life brings instead of trying to get through on my own understanding.
Blaine, Magnolia, TX:
“But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but of those who believe and are saved.” Hebrews 10:39 NIV
Memorizing God’s Word this year has reminded me of the faithfulness of my God to lead me back to Him whether I’m near, far, crazy or sane! I can’t mess up His progress, plan, or will – I can only jump on board…and He’s happy to have me!
Judy, Ridgecrest, CA
And the ransomed of the LORD will return. They will enter Zion with singing; everlasting joy will crown their heads. Gladness and joy will overtake them, and sorrow and sighing will flee away.
Isaiah 35:10 NIV
Memorizing God’s Word this year has given me Truth to fight the lies that tried to destroy me. He is my ROCK!
Susan,Silverhill,AL: “And the LORD’S servant must not quarrel; instead, he must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful.” II Timothy 2:24 (NIV)
Memorizing God’s Word has enabled me to internalized His promises in my head and in my heart. Praise Him!
Cindy, Summervile, SC
Sorry, realized I copied & pasted verse from last time!
Luke 18:27 (NIV)
Jesus replied, “What is impossible with men is possible with God.”
Mildred, Mer Rouge, LA, “Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.” Ephesians 6:11(NIV)
Memorizing God’s Word this year has been my strong anchor to the Rock,Jesus Christ, for my constant stability and future guarding of my heart.
Pam, 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” (my 63 year old brain!)
P.S.Whoops, somehow my SSMT didn’t get logged on from this morning, so this is my second try.
“Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.”
Matthew 11:29-30 Msg
Holly Smith
Monument, CO
PS Just found out I have a PFO–hole in heart. feeling a bit anxious. Please pray for me to rightly process and “see” what God is showing me.
Andrea, Cartersville,GA “We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ.”
Memorizing scripture has helped me be intentional about pursuing righteousness. I need less of me and my junk and more of Him and His goodness. Scripture changes me from the inside out.
Crystal in Munford, TN
He said: “Listen, King Jehoshaphat and all who live in Judah and Jerusalem! This is what the LORD says to you: ‘Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God’s.’
2 Chronicles 20:15 NIV
Memorizing God’s word this year has kept me from losing hope.
Erica G, Denver. “I lift my eyes up to hills–where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth.” Psalm 121:1-2, NIV
Memorizing scripture this year has made me…. learn to LIVE (not just know) His promises, accepting and proclaiming them like never before.
Central, SC: “You have made known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.” ~Psalm 16:11, NIV 1984 Version.
Knoxville, TN
katie g
“Direct my steps by Your word, And let no iniquity have dominion over me.”
Psalm 119:133 NKJV
Memorizing God’s Word this year has directed my towards a want for a deeper love relationship with the Lord.:)
Shelly Wilson, Fort Worth, TX
Psalm 19:14 (NIV) – May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in Your sight, O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.
Memorizing Scripture this year has forced me to search out a verse each time that will offer me power/wisdom for what I’m going through at that moment in my life.
Jill Z., Gulfport, MS – “So be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid and do not panic before them. For the Lord your God will personally go ahead of you. He will neither fail you nor abandon you.” Deuteronomy 31:6 NLT Memorizing God’s Word this year has taken the focus off of me and my prideful, human nature and placed it on the One to whom all glory and honor is due.
Lynn, Red Deer, Alberta
Proverbs 11:25 NIV
“A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.”
Memorizing God’s word this year has been hard but I am persevering. Being honest:-)
James 4:2b NIV
Beth R
Liberty Lake, WA
You do not have, because you do not ask
God.
Memorizing God’s word has brought me purpose and peace.
Martha, Lynchburg, VA
And wisdom and knowledge shall be the stability of thy times, and strength of salvation: the fear of the LORD is his treasure. Isaiah 33:6 KJV
Kat- Latham, NY
“From one man He made every nation of men, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and He determined the times set for them and the exact places where they should live.
Acts 17:26 NIV
Memorizing God’s Word this year has calmed many of my fears and helped me to trust in God’s provisions.
As for God, His way is perfect; the word of the Lord is proven; He is a shield to all who trust in Him. Psalm 18:30 NKJV
Kristie
Queen City, TX
Memorizing God’s Word this year has given me strength and peace.
Psalm 51:17 NIV
The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit;
a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise.
Chris, Seattle, WA
Memorizing scripture has calmed my racing mind and redirected my focus to God and what he has done for me.
(15)Work hard so you can present yourself to God and receive his approval. Be a good worker, one who does not need be ashamed and who correctly explains the word of truth.
(19)But God’s truth stands firm like a foundation stone with this inscription: “The Lord knows those who are his.” and “All who belong to the Lord must turn away from evil.”
2 Timothy 2:15, 10 (NLT)
Carol Peavy
Jena, LA
Memorizing scripture this year has refreshed me and has caused me to love Him and His Word more and more. He is Word has given me life!
My scripture is 2 Timothy 2:15, 19 and not 2:15, 10 (NLT). A slip of the keys!
This is the day the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it! Psalm 118:24 NIV
Shannon
Houston, TX
I was just notified that I’ll be laid off on June 30th. I’m thrilled. God has placed some great opportunities ahead of me during this time of transition. Staying in the Word has – well, Beth you just said it so well!) – ” caused me to have a redirected mind in a situation that could have bred fear and discontentment.”
Shannon, you are in my prayers!
May God direct your path and sustain you with his peace.
Cary, Celina, TX
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. Ephesians 6:10-11 (NIV)
Memorizing scripture this year has kept me in the Word when I might otherwise have not been. It has also allowed me to share verses with my kids and friends.
Tricia Faison, Wendell, NC
Jerimiah 33:3 NIV
Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.
Lynn, Lake Villa, IL
Ephesians 6:16-17 NIV
In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
Memorizing scripture this year has increased my faith, trust and believing God, especially through the death of my dad.
Kathy, Bradford-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 been encouraging and calming through some health concerns. Praise you Father!
Kayla
Cleveland
‘The godly are concerned for the welfare of their animals, but even the kindness of the wicked is cruel.’
Proverbs 12:10 NLT
Memorizing Scripture has enriched my walk with God.
Mary, Chattanooga. “Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.” Phil. 4:9 NIV
Memorizing scripture this year has brought me much joy and a feeling of having something going right in this crazy world.