**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
Linda, Dallas, TX
“Always be joyful. Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.” -1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 NLT
Memorizing God’s Word this year has shown me how much truth and strength I can find in the Bible, and just how much what’s written there can actually apply to our everyday lives. Though the exact wording doesn’t always stay with me, the meaning behind the verses I’ve chosen has, and they’ve opened my soul to truth, letting me start the process of truly being myself and sharing myself with the world.
Phyllis, Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada
2 Cor 7:1 NIV
Since we have these promises, dear friends, let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God.
Memorizing Scripture this year has been a lifeline for my mental health, the mind truly is the battlefield and thankfully “the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world” 1John4:4
Psalm 25:7 NIV Do not remember the sins of my youth and my rebellious ways; according to your love remember me, for you, LORD, are good.
Memorizing scripture – chapters in Psalms – this year has drawn me closer to the wonder of God and reduced a few distractions.
Kristi Rogersville, TN
Psalms 55:22 NIV
Cast your cares on the LORD
and he will sustain you;
he will never let
the righteous be shaken.
Memorizing God’s Word this year has made me react to certain situation in a more godly way than I might have.
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
Momorizing Scripture has enriched my walk with God.
Rosalye
Vicksburg, MS
The LORD Himself goes before you and will be with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.
Deuteronomy 31:8
NIV
Memorizing Scripture this year has helped me to live in an awareness of His awesome presence.
Is 40:31 NIV
But those who hope in the LoRD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.
Memorizing God’s word has given me immediate access to God’s truth when mine tries to over take me. Thank you Lord!
Eph 6:14-15
Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet filled with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.
NIV
I love putting to memory these verses that I’ve used so many times.
Anita, Big River, Saskatchewan
“Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers a multitude of sins.”
1 Peter 4:8 NIV
Memorizing Scripture this year has shown me how my God cares so intimately about who I am as the very verse I am memorizing at the time keeps popping up all over the place, and it has applications to the things I am going through at the that moment.
Katie, Dallas,TX
Psalm 40:1-2 (NASB)
1 I waited patiently for the LORD;
And He inclined to me and heard my cry.
2 He brought me up out of the pit of destruction, out of the miry clay,
And He set my feet upon a rock making my footsteps firm.
Memorizing Scripture this year has helped keep my focus on Jesus.
Kristie, White Lake: ‘I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.’
John 16:33 (NIV)
Diane – Roswell, GA
Everything is permissable for me, but not everything is beneficial . . . I will not be mastered by anything.
1 Corinthians 6:12
Memorizing God’s Word this year has been a challenge, but I am sticking with it because I know that every ounce of Scripture I manage to get into my heart and mind will remain there and be fruitful.
James 1:25 But the man who looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues to do this, not forgetting what he has heard, but doing it – he will be blessed in what he does. (NIV)
Spring, TX
“Because of this, in fact, I suffer as I do. But I am not ashamed, because I know the one in whom my faith I set and I am convinced that he is able to protect what has been entrusted to me until that day.”
2 Timothy, 1:12 The NET Bible
Memorizing God’s Word this year has strengthen my commitment to obey and trust ‘all Scripture is God-breathed”!
Amy, Oklahoma. “Glory in his holy name; let the hearts of those who seek the LORD rejoice.” 1 Chronicles 16:10 (NIV) Memorizing God’s Word this year has reminded me of His faithfulness.
“Let love and faithfulness never leave you;
bind them around your neck,
write them on the tablet of your heart.”
Proverbs 3:3 NIV
Memorizing God’s Word this year has given me a chance to know Him more and be reminded -amazed- time and time again just how blessed I am to be a child of God!
Erin- Denison, TX
Shannon, White Hall, AR
Psalm 139:14 (NIV) “I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.”
Leslie
Wisner, LA
“His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness.”
2 Peter 1:3 NIV
(Confession: I keep choosing them, writing them in my spiral, putting them in my iPhone – but I’m behind on really, truly committing them to memory…praying for some “catch-up” time.)
L Diane, Indianapolis
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
Kelly Snodgrass
Rogersville TN
1 John 4.16 HCSB
And we have come to know and to believe the love God has for us. God is love, and the one who remains in love remains in God, and God remains in him.
Memorizing scripture this year has given me hope, and helped me to pray. I have also enjoyed sharing the SSMT with my daughter 🙂
Melissa of Sunset, TX: “My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.” Psalm 73:26 NIV Memorizing this way has just made my walk with the Lord sweeter, as the scripture He provides each time helps with my journey at that moment.
Jennie
Glendale, CA
Ephesians 3:17b-19 (NIV)
And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.
Memorizing God’s Word this year has been such an amazing blessing in my first year of marriage–each Scripture has challenged me specifically and also opened up my eyes to His incredible grace. God is soooo GOOD!
Sandie, Manhattan, KS. 2 Corinthians 10:5 KJV Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;
Memorizing Scripture this year has given me the basis for many of of prayers.
Teresa Granite Falls, NC
The LORD is high above all nations ,and his glory above the heavens. Ps. 113:2 KJV
my apoligy the verse is ps 113:4 my fingers are not doing what my mind says lol pray for me and my family..
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.”
(Joshua 1:9 ESV)
Patty,Granite Bay, CA 2Timothy 2:15 NIV “Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.”
Memorizing God’s Word has been a real strength and encouragement during this time of financial difficulty, family concerns and stresses of life.
Lyndsey, La- Hebrews 6:10 NIV- Memorizing God’s word this year has shown me yet again how applicable and needed God’s word is to my life.
Libby, Goodwine, IL
Put God in charge of your work, then what you’ve planned will take place.
Proverbs 16:3 The Message
Memorizing God’s Word this year has helped me to focus on God’s direction in my life.
Tomi, Des Moines, IA
“But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.” II Corinthians 4:7-9 NIV
Memorizing God’s Word this year has been a life-line that I’ve grabbed hold of time and time again!
Faran – Bald Knob, AR
Jeremiah 50:34
“[My] Redeemer is strong; the LORD Almighty is His name. He will vigorously defend [my] cause so that He may bring rest to [my] land.
Scripture has been my healing from twisted thinking and bad habits. He has shown me His faithfulness and never-changing-ness through His Word. It is life to me when circumstances are hard and a saving foundation to me when life gets easier.
Jeannette, Land O Lakes, FL
”Now listen, daughter, don’t miss a word:
forget your country, put your home behind you.
Be here—the king is wild for you.
Since he’s your lord, adore him.” Psalm 45:10-11 MSG
Suzy, Wheelersburg,Oh “The earth is the Lord’s, and the fullness thereof, the world and they that dwell therein.” King James
Memorizing scripture this year has helped me to set my mind more on God and to rely on His strength when I feel overwhelmed. It is amazing to have the Word of God there to still my mind and to give me strength of go on.
Megan, Maple Valley, WA
“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 NET
Memorizing God’s word this year has caused me to be infused with the Holy Spirit, thus enabling me to face the challenges and provide support as my mom struggles with Alzheimer’s disease.
Karen, Lynnwood, WA – “Let the beloved of the Lord rest secure in him, for he shields him all day long, and the one the Lord loves rests between his shoulders.” Deuteronomy 33:12 (NIV)
Memorizing God’s Word this year has actually been fairly easy for me, which is a miracle! I feel like God is pointing me to the right scripture for the exact right time in my life. I love it! It is drawing me so much closer to Him.
Jill- Plano, TX
Ephesians 4:32
New International Version (NIV)
32 Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.
Let me just say that the Siesta Spiral has made a huge difference in my ability to memorize scripture. Memorizing scripture has made me more able to make my ” thoughts obedient to Christ”
Dinah from Baraboo, WI –
“God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. As God’s fellow workers we urge you not to receive God’s grace in vain.” 2 Cor. 5:21-6:1 NIV
Memorizing God’s Word has helped me fall asleep easier at night, as I go through the verses after I crawl into bed.
Connie, Tyler. “He who searches the hearts, know what the mind of the Spirit is, because the Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God.”Romans 8:27 NIV Memorizing Gods word this year has allowed me to draw upon it as I have gone through some difficult trials.
Starla, Parsons, KS
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified, do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.
Joshua 1:9
Hebrews 11:1 NIV
“Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.”
Memorizing God’s Word this year has redirected my actions as christain in the world and not of the world!
Cynthia
Greenwood, AR
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.
Duet. 31:6 NLT
Memorizing God’s Word this year has been something that has kept my head above water during a trying year! When I have wanted to throw in the towel concerning church, God has always provided (right around the 1st and 15th)just the right verse for me. He is faithful!!!!
Karen, Birmingham, “The Lord is my Strength, my personal bravery and my invincible army; He makes my feet like hinds’ feet and will make me to walk (not to stand still in terror, but to walk) and make (spiritual) progress upon my high places (of trouble, suffering or responsibility)! Habakkuk 3:19 Amplified
Memorizing God’s Word this year has been empowering.
These instructions are not empty words-they are your life!
By obeying them you will enjoy a long life in the land you
will occupy when you cross the Jordan River
Deut. 32:47 NLT
Ti-Leigh
Orlando, FL
Lynette, Aurora, CO
Proverbs 11:13 New Living Translation (NLT)
13 A gossip goes around telling secrets,
but those who are trustworthy can keep a confidence.
Memorizing God’s Word this year has helped me to know TRUTH!!
Amy – Decatur, AL (previously Ohio) –
“The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” Deuteronomy 31:8 NIV
Memorizing God’s Word this year has refreshed my spirit and mind in more ways than I could have imagined before I began. It has brought comfort during trials, peace in the unknown, and assurance that God is Sovereign and in control. And most importantly, it has put praise in my thoughts and not grumbling by renewing my mind. Thank you, Jesus!
Terri, Kirkland. “Satisfy us in the morning with Your unfailing love, that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days.” Psalm 90:14, NIV. Memorizing God’s Word this year has given me a fresh Word to meditate on any place and at any time.
Naomi – Colorado Springs –
I cry out to God Most High,to God, who fulfills his purpose for me. Psalm 57:2 NIV
Clamo al Dios Altísimo, a Dios, quien cumplirá su propósito para mí. Salmos 57:2 NTV
Memorizing Scripture this year has increased my love and trust in His Word, I want to know Him more and more!
Amy aka whimzie, Florida:
Psalm 100
King James Version (KJV)
1Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all ye lands.
2Serve the LORD with gladness: come before his presence with singing.
3Know ye that the LORD he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.
4Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name.
5For the LORD is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations.
Memorizing God’s Word this year has been harder than I thought it would be and has shown me that I need to allow God to teach me more lessons on how to be disciplined and do the work it takes in order to reap the reward of knowing Him better.
Adele-Alys from Matthews (Charlotte), NC : Commit your future to the LORD. Trust in him, and he will act on your behalf. Psalm 37:5 NET Bible
Laid-off in January and looking for work in my 50s, reliance on God’s love and the truth of his word preserves my sanity, even as our finances dwindle.
Rayeanne, Round Rock:
Proverbs 3:5-10
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your paths straight.Do not be wise in your own eyes. Fear the lord and shun evil. This will bring healing to your body and nourishment to your bones. Honor the Lord with your wealth, with the first fruit of all your crops. Then your barns will be filled to overflowing and your vats will brim over with new wine.
Confession: I learned this “chunk” of verses along with my second grade classroom over a six week’s grading period. But it is forever in my heart!
Sharon, Moore, SC
Proverbs 31:25(NIV)
She is clothed with strength and dignity;she can laugh at the days to come.
Memorizing God’s word this year has helped me from sinking into despair when I felt my world was falling apart.