**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
Sarah Deible Bremen, Ohio
“He must become greater; I must become less.” John 3:30 NIV
Memorizing Scripture this year has been the most rewarding commitment I’ve fought the enemy so many times to keep. I love how the Lord reveals the verses I’ve memorized just at the moment I’ve needed them!
Lisa, Mauldin, “I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.” Psalm 119: 11 (NIV)
Memorizing God’s Word this year has helped me stay focused on taking every thought captive, that my mind would be controlled by the Spirit and not the flesh!!
“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves.” Philippians 2:3 NIV. Memorizing God’s word this year has showed me just how truly living and powerful the Bible is. Many times I’ve been frustrated or angry about something, and I’ll just start spouting off my verses and before I know it God calms me down 🙂
Jennifer – Knoxville, TN:
Finally, brothers, 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.
Philippians 4:8 NIV
Beth, Fountain Inn, Isaiah 50:4 The Sovereign LORD has given me a well-instructed tongue, to know the word that sustains the weary. He wakens me morning by morning, wakens my ear to listen like one being instructed.
Memorizing God’s word this year has made me be more open to watching for special verses that apply to situations in my life at the time selecting a new verse.
Beth, Oklahoma City
1 Thess. 5:16-18 (The Message): Be cheerful no matter what; pray all the time; thank God no matter what happens. This is the way God wants you who belong to Christ Jesus to live.
Memorizing God’s word this year has been challenging but has helped me to start overcoming a serious issue with anxiety!
Carmen, Knoxville
“For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” Ephesians 2:10 NIV
Memorizing scripture this year has reminded me to focus on God’s Word and on His love.
julie,lexington,ky: Your dead will live, their bodies will rise. Awake and sing, you who dwell in the dust! Isaiah 26:19
memorizing God’s Word this year has definitely made my prayer life better. especially when i pray for my son. prayer just seems to be so much powerful when i give God’s Word back to Him.
Judy, Cottageville, WV Joshua 1:9 KJV “Have not I commanded? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.” I love the way the word, once memorized speaks to us in many situations of our lives.
1 Corinthians 16:13 (NET)
Stay alert, stand firm in the faith, show courage, be strong.
Memorizing God’s Word this year has given me the courage to claim a sound mind and overcome the lies of the enemy!
Valerie, Yuma
They are always generous and lend freely; their children will be blessed. Turn from evil and do good; then you will dwell in the land forever.
Psalm 37:26-27, NIV
Memorizing God’s Word this year has completely transformed my attitude and thinking towards every single aspect in my life, especially towards my children and my responsibilities.
1John 5:3 This is the love of God, that we keep His commandments. And His commandments are not burdensome.
NASB
Ann, Fez (Morocco)
Micah 6:8 NAS
What does the Lord require of you? To act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.
When I read over the verses that I have reflected on this year, I am reminded of why each verse was significant to me. My spiral thus serves as a series of spiritual milestones.
Marcia, Vancouver, WA
I lift up my eyes to the hills, from where does my help come? My help comes from the Lord who made heaven and earth.
Psalm 121:1-2
Memorizing God’s Word this year is giving me an anchor to stabilize my life and to give me encouragement to keep going during a very rough season.
Joy, Altadena, CA
The LORD is my source of security. I have determined to follow Your instructions. Psalm 119:57 NET
Memorizing scripture has been huge as I’ve been so tempted to give into my feelings which are lying about who God is: I’m choosing verses which challenge my emotions with His truth where they differ.
Amy
Whiteman AFB
But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint.
Isaiah 40:31
Memorizing God’s word this year has drawn me closer to Him and deepened my relationship with Him. It has also helped me teach my teenage son how to use scripture memorization to deal with teenage issues and brought him closer to God.
I can do all things through Him Who strengthens me.
Philippians 4:13 (NASB)
Memorizing God’s word this year has been a challenge because it seems I have few memory brain cells left and they’re working hard…I think…I can’t remember.
Tracey from Knightdale, NC:
“And He Himself bore our sins in His body on the cross, so that we might die to sin and live to righteousness; for by His wounds you were healed.” I Peter 2:24 NASB
Anita, Lynchburg, VA Joshua 1:9 KJV “Have not I commanded? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.”
Romona, East Alton
And these signs will accompany those who believe; in My Name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new tongues; they will pick up snakes with their hands; and when they drink deadly poison, it will not hurt them at all; they will place their hands on sick people, and they will get well. Mark 16; 17,18
I’m fairly certain that I forgot to post my last verse:
Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us.
And if we know He hears us, whatever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we have asked of Him.
Tashi, Houston, TX. “BUT NOW a righteousness from God, apart from law, has been made known, to which the Law and the Prophets testify. This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe.” (Rom 3:21-22a, NIV, emphasis added!).
Memorizing Scripture this year has prompted me time and time again to refocus on Jesus throughout the course of my workdays.
Hilary from Langley, BC, Canada says:
“As you do not know the path of the wind,
or how the body is formed in a mother’s womb,
so you cannot understand the work of God,
the maker of all things.” Ecc. 11:5 (NIV)
Memorizing scripture this year has deepened my walk with God.
Heather, Leawood, Kansas. “He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” Micah 6:8 (NIV). Memorizing God’s Word this year has given me a storehouse of treasures to dip into when I need strength, comfort or courage.
Stacie, Cedar Rapids Iowa
Psalm 27:14 KIV
Wait on the Lord: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the Lord.
Memorizing God’s word this year has brought focus and calm to my life. I look forward to the 1st and the 15th where I can find God speaking to me through the verses he wants me to find.
Psalm 9:10 NIV “Those who know your name will trust in you, for you, Lord, have never forsaken those who seek you.”
Memorizing God’s word has helped me have the mind of Christ instead of having the “mind of Mindy” whenever I chose to think on my verses and believe them.
Cassandra, Raleigh, NC Joshua 1:9 KJV “Have not I commanded? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.”
Tricia, Eldridge
“Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.” Romans 12:12 NIV
Memorizing God’s Word this year has been comforting in the midst of life’s challenges.
Kirsten, Heavener “Where shall I go from your Spirit? Or where shall I flee from your presence? If I ascend to heaven, you are there!If I make my bed in Sheol, you are there! If I take the wings of the morning and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea,even there your hand shall lead me,and your right hand shall hold me.” Psalm 139:7-10
ESV
Memorizing God’s Word this year has strengthened my foundation in Him and given me a tool to effectively combat the enemy.
Jennifer, Avon Park, FL
The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in Spirit.
Psalm 34:18 NIV
Glenda, Knoxville, TN
“But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name.” John 1:12 (NASB)
“For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast.” Eph. 2:8-9 (NASB)
“If we confess our sins He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” I John 1:9 (NASB)
Memorizing God’s Word this year has strengthened my faith, opened my eyes to the working of the Holy Spirit in my life, brought healing to my soul, peace to my anxious mind, and created a growing hunger for more of God’s Word in my life!
Holly
Geita, Tanzania
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”
Romans 15:13 NIV
Memorizing God’s word this year has made me aware that I struggle to trust God. About 5 verses in I realized all my selections were dealing with this and I’m now working on it.
Patti, Monument, Colorado
“As the deer pants for streams of water, so I long for you, Oh God. I thirst for God, the living water.” Psalm 42:1-2
Memorizing scripture this year has made me so aware that the Lord is always there. Because of the feeling of his presence my desire is to be the woman God wants me to be.
Baileigh, Spartanburg, SC. “You saw me before I was born. Every day if my life was recorded in your book. Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed.” Psalm 139:16 NLT
Robyn, Wichita
“Look to the Lord and His strength; seek His face always.” 1 Chronicles 16:11 NIV
Karin, Johannesburg
Jeremiah 29:13 You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.(NIV)
Memorizing God’s word this year has caused me to look deeper at Scriptures and apply them in my life. It has also helped me to encourage others.
Dedra, Madison, AL
“Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed,” says the Lord, who has compassion on you.” – Isaiah 54:10
Memorizing God’s Word this year has been the sweet constant in an ever changing season of life. His Word has brought me peace and strength.
Continuing the Roman Road… (NASB)
“If you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord,and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead,you will be saved;for with the heart a person believes,resulting in righteousness,and with the mouth he confesses,resulting in salvation.” – Romans 10:9-10
Ezekiel 11:18 I will give them an undivided heart and put a new spirit in them; I will remove from them their heart of stone and give them a heart of flesh.
Now when this happens some tears are going to flow, but its all good!
Bettie Tolar
Pasadena, TX
June 15, 2011
NIV
James 5:11 “As you know, we consider blessed those who have persevered. You have heard of Job’s perseverence and have seen what the Lord brought about. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy.”
This has been a difficult year and the scriptures I have memorized have proven to be words of encouragement directly from the Lord – very timely as only He can do.
Melissa, Greer, SC:
For the gifts and the call of God are irrevocable.
Romans 11:29 NET
Memorizing God’s Word this year has increased my self-worth and acceptance in two ways: 1) He courts me on a daily basis, wanting to be my source of fulfillment, peace and joy; and 2) His Word truly is alive and personal…I have lived out each of my verses this year!! Thanks for the motivation and support!!!
Mary Ellen , Billings, MT
“He made known His ways to Moses; His deeds to the people of Israel. The Lord is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love.” Ps. 103: 7-8
Jennifer, Wilmington, DE
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. – Phil 4:6-7
Memorizing God’s Word this year has amazed me – I didn’t think I could memorize scripture and I have been searching for the “right” system for years… it has helped having these “weapons” in my “arsenal” for when doubt or despair starts to seep into my mind and heart.. His Word IS TRUTH!! Amen!
Ginny, Cape May, NJ
Blessed are the pure in heart,
for they will see God.
Matthew 5:8
Memorizing God’s Word this year has been a challenge, but it has been food and drink to my soul during a hungry time.
Vickie, Baytown, TX
Therefore do not be vague and thoughtless and foolish, but understanding and firmly grasping what the will of the Lord is. And do not get drunk with wine for that is debauchery; but ever be filled and stimulated with the (Holy) Spirit. Ephesians 5:17-18 Amplified
Memorizing God’s Word this year with y’all has enabled & in fact encouraged me to implant more Scripture in my being than I have ever been able to memorize in times past. To God be the glory! Many thanks to you as well!
Monica
Hicksville, NY.
“For the Lord, GOD, the Holy One of Israel has said:
“You’ll be delivered by Returning & Resting;
Your strength will lie in Quiet Confidence.
But you are not willing.”
Isaiah 30:15 (HCSB)
Memorizing God’s word has brought transformation from the inside out! Learning how to trust abiding IN HIM! He’s my inheritance! I’m His & He is Mine!
Laura, Littleton CO
The LORD confides in those who fear him; he makes his covenant known to them.
Psalm 25:14 (NIV)
I am becoming more and more amazed at how potent God’s word is for taking the daily- and sometimes mundane – and making life vibrant, joyful and so very interesting!
In Your lovingkindness You have led the people whom You have redeemed; In Your strength You have guided them to Your holy habitation. Exod. 15:13 NIV
Memorizing scripture this year has caused me to “think” scripture instead of worrying or plotting/planning – Love it!!
Memorizing scripture this year has caused me to “think” scripture instead of worrying or plotting/planning – Love it!!
I have had that experience too. Instead of trying to fix everything, I can leave it with Him.
But thanks be to God who always leads us in triumphal procession in Christ and through us spreads everywhere the fragrance of the knowledge of him. 2 Corinthians 2:14 NIV
Katie
Frisco, Texas
“The Lord their God will save them on that day as the flock of His people. They will sparkle in his land like jewels in a crown.”
Zech. 9:16 (NIV)
Memorizing Scripture this year has made me more of an encourager to others…
Sharon – Glennville, GA
Isaiah 40:31 NIV
But those that 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 this year has given me something to focus on when I start worrying about my daughter’s wedding (wedding is June 25th). He is faithful and many times has given me the extact scripture I’ve needed for that week.