**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
Proverbs 15:1 A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. NIV 1984
Memorizing God’s Word this year has… brought me so much closer to God in so many ways, through always having an arsenal of verses tucked away (“so that you will know how to answer everyone”), and having constant reassurance (“do not fear, I will help you”), and continuous instruction (“rejoice always, pray without ceasing” “talk about them when you sit at home, when you walk along the road, when you lie down, and when you get up”). Last but also very important, memorizing God’s Word this year has strengthened the ties of friendship with my Siestas!!!
Thank you, Beth!!! Praying to be able to meet with you and the other Siestas in January!
Cara, Holland. “Sow for yourselves righteousness; reap steadfast love; break up your fallow ground, for it is the time to seek the LORD, that he may come and rain righteousness on you.” Hosea 10:12 ESV
Memorizing God’s Word this year has keep my mind and my heart stable and established (like Proverbs 16:3 says); having the Word hidden in my heart has grown gratitude in place of past bitterness.
Sue, Sheridan, AR: “Cast your burden on the LORD, And He shall sustain you; He shall never permit the righteous to be moved.” Psalm 55:22 NKJ
Memorizing God’s Word this year has helped me. 🙂
Lauren, Asheville, NC: “Oh, that we might know the Lord!
Let us press on to know him.
He will respond to us as surely as the arrival of dawn
or the coming of rains in early spring.” Hosea 6:3 NLT
Debbie, Sevierville TN, NIV
Bless the Lord oh my soul and forget not His benefits
Memorizing God’s Word this year has caused me to begin a blessings journal, recording my Lord’s faithfulness.
Erica, Amman, Jordan
“As your words came to me I drank them in, and they filled my heart with joy and happiness because I belong to you.”
-Jeremiah 15:16 (NET)
Memorizing God’s Word this year has helped me gain from the riches in the Old Testament, since so many verses I’ve memorized previously have come from the New Testament.
Children’s children are a crown to the aged,
and parents are the pride of their children
Proverbs 17:6
Memorizing God’s Word this year has caused me to
understand the richness of HIS WORD! Hallelujah!
“Be still and know that I am God” Psalm 46:10 NIV
Ivy Morrison
Willis, TX
Psalm 27:14 The NET Bible
“Rely on the Lord! Be strong and confident! Rely on the Lord!”
Memorizing God’s Word this year has helped me to put my full trust & confidence in Christ and kept me at peace instead of in fear, as he took our family through a HUGE transition!
Betty, Wendell, NC
John 15:16 HCSB
You did not choose me, but I chose you. I appointed you that you should go out and produce fruit and that your fruit should remain, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, He will give you. John 15:16 HCSB
Memorizing Scripture this year has given me GREAT joy!
Amberley – Pasco, WA
“That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.”
~ 2 Corinthians 12:10
Memorizing God’s word this year has been my lifeline. His promises have been the only things keeping me going in the midst of a very hard year.
This verse blessed my heart so much today! Especially the last sentence. Thank you for choosing it and sharing it!
P.S. The verse is NIV!
Melanie Toups
Bridge City, TX
Let our sons in their youth be as grown-up plants, and our daughters as corner pillars fashioned as for a palace.
–Psalm 144:12 NASB
Melanie, I love that Scripture the Lord led you to!
Lynda, Monterey
“Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other. Never be lazy, but work hard and serve the Lord enthusiastically.” ~Romans 12:10-11
Memorizing God’s Word this year has been the constant in a time of changes. Praise God!
“Pride leads to disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom.”
Proverbs 11:2 (NLT)
Memorizing God’s word this year has given me ammunition to use in day to day situations so I can fight the good fight of faith rather than letting those situations get the best of me.
Amy, Dayton, OH:
May He be given the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus forever & ever through endless ages. Amen. Ephesians 3:21 (NLT)
Memorizing God’s Word this year has caused me to have in my mind a constant reminder of God’s great love for me.
Tess
Cartersville, GA
2 Corinthians 10:5 ESV
We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ.
Memorizing Scripture this year has allowed me to have Scripture on hand to minister to others and to myself in various situations life has thrown out at me-big & small. Forever changed & addicted to it now! Thank you for the accountability!
Chrissy
San Tan Valley, Arizona
“Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such a word that is useful for edification according to the need of the moment so that it will give grace to those that hear.” Ephesians 4:29 NASB
Memorizing Scripture this year has given me a reel of hope in my mind as I have clung to the truth in the midst of sadness and difficulty.
Teresa, Mississippi
“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 been very timely for me going through some major changes in my life recently. Thanks, Beth, for allowing God to use you to encourage many in keeping the faith.
Janice – Abbeville, AL
“No eye has seen, nor ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love Him”
-I Corinthians 2:9 (NIV)
Memorizing scripture this year has helped me to focus on God’s answers to life’s questions.
Becky – Cynthiana – James 1:5 – NIV
If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.
Brooke, Fredericksburg, VA
Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete not lacking anything.
James 1:2-4 NIV
Kim, was Lawrence KS, now Chicago IL, “Our father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread.” Matt.6:9-11 NIV
Memorizing God’s word this year has kept me strong and relying on God in my days of uncertainty. He is faithful!
Jani, Agate, CO – Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. NASB
Memorizing God’s word this year has changed my heart (all so far have to do with the heart) and enabled me to call up scripture when and where it’s needed in my everyday life.
Karen, Vancleave, MS
Psalm 51:10
“Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. ” NAB( Catholic Edition)
Janet, Amarillo Texas
Psalm 142:2-3a (NIV)
I pour out my complaint before him, before him i tell my trouble. When my spirit grows faint within me, it is you who knows my way.
Memorizing scripture this year has caused me to refocus on making His Word mine… hidden in my heart. It has been a challenge, but a blessing when God brings memorized scripture to mind just when I need it (for myself or to share with others)!
Vicki
Murfreesboro,TN
John 14:27 (NIV)
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”
Memorizing God’s Word this year has helped me have more peace, less anxiety, and lose 20 pounds!
Sarah Miller, New Palestine, Indiana
Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers a multitude of sins.
1 Peter 4:8 (NIV)
Memorizing God’s Word this year has helped me focus on THE truth, not what the world would have me believe. Amen.
Louisa, Austin
“He is the Rock, his works are perfect, and all his ways are just. A faithful God who does no wrong, upright and just is he.”
Deuteronomy 32:4 NIV
Memorizing God’s word this year has been empowering!
Hannah R. | Norman, OK
“And I am sure of this, that He who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.”
Philippians 1:6
Memorizing Scripture has been the difference between sanity and insanity for me this year.
Marie
Orange, TX
Is. 30:21 NIV
Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying,”This is the way; walk in it.”
karla~sedro-woolley, wa~hebrews 10:23~hcsb
“let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess for He who promised is FAITHFUL”
~scripture memory this year has been health, life, joy and peace to me. as i can so easily listen and believe lies about myself, God our Father is showing me His wonderful love and that i am acceptable~
Rebecca
Greenwood, IN
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28 NIV
Memorizing God’s Word this year has centered me in His promises instead of the lies the evil one whispered as my family faced a huge attack. God prevails!!!!!
The LORD is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares
for those who trust in Him. Nahum 1:7 NIV
Carla, Lock Haven PA. “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 been a challenge. But for this complacent-needing-a-kick-in-the-pants Christian woman, a challenge was exactly what was in order.
Catherine, Montgomery. I wait for the LORD, my soul waits, and in His word I put my hope.
Psalm 130:5 (NIV)
Delta Dawn
Dallas, GA
What good is it, my brothers, if a man claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save him? Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to him, “Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed,” but does nothing about his physical needs, what food is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action is dead.
James 2:14-17
Memorizing Scripture has helped me keep my mouth shut and helped tie Scripture together with Scripture.
Marcia, Salem, IN
Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.
Galatians 6:9 NIV
Memorizing God’s word this year has been challenging but very rewarding-hence my verse for this month! (I also like to write in my SSMT spiral-it’s sooo cute!!)
Gretchen, Madison;
” and so somehow to attain to the resurrection from the dead.” Phil 3:11 NIV
Ginger, Columbus, GA: “They will make war against the Lamb, but the Lamb will overcome them because he is Lord of lords and King of kings and with him will be his called, chosen and faithful followers.” Revelation 17:14 NIV
Memorizing God’s Word has caused me to have a better attitude and a deeper sense of peace.
Loretta from Bloomfield, NJ
I Peter 3:8-14
Finally, all of you, live in harmony with one another; be sympathetic, love as brothers, be compassionate and humble. Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing. For,
“Whoever would love long life
and see good days
must keep his lips from deceitful speech.
He must turn from evil and do good;
he must seek peace and pursue it.
For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous
and his ears are attentive to their prayer,
but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.”
Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good? But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. “Do not fear what they fear; do not be frightened.”
Memorizing scripture verses this year has given me the experience of savoring God in a way I never have and it is one the best things I’ve done in my life . . .
Marilyn- Seattle
Proverbs 16:3
“Depend on the Lord in whatever you do, and your plans will succeed.”
(NCV)
Melissa, Houston, TX – Jesus answered,”I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” John 14:6 (NIV)
Memorizing scripture this year has given me better tools to use when facing difficult decisions and situations.
Peg, Naperville, IL
“who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s. The Lord works righteousness and justice for all the oppressed.” Psalm 103: 5,6 (NIV) God’s word is alive and has sustained me through a difficult year.
Eva, Knoxville: If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. I Corinthians 13:2
Memorizing God’s Word this year has given me a stronger faith, renewed thinking, nearness to God that blows me away constantly(He’s in ALL my stuff because I both need and want Him to be:) and allowed me to encourage others to SM and post on my blog the same way you do. One faithful participant who posts her verse and hopeful others who are participating as well. This is my third year with SM and I am amazed at how much knowledge and understanding of God I have gained through this one spiritual discipline. Thanks from the bottom of my heart for challenging us to SM. It not ony makes a difference in my life……..it IS the difference!!
Summer C
Fuquay Varina, NC
“When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought me joy.” Psalms 94:19(NIV)
Marilyn, Fort Pierce, FL, But as for me, I watch in hope for the LORD, I wait for God my Savior; my God will hear me. Do not gloat over me, my enemy! Though I have fallen, I will rise. Though I sit in darkness, the LORD will be my light. Micah 7:7-8 NIV When I start negative thinking I just switch channels in my mind and start verbally saying the verses I have memorized, what a blessing.
April, Oviedo, FL
Deut 6:5 NIrV
Love the Lord your God with all you heart and with all your soul. Love him with all your strength!
Memorizing God’s Word this year is causing me to teach the verses to my children!
Kathy, Easley: “The Sovereign Lord has given me an instructed tongue, to know the word that sustains the weary. He wakens me morning by morning, wakens my ear to listen like one being taught. The Sovereign Lord has opened my ears, and I have not been rebellious; I have not drawn back.”
Isaiah 50:4-5 NIV
Memorizing God’s word this year has been a challenge, yet each month it gives me real and usable tools for navigating my life as a new first time mother.
Amy, Kansas City
Proverbs 13:20 (NIV)
He who walks with the wise grows wise, but a companion of fools suffers harm.
Memorizing God’s word this year helped me because I have found myself at times peering over the pit and the memory verses have been a safety rope to keep me out of Satan’s lies and instead focused on holding onto God’s promises.
Kristi, Abilene, TX:
“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
Memorizing God’s Word this year has given me a safe compass to steer by in both clear and stormy weather.