**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
Marcia, Grand Rapids, MI – “Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be women of courage; be strong. Do everything in love.” 1 Corinthians 16:13-14 NIV
Memorizing God’s word this year has been a great experience as I have Scripture on my heart and in my mind on a daily basis…it is keeping me closer to God!
Pauline, Kearney, NE
I will praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
Marvelous are your works and that my soul knows very well.
Psalm 139:14 NKJV
Memorising scripture this year has given me a renewed joy at being in His Word and seeing how I can apply it in my life.
Erin, Lolo, MT “We live by faith, not by sight.” 2 Cor. 5:7 NIV
Memorizing God’s Word this year has helped give me peace while enduring storms.
Diana, East Peoria, IL
Lamentations 3:23 NLT
Great is His faithfulness;
His mercies begin afresh each morning.
Memorizing scripture is helping me to stay focused on God and His word in my daily life.
Kaye, Stone Mountain, Georgia
“Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” Lamentations 3: 22,23 NIV
Memorizing God’s word has helped me focus on God and His power rather than the extreme financial difficulties we have been experiencing
Barb, Shelby Twp, MI
Psalm 130:5 NIV
” I wait for the LORD, my soul waits,
and in His word I put my hope.”
Memorizing His Word has shown me His deep Love for me as He tenderly picks each verse,and speaks His healing, verse upon verse, healing layer upon layer. Awesome LOVE!!!
1 John 4:4
Little children, you are of God (you belong to Him) and have (already) defeated and overcome them (the agents of the antichrist), because He Who lives in you is greater (mightier) than he who is in the world.
(Amplified)
For whoever would love life and see good days must keep his tongue from evil and his lips from deceitful speech. He must turn from evil and do good; he must seek peace and pursue it.
1Peter 3: 10-11
NIV
Memorizing God’s word this year has helped me to call to mind God’s truth when I need it.
Shelly, Portland, OR.
“For I the Lord your God hold your right hand; I am the Lord, Who says to you, Fear not; I will help you.” Isaiah 41:13 (Amplified Bible)
Memorizing God’s Word this year has been a long-time desire. It’s kept my heart and mind captivated on Him and i’ve focused on His ways, not mine.
Shirleen, Greenville, SC…..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 this year has shown me that He is real, He knows me intimately, and His Word is powerful and active in my everyday life.
Melisa, Roanoke, VA
But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peace-loving, gentle, compliant, full of mercy and good fruits, without favoritism and hypocrisy. – James 3:17
Memorizing God’s Word this year has brought encouragement and peace in difficult situations.
Kim ~ Niceville, FL
Above all, love each other deeply,
because love covers over a multitude of sins.
I Peter 4:8 (NIV)
Memorizing God’s word this year has helped me see God around me as the Holy Spirit uses the verses to teach and guide me.
DeAnne, Talmage If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. James 1: 5-6 NIV
Memorizing God’s Word this year is making me accomplished what the evil one said I couldn’t do – memorize God’s Word!
Jennifer from Oreland, PA…
Now we see things imperfectly as in a cloudy mirror, but then we will see everything with perfect clarity. All that I know now is partial and incomplete, but then I will know everything completely, just as God now knows me completely. 1 Cor. 13:12 (NLT)
Ann, Prior Lake, MN
“Now to Him Who, by the [action of His] power that is at work within us, is able to [carry out His purpose and] do superabundantly, far over and above all that we [dare] ask or think [infinitely beyond our highest prayers, desires, thoughts, hopes, or dreams]–To Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations forever and ever. Amen (so be it).”
Ephesians 3:20-21 Amplified Bible
Memorizing God’s Word this year has been a JOY (and a mind-sharpener and mind-renewing for me).
Rachel, Frankfort, IL
Rely on the Lord! Be strong and confident! Rely on the Lord! Psalm 27:14 NET
Memorizing God’s word this year has allowed me to speak and pray scripture like i never thought i would be able to.
Jamie, Fort Worth, Texas
“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.” I Peter 3:9, NIV
Donna, Albuquerque:
“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 motivated me to finally be disciplined enough to do the memorization work and I believe the instant recall of Scripture helps my thoughts be more like the mind of Christ…
Janice, Arcanum, OH – Therefore, my beloved brethren be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the LORD, knowing that your toil is not in vain in the LORD.”
NASB I Corinthians 15:58
Memorizing God’s word this year has helped keep me content in the inward parts when the outside circumstances are closing in and causing upheaval in my life…thank you LORD!
Penney
Caribou, ME
“More than that, we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance and endurance produces character, and character produces hope.”
Romans 5:3-4 ESV
Memorizing God’s Word this year has empowered my prayer life, has helped redirect my thoughts, and has strengthened my personal worship times much more than I ever would have imagined!
Janice R, Steinbach MB, Canada
“Satisfy us in the morning with your unfailing love,
that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days.”
Ps 90:14
Memorizing God’s Word this year has broken down strongholds in my mind.
Beth from Platte, SD: And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus. Phil. 4: 19 NIV
Kyndra, Houston, TX
“I said to the Lord, You are my Lord; apart from you I have no good thing.” Psalm 16:2 (NIV)
Memorizing God’s Word this year has shown me how God uses His word to help us and for us to help others in difficult/happy situation when we have it commited to memory and laid on our heart.
Michelle, North Little Rock, AR
“Teach us to number our days carefully
so that we may develop wisdom in our hearts.” Psalm 90:12, HCSB
Memorizing God’s word this year has challenged me to stick to my commitments and push through the struggles to the TRUTH!
Lisa
Jacksonville, FL
“This is why I remind you to fan into flames the spiritual gift God gave you when I laid my hands on you.”
2 Timothy 1:6
New Living Translation (NLT)
Memorizing God’s Word this year has equipped me to take every thought captive, remaining steadfast under trial.
Dana from Ashland, KY Isaiah 50:5 The Msg
“The Master, God, opened my ears, and I didn’t go back to sleep, didn’t pull the covers back over my head.”
Memorizing God’s Word this year has helped me love people more genuinely.
Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thess 5:16-18
Memorizing God’s Word this year has helped me get through a difficult time.
Psalm 34:22
But the Lord will redeem those who serve him. No one who takes refuge in him will be condemned.
Kari, South Dakota
Memorizing God’s word this year is increasing my trust in God.
Allison, Washington, DC
Ps 86:15-17 (The Message)
“But you, O God, are both tender and kind,
not easily angered, immense in love,
and you never, never quit.
So look me in the eye and show kindness,
give your servant the strength to go on,
save your dear, dear child!
Make a show of how much you love me
so the bullies who hate me will stand there slack-jawed,
As you, God, gently and powerfully
put me back on my feet.”
Memorizing scripture this year has been my constant source of strength and encouragement.
Wilmington, DE. “Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go, for to you I lift up my soul.”
Psalm 143:8
Memorizing God’s scripture this year has reminded me of the extreme importance of knowing God’s word and that power that comes from harboring it in my heart. It’s reminded me that I CAN memorize scripture if I apply myself.
Sherry
Oklahoma
#12
“If I gave everything I have to the poor and even sacrificed my body, I could boast about it; but if I didn’t love others,I would have gained nothing.”
I Cor. 13:2 NLT
Deb, Becker
Those who know Your name will trust in You, for You, LORD, have never forsaken those who seek You. Ps 9:10 (NIV)
Memorizing God’s Word this year has been a stepping stone to other areas of discipline. Love that!
Shara, Somerset, CA Ephesians 1:1-2 NASB
Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, to the saints who are at Ephesus and who are faithful in Christ Jesus. Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Karessa, Peoria, IL: 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
Memorizing God’s Word this year is carrying me through the most difficult medical season of my life to date.
I lie down and sleep; I wake again, because the Lord sustains me. I will not fear the tens of thousands drawn up against me on every side. NIV
Having memorized scriptures has enabled me to help in a situation of extreme stress.
Beverly
Midlothian, VA
For the Lord is good; his steadfast love endures forever,
and his faithfulness to all generations.
Psalm 100:5 ESV
Memorizing God’s Word has opened my eyes to see the depth and width and height (as much as my puny brain will let me) to God’s steadfast love and faithfulness. He is utterly amazing! I have needed the steadfastness of His love in the midst of some very chaotic and “un” steadfast life experiences this year.
Amanda, White Rock BC, Canada. “The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous runs into it and is safe.” ~Proverbs 18:10 (NASB)
Memorizing God’s Word this year has been the single most powerful spiritual discipline in daily renewing my mind!
Psalm 46:1 NIV
God is our refuge and strength an ever present help in trouble.
Diane, Ocala, FL
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. Phil. 4:6 NIV
Romans 8:34
Who is he who condemns? It is Christ who died, and furthermore is also risen, who is even at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us.
NKJV
Karie, Phoenix
Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life.
Proverbs 4:23 NLT
Memorizing God’s Word this year has allowed me to be right where I needed to be when I needed to be there. 🙂
Carrie, Chicago
Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy & pleasing to God – this is your spiritual act of worship
Romans 12:1 (NIV)
Leila in Carrollton, GA
Proverbs 15:1 NIV
A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.
Memorizing God’s precious Word this year has been a wonderful daily discipline for my heart and mind; it’s focusing me.
Kathy, Hendersonville, TN
“In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express.” Romans 8:26 NIV You really are the Helper, Almighty One. Houston or Bust!
Amanda, Mountain View, CA
Because God’s children are human beings – made of flesh and blood – the Son also became flesh and blood. For only as a human being could he die, and only by dying could he break the power of the devil, who had the power of death. Only in this way could he set free all who have lived their lives as slaves to the fear of dying.
Hebrews 2:14-15 (NLT)
Memorizing God’s Word this year has increased my faith and trust in God and allowed me to focus my mind on God’s Word (truth) in spite of difficult circumstances.
I’ve been a slacker the past 6 weeks, but I’m COMING BACK!!!
But Ruth replied, “Don’t ask me to leave you and turn back. Wherever you go, I will go; wherever you live, I will live. Your people will be my people, and your God will be my God.
Ruth 1:16 NLT
This verse is my theme for my marriage this year — year 4, thank God!
Sarah, Colorado Springs
Trust God from the bottom of your heart; don’t try to figure out everything on your own. Listen for God’s voice in everything you do, everywhere you go; he’s the one who will keep you on track. Don’t assume that you know it all. Run to God! Run from evil!–Proverbs 3:5-7 (The Message)
Memorizing God’s Word this year has sustained me during times when I didn’t have time to do my quiet time and when I felt like I was just going through the motions in my quiet time.
Powerful statement with much depth of heart. Thank you for authenticity. Your words ministered to my spirit.
Joy, Cairo
“Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding, in all you ways submit to Him and He will make your paths straight.” Proverbs 3:5-6 NIV
Rhonda, Bolivar MO.
“judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment!” James 2:13 NIV
Darl, Bakersfield, California “For the mind set on the flesh is death, but the mind set on the Spirit is life and peace.” NASB
Memorizing God’s word this year has given me strength to overcome my weaknesses.