**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
Liz, Lexington KY
“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 scripture this year has been a privilege that I’m only now beginning to fully realize.
Kelly (Greer, SC)
“Do not withhold your mercy from me, Lord; may your love and faithfulness always protect me.” -Psalm 40:11 (NIV)
Memorizing God’s Word hasn’t been easy, but seeing my verses posted around the house and in my car has been a constant reminder for me to love, serve, and obey my Father.
Tammy
Lusby, MD
Hebrews 12:29 (NIV)
….for our “God is a consuming fire.”
Memorizing scripture this year has been an anchor for my spiritual life. It has been a particularly busy season and the memory work helps pull me back to where I belong.
Julia, Wellington, AL
“From the end of the earth I call to You, when my heart is faint; lead me to the rock that is higher than I.”
Psalm 61:2 NASB
Memorizing God’s Word this year has enabled a “sometimes victorious” person to become a much more “consistently victorious” person. Just this morning, I found myself smiling and saying to God, “We’re doing this thing, God. You and me. And I’m LOVING it!!!!!!!” UNSPEAKABLE JOY!!!
Thy Word have I hid in my heart, that I might not sin against Thee. I will delight myself in Thy statutes.
Psalm 119:11 & 16 KJV
Memorizing God’s Word this year has reminded me & empowered me once again (after serving Him for 40 years) to live a life totally abandoned to Him….none but Jesus!
Woodstock, VT
michelle
Deuteronomy 4:29 (NASB)
But from there you will seek the LORD your God and you will find Him if you search for Him with all your heart and soul.
Memorizing God’s Word this year has brought me strength and joy and peace during a time I other wise would have just crumbled…
“For I am the LORD your God, who churns up the sea so that its waves soar–the LORD Almighty is His Name. I have put my words in your mouth and covered you with the shadow of my hand–”
Isaiah 51:15-16a NIV
Kay
Tupelo, MS
Ashley Sullens
Kings Mountain, NC
I logged my verse before reading your blog. Memorizing God’s Word this year has once again kept my mind focused on glorifying God in all circumstances.
Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God though our Lord Jesus Christ. Through him we have obtained access by by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the Glory of God. Romans 5:1-2 ESV
Cindy, Lexington, Ky – The Lord is near to all who call upon Him, To all who call upon Him in truth. Psalm 145:18 NASV
I am amazed how He has given me opportunities to use the verses I have memorized in ministry to others!
Elaine, Powder Springs – So I will praise You as long as I live; at Your name I will lift up my hands.
Psalm 63:4 (NIV)
Memorizing God’s Word this year has changed my life. He alone, has given me each and every verse and given me a confidence I never knew existed that I can do this 🙂
Shannon, Elmira, Canada: “Faithful is He who calls you, and He will bring it to pass.” 1 Thessalonians 5:24 (NASB)
Memorizing scripture this year has helped me keep my mind focused on things above and not on things that are on earth.
I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength, that he considered me faithful, appointing me to his service. 1 Timothy 1:12 NIV
Memorizing God’s Word this year has reminded me that He is faithful to even the likes of me.
I am leaving for a mission trip to Poland so I’ll post both today’s and July 1 memory verses.
“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
Matthew 28:19-20 NIV
July 1
“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
Acts 1:8 NIV
Memorizing my verses this year has reminded me anew that my God is omnipotent, that no matter what, He is here for me and that He longs for me to BE with Him!
Ginger
Wetumpka, AL
Bobbie
College Station, Tx
James 4:7 (NIV)
Submit yourselves,then,to God. Resist the devil,and he will flee from you.
Memorizing God’s Word this year is giving me the wisdom to battle the devil as he tries to tear me away from God and all He’s taught me.
Conne, Angel Fire
“I will rejoice in You and be in high spirits; I will sing praise to Your name O Most High.” Psalm 9:2 (Amplified)
Memorizing God’s Word this year has been a journey, difficult emotionally and I keep hoping it will get easier, but I bless God that He has been with me, even when I don’t “feel” like He is. I know He will never leave me or forsake me and that His promises are sure. Choozin Joy everyday!
Sharon, Griffin, Ga
Phil 1:6 (NASB)
For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus.
Kristy, Woodstock, GA
Colossians 1:17 “He is before all things and in Him all things hold together.”
Memorizing God’s Word this year has sustained me through significant life changes, and even now we are in the middle of another one; His Word keeps me focused on His Truth instead of my fears, insecurities, worries, and self-absorption.
2 And he said:
Debi, Alva,FL
II Samuel 22:2-4
“The LORD is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer;
The God of my strength, in whom I will trust;
My shield and the horn of my salvation,
My stronghold and my refuge;
My Savior, You save me from violence.
I will call upon the LORD, who is worthy to be praised;
So shall I be saved from my enemies.
Janell~Frisco,TX~ ” and in the wilderness. There you saw how the LORD your God carried you, as a father carries his son, all the way you went until you reached this place.” Deuteronomy 1:31 TNIV~ Memorizing scripture this year has set my mind upon God. Where I used to lie awake and worry needlessly, now I memorize my verse! 🙂
kendal, north wilkesboro, nc.
Before the mountains were born or you brought forth the earth and the world, from everlasting to everlasting, you are God. Psalm 90:2 (NIV)
memorizing scripture this year has helped me stay steady during times of temptation.
Marilyn, Amarillo TX: Yes, my soul find rest on God. My hope comes from HIM. (Psalm 62:5 NIV)
Memorizing God’s word this year has caused me to see God as my portion for every detail in my life, the pleasant and the unpleasant.
Rita, Alva,FL
2 Samuel 22:2-4
2 He said:
“The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer;
3 my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge,
my shield and the horn of my salvation.
He is my stronghold, my refuge and my savior—
from violent men you save me.
4 I call to the LORD, who is worthy of praise,
and I am saved from my enemies.
Laura, Mason, OH
1 Peter 1:13
“Therefore, prepare your minds for action; be self-controlled; set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed.”
Memorizing God’s Word this year…has encouraged me to spend time with God more consistently, and pressed me to challenge relatives to memorize their own verses with me. (And 4 of them are!)
HAPPY BIRTHDAY (tomorrow) SIESTA MAMA!!!
“O LORD, God of our fathers, are you not the God who is in heaven? You rule over all the kingdoms of the nations. Power and might are in your hand, and no one can withstand you.” 2 Chron. 20:6 NIV
Memorizing God’s Word has kept my thoughts from wallowing in past junk and brought focus and healing where I needed it most…my thought life! (this work is not complete, so I am thankful we have 15 more verses to go!! 🙂 )
“For I am the Lord, your God… Do not fear; I will help you.”
Isaiah 41:13
Sam v.
Woodstock, VT
Memorizing God’s word for this year has gotten me to reflect more on the verses and how they relate to my own personal life.
Connie Windham in Trout, LA
1 John 2:17 NIV
The world and its desires pass away, but the man who does the will of God lives forever.
Memorizing scripture this year has opened my eyes to so many wonders of God that I had never saw before.
Jeanene – Newnan, GA
He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall;
Isaiah 40: 29-30 NIV
Memorizing God’s Word this year has given me peace in different situations as the Lord has brought these verses to mind.
Melissa, St. Mary’s County, MD Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. 2 Timothy 2:15 KJV Memorizing God’s Word this year has caused me to use more Scriptures while praying and less rambling/repetition.
…to prepare God’s people for works of service so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ. Ephesians 4: 12-13 NIV
Memorizing God’s Word this year has literally held me together.
Jessie, Seabrook,
Then Hannah prayed and said, “My heart exults in the LORD; My horn is exalted in the LORD, My mouth speaks boldly against my enemies, because I rejoice in Your salvation. 1 Samuel 2:1 NASB
Memorizing God’s word this year has reminded me time and time again, that God will meet me where I’m at, no matter the circumstances!
Ashley, Huddleston, VA: “You make 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 Memorizing God’s Word this year has given me a concrete reason to honor Him in my behavior.
Psalm 23:4-6 ESV (finishing second half from June 1st):
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil,
For You are with me;
Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.
You prepare a table before me
in the presence of my enemies;
You anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
all the days of my life,
and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord
forever.
Memorizing God’s word this year has lifted me out of painful introspection and focus on the dark valleys I walked through over the past 3 years and reminds me daily of God’s love, goodness and faithfulness through my entire life up until now, which is giving me new energy to walk forward with hope and joy. Hallelujah!! (Big sentence, but God is doing BIG things – Praise His Name!!)
Jan
Hawkinsville, GA
Romans 12:18 (NKJV)
If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men.
Memorizing God’s Word this year has been a ROCK to my heart and soul when I felt the ground beneath me trembling during unprecedented pain in our ministry (enabling me to live peaceably with all men and not “go off” 🙂 on anyone…not even once…it’s all HIM). 🙂
Tracy L., Richlands, NC
June 15: For from Him and through Him and to Him area all things. To Him be the glory forever! Amen. Romans 11: 36
Memorizing God’s verses this year is keeping me accountable.
Joyce, Big River, Saskatchewan, Canada
“You will show me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.”
Psalm 16:11 NKJV
Memorizing Scripture has put a deepening love and passion in my heart for Jesus. Just last night I was driving home by myself and that love for Jesus – my sweet Jesus, came bubbling up. He excites me!
Terri, Pleasant Hope, MO
And His incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is like the working of His mighty strength, which He exerted in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly realms Ephesians 1:19-20 (NIV)
Memorizing God’s Word this year has made me love it more, think about it more and want to commit more to memory!
Peggy C – Houston, TX
I am still confident of this: I will see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living. Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD. Psalm 27:13-14
Jennifer, Florida “Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.”
Colossians 3:12
Memorizing scripture this year has been the fulfillment of a long time goal and has made me fall even more in love with my Savior. Thanks for the challenge!
Tesa
Perry, GA
The Lord your God is with you, He is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, He will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing.
Zephaniah 3:17
Memorizing God’s Word this year has made me put into practice the verses I am memorizing!! (And when I don’t, Someone gently reminds me of the verse!.)
Dawn, Clinton, PA
Let not mercy and truth forsake you; Bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart, and so find favor and high esteem in the sight of God and man.
Prov. 3:3-4, NKJV
Memorizing God’s Word this year has helped me continually think about Him as I am reciting these ALL THE TIME, and helped me watch my tongue and my thoughts.
See if there is any offensive way in me and lead in the way everlastting. Psalm 139:24 NIV
Jill
Vandala, MO
Memorizing God’s word this year has reminded me how sneaky and crafty satan can be as he tries to tempt to NOT do it!
Here are my verses for June 1st & 15th
Leslie Nobles Currie, NC
Psalm 121:2 NIV
My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.
Psalm 121:8 NIV
The Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.
Memorizing God’s word has helped me focus on God’s promises, not the lies satan wants me to believe.
For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. Ephesians 1:4 NIV
Brooke, Pittsburgh, PA
Rev. 3:19, NIV
Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest, and repent.
Memorizing God’s Word this year is a new spiritual discipline for me so it has taught me that I CAN do it with the Lord’s help 🙂
Kristy
Princeton, NC
1 Cor 13:5 “It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. ” (NIV)
Memorizing God’s Word this year has helped me keep my eyes focused on Jesus when everything else (i.e. satan) was trying to distract and destroy me. =)
Sherry
Indianapolis
NIV
Philippians 3:20
“But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ,”
Angie, Kansas City, MO: Those who know your name will trust in you, for you, LORD, have never forsaken those who seek you. Psalm 9:10 NIV
Memorizing God’s Word this year has drawn me into deeper conversation and relationship with God.
Sandy, Lexington, KY
“Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
Memorizing scripture this year has helped me to focus on and treasure the blessing of His word as my daily bread.
Janet, Georgia: “But you, O Lord, are a compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness.” -Psalm 86:15 NIV