**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
Helen Wall Crystal City, Manitoba, Canada
Colossians 1:11 (ESV)
“May you be strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy,”
Memorizing Scripture this year has shown me how relevant His Word is to my particular situation, when, as I go through a chapter, each time the verse is perfect when I get to it!!
Linda, Holts Summit, MO
Psalm 73:26 ESV
My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.
Memorizing scripture this year is helping me find God’s peace during a very trying year for our family.
Heidi in Whitefish, MT
“When I am afraid I will trust in you.”
Psalm 56:3
Kit
Central Islip, NY
“You have circled this mountain long enough. Now turn north.” Deut. 2:3 NASB
Memorizing Scripture this year has sharpened my mind to God’s truths and has caused me to turn to Him more often during the day.
Michelle, Austin, TX
Psalm 130:5 ESV
“I wait for the Lord, my soul waits, and in His word I hope”
Memorizing scripture has helped me to keep Him as the number one in my life and my main focus.
John 14:27
I am leaving you with a gift – peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is gift the world cannot give. So do not be troubled or afraid.
Memorizing scripture this year has helped me to have a greater understanding of God’s work in every way!
Deborah, Dublin
Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies. The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil. She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life.
Proverbs 31:10-12
Memorizing scripture this year has allowed me the blessing of encouraging others in Christ. I’ve pressed in each verse and let them go deep into my heart to change me into the person God wants me to be. Instead of despair over a marriage in crisis, I am full of hope. Instead of bitterness, I have chosen to sing unto my Redeemer. He knows my name and He leads me to verses each time that speak to my need and His Word for me. Oh, how I love Him and need Him! His Word is life to me…
Pam, Tyler, TX: “For when you were slaves of sin, you were free from allegiance to righteousness. And what fruit was produced then from the things you are now ashamed of? For the end of those things is death.” Romans 6:20-21, HCSB
Suzanne, Birmingham, AL: “Those who know your name trust in you, for you, Lord, have never forsaken those who seek you.” Psalms 9:10 NIV Memorizing scripture this year has reminded me of God’s promises through some really hard times.
Teach them to your children, by talking about them when you are sitting around your house and when you are out and about, when you are lying down and when you are getting up.
Deuteronomy 11:19
common English version
Nicole, Baton Rouge, LA
Memorizing scripture this year has strengthened my faith…knowing that it’s totally Him I rely on to raise these 3 babies especially with the wounds/background I have. To God be the glory.
Brandi L.
Danville, IN
Todays NIV
Hebrews 3:13
But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called “today” , so that none of you may be hardened by sins deceitfulness.
Memorizing scripture this year has caused me to look at how pathetic my vain attempts were in the past. It has caused me to get over my lame excuses and just memorize the Word!!! I’m so very thankful for this opportunity!
Janet, Fuquay Varina
I will walk about in freedom, for I have sought out your precepts. Psalms 119: 45, NIV
Memorizing scripture this year has given me freedom and strength.
Amy Toney, Houston: “If disaster comes upon us…we will stand before this house and before You, for Your name is on this house, and cry out to You in our affliction and You will hear us and save. We are powerless against this great horde that is coming against us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on You.” – 2 Chron 20:9 & 12b
Memorizing God’s Word this year has calmed me down, lifted me up and shifted my perspective at a time full of trials that would normally have frozen me right in my tracks.
“Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and your plans will succeed.”
Proverbs 16:3 NIV
Memorizing God’s word this year has been hard! But it has reminded me to always rely on Him.
Kristen, Houston TX
“I am sure of this, that He who started a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” Philippians 1:6 HCBS
Memorizing scripture this year has given me such hope. It has transformed my thinking and made me fall so in love with the Word of God.
Brandie, Longmont CO:
I will bow down toward your holy temple and will praise your Name for Your love and Your faithfulness, for You have exalted above all things Your Name and Your Word. Psalm 138:2, NIV – this time, He is asking me to praise Him!
Memorizing God’s Word this year has helped me learn to be disciplined in my thoughts so that I pray in belief rather than becoming emotionally out of control with fear, anger, discouragement or pain.
Heidi, Litchfield Park, AZ: NIV 1 Peter 3:3,4 “Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as braided hair and the wearing of gold jewelry and fine clothes. Instead, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight.” Memorizing scripture this year has shown me the power of quoting God’s word.
Heather, Shokan, New York
Psalm 100:4-5 Enter into His gates with thanksgiving and into His courts with praise. Be thankful to Him, and bless His name for the Lord is good, His mercy is everlasting,a nd His truth endures to all generations.
I am grateful to this community of women who provide rest and peace for the turbulent times I am currently facing.
Amanda
Guernsey, WY
” Keep and guard your heart with all vigilance and above all that you guard, for out of it flow the springs of life.”
Proverbs 4:23 AMP
Memorizing God’s Word this year has guided and encouraged me while moving from my city and home of 28 years to a new town 300 miles away from all family.
Vicki, Corpus Christi, TX… 1 Peter 5:6-7… 6 Humble yourselves, therefore,
under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time.
7 Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.
6 months ago I fled my pit leaving all behind. Siesta’s are my loving community.
Memorizing has kept me close to the Word. Great accountability! ILU ALL!
Emily Jordan
Virginia Beach, VA
For I am the LORD, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you.
Isaiah 41:13 (NIV)
Dee, Zeeland, MI from the NIV:
“I say to myself,’The Lord is my portion; therefore, I will wait for him.’ The Lord is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him; it is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord.” Lamentations 3:24-26
Memorizing God’s Word this year has caused to think about God & Scripture more. 🙂
Jennifer P. in Russellville, AR
Ephesians 4:31 NLT
Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of malicious behavior.
Joan, Portage,MI
“Because you are my help, I sing in the shadow of your wings. My soul clings to you; your right hand upholds me.”
Psalm 63:7&8
NIV, sorry!
Memorizing God’s Word this year has been a spiritual lifeline.
“Who is he who overcomes the world, but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God.” 1 John 5:5 NKJV
Memorizing God’s Word has been a joy to my heart, an anchor for my soul and a focus for my mind. I love it!
Tricia Union, KY
2 Timothy 1:7 NIV
For God did not give us a spirit of timidity but a spirit of power, of love and self discipline.
Kaila, Springfield, MO
Colossians 3:22 (ESV)
Slaves (employees), obey in everything those who are your earthly masters (bosses), not by way of eye-service, as people-pleasers, but with sincerity of heart, fearing the Lord.”
Memorizing scripture this year has given me strength that to get through some very trying times that I know I couldn’t make it through on my own. I always have a verse to fall back on, and I love it!
Sheila, Bethesda, MD: “Commit your way to the LORD; trust in him, and he will act.” – Psalm 37:5 (ESV)
Julie, Texarkana- “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.” 2Timothy 2:15 (NET) Memorizing scripture this year has changed the way I react to situations.
linde, dallas
Psalm 90:17
English Standard Version (ESV)
17Let the(A) favor[a] of the Lord our God be upon us,
and establish(B) the work of our hands upon us;
yes, establish the work of our hands!
memorizing scripture this year has helped me respond more with God’s Word and less with my opinion.
Lora, Mooresburg. “Above all things have intense and unfailing love for one another, for love covers a multitude of sins [forgives and disregards the offenses of others].” 1 Peter 4:8 Amplified
Memorizing God’s Word this been a lifeline to me this year because It has verses that I have literally been able to hold on to during a very difficult and long season.
Jeanie from Independence Mo
This is the day the Lord has made, I will rejoice and be glad in it.
Psalm 118:24
Memorizing scripture helped me rejoice and be glad when my Mother passed away right after Mothers Day knowing she is with her Lord and Savior and numerous others she longed to see.
Kristen Maddux Largo, FL “Where can I go from Your Spirit? Where can I flee from Your presence?” Ps 139:7 NIV
It has helped me see that God knows my needs. I wanted to memorize more and had a hard time finding accountabity for it. Just around the time I was thinking that, I read about SSMT! Perfect and God-given!
Colleen, Lyndonville, NY
It is because of the Lord’s mercy and loving-kindness that we are not consumed, because His (tender) compassions fail not. Lam 3:22, Amp.
If your brother sins against you, go and show him his fault, just between the two of you. If he listens to you, you have won your brother over. Matthew 18:15, NAS
Memorizing scripture this year has kept me afloat.
candifer, sd: hear my voice when i call, LORD; be merciful to me and answer me. my heart says of you, “seek his face!” your face, LORD, i will seek. psalm 27:7-8 (NIV)
memorizing God’s Word this year has prevented me from merely coping with tough situations, instead providing me advice, guidance, and hope for daily living out my faith.
“Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth.”
1 John 3:18
NIV
Angela, Amarillo, TX
Teach me good judgment, wise and right discernment, and knowledge, for I have believed (trusted, relied on, and clung to)Your commandments. Psalm 119:66 Amplified
Memorizing scripture this year has helped me to not give up hope and expect the unexpected! God is good!
Lisha, Texas: The Lord is my source of security. I have determined to follow His instructions. Psalm 119:57 NET
Memorizing scripture keeps me focused on the Lord and what He means to me.
Jennifer, Conyers, GA
John 14:21 NIV
He who has My commandments and keeps them, it is he who loves Me. And he who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and manifest Myself to him.
Troy, OH
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 NIV
Jamey, Pocahontas
Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses.
1 Timothy 6:12 (NIV)
Memorizing God’s Word this year has given me tools to overcome situations that could have brought a lot of bitterness and resentment, and continues to guide me when I need it most!
Karen – Cookeville, TN. Psalm 24:1 NKJV
The earth is the LORD’s,and all its fullness,
The world and those who dwell therein.
Kimberly, Amarillo, TX: The LORD is not slow to fulfill his as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.” 2 Peter 3:9
Memorizing scripture this year has helped me remember HIS grace instead of the evil one’s shame.
Lamentations 3:24 (CEV)
Deep in my heart I say, “The Lord is all I need; I can depend on him!”
Tami
Columbus, Ohio
Words kill, words give life;
They’re either poison or fruit – you choose.
Proverbs 18:21. The message
Monica, Trinity (10) and Faith (8)
Memorising God’s Word this year has kept my focus on God.
Hannah, Perry, MI
“My soul finds rest in God alone; my salvation comes from him. He alone is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will never be shaken.” Psalm 62:1-2, NIV
Memorizing God’s Word this year has greatly encouraged me to develop a more intimate relationship with Jesus and this has blessed my life deeply!
Diane – Spring, TX:
“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” (NIV)
Memorizing God’s word brings Truth and Power into my life.
Rebecca, Mississippi: For I know the thoughts and plans that I have for you, says the Lord, thoughts and plans for welfare and peace and not for evil, to give you hope in your final outcome. Jeremiah 29:11 AMP
Memorizing Scripture this year has helped me apply God’s Word to my life.
Jennifer, Conyers,GA
John 14:21 NIV
He who has My commandments and keeps them, it is he who loves me. And he who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I will love him and manifest myself to him.
Memorizing scripture this year has helped me to take off mask and to feel the very breath of GOD near me!