**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
Peggy, Crowley Lake, CA
“Let Him kiss me with the kisses of His mouth! For your love is better than wine.”
Song of Solomon 1:2
Diane – Spring, TX
Sorry … I forgot to say where I found my scripture in my last post: Romans 8:28 (NIV)
Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path. (Psalm 119:105 NIV)
Dianne, Fairfield, CA – “Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.” Romans 12:12 (NIV)
Memorizing God’s word this year has kept me from losing my mind in the midst of personal, professional, emotional, and spiritual turmoil that has boxed me in.
Patti, Colorado Springs: “When I am afraid, I will trust in you.” Ps 56:3 (NIV)
Megan Joy Burdzy – Calgary, Alberta Canada – For great is the LORD and most worthy of praise; He is to be feared above all gods. – Psalm 96:4 – NIV
Memorizing scripture this year has helped me to begin to understand the power of God’s Word!
Psalm 73:25 (NASB)
Whom have I in heaven but You?
And besides you, I desire nothing on earth.
Martha, Clearwater, FL
” The Lord is good to all: and his tender mercies are over all his works.”
Psalm 145:9
Memorizing scriptures this year has been a challenge for this Grami, but I’m hanging in there by His grace.
Alta, Indiana
But when the kindness of God our Savior and His love for mankind appeared, He saved us not on the basis of deeds which we have done in righteousness, but according to His mercy.
Titus 3:4-5a NASB
Memorizing God’s Word this year has breathed a fresh commitment to know Jesus more, love Him most and serve Him better.
Thank you Beth for loving us to God’s kingdom. I love running the “race” with you. Meet you at the finish line”)
Heather Lagrange, ky
” for we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared on advance for us to do.”
Ephesians 2:10 (niv)
Linda Peel Lexington, KY
So we’re not giving up. How could we! Even though on the outside it often looks like things are falling apart on us, on the inside, where God is making new life, not a day goes by without His unfolding grace.
2 Corinthians 4:16 The Message
Memorizing God’s Word this year has given me words to defeat Satan.
Lanie Beth, Locust Grove, GA “Stand at the Cross roads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls. Jeremiah 6:16 NIV
Megan Joy Burdzy – Calgary, Alberta Canada – My eyes are ever on the LORD, for only he will release my feet from the snare. – Psalm 25:15 – NIV
Memorizing scripture this year has helped me to begin to understand my desperate need for and the power of God’s Word!
Memorizing God’s Word this year has
Earlene, Wisconsin, “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily hinders our progress. And let us run with endurance the race that God has set before us.” NLT This year we have seen so many hurts and we need a huge dose of God! This memorizing has been a faith walk for me!
Ashley, Huntsville, AL “Yet those who wait for the LORD Will gain new strength; They will mount up with wings like eagles, They will run and not get tired, They will walk and not become weary.” -NIV, Isaiah 40:31
Kerry, Nederland, Texas
Too much talk leads to sin. Be sensible and keep your mouth shut.
Proverbs 10:19
New Living Translation
Memorizing scripture has given me words to help others (and myself) in trying situations.
Sue, Newnan, GA
“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)
Once again, God has shown me that each memory verse has a special purpose for my life at just the right time and He has given me opportunities to share His Word with others!
Jana from Quitaque, TX
1 Corinthians 2:10-12 NIV
The spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God. For who among men knows the thoughts of a man except the man’s spirit within him? In the same way no one knows the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God.
Memorizing scripture this year has been such a blessing to me, reminding me again and again how perfect God’s word is.
linda, colorado springs. we wait in hope for the lord; he is our help and our shield. psalm 33:20 (niv)
memorizing god’s word this year has drawn me closer to him, imprinting it onto my heart and helping me to climb into the lap of jesus in times of need.
Becky, Norfolk, VA
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
John 1:1
Memorizing God’s Word this year has strengthened my faith in knowing that He is really with me.
Suzanne, Tucson, AZ
“But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.”
– James 3:17 NIV
Memorizing God’s Word this year has enabled me to minister more effectively to those around me, most particularly my family!
Jan, Tulsa
Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come form the Lord. Acts 3:19 (NIV)
Memorizing God’s Word this year has helped me realize that I can, indeed, memorize, and it has helped me to pray His Word more efficiently.
Kim in Springfield – Psalm 71:12 KJV
O God, be not far from me: O my God, make haste for my help.
Memorizing God’s Word this year has helped me believe that He is (Hebrews 11:6): He is my Deliverer, my Help, my Hiding Place, my Rock, my Fortress, my Comfort, my Redeemer, my Righteousness, my Trust, my Hope, my Strong Refuge, He is my God.
Ruth, Westerville OH: “Put your hope in the LORD, for with the Lord is unfailing love and with him is full redemption.” Psalm 130:7 NIV
Memorizing God’s Word this year is teaching me to Seek Him First!
Anne – Johnson City, TN
Ps. 103:10-11
He does not punish us for all our sins; he does not deal harshly with us, as we deserve. For his unfailing lvoe toward those who fear him is as great as the height of the heavens above the earth.
Memorizing Scripture this year has been a call to faithfulness.
Lyn
Littleton NH
Establish my footsteps in Thy Word and do not let any iniquity have dominion over me.
Ps. 119:133 NASB
This is my second time memorizing scriptures with the Siestas and I have been set free from life long fears..Praise God!
God is within her, she will not fall; God will help her at break of day. (NIV)
Memorizing scripture this year has shown me certain things are worth slowing down for! Tracie. Chattanooga, Tennessee
Now this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent.
John 17:3 NIV
Memorizing God’s word this year has strengthened my ability to obey Him, and subsequently increased my awareness of His blessings in my life.
Deanna, Safford, AZ: “Unless the LORD builds the house, its builders labor in vain.” Psalm 127:1a (NIV)
Memorizing scripture this year has helped me become less fearful and more confident by relying on Him alone.
Erin, Herndon VA
And He Himself is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the whole world.
1 John 2:2 NKJV
Psalm 18:2 NIV
The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer;
my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge.
He is my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.
Memorizing scripture has helped me recall His words in prayer.
Carisa, Hillsboro, KS
“Put on your new nature, and be renewed as you learn to know your Creator and become like Him.” Col. 3:10 NIV
Memorizing Scripture this year has allowed me to encourage others in difficult situations by sharing and praying specific verses over them. Hallelujah!
Cindy, Dallas Tx ” I am counting on the Lord, yes I am counting on Him. I put my hope in His word.” Psalm 130:5 (NLT)
Memorizing scripture this year has helped me stay centered on truth and not distracted by lies of the enemy.
Michelle–Seattle, WA: “Then he continue, ‘Do not be afraid, Daniel. Since the first day that you set your mind to gain understanding and to humble yourself before your God, your words were heard, and I have come in response to them.” Daniel 10:12 NIV Memorizing God’s Word this year has helped me quiet my thoughts and sleep at night.
Kristin from Dunmor, KY:
Save me, O God, for the waters have come up to my neck. Psalms 69:1 (niv) Memorizing God’s Word this year has given me something to look forward to, and it helps me to feel connected and focused.
Diana, North Attleboro, MA
Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.
James 1:22 NIV
Carolyn, Charlotte, NC. And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called accoding to His purpose. Romans 8:28 (NIV)
Memorizing scripture this year has helped me identify and record Scriptures that are I want to be my life verses.
Makaela, Lynchburg, Va
“yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Savior. The Sovereign Lord is my strength; he makes my feet like the feet of a deer, he enables me to go on the heights.” Habakkuk 3:18-19
Memorizing scripture this year has taught me move beyond hiding God’s Word in my mind to hiding God’s Word in my heart.
Fran, Stedman
“Praise the Lord O my sould. With all that is within me, praise His holy name.”
Memorizing scripture as helped me to stay focused.
Colossians 3:13-14 13-Bear with each other & forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.. 14.And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. NIV
(memorizing God’s Word this year has caused this 69 year old to hunger for more..Thank you for the challenge Beth & thank You Lord Jesus.
Fran, Stedman
“Praise the Lord O my soul. With all that is within me, praise His holy name.”
Memorizing scripture as helped me to stay focused.
Barbara, Warner Robins, GA
Ephesians 5:15 NCV
So be very careful how you live. Do not live like those who are not wise, but live wisely.
Siesta from Virginia, “Make me to know your ways, O Lord; teach me your paths. Lead me in your truth, and teach me, for you are the God of my salvation.” Psalms 25: 4-5, NRSV.
Memorizing God’s Word this year has made me realize that reading/meditating on scripture is vital to my relationship with God and can be neglected NO MORE.
Rene, Overland Park, KS “The king’s heart is like channels of water in the hand of the Lord; He turns it wherever He wishes.” NASB 1995 update
I have loved having the Lord lead me to the words He knows I will need to use in warding off whatever the enemy is fix’n to hurl my way. Proverbs 21:1
Everything else is worthless when compared with the infinite value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake, I have discarded everything else, counting it all as garbage ,so that I could gain Christ. Philippians 3:8 NLT
Pamela,Mechanicsville,VA. “but those who 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.” Isaiah40:31NIV.
Memorizing God’s Word this year has helped to keep me calm and focused on God instead of worrying about everything going on in my life.
Holly G
Williamston, SC
SSMT # 13 –
Those who know your name trust in You, for You Lord, have never forsaken those who seek You.
Ps. 9:10 NIV
Beth, Toronto: “Nothing can hinder the Lord from saving, whether by many or by few.” (1 Samuel 14:6b NIV)
Memorizing God’s Word this year has helped me to pray specific scripture, “without ceasing”(it is in my mind and on my tongue – ready to go!),over various situations, for others,and for myself.
Bridgett, Pell City, Alabama:
“For I know the plans I have for you”, declares the Lord, “plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.” Jeremaih 29: 11-13 NIV
Memorizing scripture this year is still a challenge but at least it has given me a spiral of verses to reflect on at any time.