**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
Veronica-Atlanta, Georgia As I was with Moses, so I will be with thee. Joshua 3:7 (NIV)
Memorizing God’s word this year has taught me to be more diciplined in getting into his word more.
“Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.”
Hebrews 4:16
Pam, DeLeon Springs, Florida
Laurie New Hope VA
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 1984)
“For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them.” – Eph 2:10 NASB
Memorizing scripture this year has been challenging but has given me confidence in standing on His word.
Tammy, Greenville SC
Everyday I will praise you! I will praise your name continually!
Psalms 145:2 NET
Leslie R, Norwood Young America, MN
Zepaniah 3:17 NIV:
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.
Pat, Woodstock, Al The Message
Psalm 135:13 God, your Name is eternal. God, You’ll never be out of date.
Memorizing scripture this year has helped me at night when I wake up fearing the morning!
Diane, Killeen, TX: “The Lord will guide you continually, giving you water when you are dry and restoring your strength. You will be like a well-watered garden, like an ever-flowing spring.” Isaiah 58:11, NLT.
Memorizing scripture this year has become a lifeboat during a time when the waters have surged around and threatened to drown me. Thank you Beth, for being my motivator!
Allison Jordan, Burgaw, NC
Psalm 104:33 “I will sing to the LORD all my life; I will sing praise to my God as long as I live.” NIV
Karen ~ Greer, SC: 2 Timothy 2:15 (The NET Bible)
“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.”
Oak Ridge, TN
In the same way faith, if it doesn’t have works, is dead by itself. But someone will say, ‘You have faith, and I have works.’ Show me your faith without works, and I will show you faith from my works. James 2:17-18, holman
Brittney: Lexington, KY
1 Peter 3:15 (niv)
“Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keep a clear conscience…”
Memorizing God’s word this year is transforming my mind by teaching me how to WALK in freedom instead of staying stuck in a pit!
Cheryl, Redlands, CA. 1 John 3:1 (NIV)
“How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him.”
Memorizing God’s word this year has shown how Scripture can create a foundation for your daily life.
Erin, Phoenix. “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.” 1 Corinthians 13:4-8
Memorizing God’s Word this year has kept truth much closer to the forefront of my mind than ever before and influences my actions often. Not perfectly, but often.
Alli
College Station, TX
“For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love. For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. But whoever does not have them is nearsighted and blind, forgetting that they have been cleansed from their past sins.” 2 Peter 1:5-9 (NIV)
Rita, Birmingham. “Give diligence to present thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, handling aright the word of truth.” 2 Timothy 2:15 The Amplified Bible.
Memorizing God’s Word this year has helped me keep my commitment to seek His will for my life and to take Him at His Word! I now have an inner peace that I can’t explain.
Gay Beck, Plain City, OH
Philippians 4:6-7 (NIV)
6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Memorizing God’s word this year has kept me focused on positive thoughts and has calmed me during the stressful times of my day and/or my life. Along with your (SSMT) inspiration, Beth, I have started a scripture share time once a month (via email) with some of my college girlfriends.
Dana,Blue Ridge, TX
The Lord will rescue me from every evil attack and will bring me safely to His heavenly kingdom. To Him be glory for ever and ever. Amen.
2 Timothy 4:18
Memorizing God’s Word this year has been life to me…encouraging, convicting, rescuing, focusing, saving, sharing, renewing, thrilling….LIFE! I am forever changed!
Kimberly- Prosper, TX
Proverbs 19:21
Many are the plans in a man’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.
Memorizing God’s word has given me something to fall back on when I am beat down.
Missi- Walker, LA:
Find rest, O my soul, in God alone; my hope comes from him. Psalm 62:5 NIV
Memorizing God’s word this year has brought His peace.
Sarah, Ames, IA “Those who know your name will trust in you, for you LORD have never forsaken those who seek you.” Ps. 9:10
Memorizing scripture this year has reminded me of how refreshing the Word of the Lord is when I am feeling condemned and defeated. His word is SO living and active.
Lindy, Scott
Matthew 21:21(NIV) – Jesus replies, “I tell you the truth, if you have faith and do not doubt, not only can you do what was done to the fig tree, but also you can say to this mountain, ‘Go, throw yourself into the sea,’ and it will be done.
Memorizing scripture this year has been challenging but worth it!
Diane, Ontario, Canada
“From one man He made every nation of men, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and He determined the times set for them and the exact places where they should live.”
Acts 17:26
Memorizing scripture this year has encouraged me to meditate on the Word of God, which in turn has grown me in my faith and relationship with Jesus.
Cindy, Laguna Niguel. “I wait for the LORD, my soul waits, and in his word I hope;” Psalm 130:5 (ESV)Memorizing God’s Word this year has been a blessing.
Martha Pine Bluff,Ar. I am counting on the Lord; yes,I am counting on him. I have put my hope in his word.
Psalm 130:5 NLT
Memorizing scripture this year has really increased my face to face time. Love it.
Dianne, Waycross, GA. “Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.” Psalm 27:14 NIV
Memorizing God’s word this year has caused me to focus more intently to hear specifically what He wants to speak to me.
Janice, Bakersfield, CA
Ephesians 1:17
I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better.
Jodell, Frankfort, “Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts.” Deuteronomy 6:5-6 NIV
Sue, Virginia
Commit everything to the Lord. TRUST Him, and he will help you.
Memorizing God’s word this year has made me accountable for keeping up with something and not quitting…..
Psalm37:5. NLT
“My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.” James 1:19 NIV
Memorizing scripture this year has helped me through some difficult times.
Krista
Centennial, CO
Phyllis, Charlotteu
2 Corinthians 4:18 (NIV)
So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.
“Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, ‘Never will I leave you, never will I forsake you.’ ”
Hebrews 13:5 NIV
Memorizing Scripture this year has helped me stay focused and steadfast on The Truth, even though the Enemy is trying to twist and manipulate through other sisters in Christ.
Kathy
St. Louis, MO
Isaiah 58:13-14
You must observe the Sabbath
rather than doing anything you please on my holy day.
You must look forward to the Sabbath
and treat the Lord’s holy day with respect.
You must treat it with respect by refraining from your normal activities,
and by refraining from your selfish pursuits and from making business deals.
Then you will find joy in your relationship to the Lord,
and I will give you great prosperity,
and cause crops to grow on the land I gave to your ancestor Jacob.”
Know for certain that the Lord has spoken.
Mary
Burke, VA
“The Lord delights in those who fear Him, who put their hope in His unfailing love.” Ps 147:11 NIV
Amy B., Edmond OK
James 1:4 (NIV)
“Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything”
Mary Beth, St. Louis, MO
“May God, who gives this patience and encouragement, help you live in complete harmony with each other, as is fitting for followers of Christ Jesus. Then all of you can join together with one voice, giving praise and glory to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
Rom. 15:5-6 NLT
Memorizing God’s Word has given me a hunger to hide more and more of it in my heart!
Teresa, Peoria, IL
2 Corinthians 3:4-6, NIV, “Such confidence as this is ours through Christ before God. Not that we are competent in ourselves to claim anything for ourselves, but our competence comes from God. He has made us competent as ministers of a new covenant–not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.”
Memorizing Scripture has allowed me to focus on a continued difficulty and to emphasize things I am learning at church, through Bible study, and through my own time in the Word.
Kristin
Clearwater, FL
“Therefore, as God’s choosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourself with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.”
Colossians 3:12 NIV
Memorizing scripture this year has made His word become even more alive and active in me!!
Debbie Laureen, New Port Richey, FL
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9 NIV
Memorizing God’s Word this year has been like a gentle touch upon my heart from the Lord.
Tisha, Pilot Mtn, NC
“The LORD is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble; and he knoweth them that trust in him.” Nahum 1:7 (KJV)
Memorizing God’s Word this year has been the difference between life (eternally minded) and death (carnally minded).
Gwen, Kennesaw, GA
“Receive and experience the amazing grace of the Master, Jesus Christ, deep, deep within yourselves.” Philippians 4:23 The Message
Michele, Pearland, TX
Psalm 121:1 HCSB
The LORD Our Protector
A song of ascents.
1 I raise my eyes toward the mountains.
Where will my help come from?
Carol
Carthage, NY
who forgives all your sins
and heals all your diseases,
Psalm 103:3 NIV
Memorizing God’s Word this year has kept me focused on God, whom I trust, remaining hopeful instead of coming undone in the midst of trial.
Angela, Mansfield, TX
“Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise – the fruit of lips that confess his name.” Hebrews 13:15 (NIV)
I never knew I could memorize scripture until Beth’s encouragement. I feel closer to my sweet Jesus with each verse I learn!
Kathryn from Louisville, KY
“Make level paths for your feet, so that the lame may not be disabled, but rather healed.”
-Hebrews 12:13 (NIV)
Memorizing God’s Word this year has given me the power to fight Satan and his temptations.
Cindy, Tulsa, OK
“Search me and know my heart, test me and know my anxious thoughts; See if there is any offensive way in me and lead me in the way everlasting.” Ps. 119:23-24 NIV
Anna, Tyler Texas:
Galatians 6:9 NLT
“So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up.”
Memorizing God’s word this year has changed the way I pray.
ALSO POSTING FOR MY DAUGHTER:
Ella Grace (age8), Tyler, Texas:
Galatians 6:9 NLT
“So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up.”
EG said, “memorizing God’s word this year has made me want to get baptized.” -Ms. Beth, EG’s birthday is January 21-coming to the celebration is her birthday wish.
Donna Grosse Pointe Shores, MI: “Jesus replied, “If you only knew the gift God has for you and who you are speaking to, you would ask me, and I would give you living water.” (John 4: 10 NLT)
Memorizing God’s Word has allowed it to flow out of my mouth in conversation at just the right time.
Cynthia, Massanutten, VA
“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)
Pat, Kansas
2 Corinthians 4:18 (NIV)
“So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.”