**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
Donna, Albuquerque,” I assure you: Anyone who believes has eternal life. John 6:47
HCSB
Kay, Round Rock – Mark 12:31 – Love your neighbor as yourself. There is no commandment greater than these. NIV
Ann, Ostrander, Ohio “For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved” Romans 10:13 KJV
Shelly, Greenville
The grass withers, the flowers fade, but the word of our God will stand forever.
Isaiah 40:8 (NIV)
“Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” James 4:7 NIV
Johanna, Forsyth, MT- “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.” Ephesians 4:29
Alyson – Tallahassee
1 Kings 8:58 (Message) – May he keep us centered and devoted to him, following the life path he has cleared, watching the signposts, walking at the pace and rhythms he laid down for our ancestors.
Memorizing Scripture this year has proven to me that His Word always (always!) produces fruit! (Isa 55:11)
Wendi from Sulphur, LA
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.
Proverbs 3:5-6 NIV
Memorizing scripture this year has helped me focus on God’s promises. I am trusting the Lord that He will carry us through.
Bonnie, Alexandria, LA
“Lord, I have heard of your fame; I stand in awe of your deeds, Lord. Repeat them in our day, in our time make them known; in wrath remember mercy.” Habakkuk 3:2 NIV
Julie, Goldfield, IA
“Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share” 1 Timothy 6:18 NIV
Memorizing scripture this year has directed my thoughts and actions in right places.
Austin, Tx
Don’t let the errors of evil people lead you down the wrong path and make you lose your balance.
2 Peter 3:17 (cev)
Memorizing God’s Word this year has helped me through long and difficult times.
Romans 8:2 Amplified
For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has freed me from the law of sin and death.
Grace, Silver City, NM “Let us acknowledge the Lord, let us press on to acknowledge him. As surely as the sun rises, he will appear; he will come to us like the winter rains, like the spring rains that water the earth.”
Hosea 6:3 NIV
Carol ~ Webb City, MO
“Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee; because he trusteth in thee.” Isaiah 26:3 (KJV)
Memorizing God’s Word this year has given me verses that have comforted and reassured me…He must have known 6 months ago the very ones I’d need now.
Connie Hein, Windsor, CO “Knowing this that the old man was crucified with Christ that the body of sin would be done away with that we would no longer be slaves to sin.” Rom 6:6 NAS. Memorizing God’s word has helped me to have peace because i have Gods truth in my mind ready to fend off attacks.
Jane, Normal:
A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger
Proverbs 15:1, NIV
Memorizing scripture this year has helped me realize that the WORD is my daily lifeline.
Priscilla, Mesa, Arizona
Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Philippians 4:4 NIV
Memorizing God’s word this year has given me joy knowing that God’s word is being placed in my heart and mind.
Tara N., Stevensville, MD
Romans 8:6(NLT)
“So letting your sinful nature control your mind leads to death. But letting the Spirit control your mind leads to life and peace.”
Memorizing God’s word this year has kept me faithful to my husband, kids,family, friends and church.
Tanya, Valley Center, KS
But this I recall and therefore have I hope and expectation:
It is because of the Lord’s mercy and loving-kindness that we are not consumed, because His [tender] compassions fail not.
They are new every morning; great and abundant is Your stability and faithfulness.
The Lord is my portion or share, says my living being (my inner self); therefore will I hope in Him and wait expectantly for Him.
Lamentations 3:21-24
Annabel, Valley Center, KS
You give me strength. I look to you.
God, you are like a fort to me. You are my loving God.
God will march out in front of me.
He will let me look down on those who tell lies about me.
Psalm 59:9-10
P.S. I posted before reading the blog post. Memorizing Scripture this year is transforming me into the wife and mother Jesus wants me to be. Tanya
For my daughter, Annabel, I have seen a change in her also as she has been memorizing Scripture this year. She is 7 1/2 and I notice her more readily confessing her sins and asking forgiveness of the offended (usually me) when it happens.
Cortni, Coden,AL, “Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us.” Ephesians 3:20 KJV
Midge Florence, SC “The Lord is my source of security. I have determined to follow your instructions.” Ps.119:57 The Net Bible
Memorizing scripture has challenged me to stay focused in the midst of continuing challenges.
Niccol, Wilmette
“Godly sorrow brings repentence that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but wordly sorrow brings death.”
2 Corinthians 7:10 NIV
Anne, Squamish BC Canada.
His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and goodness. Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.
1 Peter 1:3-4
Sara, Great Bend, KS
We rejoice in our sufferings knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.
Romans 5:3-5 NIV
Memorizing God’s Word this year has…given me a greater thirst for God’s word.
Bonnie, Seattle,
Those who know your name trust in you, for you, O Lord, do not abandon those who search for you. Psalm 9:10 (NLT)
Vanessa, Rio Rancho NM
Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. Colossians 4:2 NIV
Memorizing God’s Word this year has given me the confidence to be more bold in my whitness.
Cathy, Dallas: He forgave us all our sins, having canceled the written code, with its regulations…He took it away, nailing it to the cross. Col. 21:13-14
Pam – Dublin, VA
If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking.
James 1:5 (NLT)
Memorizing God’s Word this year has given me the stregnth in Jesus name to not let the enemy win.
Jackie
Los Angeles, CA
“But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” Matthew 6:33 NIV
Georganne, Piedmont, Okla. Psalm 27:4 The NET Bible
Rely on the Lord! Be strong and confident! Rely on the Lord!
Carrie Beth, Frankfort: “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
Kathryn – Atmore, AL – “Give your entire attention to what God is doing right now and don’t get worked up about what may or may not happen tomorrow. God will help you deal with whatever hard things come up when the time comes.” Matthew 6:34 (The Message)
Memorizing God’s Word this year has shown me that I CAN memorize scripture no matter how long I believed the enemy’s lie that I couldn’t!
Sandy; Maryland; 2nd Timothy 2:16 “But shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness.” (KJV)
Memorizing God’s word this year has blessed me.
“I have swept away your offenses like a cloud, your sins like the morning mist. Return to me, for I have redeemed you.” Isaiah 44:22 (NIV)
I’ve gone through major ups and downs this year, memorizing scripture has helped pull me back to the center.
Jennifer, Nashville
Emily, Tulsa, Oklahoma
“Let the word of Christ dwell in your richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom…”
Colossians 3:16a, NIV
Memorizing scripture has allowed me to replace negative thoughts with the living, breathing word of Christ at just the moment I need it.
Kerry, Sheridan, Wy
Is.55:4 “Behold I made him a witness to the peoples,
A leader and commander for the peoples.” ESV
Is. 56:5 came to mind as I participated in a P.Schirer study. P asked, “where else in scripture do you see the LORD showing that HE cares for the “forgotten”?
ANd
“what are some practical ways God’s care has encouraged you when you feel like a fifth sprarrow?”
Hannah; Maryland; 2nd Timothy 2:16 “But shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness.” (KJV)
Memorizing God’s word this year has grown my relationship with the LORD, challenged me, and shown me how it’s possible to think on things that are pure and lovely – the thoughts of Him.
“Ah, Lord God! Behold, You have made the heavens and the earth by Your great power and outstretched arm. There is nothing too hard for You.” Jeremiah 32:17 NKJV
Anna, Lexington, SC: “I have swept away your transgressions like a cloud, and your sins like a mist; return to me, for I have redeemed you.” Isaiah 44:22 (NRSV)
Rosalie Cincinnati
“There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.” Proverbs 14:12 KJV
Memorizing scripture this year has made me doubly conscious of every verse I read for any reason, thinking to myself—is this my next memory verse?
Tara
Greensboro, NC
Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Romans 15:13
NKJV
Jenifer, Sunnyside, WA – Ps 121:5-6 The LORD is your keeper; the LORD is your shade on your right hand. The sun shall not strike you by day, nor the moon by night. ESV
(I know I forgot to post last time and I did Ps 121:3-4 then.)
Memorizing scripture this year has been so important because of a physical illness I’ve been battling for over a year now. If not for this, I may have lost my mind by now! When I’ve gotten scared or feel extra icky, I start resiting these verses and each time, a different one seems to give comfort.
Lana, Laurel, NE: “The LORD is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble, and He knows those who take refuge in Him.” Nahum 1:7 (NASB)
Memorizing God’s Word this year has given me words of strength and hope to hold onto to help me through every situation.
Sara G., Oklahoma City, OK:
“For we were saved in this hope, but hope that is seen is not hope; for why does one still hope for what he sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, we eagerly wait for it with perseverance.” Romans 8:24-25 NKJV
Memorizing scripture this year has helped me renew, be refreshed and closer to the Lord!
Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need. Hebrews 4:16 NKJV
Phyllis, Irvine, CA
“But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High, because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked.” Luke 6:35 NIV
Memorizing scripture this year has helped me find peace and go back to sleep when I wake during the night full of anxiety.
Oops. Nita, Corinth
Three Rivers, MI “It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in man.” Psalm 118:8 NIV
Memorizing God’s word this year has encouraged me in amazing ways!
Sherry; Fulshear, TX:
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” Philippians 4:6 (NIV)
Memorizing God’s word this year has given me the desire to know more of His Word daily and commit to memory what He wants me to remember always.
Janae – Riverside,PA Psalm 27:14(NET)
“Rely on the Lord! Be strong and confident! Rely on the Lord!”
Memorizing God’s word this year has caused the enemy to bite at my heels even more fiercely than he did in 2009 when I did the SSMT…and not just me but my family. Yet as this verse indicates for me….I WILL rely on the Lord for His Word is Powerful!