**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
Larissa Simpson, Benbrook, Tx
“If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” 1 John 1:8-9
This challenge has help put God’s word deep in my heart and to learn to lean on and rely on Him during a very tough season I’ve been threw this past six month. No worrying allowed, God’s truth only.
Shauna
Horn Lake
Colossians 3:17 (HCSB)
And whatever you do, in word or in deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.
Memorizing scripture this year has helped me to keep my mind focused on what’s important instead of letting the “little things” bog me down.
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 NIV ~ Allison Moldenhauer, Huntsville, TX
Memorizing these verses this year has helped to further write God’s word upon my heart, which gives me hope when things seem hopeless.
II Peter 1:10 Therefore, brethren, be all the more diligent to make certain about His calling and choosing you; for as long as you practice these things, you will never stumble
Heather, Niceville Florida
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.”
~Galatians 5:23
Memorizing scripture this year is helping me to walk in Truth and pray Scripture.
Bird – Cypress, TX
So teach us to number our days, That we may present to You a heart of wisdom. Psalm 90:12, NASU
Lisa S.
Kinston, North Carolina
Isaiah 30:21 NIV
Whether I turn to the right or the left, Your voice is behind me saying, “This is the way, walk in it.”
Memorizing scripture this year has been amazing and eye opening. I can’t count the times I have walked away from a situation with my mind “blown away” at how God used His word through me. Just everyday situations–He is..He just is!!!
Susan in Bradenton
Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion,kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.
Col. 3:12 NIV
Memorizing Scripture this year gives me a ready Word to share with others AND continues to amaze me the way I choose a particular verse then God uses it to teach me something I could not grasp before AND (sorry!) it has caused me to trust God when I might have panicked instead.
Abilene, KS
I Peter 3:8-9
8 Finally, all of you, live in harmony with one another; be sympathetic, love as brothers, be compassionate and humble.
9 Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing.
Leslie-Warner Robins, GA: “For he chose us in him, before the foundation of the world, to be holy and blameless in his sight.” Ephes. 1:4 NIV
Memorizing scripture this year has been a much needed discipline to know and be able to quickly recall God’s word!
Ola Mae, Cedar Park. 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)
Bridget ~
Bloomington, IL
The LORD is near to all who call on HIm,
to ALL who call on HIm in TRUTH !!!
Psalm 145:18 NIV
Elizabeth, OKC
“Yet the LORD longs to be gracious to you; therefore He will rise up to show you compassion. For the LORD is a God of justice. Blessed are all who wait for Him!” Is. 30:18 (NIV)
Memorizing scripture this year has helped me turn my worry into renewed hope!
Tracey Knight ~ Arkadelphia AR
He himself bore our sins in his body on the cross, SO THAT we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed. For you were like sheep going astray, but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls. 1 Peter 2:24-25 NIV
Memorizing Scripture this year has kept my heart soft by reminding me of God’s steadfast faithfulness to me.
Rachel – Modesto, CA
And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things, at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.
2 Cor. 9:8
Barbara Birmingham, AL
Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.
Romans 12:12 NIV
Memorizing scripture this year has helped me keep my focus on God instead of circumstances.
Karen, Leonard, TX
Ex 14:14 NIV
The Lord will fight for you;
you need only to be still.
Sarah From Brownwood
Numbers 6:24-26 NLT
May the Lord bless you and protect you.
May the Lord smile on you and be gracious to you.
May the Lord show you His favor and give you His peace.
Lorraine – Modesto, CA
You turned my wailing into dancing; you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy, that my heart may sing to you and not be silent. Oh Lord my God, I will give you thanks forever.
Psalm 30: 11 – 12 NIV
Vickie, Poplar Bluff, MO
For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline. 2 Timothy 1:7 NIV
Mariposa, Albuquerque, NM
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Gal. 5:22-23a NIV
Memorizing God’s Word this year gave me peace and security in a scary, but blessed time.
Kierstan
Portland, Oregon
She opens her mouth with wisdom,
And on her tongue is the law of kindness.
Proverbs 31.26
NKJV
Lindsey, Lincoln, NE
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. ~Philippians 4:6 NIV
Julie, Broken Arrow, OK
Col. 1:17 (NIV)
He is before all things, and in him all things hold together.
Memorizing God’s Word this year has armed me for battle, equipped me for prayer and has increased my belief by watching His promises come to pass in my life.
Carolyn**Bismarck, ND
For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship. And by him we cry, “Abba, Father.” The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. Now if we are children, then we are heirs–heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.
Romans 8:15-17 NIV
Memorizing God’s Word this year has given me the affirmation that He cares about my every need, no matter how big or small and He will be there to help me through each one.
“He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty.” Psalm 91:1
Memorizing scripture this year has been a constant challenge but well worth the effort to imprint the Word on my heart.
Sherri, Modesto, CA 2 Timothy 2:15 (NET)
“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.”
Memorizing scripture this year has helped me to encourage others with God’s Word!
Nancy Tucson, AZ
“Surely God is my salvation; I will trust and not be afraid. The LORD, the LORD, is my strength and my song; he has become my slavation.” Isaiah 12:2 NIV
Memorizing scripture this year has helped me to endure trials and given me hope.
“Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for He who promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.” Heb 10:23-24 NIV
Memorizing Scripture this year has anchored my hope in Christ alone.
Christie Cheyenne, Wyoming
Joshua 1:5b NASB
“…I will not fail you or forsake you.”
Delight yourself in the Lord & he will give you the desires of your heart. Psalm 37:4
Memorizing God’s word has helped me to find and speak the right words when I’m otherwise at a loss.
Melissa, Vicksburg, MS: “You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you.” Isaiah 26:3 NIV
Memorizing scripture this year has helped me renew my mind and keep my thoughts fixed on Christ.
Kim, Center, TX: “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 (NET)
Memorizing God’s Word this year has been a JOY as I’ve worked with my sons (ages 4 & 12) to memorize scripture with them.
Adele, Fresno,CA
But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach and it will be given to him.
James 1:5 (NASB)
Melinda – Atlanta, TX
“Therefore also we have as our ambition, whether at home or absent, to be pleasing to Him.”
2 Cor. 5:9 (NASB)
Memorizing Scripture this year has helped me focus on God throughout my day and has encouraged me through difficult circumstances.
Odessa, TX
“He is the Rock, His works are perfect, and all His ways are just. A faithful God who does no wrong, upright and just is He.” Deuteronomy 32:4 NIV
Memorizing God’s Word this year has given me the best recurring thoughts ever — His Word over and over!
Continuing in Isaiah 40…
Surely the nations are like a drop in a bucket;
they are regarded as dust on the scales;
he weighs the islands as though they were fine dust.
Lebanon is not sufficient for altar fires,
nor its animals enough for burnt offerings.
Isaiah 40:15-16 NIV
Melana
Sheridan Wyoming
Memorizing scripture this year has been the very area of the enemy’s attacks as life’s challenges have been overwhelming at times.
God can do anything,youknow—-far more than you could ever imagine or guess or request in your wildest dreams!
Ephesians 3:20
The Message
Consider it pure joy my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perserverance. James 1:2-3 NIV
Memorizing scripture this year has helped me pray scripture and to claim the victory and to trust God in every sistuation.
Sheryl, PA – Jer. 24:16 NIV
As for me, I am in your hands; do with me whatever you think is good and right.
Sheryl, PA – Memorizing scripture has helped me manage my thoughts by focusing on truth.
Julie/Deer Park/Ephesians 4:29 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. NIV
Hannah from Albuquerque, New Mexico
For the Gentiles (heathen) wish for and crave and diligently seek all these things, and your heavenly Father knows well that you need them all.
But seek (aim at and strive after) first of all His kingdom and His righteousness (His way of doing and being right), and then all these things taken together will be give you besides.
Matthew 6:32-33 Amplified
Memorizing scripture this year has helped me see God’s heart for me during circumstances that usually cause me to be too hard on myself.
Hilary, West Palm Beach, FL:
Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think.
-Ephesians 3:20 NLT
Memorizing Gods word this year has changed my life – I never thought I’d be so exited each time the first or fifteenth of a month would come around so I could memorize more…this year has been a huge challenge and by memorizing scripture I’ve been able to redirect my focus and grow tremendously spiritually. Thanks for this opportunity and accountability!
Tammy ~ Tampa, FL
“For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline.” 2 Timothy 1:7(NIV84)
Memorizing God’s Word this year has caused me to hide God’s truth about my worth and value to Him in my heart.
Annette, Maplewood, MN
“The Lord will fulfill his purpose for me; your love, O Lord, endures forever – do not abandon the works of your hands.” Psalm 138:8 NIV
Jasmyn ~ Tampa, FL
“For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline.” 2 Timothy 1:7(NIV84)
Crystal – Everett, Ontario- Canada ” Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as Christ forgave up.” Ephesians 5:31-32 NIV
“Let no unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only that which is beneficial for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.” (Ephesians 4:29) NIV
Memorizing God’s Word this year has been a wonderful reminder of God’s promises.
Marie, Harrison:
Psalm 130:5 NKJV
“I wait for the Lord, my soul waits, and in His word I do hope.”
Memorizing God’s Word this year has been a real source of strength and encouragement.
Krystle, Central Point
Look to the Lord and his strength; seek his face always.
Psalm 105:4
Memorizing scripture this year has been hard. Pushing through! 😀