**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
Linda, Longvieww: Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful. Hebrews 10:23 NCV
Lindsay, Wenatchee, WA
Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you whenever you go.
Joshua 1:9, NIV
Meredith Denton, Fayetteville, AR
For the Lamb at the center of the throne
will be their shepherd;
he will lead them to springs of living water.
And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.
Revelation 7:17 NIV
Memorizing scripture has been a powerful reminder of where God has taken me with Himself this year as well as an amazing spiritual weapon against temptation.
Susie, Ft. Worth, TX Call to me and I will answer you, and will tell you great and hidden things that you have not known. Jeremiah 33:3 (ESV)
Memorizing scripture this year has proven to be such a specific way for God to speak to me repeatedly as I see places to apply the scripture (reminding me of His truth.)
I AM the Lord your God who brought you out of Egypt that I might be your God. I AM the Lord your God!
Numbers 15:41 NLT
Memorizing scripture this year has helped me focus on His Word instead of fearful or destructive thoughts.
Ooltewah, TN
“Remember, it is sin to know what you ought to do and then not do it.”
James 4:17 NLT
Megan Hughes
Minneapolis
“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 NIV
Memorizing Scripture has blessed my mind as well as my heart.
Gretchen, Thousand Oaks, CA Psalm 116:16-17 NLT O Lord, I am Your servant, yes, I am Your servant, born into Your household; you have freed me from my chains. I will offer You a sacrifice of thanksgiving and call on the name of the Lord.
Memorizing God’s Word this year has been revolutionary and has caused more freedom in my life than I ever could have imagined. Praise His Name!
Leslie, Missoula, MT, By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, even though he did nnot know where he was going. Hebrews 11:8, NIV.
Elvira, Grande Prairie , Alberta
Psalm 34:7 NIV
” The Angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him, and he delivers them.”
Memorizing scripture this year has made me fall in love with God’s word and I pray it as prayers in the night when I can’t sleep!
Maria from North Dakota
Psalm 86:12
I will praise You, O Lord my God, with all my heart;
I will glorify Your name forever. (NIV)
Debbie, Olathe, KS: “The LORD’s right hand is lifted high; the LORD’s right hand has done mighty things!”
Psalm 118:16 (NIV 1984)
Memorizing scripture this year has given me comfort, hope,joy and God’s presence instead of anxiety and sorrow.
Kari, Grand Rapids, MI
Prov 24:16 NLT
The godly may trip seven times, but they will get up again.
Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee. Psalms 119:11 KJV
Maureen, St. Clair Shores, “For Wisdom is better than all the trappings of wealth; nothing you could wish for holds a candle to her. (Proverbs 8:11 Msg.)
Alisa
Clinton, MS
But I tell you that every careless word that people speak, they shall give an account for it in the day of judgement. Matthew 12:36 NASB
Memorizing God’s Word this year has made it very plain how unfaithful I am to my ever faithful Lord.
Terry – Louisa, VA
Isaiah 55:8-9 (NIV)
“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the LORD.
“As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.”
Memorizing Scripture this year has given me strength to wait on the Lord and trust in His Word, and made me more aware of how great He is and how much I need Him.
Jess R, Katy, TX.
“I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Marvelous are Your works, And that my soul knows very well.” Psalms 139:14 NKJ
Memorizing God’s word this year has given me truth to stand on when the lies were dragging me down.
Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord. Psalm 27:14, NIV
Memorizing Scripture this year has shown me how frequently the Lord speaks to me through His word if I listen.
Kim, Salem, OR
Psalm 37:23 NLT – The Lord directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives.
Memorizing God’s Word this year has kept me from losing my mind with a baby who is allergic to sleeping 🙂
Tolu, Boston MA
Matthew 6:34 NIV
Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.
Memorizing God’s Word this year has reminded me to focus on God’s truth in the bible and has been a mirror/standard to live by.
Oops! I forgot to add: Memorizing scripture this year has helped me to realize that I can!! And I’m amazed at how often the opportunity has come up to use them.
LaTava, Lincoln, NE
Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth. Psalm 46:10
Memorizing scripture this year has allowed me to deepen my relationship with God.
17 Instruct those who are rich in the present age not to be arrogant or to set their hope on the uncertainty of wealth, but on God, who richly provides us with all things to enjoy. 18 Instruct them to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous, willing to share, 19 storing up for themselves a good foundation for the age to come, so that they may take hold of life that is real.
1 Timothy 6:17-19
Memorizing Scripture this year was never something I planned, but God used the ladies in my church to encourage me to try it – God is writing His Word on my heart. I am hooked on this now!
Katharine Lee Jonesboro, Ar
2 Corinthians 3:17 NIV “Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is Freedom!” (Praise God! for freedom! 🙂 )
Memorizing these have helped me understand God more and hopefully be a better person as I call them to memory when needed. And it gives me reference points for when non-Christians ask questions and want a specific example.
“Who is like Thee among the gods, O LORD?
Who is like Thee, majestic in holiness,
Awesome in praises, working wonders?”
Exodus 15:11
Katie, NYC: For though we walk in the flesh, we are not waging war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds. 5We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ, being ready to punish every disobedience, when your obedience is complete. 2 Corinthians 10:3-6 NIV
Brittany, Dallas: “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.” (Psa. 62:1-2)
Memorizing God’s Word this year has given me faith to stand on His promises and be bold in Him!
Jennifer, Beaverton, OR “Enter His gates with thanksgiving, and His courts with praise. Give thanks to Him; bless His name.” Psalms 100:4
Memorizing scripture this year has given me an even deeper love for the Word of God.
Karen E
Rochester, MN
Ps. 27:8-9 NIV
Hear my voice when I call, O LORD; be merciful to me and answer me. My heart says of you, “Seek his face!” Your face, LORD, I will seek.”
Memorizing God’s Word this year has been a way to help me focus on God’s truths and has drawn me into closer relationship with Him.
Donise, Longmont, CO One thing God has spoken, two things have I heard: that You, O God, are strong, and that You, O Lord, are loving.Psalm 62:11-12a NIV Sarah, God saved you by His grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this it is a gift from God. Ephesians 2:8 NLT
Memorizing God’s word has been a challenge but such a wonderful bonding opportunity and teaching moment with my 11 year old daughter! God is so AWESOME!
stacey- new orleans
Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction,faithful in prayer.
Romans 12:12 NIV
Paula, Las Vegas. “Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. They say of Lord,’He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.’” Psalm 91:1-2 (NIV) Memorizing God’s Word this year has given me something to speak out when fear and anxiety threaten to deter me from stepping out in faith.
Kathi
Lexington, OH
“O LORD, our LORD, how majestic is your name in all the earth! You have set your glory above the heavens. From the lips of infants and children you have ordained praise…”
Psalm 8:1-2 (NIV)
Memorizing scripture this year has been a great idea! I’ve wanted to do it forever…thanks for the motivation and accountability!!! 🙂
Cherie, Odessa, 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 (The NET Bible)
Sally
Columbus, OH
“Even the darkness will not be dark to You, the night will shine like the day, for darkness is as light to you.”
Psalm 139:12
Memorizing scripture has been victorious for me because I have allowed myself to do it imperfectly, often late with my entries, but better late than never!
Tanis, British Columbia
The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom,
and the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. HCSB Pro 9:10
Ashley, Atlanta, GA
“Trust God from the bottom of your heart; don’t try to figure out everything on your own. Listen for God’s voice in everything you do, everywhere you go; He’s the one who will keep you on track.”
Proverbs 3:5-6, the Message
Walton, IN
Greater is He who is in you, than he who is of the world.
1John 4:4 (NIV)
Memorizing scripture has made me more secure in my relationship with Christ, it’s given me something to emotionally stand on when needed.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY SIESTA BETH!!!! 🙂 HAVE A WONDERFUL CELEBRATION!!!!
Deanna – Iowa – 1Peter 5:7
casting all your cares on Him for He cares for ME
Even though I was familiar with this verse already I believe God is reminding me that if it concerns me, it matters to Him! Whatever it is! That is what I’ve gotten out of memorizing scripture this year, a little deeper understanding, hearing Him more often, having more of a conversation with Him about his Word.
It is changing me.
what’s this about a blackberry app????
http://www.lproof-lpm.net/siestabb/2011SMT.jad
Karen, Lake Jackson, TX: “From eternity to eternity I am God. No one can snatch anyone out of my hand. No one can undo what I have done.” Isaiah 43:13
Memorizing scripture this year has caused me to carry a notebook of scripture verses with me where ever I go – a good thing!
Abbie, Omaha
Zachariah 4:6, “This is the word of the Lord to Zerrubbebel, ‘Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit,’ says the Lord almighty.” (NIV)
I have loved doing this with my mom. It has been great to remind each other and challenge one another with the word. I love you, MOMSIES!
Becca
Salem, OR
Psalm 18:28 (NIV)
You, LORD, keep my lamp burning;
my God turns my darkness into light.
Memorizing scripture this year has helped me uncover JOY in unexpected places.
Hebrews 10:39
“But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but those who believe and are saved.”
Memorizing God’s word this year has softened my heart and reminded me to rely on his word more than any person.
Pam, Naperville, IL “They will make war against the Lamb, but the Lamb will overcome them because he is Lord of lords and King of kings–and with him will be his called, chosen and faithful followers.” Rev.17:14 NIV
Memorizing God’s Word this year has been a challenge at times, but has been so comforting to recall what is now hidden in my heart!
Becky, Whitehall, “Now may the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.” Hebrews 13:20-21 NIV
Kelsie in Corpus Christi, TX
1 John 4:7-8 (KJV)
Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God.
He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.
Memorizing God’s Word this year has helped me stay grounded in the Lord.
Heather, Shiloh, NC
“And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.”
(Hewbrews 11:6 NIV)
Lindsay, Rogers, AR: “Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly beloved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.” Colossians 3:12
Memorizing scripture has brought joy and peace into my soul!