**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
Lisa Elmhurst, IL
“The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not be in want.” Psalm 23:1 NIV
Memorizing scripture this year has helped me focus on God.
Lizzy, Benbrook Tx
“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds (NIV)” James 1:2
Memorizing scripture this year has drawn me closer to God.Despite the challenges and failures, learning his word just shows me there is so much out there still to learn about him and makes me excited to grow.
Carrie, Logan. “Look to the LORD and his strength; seek his face always.” 1 Chronicles 16:11 NIV
Memorizing God’s word this year has been a hard but good challenge!
Dawn, Falmouth, KY
Matthew 5:43-44 “You have heard the law that says, ‘Love your neighbor’ and hate your enemy. But I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you! (NLT)
Memorizing God’s Word this year has been a delight and a discipline — exactly what I need. I love God’s Word so much!
Laura, Burbank
Matthew 6:33 (KJV)
But seek ye first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you.
Memorizing Scripture this year has reinforced and rekindled the heart knowledge that satan hates the Word of God. It is alive and powerful, sharper than any two edged sword! Head knowledge about God without heart knowledge is just another file in the brain. Heart knowledge without head knowledge is just an emotional roller coaster…but the 2 together are so powerful!
Karen: Sacramento, CA
“So be content with who you are, and don’t put on airs. God’s strong hand is on you; he’ll promote you at the right time.” — 1 Peter 5:6 MSG
Memorizing God’s Word this year has helped me hide His Word in my heart and made me more confident when it comes to sharing Scripture.
Lisa, Sparks, NV: “But the Lord is faithful, and He will strengthen and protect you from the evil one.”
Thessalonians 3:3 NASB
Michelle Calgary(Airdrie)Alberta Canada
Psalms 19:14NKJV
Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of y heart be acceptable in your sight O Lord my Strength and my Redeemer.
Memorizing Gods Word this year has provided comfort, assurance and joy and blessed me with abundance, richness and glory!
Suzanne: Pasadena, Texas
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
Brandy H, Kingwood, TX
“Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters: You should all be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to get angry.”
James 1:19 NLT
Memorizing God’s Word this year has made me look to Jesus and the Bible for help with my struggles this year and has taken the focus off of me and onto the faithfulness of God.
Vivian
Birmingham, Alabama
“They will be my people, and I will be their God. I will give them a single-minded purpose to live in a way that always shows respect for me. They will want to do that for their own good and the good of the children who descend from them. I will make a lasting covenant with them that I will never stop doing good to them. I will fill their hearts and minds with respect for me so that they will never again turn away from me. I will take delight in doing good to them. I will faithfully and wholeheartedly plant them firmly in the land.” Jeremiah 32:38-41 NET
Memorizing Scripture this year has given me instruction and encouragement and has strengthened my walk with my Lord.
Moose Jaw
As for God, his way is perfect; the word of the LORD is flawless. He is a shield for all who take refuge in him. 2Sam. 22:31
Memorizing scripture this year has brought peace to my heart and mind!
Emily – Topeka, Kansas
I will praise you, O Lord, among the nations; I will sing of you among the peoples. For great is your love, reaching to the heavens; your faithfulness reaches to the skies. Be exalted, O God, above the heavens; let your glory be over all the earth.
Psalm 57:9-11 (NIV)
Memorizing God’s Word this year has reminded me of who I am in Christ and my purpose in Christ in those moments when I have lost sight of them.
Tami, Arcadia, CA
“Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” Galatians 6:2
Candie from Gulfport, Ms:
Luke 1:38 ESV
And Mary said, “Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her.
Memorizing God’s Word this year has been a humbling, love-filled experience.
Janet,Longmont,CO:
“Only fear the LORD and serve Him in truth with all your heart; for consider what great things He has done for you.” I Samuel 12:24 NAS
Memorizing scripture this year has helped me to just-do-it!
Psalm 62:1-2 (NASB)
1 My soul waits in silence for God only;
From Him is my salvation.
2 He only is my rock and my salvation,
My stronghold; I shall not be greatly shaken.
Memorizing scripture this year has provided me with weapons for spiritual warfare.
Megan Grants Pass
But You, O Lord, are a shield about me, My glory, and the One who lifts my head.
Psalm 3:3 (NASB)
For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.
Ephesians 2:10
Kay from Modesto, CA – Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, “This is the way; walk in it.” Isaiah 30:21 (NIV)
Carol Hulin, Belleville, ON
The body is not meant for sexual immorality, but for the Lord, and the Lord for the body. 1 Cor 6:13b NIV
Memorizing scripture this year has helped me believe God really cares me & helping me “do” life.
Julie dk in Casper, WY
So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
Isaiah 41:10
Memorizing God’s word has given me a strong foundation to turn to when I am strugglng.
Kris, Montesano
Deuteronomy 31:8
The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” NIV
Jody, Mission Viejo, CA:
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”
Romans 8:28 NIV
Memorizing God’s word this year has calmed my mind and brought my focus back to God’s peace and provision for me and my family.
Katherine,St.Johns,FL
“For the mind set on the flesh is death, but the mind set on the Spirit is life and peace.”. Romans 8:6 NASB
Memorizing scripture this year has encouraged me and given me words straight from God to encourage others. It’s a double blessing.
Melissa, Miles City, MT
Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. I Corinthians 9:24. NIV
Memorizing scripture has helped me have more trust in God and has strenghened my relationship with him.
Libby, Texarkana: Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. Hebrews 10:23 NIV
Memorizing God’s Word this year has reminded me that God is in control and His word is powerful.
Beth, Dyersburg, TN
Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth. 2 Timothy 2:15 NIV
Memorizing scripture this year has been a challenge, but thank you for encouraging me to do so!
Janet, North Vancouver, BC: And the words of the Lord are flawless, like silver refined in a furnace of clay, purified seven times. Psalm 12:6 NIV
Memorizing God’s word this year has been a good discipline to practice, and easier than I thought it would be!
Letha. Mountain Home, Arkansas: “Walk into the fields and look at the wildflowers. They don’t fuss with their appearance—but have you ever seen color and design quite like it? The ten best-dressed men and women in the country look shabby alongside them. If God gives such attention to the wildflowers, most of them never even seen, don’t you think he’ll attend to you, take pride in you, do his best for you?” Luke 12:26-28 (MSG)
Memorizing scripture this year helped prepare me to face news that at one time would have made me doubt Christ’s love for me.
Kendall, Huntsville, AL
The second is like it, you shall love your neighbor as yourself.
Matthew 22:39 (NASB)
Missy, Tulare, CA
Titus 3:4-6 (NIV) But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior
Memorizing God’s word this year has given me power over my thoughts when I am fearful or insecure. I feel like I am standing firm against the devil’s schemes.
Gina: Houston
Psalm 27:14
“Wait on the Lord; be of good courage, and He will strengthen your heart; Wait, I say, on the Lord!”
Memorizing scripture this year has given me a way to say things to Him that I did not know how to express.
Maggie
Mesilla Park
“You shall be holy to me, for I the Lord am holy and have separated you from the peoples, that you should be mine.” ~Leviticus 20:26
ESV
Crystal, Milford, IA:
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 (TNIV)
Memorizing God’s Word this year has been a struggle…and a blessing! (Just being honest here!)
Celeste, Land O Lakes,FL “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)
Misti- Carlsbad,NM:
“God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.”
II Corinthians 5:21 (NIV)
Petra, Ceres, CA
Romans 15:4-6 (NIV)
“4 For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope. 5 May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had, 6 so that with one mind and one voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. ”
Memorizing scripture this year has opened my eyes to need for greater spiritual disciple – this hard work! Totally worth it & loving it as a well needed workout! Thank You LORD!
Michelle, New Richmond – We have not received the Spirit of the world but the Spirit who is from God, that we may understand what God has freely given us. 1Cor 2:12 NIV
Memorizing God’s word is giving me a hunger to study deeper!
Eph 1:11 In him we were also chosen,having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will
Jordan- Knoxville, TN “And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:19
James 3:9-10 (NIV)
With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men who have been made in God’s likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers, this should not be
Cindy/Midland
Lisa, Bethany, OK
“From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.” Ephesians 4:16 NIV
Memorizing scripture this year has given me a deeper understanding of His word as I am memorizing all of Ephesians 4 and it has kept me humble.
James 3:9-10 KJV
“Therewith bless we God, even the Father and therewith curse we men, which are made after the similtude of God. Out of the same mouth procedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be.”
Mary from Columbia, PA
But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint.~ Isaiah 40:31NLT
Memorizing scripture this year has made me a better daughter of our King-verses were chosen with prayer and for most weeks they were exactly what I needed at that moment in my heart, also I have been able to use them when leading bible study when in discussions with other women I can pull that verse right out of my heart and share for the most God moment! What a difference it has made in my life. Thank you, Beth!!
Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Ephesians 6:13 NIV
1 Corinthians 13: 4-5 NIV
“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.”
Memorizing scripture this year has kept me accountable to learning God’s word.
Michele-Lubbock, TX
Proverbs 17:22 A merry heart doeth good like a
medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones. KJV
Leah, Houston.
“Who has believed our message and to whom has the arm of the LORD been revealed? He grew up before him like a tender shoot, and like a root out of dry ground. He had no beauty or majesty to attract us to him, nothing in his appearance that we should desire him.” Isaiah 53:1-2
Memorizing scripture this year has helped me keep my mind stayed on Him!
Donna Marina, Ca
Matthew 6:33
But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things will be added unto you.
Memorizing scripture this year has been exciting and brought back the days of an Awana leader. Also I love reading the blog and feeling like I am a part of a very large family that prays for each other.