**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
Jennifer, San Antonio: “Delight yourself in the Lord; and He will give you the desires of your heart.” Psalms 37:4 NIV
I’m replying to myself to add: memorizing God’s word this year has brought the power of His word alive to me & bonded me to girlfriends, as we memorize scripture together!
I’m memorizing chapter 3 in Colossians and this verse is where I’m at in the chapter….yes, alone, it seems a bit odd to memorize! It is–“Because of these sins, the anger of God is coming.” Col. 3:6 NLT
Memorizing scripture this year has helped me focus on God’s view of things instead of my puny, shortsighted view of things. In short, it has saved my life!
Lynn, Pflugerville, Tx; “My body and my mind may become weak, but God is my strength. He is mine forever.” Psalm 73:26 NCV
Memorizing scripture this year has been a huge challenge for me but I’m not ready to give up yet:)
Peggy, Cheyenne
Joshua 10:13 KJ
So the sun stood still, and the moon stopped, till the nation avenged itself oni its enemies, as it is written in the Book of Jashar. The sun stopped in the middle of the sky and delayed going down about a full day.
Memorizing Scripture this year has mad my relationship with God more intimate.
God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Psalms 46:1 NIV
This journey of memorizing scriptures reminds me of God’s love and to trust in him always.
Sherry ~ Dayton,NV ~ “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 40:31 NLT
Jenn, Frederick MD
However, the Lord your God would not listen to Balaam but turned the curse into a blessing for you, because the Lord your God loves you. -Deut. 23:5 (NIV)
Memorizing God’s Word this year has helped me be more disciplined in hiding His word in my heart.
Jonda, Shakopee, MN
“Whoever wants to be first among you must be the slave of everyone else. For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
Mark 10:44-45 NLT
Memorizing scripture this year has helped me see I can strengthen my faith outside of a group bible study on my own.
Melanie in Amherst, MA
“Women received back their dead by resurrection; and others were tortured, not accepting their release, so that they might obtain a better resurrection…”
Hebrews 11: 35
Memorizing God’s word this year has restored a godly perspective in many situations AND deepened a friendship with my memory verse buddy!
Brandy Fox, Siloam Springs, AR
I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. Philippians 3:14 NIV
Memorizing scripture this year has been challenging and rewarding as I press on to the goal of growing closer to the Lord and becoming who He wants me to be.
Brittany, Las Vegas:
“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.
Memorizing scripture has caused me to be more aware of, and faithful in, God’s promises when I encounter situations that are discouraging or make me want to react in frustration instead of love.
Lori, Norwood, MA. “I will be glad and rejoice in your love,for you saw my affliction and knew the anguish of my soul.” Psalm 31:7/NIV
Catherine in Fresno, CA – Jeremiah 29:12-13 NLTIn those days when you pray, I will listen. If you look for Me wholehaearedly, you will find Me.
Kelli, Anaheim
Galatians 1:15 GNT
But God in his grace chose me even before I was born, and called me to serve him.
Memorizing scripture had helped me focus on God during situations I would’ve typically just worried in.
Carole, Imperial, CA: “God cares about honesty in the workplace; your business is His business. Prov 16:11 The Message
Memorizing God’s Word this year has helped me press on and keep my head lifted up! :0)
Linda – Boulder CO
And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, full of grace and truth;
John 1:14a
Allie, South Pasadena CA
“Show me your ways, O Lord, teach me your paths; guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long.” Psalm 25:4-5 NIV
Jane in okla “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)
Siobhan, Austin, AR “And He will be the stability of our times, abundance of salvation, wisdom, and knowledge; the fear of the LORD is Zion’s treasure.” Isaiah 33:6 ESV Memorizing God’s word has allowed me to slow down and love Him more and let me see His love for me more.
Jessie, Meriden, CT
“So we will not fear, even if earthquakes come and the mountains crumble into the sea.” Psalm 1:2 NLT
Memorizing scripture this year keeps the promises of God alive and fresh in my mind and heart.
Mar Jo, The Woodlands, 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.
II Timothy 2:15 NET
Memorizing scripture and helped me deal with the grief in my life at this time.
Kristie
Sandia, Tx
Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord. Psalm 27:14 (NIV)
Lisa Auten; Rogers, AR: “so in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others.” Rom. 12:5 NIV
Meggie, Colorado Springs, CO
Romans 10:9 NASB That if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him frem the dead, you will be saved.
Precious!
Camille-Keller, TX:
Romans 10:17
New King James Version (NKJV)
“So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.”
Lisa – Seattle
“Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.” Psalm 51:10 KJV
Laurie, Spokane, “For the Word of God is living and active and sharper than any two edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit of both joints and marrow and able to judge the thoughts and intention of the heart.” NASB
Jennifer,Tacoma,WA: “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him.” -1Cor 2:9
I have not been very good at memorizing my verses but I am back in the game and ready to memorize. God is still finding his ways of showing himself to me and convict me.
Melanie Holmes, Decatur, AL
Memorizing God’s Word this year has given me scripture Words both to encourage me and and to share encouragement with others.
My June 15th verse:
John 14:1 NIV
“Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me.
Lindsay, Albion, IL “And thus I aspired to preach the gospel, not where Christ was already named, so that I would not build on another man’s foundation…” Romans 15:20 Memorizing God’s Word this year has reminded me of His power and how making time for it is sharpening by sword against Satan’s attack!
Renita~Prattville, Al
All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, 17 so that the servant of God[a] may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. 2 Timothy 3:16-17
This year of memorizing scripture has been a spring board of using the gift of encouragement with women in my women’s ministry to encourage them to memorize scriptures themselves. Women in their 60’s who just last year were convinced they were too old to memorize scripture.
I’m adding on to the verse I memorized last time…
Sheri. Bolivar, MO
“and His incomparably great power for us who believe. That power i like the working of His mighty strength, which He exerted in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at the right hand in the heavenly realms.” Ephesians 1:19-20 (NIV)
Memorizing scripture this year has empowered me through the word of God to believe Him more!
The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not be in want. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you ar with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
Psalm 23: 1-4 NIV
As I sit with my paternal gramma, now 99 1/2 years old…and try to discern her talking about things that make no sense to me….try to comfort her as she squeezes my hand and says ‘I want to go home’…laugh with her when she unexpectedly says something I remember in my childhood….cry when I see her struggle to remember who she is and where she is….and pray with her that the Lord takes her HOME soon…without pain….knowing her loving family surrounds her. The last five days by her side have been such a blessing to me…..I will continue to repeat Psalm 23 until the Lord takes her home. I can’t wait to get back to Eugene on Friday.
Lisa Christopher Olympia, WA
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
Memorizing scripture has been a reminder to rest in the Lord’s peace.
Tiffany, Sandwich, Illinois, Hebrews 11:1-2 NIRV “Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. That is what the people of long ago were praised for.”
Memorizing Gods Word has transform my attitude and my mind.
Natalie Christopher Olympia, WA
Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves.
Philippians 2:3
Memorizing scripture this year has been an easy way to quickly take my eyes off of myself and put them back on Jesus.
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.
Matthew 5:6 NIV
Memorizing scripture this year has been tough as usual I’m posting a day late ( which I think is my third time) plus I know I missed am entry I don’t even think I’m still eligible for January but I will finish because the most important thing is that I be transformed by the renewing of my mind so I can test and approve what Gods will is- His good pleasing and perfect will!
Joelle, Abilene, TX
“Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.” Mark 6:31 (NIV)
Memorizing God’s Word this year has caused me to delight in running to Him with excitement when its time for each new verse!
“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.” Colossians 3:12 NIV
Paula, Houston, TX
I am the vine, you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me, you can bear nothing.
John 15:5 (NIV)
Memorizing God’s Word this year has amazed me so much; I’ve never memorized Scripture before and didn’t think I could do it. It has changed my life and brought me so much closer to God.
Julia, Whidbey Island, WA: “For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in me will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus.” Phil 1:6 NAS
Memorizing God’s Word has changed me from the inside out, literally rewired my brain…Brainwashed indeed!
Deborah, Kennewick. “Let us then approach the 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 NIV
Memorizing scripture has made me realize how BIG God is.
Kathryn, Tempe – Psalm 126:4-6 NIV
Restore our fortunes, O LORD, like streams in the Negev. Those who sow in tears will reap with songs of joy. He who goes out weeping, carrying seed to sow, will return with songs of joy, carrying sheaves with him.
Memorizing scripture this year has helped me as I assist in caring for my Mom who has alzheimers.
Jane, St. Louis
“Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (NIV)
Memorizing God’s Word this year has planted Truth in my heart and kept me focused on Him.
Sharon, Geigertown, PA
I Peter 4:7-8 “But the end of all things is at hand; therefore be serious and watchful in your prayers. And above all things have fervent love for one another, for “love will cover a multitude of sins.” NKJV
Scripture memorization for me – the incredibly fresh and constant applications of God’s amazing Word!
Julie~ Livermore, CA
Proverbs 31:26 NLT
“When she speaks, her words are wise, and she gives instructions with kindness.”
Heidi, Anchorage, AK
“I wait for the Lord, my soul waits, and in His Word I put my hope.” Psalm 130:5 (NIV)
Memorizing scripture this year has helped me to fight off Satan when he wants to bring me down!
Devi
Geneva, Switzerland
Love never ends. As for prophecies, they will pass away; as for tongues, they will cease; as for knowledge, it will pass away. 1 Corinthians 13:8 (ESV)
Memorizing scripture this year is shaping my day-to-day life – thoughts, actions, emotions – in God’s ways because of his grace and the power of his Word to change me.
Romans 10:17
So faith comes from what is heard, and what is heard comes through the message about Christ.
Karen ~ Laconia, NH
“Now, no chastening seems to be joyful for the present, only painful; nevertheless, afterwards it yields the peaceable fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.” NKJV
Memorizing Scripture this year has been the anchor to calming all my fears and keeping me focused on Jesus rather than my situation(s).