**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
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, NIV
Memorizing Scripture this year has helped me be more mindful of my thoughts and actions.
“For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world – our faith.” 1John 5:4 NKJV
Gillian, Oshawa Canada, Those who know your name will trust in you, for you, LORD, have never forsken those who seek you. Psalm 9:10 NIV
Memorizing scripture this year has helped me focus on GOD more and it is AMAZING to see him at work in my life.
April, Greensboro, NC: “Rely on the Lord! Be strong and confident! Rely on the Lord! Psalm 27:4 The NET Bible
Memorizing scripture this year has helped me have a thankful heart and let bitterness go.
“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.” Ps. 62:1-2
Memorizing Scripture this year has been a lifeline through difficult days.
Denise – Meredith NH “He reveals deep and mysterious things and knows what lies hidden in darkness, though he is surrounded by light”. Dan 2:22 (NLT)
Memorizing God’s Word this year has given me an opportunity to exercise my spirit and my body at the same time. It’s amazing how time flies when your mind is engaged and the daily pursuit of His Message for me just makes me love Him more and more. I would like to encourage any siestas to continue this regime with the Reigning King!
Carmen, Largo, FL
“And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless until the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ-to the glory and praise of God.” Phil 1:9-11 NIV
In view of all this, make every effort to respond to God’s promises. Supplement your faith with a generous provision of moral excellence, and moral excellence with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with patient endurance, and patient endurance with godliness, and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love for everyone.
1 Peter 1:5-7 NLT
Memorizing Scripture has been a real challenge for me, but it is one that I am winning with God’s help.
Okie Sisters–
For you died and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. Col. 3:3 NIV
This year I’ve started two new disciplines–memorizing God’s word and reading through the Bible. And He’s given me two things (AT LEAST!) in returen–
1- A deeper hunger for Him.
2- The realization that He wants to be my BFF! (He really does!!!)
Lisa, Granville, OH: I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of Egypt so that you would no longer be slaves to the Egyptians; I broke the bars of your yoke and enabled you to walk with your heads held high. Leviticus 26:13 NIV
Theresa, Pace, Florida
“For He chose us in Him, before the foundation of the world, to be holy and blameless in His sight.”
Memorizing scripture this year has continually reminded that God’s Word applies to my life, the here and now, and it changes everything!
Janet, Wingate, NC
For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts. Isaiah 55:9 ESV
Love God’s Word and love the focus, discipline & support this team provides.
Amanda, Westfield, NC (thanks Lisa in Olympia)
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 God’s Word this year has led me to never stop seeking Him and brought me great comfort in every situation (especially when one is in the back of an ambulance without a Bible in sight!)
Lori, Pelham, NH “Yea, the darkness hideth not from thee, but the night shineth as the day; the darkness and the light are both alike to thee.” PS. 139:12 KJV. Memorizing God’s Word this year has challenged me and caused me to remember and rely upon His great and precious promises to me!
“The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For out of the overflow of his heart his mouth speaks” Luke 6:45 NIV
Memorizing Scripture this year has been hard, yet so rewarding.
Cindy, Lake City, 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 (NET)
Memorizing God’s Word this year has helped me to be more mindful of my thoughts and actions.
Vicksburg, MS: Song of Solomon 2:4(b)his banner raised over me is love.
Beth, Mt. Holly, NC
“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)
Crystal…Livonia, Michigan
“Be kindly affectioned on to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another.” Romans 12:10 KJV
Memorizing scripture this year has helped me when I stumble in my thoughts and attitudes…brings my focus back to His Word and His desire for my life!
Angie and Lily (5 year old daughter), Goshen, IN, “Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, for our ‘God is a consuming fire’.”, Hebrews 12:28, NIV.
Memorizing God’s Word this year has been difficult yet something I’m proud to be teaching my daughter at such a young age…even if we don’t do so well every time.
Lyndsay, New Castle, IN.
“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.” –Heb. 12:1
Memorizing Scripture this year has been a chance to learn discipline and perserverance, while experiencing God’s encouragement when I would normally be fighting discouragment.
Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, for our God is a consuming fire.
Heb 12:28-29
I originally chose my verses because I either liked them, or for a different reasons. I found this past week or so that nearly every one applies to a new situation that I did not forsee. Obviously God did!! How awesome!!!
Angie Loveland OH, Psalm 119:133 NIV
“Direct my footsteps according to your word; let no sin rule over me.”
Memorizing Gods word this year has forced me into Scripture more and I am loving it.
“People may make plans in their minds but the Lord decides what they will do.” Proverbs 16:9 NCV
Julie < Eden Texas
Psalm 126:5
New Living Translation (NLT)
Those who plant in tears will harvest with shouts of joy.
Mary, NH
Proverbs 31:30(NIV)
Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting;
but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.
Memorizing scripture has enabled me to deal confidently with difficult situations in my life! It’s the “mental fuel” that sustains me.
As “People may make plans in their minds but the Lord decides what they will do.” Proverbs 16:9 NCV
Memorizing scripture this year has given words of comfort and strength to share with others going through difficult times.
Terri, Marion, IN
But as for me, I watch in hope for the LORD,
I wait for God my Savior;
my God will hear me. Micah 7:7, NIV
Memorizing God’s word this year has been a lifeline to Him.
Nikol, Birmingham, AL: “For the LORD is the one who shaped the mountains, stirs up the winds, and reveals his thoughts to mankind. He turns the light of dawn into darkness and treads on the heights of the earth. The LORD God of Heaven’s Armies is his name!” Amos 4:13 (NLT)
Memorizing Scripture this year has given me an arsenal of reminders to God’s faithfulness and the promises we live under today! Go God!
Pam Hendersonville, NC
Romans 11:33-“O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgements, and his ways past finding out!” KJV
Memorizing God’s Word this year has kept me aware of how God’s Word applies to everyday situations.
Marie, Easley, SC
She is like the merchant ships, bringing her food from afar. She gets up while it is still dark; she provides food for her family and portions for her servant girls.
Proverbs 31:14-15
This is from a study I am doing!!
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 God’s Word is the best tool to live a victorious life in Christ!
Pam in Texas using the Everyday Bible
Finally, be strong in the Lord and his great power. …
So stand strong, with the belt of truth tied around your waiste and teh protection of right living on your chest.
Memorizing God’s word this year has caused me to find deeper meaning of the word in my life and be more relaxed.
Dannel
Holtwood PA
Romans 8:14,15 NIV
Memorizing God’s Word this year has acted as glue, a sticky, healing balm in my soul.
v.14 “because those who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. 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.”
Create in me a clean heart, Oh God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.
Psalm 351:10 (NIV)
Each one of my scripture verses are like good friends who, by the grace of God, support me when I need them most! I love holding them in my memory!
Kristine, La crescent, MN: He who began a good work in your will be faithful to carry onto completion. Phil 1:6, NIV
Memorizing Scripture has been so encouraging and helped my mind remain God-focused and not caught up in the worries and things of the world.
Lauren-Plano, TX
And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:19, NIV
Beth in Mullica Hill, NJ
Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.” Colossians 3:12 NIV
Memorizing scripture this year has helped me to keep my priorities in check, and my focus on Him.
Heather, Tallahassee, FL
Let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in our time of need. Hebrews 4:16 NASB
Memorizing Scripture this year has sharpened my sword to fight the battles that attempt to defeat me; as a result, I’m living victoriously!
Cheryl, NC
She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come.
~Proverbs 31:25~ TNIV
Memorizing Scripture this year has helped me through some really difficult days.
No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love him.
1Corintians 3:9 (NLT)
Donna
Ponder, TX
Tiffany, Columbus, OH: “May the Lord of peace himself give you his peace at all times and in every situation.” 2 Thessalonians 3:16 (NLT). Memorizing scripture has caused me to ask God to be specific with what He has for me and then watch Him do His thing.
Tilley in Franklin, TN
“So we do not focus on what is seen, but on what is unseen; for what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.”
2 Corinthians 4:18 (Holman Christian Standard Bible)
Susan, Wake Forest
1 Corinthians 12:31b-13:1 NIV
And now I will show you the most excellent way. If I speak in the tongues of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal.
I have sought your face with all my heart, be gracious to me according to your promise. Psalm 119:58 NIV I want the word of God to be embedded in my very soul.
Catherine, Lee’s Summit, MO
John 14:21– Whoever has my commands and obeys them, he is the one who loves me. He who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love him and show myself to him.
Selina, Barbourville, KY.
Rejoice in the Lord, O ye righteous: for PRAISE is comely for the upright. Psalm 33:1 KJV
Memorizing God’s word this year has kept my mind upon Him and helped me have the right attitude during a very tough trial.
Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need. Matthew 6:33NLT
Memorizing God’s word this year has changed my daily perspective on things, and has shown me I can be one of ‘those people’ who knows scripture! Thank you God!!
Matthew 6:9-13 NLT
“Our Father in heaven,
may your name be kept holy.
May your Kingdom come soon.
May your will be done on earth,
as it is in heaven.
Give us today the food we need,
and forgive us our sins,
as we have forgiven those who sin against us.
And don’t let us yield to temptation,
but rescue us from the evil one.”
Memorizing Scripture this year has helped me with obedience, surrender, discipline, fear, sin, discouragement, my marriage, and realigned my relationship with God. Thank you, thank you!
(Happy Birthday Mama :-)Not sure of the exact day but I think it’s this week.)
Cindy, Broken Arrow, OK
“Find rest, O my soul, in God alone; my hope comes from him. He alone is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will not be shaken.”
Psalm 62:5-6 NIV
Memorizing scripture this year has reminded me that His Word is alive and powerful.