**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
Laura, Hoyt, KS. “Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be.” Matthew 6:21 NLT
Memorizing Scripture this year has given me a chance to be intentional about hiding God’s Word in my heart.
Col 1: 21-22 NIV Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior. But now he has reconciled you by Christ’s physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation if you continue in your faith, established and firm, not moved from the hope held out in the gospel.
Memorizing Scripture this year has jerked me back into true Spiritual reality when in my mind, I could have chased a lie down a long worldly deceitful trail and reaped untold consequences.
Lauren, Boston, MA: “Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.” James 1:20 (NIV)
Memorizing scripture this year has reminded me how rich and applicable God’s Word is for everyday living.
Carla, LaFayette, Al.
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11
Brenda, Jordan, MN
“For it is God’s will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish men.”
1 Peter 2:15 NIV
Memorizing scripture has helped me gain steps towards victory over my critical words.
Molly, Wilmington, DE
“God, who has called you into fellowship with his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, is faithful.”
1 Corinthians 1:9 (NIV)
Memorizing scripture this year has made me hunger to know more.
Becky
Willowick, OH
We love because he first loved us.
1 John 4:19
My scriptures are getting a little shorter and easier, but I’m so happy I haven’t given up!!
Michelle, Piedmont, OK
“Those who know your name will trust in you, for you, Lord, have never forsaken those who seek you. NIV Ps. 9:10
Erin, Grayson: To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that he might be glorified. Isaiah 61:3 KJV
I forgot to post yesterday. We are having VBS, so my brain is only able to think, “Yes, yes, yes, yes, yes to Vuh, Vuh, VBS!”
Deb Pierre, SD
I lift my eyes to the hills -where does my strength come? My help comes from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth. Psalm 121:1-2
Memorizing Scripture this year has been life changing,as I am doing it with my daughter.
Wendy, Vero Beach
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.
Philippians 1:9-11 (NIV)
Memorizing God’s word this year is giving me encouragement when I am down, strength when I am weak, and confidence when I am afraid.
Psalm 141:3 (NIV)
Set a guard, O Lord, over my mouth; keep watch over the door of my lips.
Psalm 92: 14-15 NIV
They will still bear fruit in old age, they will stay fresh and green,
proclaiming, “The Lord is upright, He is my Rock, and there is no wickedness in Him.”
Memorizing scripture and saying it out loud keeps my mind focused on the One who is True!
Shelli, Houston: “This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.” ~ John 15:7 (NIV)
Jeni – Vevay, IN
Jeremiah 31:33 (NASB)
But this is the covenant which I will make with the house of Israel after those days, declares the Lord, “I will put My law within them, and on their heart I will write it; and I will be their God, and they shall be My people.”
Gail, McDonough, GA
…that power is like the working of his mighty strength,which he exerted in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every title that can be given, not only in the present age but also in the one to come. Ephesians 1 19b-20 (NIV)
Memorizing scripture has helped me get focused and be challenged, and disciplined. I have really enjoyed being a part of this community!
Jennifer Quinton – Prairie Grove, AR
Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. – Galations 6:2 NIV
Cathy from Loxahatchee, FL
Ephesians 2:10 NLT
For we are God’s masterpiece. He created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.
“I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise and exalt and glorify the King of heaven, because everything He does is right and all His ways are just. And those who walk in pride He is able to humble.” Daniel 4:37 NIV
Olivia S
TN
Psalm 56.11 MSG
Fearless now, I trust in God; What can mere mortals do to me?
Sandra Stamey, China Grove, NC
“He WHO dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall remain stable and fixed under the shadow of the almighty [Whose power no foe can withstand].” Psalm 91:1 (AMP)
Msry, Pierre SD
Psalm 16:8
New International Version (NIV)
8 I keep my eyes always on the LORD.
With him at my right hand, I will not be shake
Memorizing Scripture has given me a new perspective at how great it is to be a Christian in the world today.
Christy, Katy TX: “The LORD passed by before him and proclaimed: ‘the LORD, the LORD, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger and abounding in loyal love for thousands, forgiving iniquity, transgression, and sin.'” Exodus 34:6-7 the NET Bible
Jenn, Katy, TX
I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength.
Philippians 4:12b-13 NIV
Dee, Muncie,IN
I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.” Psalm 91:2 (NIV)
Lita, Blairsville, Ga. Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. Lamentations 3:22-23 NIV
Kelly Bullock
Clarksville, TN
Ps 37:4 NIV Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart.
Memorizing Scripture this year has helped my mind and my heart believe what my Sprit says is so!
“God satisfies my mouth with good things, He renews my youth as the eagles.” Psalm 103:5
Memorizing Scripture this year has given me healing in my body. I pray this scripture as I am brushing my teeth.
Lauren, Biloxi
“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.
Memorizing Scripture this year has brought me closer to God.
Hope, Northport, AL
“‘Return, O faithless sons, I will heal your faithlessness.’ ‘Behold, we come to You; For Youare the Lord our God.'” Jeremiah 3:22 (NAS)
Memorizing scripture this year has excited my soul! Thank you for the challenge, I am enjoying it so!
Shelly, Rochester, MN
“Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation now that you have tasted that the Lord is good.” 1 Peter 2:2-3 NIV
Judy, Holland, MI For I am the Lord, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you. Is 41:13
Memorizing scripture this year has helped me to live a more disciplined life.
Natalie, Indialantic FL
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, 2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3 Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.
Hebrews 12:1-3
Memorizing scripture this year has kept me from sinking into the pit.
Beth, Morristown, TN-“The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth.” Psalm 145:18
What is impossible with man is POSSIBLE with God! Luke 18:27
Faith
Eau Claire, WI
Psalm 93:4
New International Version (NIV)
Mightier than the thunder of the great waters,
mightier than the breakers of the sea—
the LORD on high is mighty.
Memorizing God’s word this year has given me tools to fend off the enemy!
Sara Springfield Mo
KJV Psalm 52:1
Why boastest thou thyself in mischief, O mighty man? The lovingkidness of God endures continually.
Memorizing God’s Word this year has… helped retrain my thinking and given me truth at my fingertips when I need it most.
Joyce, Merritt Island, FL
“Tie them to your hands as a reminder, and wear them on your forehead. Write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.” Deut 6:8-9 (Finishing up the entire portion verses 4-9)
Memorizing scripture this year has really helped me keep my attitude in check and focus on Christ and not the things of this world.
Stephanie
Knoxville, TN
“For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith, as it is written, “The righteous shall live by faith.” (Romans 1:16-17, ESV)
Ruth, Sanger, Romans 5:8 NIV But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
Leigh Gray
Carmi, Il.
“But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night.”
Ps. 1:2 – NIV
Erin D, Dover, NH: But whatever was to my profit I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. Philippians 3:7, NIV
Memorizing Scripture this year has been more like looking up a verse and writing it down two times a month. But at least I am in God’s Word and reading Scripture regularly. That’s a step in the right direction! And I haven’t given up yet!
Lauren, Jackson, KY. Hebrews 11:6- But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. Memorizing God’s Word this year has helped me seek Him, and find Him faithful for ALL situations that come my way.
Marge, Chili WI
Psalm 121:1
I will lift up my eyes to the hills-where does my help come from?
Memorizing scripture this year has been harder than I expected it to be, my mind is on planning our daughter’s wedding…so distracted! But-I am keeping going, praise God.
May the words of my mouth and the thoughts of my heart be pleasing to, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer. Psalm 19:14. NLT
Memorizing scripture this year has made me think about which scriptures I NEED to have living in my heart.
Holly, Allen, Texas
Helen, Gatesville (JUST realized I’ve been leaving this part out of my posts. OOPS!)
Psalm 73:26 “My felsh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever”.
That should be “My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.”
“Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.” Matt. 7:7-8 NIV (Memorizing scripture this year has been the key to demolishing a deep stronghold of anxiety in my life…PRAISE GOD!)
“We can make our own plans, but the Lord gives the right answer.” NLT Proverbs 16:1
Memorizing God’s word this year has been so much easier than I ever thought and life changing.
Philippians 2:5 NIV
Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus.
Memorizing God’s Word has helped me to personalize His
Word, helping me to apply it to every circumstance in my day…..My attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus.
Lora, Florissant, CO. “For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things. To Him be the glory forever! Amen.” Romans 11:36
Memorizing God’s word this year has caused me to have comfort and strength throughout my day as different situations arise. I love how they come to mind!