**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
NIV
1 Peter 2:12
Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us.
Memorizing scripture has been an awesome challenge, I have never been able to before, it has strengthened me in many situations this year and has helped me keep my focus on Jesus not me and my circumstances.
I drove through Ringgold on my way to Ga. last month. My heart still breaks for you folks, You are on a lot of prayer chains, May God bless you for your hardship and raise you up to better things soon.
Lynne, New Milford – May the God of peace…that great Shepherd of the sheep, equip you with everything good for doing His will. Hebrews 13:20-21 NIV Memorizing God’s word this year has kept my mind on Him.
Dianne
Richland, MS
Psalm 121:1 NIV
I lift up my eyes to the hills where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth.
Memorizing scripture this year has helped me so much as I have lost a dear brother to cancer.
Martha, Lexington: “I the LORD do not chnage. So you…are not destoryed.” Malachi 3:6 NIV
Rebecca, Louisa, VA: “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. Then you will call upon Me and come and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. You will seek Me and find Me when you seek Me with all your heart.” ~ Jeremiah 29:11-13 (NIV)
Memorizing scripture this year has helped me to live what I believe.
Leslie,Salinas,CA
“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” Romans 12.2 (NIV)
Memorizing scripture this year has filled my mind with God-thoughts and helped me resist any thought that is contrary to God’s word.
He himself is before all things and in him all things hold together.
Col1:17
NRSV
Memorizing has helped me focus on the truth and promise in His word.
“Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.” Mark 12:30
Christy Crosby, Clarksville TN
“Turn my eyes from worthless things,
and give me life through your Word.” Psalm 119:37
Memorizing God’s Word has kept me focused on my first priority, my Jesus!
Amber Wooten, Warsaw, IN
“Behold, I am the LORD, the God of all flesh; is anything too difficult for Me?” NASB
Jeremiah 32:27
Teri from Florida
Psalm 68:9
New Living Translation (NLT)
9 You sent abundant rain, O God,
to refresh the weary land.
Tracy
Atlanta, GA
Sing God a brand-new song! Earth and everyone in it, sing! Sing to God – worship God!
Psalm 96:1 (The Message)
Memorizing Scripture this year has been challenging and so interesting to see what He wants to communicate to me each week.
And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns. Philippians 1:6 NLT
Memorizing scripture this year has helped me in times of worry and concern. Having these words ready on my tongue and in my mind has been a great source of strength
Jana, Brenham, TX
John 14:21
“Whoever has my commands and keeps them is the one who loves me. The one who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love them and show myself to them.”
Mark 9:24
“I do believe; Help me overcome my unbelief!”
NIV
Donna
Clarksville, TN
NKJV
“Now godliness with contentment is great gain.”
I Timothy 6:6
Deborah, Markham, VA
“I say to myself, ‘The LORD is my portion; therefore I will wait for Him.’ The LORD is good to those whose hope is in Him, to the one who seeks Him; it is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the LORD.” -Lamentations 3:24-26
Memorizing Scripture this year has kept me more focused on Him, allowing more of His peace and joy into every part of my life! Wow! What a difference!!
Rebecca, Berlin GA
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
John 3:16 KJV
For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.
Blessings
Kelli in Colorado
Deanna, Frisco,TX- Philippians 4:8 (NIV) – Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable–if anything is excellent or praiseworthy–think about such things.
Memorizing scripture is renewing my mind and I’m experiencing some incredible transformation…things I know are not my doing!
Salina, Hindman, Ky
“For whoever is ashamed of Me and My words, of him the Son of Man will be ashamed when He comes in His own glory and in His Father’s and of the holy angels.” (NKJV)
Memorizing God’s Word this year has given me the confidence to boldly proclaim Jesus’ name to the lost.
Heather, Lewiston: “Because of your great compassion, you did not abandon them in the desert. By day the pillar of cloud did not cease to guide them on their path, nor the pillar of fire by night to shine on the way they were to take.” Nehemiah 9:19, NIV
Memorizing God’s Word this year has simply led me to CONSISTENTLY WITHOUT FAIL TWO TIMES EVERY MONTH memorize God’s Word this year (LOL 🙂 )and has renewed my mind and guided my prayers over others in new ways.
Janice from Milford, IL
But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth. NIV
At the beginning of this year, my Bible study; including a former pastor; felt God’s leading to start a new church. God’s Spirit is moving within our group and God continues to open door after door. Memorizing God’s word has greatly helped me to be strengthened and renewed as I put to death old hurts, and focus on God’s promises and power for me!
Shane, Russellville, God is not human, that He should lie. Not a human being, that He should change His mind. Does He speak, and then not act? Does He promise, and not fulfill? Numbers 23:19 NIV
Debra, Meadville, Mississippi
Revelation 12:11 They overcame him by the Blood of the Lamb and the Word of their testimony…
Kim, Nashville, TN
You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you annoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.
Psalm 23:5 (ESV)
Wendy, Cody, Wyoming NAS Psalm 9:10 And those who know Your name will put their trust in You, For You, O LORD, have not forsaken those who seek You.
Hey, we’re right on the same page together!! Yea. I love you.
Caryn, Fort Worth, TX
“Behold, God will not cast away the blameless,
Nor will He uphold the evildoers.”
Job 8:20 (NKJV)
LeAnne, Albertville. Sorry I’m late. “…Yes, I have loved you with an everlasting love.” Jeremiah 31:3 NKJV
Janet, Lenoir, NC. “Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and your plans will succeed.” Proverbs 16:3 NIV
Memorizing Scripture this year has girded me with strength and power in the face of adversity, constantly bringing peace and hope to my heart. It has helped me encourage my husband and children to do the same!
Linda
Madison, MS
When you were dead in you sins and in the uncircumcision of your sinful nature, God made you alive with Christ. He forgave us all our sins.
Colossians 2:13
NIV
“Give your burdens to the Lord. He will carry them. He will not permit the godly to slip or fall”.
PS. 55:22
Patti in Palm Springs
Pat….Littlefield, Tx…..”For you are great and do marvelous things; you alone are God.” Psalm 86:10 NIV
Memorizing scripture this year has helped me to be focused on His Word more than usual.
“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God. For just as the sufferings of Christ flow over into our lives, so also through Christ our comfort overflows.”
2 Cor 1:3-5
Memorizing scripture this year has helped me stay on God’s path emotionally.
Tracy, Moberly, MO
So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up.
~ Galatians 6:9, NLT
Rachael, Chattanooga,TN
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33 NIV
Kathy H…College Station TX….So take everything the Master has set out for you, well-made weapons of the best materials. And put them to use so you will be able to stand up to everything the devil throws your way.. Eph 6:11 Msg
Stephenie, Bentonville, AR.
15 Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.. , Colossians 3:15
This scripture has reminded me daily to seek peace…it has humbled me a few times as I’ve had to ask for forgiveness for a response or attitude that I have had throughout this week.
Do not be bitter or angry or mad. Never shout angrily or say things to hurt others.
Ephesians 4:31
Jackie from Lake Charles: “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” Ps46:1KJV
Out of the same mouth proceed blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not be so.
James 3:10
Memorizing God’s Word this year has been such an eye opener. It really makes His word come alive!
diane, Baraboo, Wisconsin…..”The Lord is righteous in all his ways and loving toward all he has made. The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth.” Psalm 145:17-18 NIV
Memorizing scripture this year has helped me remember God’s promises and how much he loves me.
Gail, Ellensurg, WA
Philippians 1:9-11 (KJV)
And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgment;
That ye may approve things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere and without offence till the day of Christ.
Being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God.
Memorizing scripture this year has helped me keep my focus, to have a “single, steady aim.” I want to keep my eyes centered on Christ as I seek His will and direction for my life!
Stacy, Ames, IA “To them God chose to make known how great among the Gentiles are the riches of the glory of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.” Colossians 1:27 ESV
Memorizing scripture this year has been an example, encouragement and challenge to my children to endeavor to do likewise.
Maurina from Lake Charles: “I will praise the name of God with a song, and will magnify him with thanksgiving” Ps 69:30 KJV
Elise, Birmingham “I have loved you with an everlasting love, therefore I have continued my faithfulness to you. Jeremiah 31:3
Memorizing the best I have been able to has heped me realize we have so many promises that it is hard to even take it in
Erika-Gadsden,Al
“Let not your heart be troubled. You believe in God; believe in me also. John 14:1
Memorizing scripture this year has given me a place to go when I want to have less than a positive attitude.
Kathy, Corinth, Now the God of peace who brought up from the dead the Great Shepherd of the sheep through the blood of the eternal covenant even Jesus our Lord,
equip you in every good thing to do His will working in us that which is pleasing in His sight through Jesus Christ, to whom be the glory forever and ever. Amen
Memorizing God’s word reminds me that I have a Great Shepherd and that makes me a dumb, powerless sheep. 😉 I love the hope of this verse that I can please Him!!!
Allyson, Winnsboro, SC: “The LORD will guide you always;
he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail.” Isaiah 58:11 (NIV)
Joy
Charlotte, NC
For in many dreams and in many words there is emptiness. Rather, fear God.
Ecclesiastes 5:7 (NASB)
Memorizing God’s Word this year has reinforced the fact that His Word cannot be exhausted!
Kristi, Pocahontas, AR “He has told you, O man, what is good; And what does the LORD require of you
But to do justice, to love kindness,
And to walk humbly with your God?” Micah 6:8 NASB
Memorizing God’s Word this year has helped me arm myself with the sword of the Spirit, instead of always resorting to other swords.