**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
Tracey from Shawnee, Kansas
Colossians 3:17 (NIV)
And whatever you do , whetehr in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
My memory verses have blessed my prayer life beyond belief by being in my heart at exactly the point I needed them. The Holy Spirit provided them to me before I knew I would need them. Praise Him!!
Barb, Des Moines, IA
Before a word is on my tongue, you know it completely, O LORD.
Psalm 139:4 (NIV)
Memorizing scripture has strengthened and comforted me as I dealt with the illness and death of my father this spring.
Nell, Abbi & Chloe Wichita Falls, TX
“Therefore come out from them and be separate, says the Lord. Touch no unclean thing, and I will receive you. And, I will be a Father to you, and you will be my sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty.” – 2 Corinthians 6:17-18
Memorizing God’s word this year has cemented my relationship with my daughters in a way I didn’t think I was possible. :’)
Blessed are those whose strength is in You, who have set their hearts on pilgrimage.
Psalm 84:5 (NIV)
Memorizing God’s Word this year has caused me to share it with others out of sheer, uncontainable confidence and excitement!
Carrie, Poplar Bluff, MO
My heart is confident in you, O God; my heart is confident. No wonder I can sing your praise.
Ps. 57:7 NLT
Paige, Overland Park, KS
Matthew 7:21 (ESV)
“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord’ will enter the Kingdom of Heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in Heaven.”
Memorizing God’s Word this year has strengthened my trust and faith in Him. It has personalized these passages for me so that I am starting to believe they really do apply to me.
Berni, Albuquerque
“Let me experience Your faithful love in the morning,
for I trust in You.
Reveal to me the way I should go,
because I long for You.” Psalm 143:8 HCSB
Memorizing God’s Word this year has helped me to meditate on what He wants me to know about Him in this painful season I am in.
Thank You for your unfailing love LORD.
Vicky, Germantown, TN
Submit to God and be at peace with Him; in this way prosperity will come to you. Job 22:21 (NIV)
No temptation has overtaken you but such is common to man; God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it. 1 Corinthians 10:13
Memorizing scripture this year has given me an arsenal of truth ready and available within my mind………and a daily “clinging” to the truth that His word is living, active and sharper……Hebrews 4:12. My mind is a battlefield, and by God’s grace and His truth……..We’re going to win!
Beth, Cleveland, OH
2 Timothy 3:16&17 (RSV)
All scripture is inspired by God, and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.
Memorizing scripture has been frustrating, but ultimately rewarding as I am seeing where I need to make room in my busy life for true committment to God, as well as seeing where His Word has personal help for me on my journey to be what He really has called me to be.
Cheryl, Coffeyville, KS
“Praise be to God, who has not rejected my prayer or withheld his love from me!” Psalm 66:20 NIV
Memorizing God’s Word this year has ministered to my heart time and again.
Cindy – Lexington, NC
Romans 12:2 NLT
Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the ways you think.
These memory verses have been a great source of redirecting my habits and choices that could have otherwise damaging to my life and testimony.
Psalms 91:2 NIV
I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God in whom I trust.”
Eleanor
Memphis, TN
Memorizing God’s Word has directed my thoughts in the night hour to run to Him and not to dwell or fear the situation.
Nicole/Dallas/Corinthians 7:17, The message: “17 And don’t be wishing you were someplace else or with someone else. Where you are right now is God’s place for you. Live and obey and love and believe right there. God, not your marital status, defines your life. Don’t think I’m being harder on you than on the others. I give this same counsel in all the churches.”
I won’t be on a computer tommorow, so Happy Birthday early. I appreciate you and your ministry so much. God has used you to inspire me, pull me out of pits, and more importantly than anything, God has used you to show me Him in a way that I probably wouldn’t have been able to do on my own. Thank you!!! I love you Sister!!!
Deb, Windsor, CT:
“All a man’s ways seem innocent to him, but motives are weighed by the Lord. Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and your plans will succeed.” – Proverbs 16:2-3, NIV
Memorizing God’s word this year has shown me in a new way how much life and power there is in the word of God.
“Let justice roll down like waters, and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream.” Amos 5:24, ESV. Memorizing God’s Word this year has helped me overcome depression.
“Heal me, O Lord, and I will be healed. Save me and I will be saved. For you are my praise.” (Jeremiah 17:14 NLT Bible)
Memorizing God”s Word this year has helped me trust in God more and hear Him speak to me in such a personal way.
Adrienne
JAsper, TN
They tell of the glory of your kingdom
and speak of your might
Psalm 145:11
Richelle, Kingston, So, because you are lukewarm-neither hot nor cold-I am about to spit you out of my mouth. Revelation 3:16 (NIV)
Memorizing God’s Word this year has taken over my thoughts of worry about the future.
Jane W., Charlotte
“Therefore everyone who hears these words of Mine and acts on them, may be compared to a wise man who built his house on the rock. And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and slammed against that house; and yet it did not fall, for it had been founded on the rock.” Matthew 7: 24 & 25 NASB
Memorizing God’s Word this year has made me realize how much I do not yet know of His Word.
Jill, Bozeman MT
The wise woman builds her house,
but with her own hands the foolish one tears hers down.
Proverbs 14:1 NIV
Memorizing God’s Word this years has kept reminding me that God has a plan for me and he is with me.
Toni, Morgans Point, TX – You will seek Me and find Me when you seek Me with all your heart. Jeremiah 29:13 NIV
Beth
Rome, GA
“For our momentary light affliction is producing for us an absolutely incomparable eternal weight of glory.” 2 Corinthians 4:18 HCSB
Memorizing God’s Word this year has challenged me to be diligent about being in the Word and following through with my actions.
*2 Corinthians 4:17 not 18.
Sherry, Hillsboro, OR ~ I am the way the truth and life. No one comes to the Father except through me. John 14:6 NIV. Memorizing Scripture this year has helped keep me in God’s Word, lisening to His voice. (Happy Birthday!)
Tucson, Az
Those who seek my life will be destroyed, they will go down to the depths of the earth. Psalm 63:9 NIV
Memorizing Psalm 63 and God’s Word has been such a beautiful blessing in my life.
“Commit yourself to instruction;listen carefully to words of knowledge.” Proverbs 23:12
Memorizing God’s word — a wealth of knowledge to my soul even if I don’t memorize every word.
Nancy, Denver
…”Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord of hosts,
the whole earth is full of His glory.” Isaiah 6:3b (NAS)
Memorizing God’s Word this year has made me depend on Him and desire Him more than ever. Praise Him!
Rosie, Tacoma Wa
An my God shall supply all your need
according to His riches in glory
by Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:19
Memorizing God’s Word this year has refreshed my morning quiet time with Him, thank you!
Stacey in Midlothian ~ I wait for the Lord, my soul waits; and in his word I hope. Psalm 130:5 (ESV)
*Memorizing God’s Word this year is transforming my perspective and anchoring my soul during the storm.
Deb in Bremen, IN
The LORD watches over you –
the LORD is your shade at your right hand;
the sun will not harm you by day nor the moon by night.
Paslams 121: 5-6 NIV
Vicki, Surprise AZ
For God is not a God of disorder but of peace.
1 Corinthians 14:33
Memorizing God’s Word this year has given me confidence in situations of uncertainty.
Colleen, Cape Town, South Africa
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. Col 1:22-23a
Memorizing God’s Word this year has made me more aware of who I am in Christ and what I mean to God, at the same time teaching me who God is.
Missy S, Winston-Salem, NC
“We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, sure and steadfast, which reaches inside behind the curtain, where Jesus our forerunner entered on our behalf, since He became a priest forever in the order of Melchizedek.” ~ Hebrews 6:19-20 (NET)
Memorizing God’s Word this year has stilled my doubts, given me the strength to wait upon the Lord, and helped conform my thoughts to the pattern of His will. So thankful!
Love to the Siestas!
Deidre, Hickory, NC
“O LORD, You have searched me and known me. You know my sitting down and my rising up; You understand my thought afar off.”
Psalm 139:1-2
Memorizing God’s Word this year has brought life to an otherwise fearful, weary woman. I need Him!
Susan Griffith Holland MI Isaiah 26:3 “You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast because he trusts in you.”
Cara, Valley Head, AL
Give thanks to the LORD, for He is good. His love endures forever. Psalm 136:1 NIV. Memorizing scripture has reignited the Holy Spirit and I have notice his change in my life!
Behind on posting but not on the memorizing. Lacie, Kansas
May 1st – A fool gives full vent to his anger, but a wise man keeps himself under control. Proverbs 29:11 NIV
May 15th – In the multitude of words sin is not lacking, but he who restrains is lips is wise. Proverbs 10:19 NIV
June 1st – Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs. Ephesians 4:29 NIV
June 15th – Put to death therefore, whatever beons to your earthly nature: sexual imorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolotry. Colossians 3:5
Amy – Custer, SD
“Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.”
Hebrews 10:37 NIV
Memorizing God’s Word this year has helped me focus on His will & promise in EVERY situation in my life.
Romans 15:4 ” For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.”
Yolanda
Ulysses, KS.
It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery. Gal 5:1 NIV
Scripture memory work draws me closer to my Savior and farther away from my stinkin’ thinkin’.
Savanna, Atlanta, GA.
You have made known to me the path of life; You will fill me with joy in Your presence, with eternal pleasures at Your right hand. Psalm 16:11 NIV
Casey, Ooltewah Psalm 32:8 “I will instruct you and show you the way to go; with My eye on you I will give counsel.” (HCSB)
Kristi, Lenoir City, TN
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 1984
Memorizing Scripture has helped me to focus on God, recall applicable verses in times of need and has also been a wonderful bond between me, my best friend, another friend and my mom.
Charlotte, outside Charlotte, NC
The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me,
Because the Lord has anointed me to preach good news to the poor.
He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted,
To proclaim freedom for the captives,
And release from darkness for the prisoners.
Isaiah 61:1 NIV
Memorizing scripture this year has helped me to stay strong. I know the verse above, but have not memorized it and I need it for my trip to Haiti next month.
Kathy, Shattuck, OK
“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.” Ephesian 1:11 (NIV)
(continuing Ephesians 1:3-14)
Memorizing God’s Word this year has helped me focus on what I have in Christ.
Joy, Peachtree City. “But those who wait on the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint.” Isaiah 40:31 (The NKJV Bible)
I have found that memorizing scripture is a wonderful way to become wiser.
P.S. Where will our event be held in January 2012?
Dawn; Orland Park, IL: “Come, my children, and listen to me, and I will teach you the fear of the LORD.” Psalm 34:11 (NLT) Memorizing God’s Word has drawn me closer to Him and given me opportunities to share those verses with others at just the right time.
Shannon Buda TX
But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.
Luke 2:19 (NIV)
Memorizing God’s Word this year is clearing out clutter in my heart and mind that I have lived with for years. It has kept me focused on the Big picture!
“Train up a child in the way he should go, And when he is old he will not depart from it.” Proverbs 22:6 (NKJV)
Memorizing God’s word this year has changed the way I percieved the Bible…it’s no longer an intimidating book but now an open door to an intimate Walk with my Heavanly Father.