**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
Joyce
Sparta, NJ
” We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.” 2 Cor 10:5 (NIV)
Kena, Milford, But I do not count my life of any value nor as precious to myself, if only I may finish my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus to testify to the gospel of the grace of God. Acts 20:24 ESV
Memorizing scripture has been a challenge and it still is even at the half way point.
Tiffany, Anaheim CA
“You are my witnesses,” Declares the Lord, “and my servant whom I have chosen, so that you may know and believe me and understand that I am He.”
Isaiah 43:10 ESV
Melissa, Sulphur, LA
“Teach me Your way, Lord, that I may rely on Your faithfulness; give me an undivided heart, that I may fear Your Name.” -Psalm 86:11
Marilyn, Bradenton, FL
Psa. 91:1,2 (NIV)
Whoever dwells in the shelter of Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the LORD, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God in whom I trust.”
Christine Lissoy, Irvine, CA: “Yet the LORD longs to be gracious to you; he rises to show you compassion. For the LORD is a God of justice, Blessed are all who wait for him!” Isaiah 30:18 (NIV). Memorizing this year has helped me focus on HIM and not me.
Jill in Palm Coast, FL
He has told you, O man, what is good; And what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God.
Micah 6:8 ESV
Kim H., McKinney, TX
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:9, NIV)
Memorizing Scripture this year has been God’s way of speaking clearly to me in our adoption process.
Fran, Jackson TN “I have come that they may have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.” John 10:10 KJV
Memorizing scripture during a very challenging season has caused me to intentionally pick promises that apply to a certain situation therefore giving many of us hope and determination to press on. He is faithful. Let us always lean in to Him and His Word.
Proverbs 31:25. She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come.
Christian, Port Huron MI
Rest in the Lord, wait patiently for him to act. Don’t be envious of evil me who prosper. Psalm 37:7 (Living Bible)
Memorizing God’s word this year has taught me God is in EVERY bit of EVERY circumstance of my life, and HE has it all covered.
Vicki
Midlothian, VA
2 Timothy 2:15 The NET Bible
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.
Memorizing God’s Word this year has been a comfort to me, providing hope and encouragement in trials we’ve been deluged with.
Cindy, Madrid, Spain
“Let’s keep a firm grip on the promises that keep us going. He always keeps his word.”
Hebrews 10:23, The Message
Memorizing scripture this year has helped me be focused on the Lord and on his word, and has shown me I can do it with his help.
Kendell, Omaha, “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” Romans 12:2 NIV Memorizing scripture this year has helped me trust God for all things in life, not just when I think I need Him.
Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and your plans will succeed. Proverbs 16:3 NIV
Psalm 150:3 (ESV)
“Let everything that has breath praise the LORD! Praise the LORD!”
Memorizing the scriptures has kept me at peace when my world was crumbling. Also, keeps my focus on HIM knowing HE is my rock, my peace and my HOPE!
Barbara
Midland,Texas
Lahna, Burkburnett: Our soul waits for the Lord; He is our help and our shield. Psalm 33:20 Memorizing scripture this year has been sweet, timely, powerful,and soothing.
2 Cor 9:6 “Consider this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully.” (NAB)
Portland, Oregon
“You are my witnesses,” declares the Lord, “and my servant whom I have chosen, so that you may know and believe me and understand that I am He. Before me no god was formed, nor will there be one after me.”
Isaiah 43.10 NIV
Memorizing God’s Word has given me peace in stressful times.
Julie, Alliance, NE:
Psalm 103:13
As a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear him.
Memorizing God’s Word this year has given me a peace I cannot describe.
Becky from Wixom, MI
Isaiah 40:11(HCSB)
11 He protects His flock like a shepherd;
He gathers the lambs in His arms
and carries [them] in the fold of His [garment].
He gently leads those that are nursing.
Memorizing scripture this year has enabled the Holy Spirit to have access to my heart and mind to prep me with peace and rest instead of fear and anxiety over the addition of our second child any day now : ).
Heather, Oklahoma
2 Timothy 2:15
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.
Lindsey, Jenks, OK
“I am the Lord, the God of all mankind. Is anything too hard for me?” ~Jeremiah 32:27, NLT
Amber, Marysville, WA
First John 2:2 He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world.
Jeanne, Albuquerque, NM, “You show that you are a letter from Christ, the result of our ministry, written not with ink, but with the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone, but on tables of human hearts.” 2 Corinthians 3:3 (NIV)
Memorizing scripture this year has played a huge part in establishing a new ministry of community worship…”YADAH”
Diana in Waconia, Minnesota
“When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory. Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry. Because of these, the wrath of God is coming.”
Colossians 3:4-6
Memorizing scripture this year has allowed God’s word to empower me through some hard situations and give me peace.
Elisabeth
Modesto, CA
“Be silent before the Lord and wait expectantly for Him;
do not be agitated by one who prospers in his way,
by the man who carries out evil plans.” Psalm 37:7 HCSB
Memorizing scripture this year has re-wired destructive thought patterns, given me strength to stop a lifelong addiction, showed me the gift I have of encouragement, & allowed me to know Jesus more intimately.
Kimberly, Circleville OH: The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. Psalms 34:18 NIV
Grace, Circleville OH: The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. Psalms 34:18 NIV
Beverly, Ironton OH: For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. 2 Timothy 1:7 NKJ
Memorizing scripture this year has reopened my eyes to old thoughts and visions.
Paulette
Nogalus Prairie
John 15:5
“I am the vine; you are the branches. The one who remains in me – and I in him – bears much fruit, because apart from me you can accomplish nothing.” The NET Bible
Memorizing scripture this year has helped me to respond differently (Christ-like) several times in thought and action in lieu of my previously “programmed” responses. PTL!
Heather Ferris
McDonough, GA
“Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account.”
Hebrews 4:13 (NIV 84′)
Ps 63:9-11 NLT
But those plotting to destroy me will come to ruin. They will go down to the depths of the eart. They will die by the sword and become food for the jackals. But the king will rejoice in God. All who trust him will praise him, while liars will be silenced.
Memorizing God’s word this year as shown me that someone my age can really do this and be so blessed by the Lord bringing to my mind those verses I have now hidden in my heart. Praise his name!
Jeanie from Martin, SD
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3:5-6 NIV
Jolinda, Kearney, NE
Psalm 16:8 (NIV)
8 I keep my eyes always on the LORD.
With him at my right hand, I will not be shaken.
Memorizing Scripture this year has truly blessed me to no end! ♥
Mary Watkins, West Memphis, AR
In my distress I called to the LORD;
I cried to my God for help.
From his temple he heard my voice;
my cry came before him, into his ears. Psalm 18:6
June 15, spent the day having some medical tests and waiting on the results. He heard my voice.
“Cause me to hear Your lovingkindness in the morning, for in You do I trust; Cause me to know the way in which I should walk, for I lift up my soul to You…Teach me to do Your will, for Your Spirit is good.”- Psalm 143:8-10
Sarah, Isle, MN
“See, it is I who created the blacksmith who fans the coals into flame
and forges a weapon fit for its work.
And it is I who have created the destroyer to work havoc;
no weapon forged against you will prevail,
and you will refute every tongue that accuses you.
This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD,
and this is their vindication from me,” declares the LORD.
Isaiah 54:16-17 (NIV)
Memorizing God’s Word has strengthened my mind in taking thoughts captive; bringing victory through Jesus, especially in the area of feeling rejected.
Julie – Windsor, Colorado
O’ Lord, be gracious to us; we long for you. Be our strength every morning, our salvation in time of distress. Isaiah 33:2 (NIV)
Memorizing God’s Word this year has provided comfort and armed me against spiritual warfare.
Roxy – Columbia, Md.
She opens her mouth in wisdom. And the teaching of kindness is on her tongue.
Prov. 31:26 (NASV)
Memorizing scripture has kept me accountable to His Word and promises as I continue to reflect more on Him
Beckie, Washington DC: “My soul glorifies the LORD, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior.” -Luke 1:47 NIV
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
Liz Gladstone Or
Memorizing scripture is a gift that keeps giving : ) !!
Anne, Simpsonville, SC For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago. Ephesians 2:10 NLT
Memorizing scripture has greatly grown my relationship with the Lord reminding me of His power and character and He reinforces it through the repetitiveness of hearing it repeated other places and allowing me to share it.
Sherie
Spring, TX
God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. 2Corinthians 9:8 NIV
Psalm 34:18 Net
The Lord is near the brokenhearted; He delivers
those who are discouraged.
Memorizing scripture this year has filled my heart,mind
and my mouth with such wonderful scriptures to use
during my prayer time:-)
Laura from Canton MI
Hebrews 13:15-16 NIV
Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise—the fruit of lips that openly profess his name. And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.
I have been battling “stuff” for about a month and am reminded daily to praise my Father, my Jesus and my Holy Spirit.
Ramona, Pasadena: Whenever I am afraid, I will trust in you. Psalms 56:3 NKJV
Memorizing God’s word this year has given me a deeper understanding of God’s love for me.
Bonnie, 29yrs old, Charleston, SC
“The Lord will perfect that which concerns me.”
Psalm 138:8 (Amplified)
Memorizing scripture this year has protected my flesh from disobeying God. It has helped my initial reactions to be Godly, verses an act of disobedience. I feel like I’m finally ‘getting-in’ down deep & acted out upon the word hidden in my heart.
Peggy, Yorktown, VA
“I pray that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the father of glory may give you a spirit of wisdom and revelation as you come to know him.” Eph 1:17 NRSV.
Memorizing scripture this year gave me His perfect peace when I recited them while waiting for the results of a diagnostic mammogram.
“The One who loves us gives us an overwhelming victory in all of these difficulties.” Romans 8:37 GWT
Memorizing scripture this year has helped me to focus on the power and promises of God instead of my circumstances and fears, and to do it RIGHT AWAY instead of after I find myself wallowing in discouragement!
Janet in West Linn, OR
“You are my lamp, O Lord; the Lord turns my darkness into light.” 2 Samuel 22:29 NIV
Memorizing scripture this year has made my thoughts go to scripture first during difficulty, instead of to worrying.
Dawn in Monett, MO
Psalm 9:10 NIV Those who know your name will trust in You, for You, Lord, have never forsaken those who see You.
Memorizing God’s word this year has encouraged and strengthened me and given me new ways to pray for those I love.