**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
As for God, His way is perfect; the word of the Lord is proven; He is a shield to all who trust in Him. Psalm 18:30 NKJV
Ashley
Queen City, TX
Audrey, Ohio
Ephesians 1:4 HCSB
For He chose us in Him, before the foundation of the world, to be holy and blameless in His sight.
Memorizing God’s Word this year has kept me focused, when the enemy tries to distract, and as I briefly peruse others comments, I find FOCUS is a key word. God is so good!
Kuria, Malaysia:
And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.
2 Corinthians 9:8 (NIV)
Lea Star
Lamar, Arkansas
“You hem me in behind and before, and you lay your hand upon me.” Psalm 139: 5 (NIV)
Kim, Laguna Niguel
“Moreover, He said to me, Son of Man, take into your heart all of My words which I shall speak to you, and listen closely.” Ezekial 3:10 NASB
Memorizing God’s word this year has caused me to spend more time listening to Him.
Cheryl, Vancouver, BC. For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in[a] Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 6:23 (NIV)
“I, yes I, am the one who comforts you. So why are you afraid of mere humans, who wither like the grass and disappear?” -Isaiah 51:12 (NLT)
-Lacie
Chesapeake, VA
Memorizing these last 12 verses has kept me accountable, kept me in the Word, and given my over-active mind a sure place to rest.
Wendy, San Bruno, CA: There is no wisdom, no insight, no plan that can succeed against the Lord. Proverbs 21:30
Memorizing Scripture has been a great way to fit in God’s Word while adjusting to being a new mommy of my 6 month old.
Amber, Clarksville, TN
Forgive as the Lord forgave you. Colossians 3:13 NIV
Memorizing God’s word this year has reminded me of His crazy love for me…and of his mercy and grace for every single sin. God is so good and I am so humbled.
Erin Brunton Mauney- just married!! from Tyler, Texas to Evant Texas!
Psalm 145:20 The Lord watches over those who love Him!
Memorizing God’s Word has caused the reality that “these words are real and written to me!!” to sink in! Thank you for encouraging us!
Beth Clark, La Verne, CA
“O LORD, what a variety of things You have made. In wisdom You have made them all. The earth is full of Your creatures.”
Psalm 104:24, NLT
Memorizing scripture this year has filled my mind with truth and reminded me to praise God constantly!
Kim, Advance,NC ” Reflect on what I am saying, for the Lord will give you insight into all this.”
~ 2 Timothy 2:7 NIV
Dolly, Middletown, OH
Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God.
2 Cor. 1:4 KJV
Memorizing scripture this year has kept me joyful, thankful, and mindful of my Father even on the difficult days.
Teresa, Haxtun, CO
2 Timothy 1:13 (NAS) Retain the standard of sound words which you have heard from me, in the faith and love which are in Christ Jesus.
Memorizing Scripture has encouraged me towards positive and hopeful thinking.
Philippians 4:13
I can do all things through Christ [Jesus], who strengthens me.
Memorizing Scripture this year has kept me from “going crazy” in this crazy world !
Jennifer Olmstead
Janesville, Wisconsin
The Lord is my source of security. I have determined to follow your instructions. Ps. 119:57 NET
Memorizing scripture this year has given me hope to move forward despite the life changing losses suffered in the last year. My daughter is also memorizing scripture holding me accountable and building a “God’s Word” bond.
I’m in a dry place right now. Having trouble coming up with a verse.
“The Lord is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit.”
Psalm 34:18 KJV
“Rejoice in the Lord always. Again, I will say rejoice. Let your gentle spirit be known to all men. The Lord is with you. Be anxious for nothing. But in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made know to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.”
Phil. 4:4-7
Memorizing God’s Word this year has strengthened my faith and has given me tremendous strength, courage, confidence, comfort, peace and even joy during exceptionally challenging times (death of my father and divorce).
Betty,Port Orange, Fl.
KELEI. IOWA PARK
1COR. 10:13. NIV
NO TEMPTATION HAS SEIZED YOU EXCEPT WHAT IS COMMON TO MAN. AND GOD IS FAITHFUL; HE WILL NOT LET YOU BE TEMPTED BEYOND WHAT YOU CAN BEAR. BIT WHEN YOU ARE TEMPTED, HE WILL ALSO PROVIDE A WAY OUT SO THAT YOU CAN STAND UP UNDER IT.
memorizing God’s word this year had made a sissy out of the devil!
Darcy, Northern VA. Those who know your name trust in you, for you, LORD, have never forsaken those who seek you. Psalm 9:10
Memorizing scripture this year has reminded me of His continual faithfulness and that I NEED His word!
Evansville, IN
“Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and your plans will succeed.” Prov. 16:2 NIV Memorizing God’s Word this year has made me more aware of Him, His Presence, and how He works in my life.
Rachelle, McAlister, NM
Isaiah 55:8-9
8 “For my thoughts are not your thoughts,
neither are your ways my ways,
declares the LORD.
9 As the heavens are higher than the earth,
so are my ways higher than your ways
and my thoughts than your thoughts”.
Betty Port Orange, Fl.
Delight yourself in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart. Psalm 37:4 NIV
My head & heart are just constantly filled with His Words!
Linda, Sonora, KY
“Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.” ~Matthew 11:28 (NLT)
Valerie in Independence, KY:
“For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart.”
–Hebrews 4:12 (NASB)
sharon-marion, illinois
blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied. blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy. blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see GOD. matthew 5: 6-8
memorizing GOD’s Word this year has strengthened me to stay strong and not look at the things happening around me but to plant my feet on the Word that never changes!
Rom 15:13b (NIV)so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Memorizing Scripture this year has comforted me and reminded that God is my Hope and He is faithful, through some very stressful times.
Saskatchewan, Canada
No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. Romans 8:37 NIV
Memorizing God’s Word this year has encouraged me and given me a deep sense of gratitude for His Word.
Ephesians 1:3&6
3-Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ.
6-to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves.
Meditating on scripture has refreshed me and allowed God to speak his truth to me.
Cindy, Tucson, AZ
“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” (Isaiah 41:10 (NIV84)
Diane, Mississippi
Col 1:17 (NIV) He is before all things, and in him all things hold together.
Kelly, Houston; Philippians 4:13- “I have strength for ALL things in CHRIST WHO empowers me [I am ready for anything and equal to anything THROUGH HIM WHO infuses inner strength into meL I am self-sufficient in CHRIST’S sufficiency.” Amplified
Memorizing scripture this year has made it real to me that in ANY situation,good or bad, the LORD will give me strength to persevere THROUGH HIS STRENGTH. Amen.
“Remember, it is sin to know what you ought to do and then not do it.” James 4:17 NLT
Memorizing scripture has made me realize how much easier the day is with God in it. There is always something positive to reflect on.
Melissa, Perry, GA
The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. John 10:10 NIV
Memorizing God’s Word this year has lead me out of depression and fear and I love Him.
Joy, Salina
“Now it is God who makes both us and you stand firm in Christ. He anointed us, set his seal of ownership on us, and put his Sprit is our hearts as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come.”
2 Corinthians 1:21-22 NIV
But the fruit of the Spirit is love,joy,peace,patience,kindness,goodness,faithfulness,gentleness, and self control. Against such things there is no law. Galatians 5:22 NIV
This being so, I want to remind you to stir into flame the strength and boldness that is in you, that entered into you when I laid my hands upon your head and blessed you. For the Holy Spirit, God’s gift, does not want you to be afraid of people, but to be wise and strong, and to love them and enjoy being with them. 2Tim.2:6-7 LB
Karla, Sheboygan. “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.” Isaiah 41:13 (NIV)
Memorizing God’s Word this year has done wonders for my daily connection to God. Although I’ve chosen many of the verses “randomly,” they have proven to be amazingly relevant!
Michelle Parma Ohio
They will wage war against the LAMB, but the LAMB will triumph over them because HE is LORD OF LORDS and KING OF KINGS and with him will be HIS called, chosen and faithful followers. Rev. 17:14
Memorizing scripture has kept me going in hard places.
Lacey, Leonard TX. “The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.” Exodus 14:14 NIV.
Ashley Beth Bolotte, Baton Rouge
“Give your burdens to the Lord. He will carry them. He will not permit the godly to slip or fall”. Psalm 55:22 NIV
Linda, Johnstown, PA.
Oh, put God to the test and see how kind He is! See for yourself the way His mercies shower down on all who trust in Him. Psalm 34:8 (The Living Bible)
Memorizing scripture this year has helped me to look to God’s word for help in every situation that comes into my life.
Diane from Clay Center, KS a day late…
They will make war against the Lamb, but the Lambe will overcome them b/c he is Lord of lords and King of kings—and with him will be his called, chosen and faithful followers.
Rev 17:14 NIV
Terri from Mechanicsville, VA
“A good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold.”
Proverbs 22:1 (NIV)
Valerie, Louisville, KY: Teach me Your way, O Lord, and I will walk in your truth; give me an undivided heart, that I may fear your name. I will praise you, O Lord my God, with all my heart; I will glorify your name forever. -Psalm 86: 11-12 (NIV)
Memorizing God’s Word this year has given me clarity and perspective in what would otherwise be a confusing and scary time.
Melle Waco,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 fight the enemy and fall more in love with the one who wrote the words.
Let those who love the LORD hate evil, for He guards the lives of His faithful ones and delivers them from the hand of the wicked. Psalm 97:10 (NIV) Memorizing God’s Word this year has caused me to focus on TRUTH rather then speculation or assumption!
Ingrid, Frenchtown, MT
Luke 16:15 Then He said to them, “You like to appear righteous in public, but God knows your hearts. What this world honors is detestable in the sight of God.” NLT
Diane, Missoula, MT: “Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant not to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment.” 1 Timothy 6:17 NIV