**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
Margie, Liberty, MO 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
Monique, Elizabethtown, KY Do not conform to any longer 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 is filling my mind with God’s word and giving me a cheerful spirit. It’s also helping me strive to be more like Him each day.
Stephanie Atlanta, GA “For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline.” 2 Timothy 1:7 NIV
Jeanne, Honolulu,HI
Psalm 103:13 NIV
As a father has compassion on his children, so the LORD has compassion on those who fear him
Memorizing scripture this year has helped me get through some very difficult things that are going on in my life right now!!
White House, TN
I’m skipping the memory verse for the following reason:
Memorizing scripture this year has been an eye opener for me to the fact that I am actually lousy at memorizing! With that said, I dropped out a month or so ago BUT… I still write a verse (or two) down in my book every month, carry it with me to ponder over when I wait in line or in offices for appointments. It is a treasure!
Dawn, Clever, MO
Ephesians 1:7-8 “In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace that He lavished on us with all wisdom and understanding.”
Memorizing Scripture this year has helped me to be more purposeful in my life. I say my Scriptures each night before bed and it just helps me realign my heart and remember who I am in Christ.
Becky from Marietta, GA
“Let us fall into the hands of the Lord, for his mercy is great; but do not let me fall into the hands of men.”
2 Samuel 24:14 NIV
Winnipeg, Canada
“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.” -Philippians 4:8 (NIV)
I have to admit memorizing scripture this year has been very hard for me… don’t know the reason…but I’m still here!
Sandy in Amarillo, Texas
Do not lie with a man as one lies with a woman, that is detestable.
Leviticus 18:22 NIV
Memorizing scripture this year has given me a goal to reach and given me an opportunity to prioritize my time by putting God and his Word first!
Lynette, Alton,IL
Do not let any unwholsome talk come out of your mouths, buy only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.
Ephesians 4:29 (NIV)
I have enjoyed this challange. I can’t say that I have successfully memorized every one of the scriptures I’ve chosen. But it has helped me to keep my mind more focused on the things that God wants me to be focused on. I have been posting my verses on every bathroom mirror in our house, so I’m not the only one meditating on a certain scripture for two weeks at a time. My husband told me that he really likes seeing the passages on the mirror while he is getting ready in the mornings. Thanks, Beth, for this challange and being a great godly mentor.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!!!!!
Angie
Albertville, AL
And this I pray, that your love may abound still more and more in real knowledge and all discernment, so that you may approve the things that are excellent in order to be sincere and blameless until the day of Christ; having been filled with the fruit of righteousness which comes through Jesus Christ to the glory and praise of God. Phil 1:9-11 NASB
The more I memorize/meditate on a verse, the more truths I find within it. God opens up my understanding.
“But what about you?” he asked. “Who do you say I am?”
Peter answered, “you are the Christ.”
Mark 8-29 NIV – Nell Brinkley, Chattanooga, Tn.
Lara-Greenville, KY
“Those who know your name trust in you, for you, Lord, have never forsaken those who seek you.”
Psalms 9:10 NIV
Sharoni, Houston, TX. “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
Kristin Tulare, CA
“Those who know your name will trust in you, for you, Lord, have never forsaken those who seek you.”
Psalm 9:10 NIV
Memorizing scripture this year has given me peace in my first year of homeschooling my 4 children.
Shelli, Fort Worth, TX: “Come and see,” said Phillip. (John 1:46, NIV) Memorizing God’s Word this year has paralleled with what God is teaching me personally.
Ina. Lancaster, PA
I am holding you by your right hand. I the Lord your God. And I say to you, “Do not be afraid. I am here to help you”
Isaiah 41:13 NLV
from Brandon, MS
“I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” John 16:33, ESV
Memorizing God’s Word this year has helped my faith and my prayer life by giving me God’s own words to use when I worship and praise!
Mary Ann, Woodbury, MN
He will be the sure foundation for your times, a rich store of salvation and wisdom and knowledge;
the fear of the LORD is the key to this treasure.
Isaiah 33:6 (NIV)
Memorizing scripture this year is opening me up to all the possibilities that God has in mind for me. It is giving me strength when I need it and helping me to honor myself so I can serve Him more fully.
Leslie, Decatur, TX
Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely. And may your spirit, soul and body be kept sound and blameless for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 1Thes 5:21 HCSB
Memorizing scripture this year has amazed me with Gods ability to give me specific verses that speak to what my heart and head need.
Angie, Aberdeen, SD. “For I am the Lord you God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, “Do not fear. I will help you.” Isaiah 41: 13. Memorizing God’s Word this year has helped keep my mind stayed on Jesus especially since Satan has been really attacking me in the area of my thoughts.
Lisa, Morning View KY
1 Timothy 4:11 (NIV)
Command and teach each other these things. Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity.
Memorizing scripture this year has kept me focused on all the amazing things God has to teach us through His word:)
Jenny, Cedar Rapids, “He predestined us to adoption as sons through Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the kind intention of His will,” Ephesians 1:5 NAS
It has been so encouraging to memorize God’s words of love and instruction. Pretty cool that this verse would land on the Tuesday before Father’s Day! (I’m an adoptee myself with 2 of 4 children adopted <3)
Oh, give me back my joy again, you have broken me now let me rejoice. Psalms 51:8 NLT
Memorizing scripture has shown me that God has a word for every situation and season of my life.
Susan, Cumberland, RI
“I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:” 2 Timothy 4:7 (KJV)
Memorizing scripture this year has given me a closer walk with the Lord and a way of getting to know HIM more and more.
“Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, my rock and my Redeemer.” Ps. 19:14 NASB
Memorizing scripture this year has kept my distracted heart in line.
Joyce, Exeter, RI
“I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:” 2 Timothy 4:7 (KJV)
Memorizing scripture this year has helped me to have a stronger and closer relationship with the Lord through some very difficult and trying times. Praise be to God!
Rachael, South Riding, VA
“My purpose in writing is simply this: that you who believe in God’s son will know beyond the shadow of a doubt that you have eternal life, the reality and not the illusion. And how bold and free we then become in his presence, freely asking according to his will, sure that he’s listening. And if we’re confident that he is listening, we know that what we’ve asked for is as good as ours.” 1 John 5:13-15 (The Message)
Memorizing Scripture this year has been difficult, but I know that even if my memory lapses, I still have my spiral with me for encouragement!
Kim, Detroit, MI
“I the Lord do not change. So you are not destroyed.”
Malachi 3:16 (NIV)
Memorizing scripture this year has helped me focus on what is really important.
Beth – Birmingham, AL
“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 fanned a flame in me to hide his words in my heart and to set the example for my children.
Jacksonville, FL “And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge” 2 Peter 1:5 KJV
Judy of Marietta says “Praise be to 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.” 2 Corinthians 1:3-4
Abby Corvallis OR “Be glad now and rejoice for the Lord has done great things.” Joel 2:21 NLT
Nancy, Kiwoko. “My soul finds rest in God alone; my salvation comes from him.” Psalm 62:1 NIV. Memorizing scripture this year has helped me to make stray thoughts captive to Christ and not to my foolish imagination or proportions.
Bernadette, Mt Home, AR God’s love is meteroric, his loyalty is astronomic, his purpose is titanic, his verdicts oceanic. Ps 36: 5-6 the message
Memorizing God’s word has shown me that nothing is too hard for Him to do through me. That was my first memory verse: Is anything too hard for the Lord. Gen. 18:14
Ali C., Dublin, CA
“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
Memorizing God’s Word this year has revitalized my faith and restored my hope.
Barb, Evansville Indiana
Be glad now and rejoice for the Lord has done great things. Joel 2:21 NLT
Memorizing lets me see scripture in a different way as I dissect each verse word by word I have had many “AHA” moments.
Joy – Georgetown, TX
“You must go to everyone I send you to, and say whatever I command you. Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you and will rescue you,” declares the Lord. Jeremiah 1:7&8
Melissa, Spokane, WA – “I cry out to God most high, who fulfills His purpose for me.” -Psalm 57:2 (NLT)
Memorizing God’s Word this year has helped to sustain me through some major changes in my life.
Leslie from Maui
“I am counting on the Lord, yes, I am counting in Him. I have out my HOPE in His WORD.”
Psalm 130:5
Patty from Northern Virginia – Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans. Proverbs 16:3 NIV
Memorizing God’s word this year has driven a trust into me that I had not yet given to my Lord as I have seen Him purposely and sweetly speak to me through these verses that He placed right into my lap at just His perfect timing this year! Wow I love our Savior!
Cheryl, Midlothian Va
Turn from evil and do good. Seek peace and pursue it.
Psalm 34:14 NIV
I have been surprised and delighted how many times I have been able to use and share the scripture I memorized. It gets into my bone marrow.
Stephanie; Ogden, Utah. “But I am trusting You, O LORD, saying, ‘You are my God!’ My future is in Your hands.”; Psalm 31:14-15a; NLT.
Memorizing God’s Word this year has helped me to exchange my thoughts regarding different situations for His thoughts on them.
Kristi
Arlington, TX
Proverbs 16:3 NLT
“Commit your actions to the LORD, and your plans will succeed.”
Memorizing God’s Word this year has allowed me to face the last half of my pregnancy and these first 3 weeks of first-time parenthood with confidence and peace.
Psalm 5:11
But let all who take refuge in you be glad; let them ever sing for joy. Spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may rejoice in you. NIV
katie, gig harbor WA
finally be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. put on the whole armor of God that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. for we do not wrestle against flesh and blood but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. therefore take up the whole armor of God that you may be able to withstand in the evil day and having done all, to stand firm.
eph 6:10-13 ESV
** memorizing Gods word this year has… given me something true and life-giving to turn over in my head whenever i catch my mind wandering; Gods word is our WEAPON we better know how to use it!!!
shelley, creswell
As far as the east is from the west,
So far has He removed our transgressions from us.
Psalm 103:12 NKJV
Jen McCarthy, Tempe, AZ:
Colossians 1:13-14
“For He has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son He loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.”
(Whee ha!!!)
Memorizing Scripture has given me a more practical approach to winning the daily battles, and I’m extremely grateful for the accountability!
Jennifer S. Oklahoma City,OK
And these are but the outer fringe of his works; how faint the whisper we hear of him!
Job 26:14a NIV
Memorizing God’s scripture has helped me to keep focus on Him through some difficult situations.
Lauren, Kansas City, MO
“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.” -Philippians 4:8 (NIV)