**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
Valerie, Altoona, IA
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 has shown me more of my heart & why I need Him more every day.
Lisa, Waikele, HI Colossians 3:12b “Put on tender mercy, kindness, humility, meakness, long suffering” NKJV
Scripture memory reminds me to extend the same grace to my children that my Father God extends to me.
Becky
Choctaw, OK
Phil 2:5-8
“Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, 6 who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, 7 but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men. 8 And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. 9 Therefore also God highly exalted Him, and bestowed on Him the name which is above every name, 10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those who are in heaven, and on earth, and under the earth, 11 and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”
Jesus is God He is worshipped.
Paula, Sun City AZ
“Therefore, my dear brothers (siestas!), stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.” NIV
Memorizing God’s Word has fought off fear, transformed my thinking, and fortified my faith during this new, wild season of our family’s ministry life… something outside the box and totally dependent on God’s guidance & provision. The odd part is that many verses Beth mentions & blogs about, have so easily fit the crazy ride we are on! Thank you Lord. Thank you Beth.
Christy, Summit, MS; “Trust in the LORD forever, for the LORD, The LORD, is the Rock eternal.” Isaiah 26:4 NIV
Jaye – Keller, TX
Pride only breeds quarrels (Proverbs 13:10, NIV)
Deuteronomy 5:29 NASB
Oh that they had such a heart in them, that they would fear Me, and keep all my commandments always, that it may be well with them and with their sons forever!
Susan, Canton, Mi
“The Lord is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and rich in love.” Ps 145:8 NIV
Jerri, Cookeville, TN And as for you, brothers, never tire of doing what is right. 2 Thessalonians 3:13 NIV
Memorizing scripture this year has redirected my thinking (and my attitude) in many day to day, regular life stuggles and situations.
Pam-Liberty: ” But my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.”
Phillipians 3:14 KJV
To overcome struggles and spirits that have tormented/controlled my life, my spiritual mentor gave me several assignments. My first assignment was to find all scripture that applies to who I am in Christ. This went hand in hand with memorizing scripture with all of you this year. (Perfect timing). I have learned so much; day by day, scripture after scripture I am learning to walk in freedom, striving to be whole. I am so thankful for all of you and to you Beth for encouraging me every step along this journey.
Alexia- Champaign, IL
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 NIV
Melanie – Lebanon, Ks
Galatians 5:16 (amp)
But I say, walk and live habitually in the Holy Spirit – responsive to and controlled and guided by the Spirit – then you will certainly not gratify the cravings and the desires of the flesh – of the human nature without God.
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
Philippians 4:13 NKJV
Keizer, OR
“God’s promise of entering His rest still stands, so we ought to tremble with fear that some of you might fail to experience it.”
Hebrews 4:1 NLT
Memorizing God’s Word this year has opened up a line of communication with Him that I have never had before. On my desk each day at work I have my spiral open to the current memory verse to think about and meditate on all day. It reminds me that I have to go after this relationship with Him with all of my heart, soul, mind and strength. He is everything. Praise you Father.
Ann from Abilene:
“By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going.”
Hebrews 11:8 NIV
Debbie, Hattiesburg, MS:
“If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.”
James 1:5 (NKJV)
Kelly, Chesterfield, Missouri
Matthew 11:28,29 ” Come to Me, all of you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” NIV
Memorizing God’s Word this year has reminded me how important it is to have the Word of God planted firmly in my mind. Knowing this is Gods spoken Word to me is a blessing and encourages me to stay faithful in my walk with Him no matter what life brings.
Kristi: Gardner, KS
Ps:19:14 (NLT)
May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing to you, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.
Cameron, Mo
Those who know Your name,
will trust in You,
for You, LORD,
have never forsaken those who seek You.
Psalm 9:10 NIV
HELP! I have a terrible ear worm. what was that song that Travis did at the Deeper Still in Louisville, the one that went “the word of God has spoken…” cannot find that anywhere! Loved that, and the passion video with it. But what is that song, can’t stop singing it. Thanks!
Yes, the song is called “Word of God Is Spoken”, and it will be on his new CD that releases later this summer. (When The Stars Burn Down) http://www.TravisCottrell.com
Nightingale
Miami, FL
“I am your God, your personal God who rescued you from Egypt so that you will no longer be slaves to the Egyptians. I ripped off the harness of your slavery so that you can move about freely.”
Leviticus 26:13 MSG
I can’t believe I’m memorizing a verse from Leviticus – I struggled through this book a few weeks ago as I’m reading the Bible through the year. Memorizing God’s Word helps me remember that He is renewing my mind as I sfruggle with anxiety and fear.
Kelly Erwin, TN
“Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think.” Ephesians 3:20 NLT
“These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full” John 15:11
Memorizing scripture this year has been challenging, yet refreshing and joyful.
You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body and knit me together in my mother’s womb.
-Psalm 139:13
(NLT)
Charlene, Santa Fe, Tx; FINALLY, be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power. Ephesians 6:10 Memorizing God’s word has helped keep me focused on the truth of what God says rather than the lies the devil tries to convince me of during difficult times in my life.
Olathe, KS
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.
Romans 15:13 ESV
The Lord Himself goes before you and He will be with you; He will not leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Deut.31:8
Kristen Keeling from Covington, Ga:
“No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.” Hebrews 12:11 (NIV)
Memorizing God’s Word this year has brought back cherished memories of my childhood in Bible Drill, stabalized me in unparalleled ways, and created a life-long habit that I desire to instill in my children.
Laura ~ Saskatchewan,CAN
“When your words came, I ate them; they were my joy and my heart’s delight, for I bear your name, O Lord God Almighty.”
Jeremiah 15:16 (I’m memorizing it in NIV but I really love the NET version best; might do it in both!
“As your words came to me I drank them in, and they filled my heart with joy and happiness because I belong to you.”)
Memorizing God’s Word this year has…caused me to break down the wall around my excuse of ~ I can’t memorize!
Lori
Fort Campbell, KY
God says this once and for all; how many times have I heard it repeated? ‘Strength comes straight from God.'”
Psalm 63:10 The Message
Katherine, Charlottesville, VA: “I wait for the LORD, my soul waits, and in his word I put my hope” (Ps. 130:5, NIV).
Memorizing God’s Word this year has enabled me to spend my idle minutes turning my heart toward God instead of toward mindless thoughts.
Sharron Kay, Possum Kingdom Lake, TX
Psalm 33:0-23
“I wait for the Lord; He is my help and shield.
For my heart rejoices in Him, because I trust in His Holy Name.
May Your faithful love rest on me, Lord, for I put my hope in you.” NIV, modified
Memorizing Scripture this year has been a challenge to discipline myself to seek Scripture verses to encourage my walk with God and others who God places in my path. My memory is not what it use to be, but I praise God for the opportunity to commit Scripture to my mind and heart.
Christy – Justin, TX: Isaiah 32:17 (NLT) – “And this righteousness will bring peace. Yes, it will bring quietness and CONFIDENCE forever.”
Pam/Benton, AR
But as for me, I watch in hope for the Lord, I wait for God my Savior; my God will hear me. -Micah 7:7
All my scriptures so far have included the word “hope.” In the face of a difficult decision this year, Christ alone has been, and will always be my only HOPE.”
Sabrina
Lincoln NE
Colossians 4:2
Devote yourselves to prayer, keeping alert in it with an attitude of thanksgiving.
Memorizing God’s Word this year is challenging;
God is showing me that I can do it.
Theresa, Columbia,SC
I Corinthians 13:4 “Love is patient,love is kind and is not jealous; love does not brag and is not arrogant.” NASB
From Olympia WA. “And He is the radiance of His glory and the exact representation of His nature, and upholds all things by the word of His power.” Hebrews 1:3 NASB
It is wonderful to memorize scripture because He Is the Living Word and that is such a joy!
Sue Carmel “But blessed is the woman who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in hi.” Jeremiah 17:7 NIV
Memorizing scripture has shown me the only way I can succeed is to ask the Holy Spirit to fill me with the power, ability to memorize.
Deb, Lexington, TX
Luke 6:37-38 ESV
Judge not, and you will not be judged; condemn not and you will not be condemned; forgive and you will be forgiven; give and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For with the measure you use it will be measured back to you.
Memorizing scripture this year has been an exercise in discipline and obedience, and has blessed me beyond anything I could have imagined.
Micah 7:7
Therefore, I will lookk to the Lord.
I will wait for the God of my Salvation, my God will hear me.
NKJV
Carol, San Antonio:
But Ruth replied, “Stop urging me to abandon you! For wherever you go, I will go. Wherever you live, I will live. Your people will become my people, and your God will become my God.”
Ruth 1:16 (NET)
Lynn–Louisville,
In God I will praise his word, in God I have put my trust; I will not fear what flesh can do unto me.
Psalm 56:4 (KJV)
Bev
Louisville, KY
“Delight yourself in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart.”
Psalm 37:4 NIV
Memorizing God’s Word this year has caused me to be more disciplined in resisting the temptations of the enemy.
Nikki Brungard
Richmond, VA
Romans 12:10 (NIV)
“Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves.”
Memorizing Scripture this year has made me realize how much the Enemy does NOT want me to make it. I’m really struggling, Siestas, but pressing on.
Tina, Chesapeake, VA (but posting from Maui!!): Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. I Thes 5:16-18(NIV)
Memorizing God’s Word this year has reminded me what life is truly about and why this is so important.
Vickie
Russellville
So I gaze on you in the sanctuary to see your strength and your glory. My lips will glorify you because your faithful love is better than life
Psalm 63:2-3
HCS
Memorizing scripture has equipped me with the sword of the spirit to fight the attacks of the enemy
Karyn, Elberfeld,IN – Depart from evil and do good; Seek peace and pursue it. Psalm 34:14 (NASB)
Tammy. Paducah. For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands. 2 Timothy 1:6
Memorizing scripture this year has helped me stay focused on God. The last two weekends have been Deeper Still & Michael W. Smith weekend in Nashville. Praise God for His presence in my life!
Michele, Weber City, VA
He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire, he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand.
Psalm 40:2
I am seeking to Lord to deliver me from a stronghold. Do it Lord!
Linda, Blue Springs, MO:
“fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” Hebrews 12:2 NASB