**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
Psm. 5:11
But let all who take refuge in you be glad; let them sing for joy. Spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may rejoice in you.
Memorizing God’s scripture has helped me keep my mind focused on the things that God wants me to focus on.
Aubyn, Corinth, TX “Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe.” Hebrews 12:28 NIV
Memorizing God’s Word this year has caused a stirring in my soul to want to dig deeper into His Word.
Lori Tremblay
Mapleville, RI
Be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in faith in purity. 1 Timothy 4:12 KJV.
Memorization has meant filling my heart, mind and soul, with the promises of God. I am building up and preparing for whatever battle comes my way. And believe me I am facing some battles. Love it.
Jane – Effingham, IL
Which He worked in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places.
Ephesians 1:20 NKJV
Mary Arnold: Make every effort to present yourself before God as a proven worker who doesn’t need to be ashamed, teaching the message of truth. 2 Tim 2:15
Ashley Taylor
Lawrenceville, GA
Faith comes from what is heard, and what is heard comes from the message about Christ. Romans 10:17
Memorizing scripture has made me start to realize how big and powerful my God is.
He wakens me morning by morning, wakens my ear to listen like one being taught.
Isaiah 50:4b
NIV
Susan
Elizabethtown, PA
Jessica, Carlsbad, CA “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” Galatians 6:9 (TNIV)
Proverbs 29:25 (NKJV)
“The fear of man brings a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord shall be safe.”
“Let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we will reap if we do not grow weary. Galatians 6:9
Memorizing scripture has helped me win many battles in my mind and my mouth. More than half of my scriptures have addressed shutting my mouth:-)
Siloam Springs, AR
Ps 86:11
Teach me Your way, Lord< that I may rely on your faithfulness, give me an undivided heart.
Julie, Winterville NC, Peace I leave you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your heart be troubled and do not be afraid. John 14:27
Psalm 15:1-2
Lord, who may dwell in your sanctuary? Who may live on your holy hill? He whose walk is blameless and who does what is righteous, who speaks the truth from his heart. (NIV)
Wanda~Eureka, MO: “O God, You know my foolishness; and my sins are not hidden from You” Psalm 69:5
“I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord” Ps 27:13,14 (NIV)
memorizing God’s word this year has renewed my mind and fills my heart with new Joy and Peace knowing He is before ALL things in my life!♥
Angie, Hampton, TN
Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mnd. 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 God’s Word this year has shown me that I do have the ability, rather, God’s have given me the ability, to help me to remember things that are good and pleasing to Him. Opposed to the things that we remember without much effort. It is a blessing!!
Rowena & Beth, Elkins AR “Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.” 1 John 3:18 NIV Memorizing God’s Word this year has brought us closer to God.
“Commit your way to the Lord; trust in Him and He will act.” Psalm 37:5 HCSB
Psalm 91v 14
“because she loves me,” says the lord,”I will rescue her, i will protect her because she acknowledges my name”
Memorizing scripture has given me a real experience of Gods power on my life like never before!
Melissa Stauffer, Centreville, Michigan
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
Memorizing scripture is helping quicken my reactions to a more Holy Spirit directed path.
“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
I know I am late. This was my devotional this morning and so appropriate for me. Makes me teary.
Laur, Spokane, WA
“You’re beautiful from head to toe, my dear love, beautiful beyond compare, absolutely flawless.” Song of Solomon 4:7b (MSG)
Kelly, Appleton, WI
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. But when you are tempted, he will also provide you a way out so that you can stand up under it.
1 Corinthians 10:13 (NIV)
Memorizing Scripture this year has taught me that God is always with me; which I knew on some level, but now know without a doubt.
Amy Johnson
Mustang, Oklahoma
Genesis 50:19-20
19 But Joseph said to them, “Don’t be afraid. Am I in the place of God? 20 You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.
NIV
Memorizing God’ s word has helped me “deal” with the bumps that come in life and to help the little ones (I teach Pre-K) deal with the bumps in their life knowing that God is in control, will always be with us, and loves us dearly (Zephaniah 3:17).
John 14:6 NIV Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.
Inez Barnes
Hamburg, AR
Joanne
St. Petersburg, FL
Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.
James 1: 2 – 3 NIV
Memorizing God’s word this year has helped me turn back to the LORD when I haven’t been walking with Him as closely as I should have been.
“Show me your ways, LORD, teach me your paths. Guide me in your truth and teach me,for you are God my Savior,and my hope is in you all day long. Remember, LORD, your great mercy and love, for they are from of old. Do not remember the sins of my youth and my rebellious ways; according to your love remember me, for you, LORD, are good.”~ Psalm 25: 4-7 (NIV)
Psalm 84:5 (AMP) Blessed (happy, fortunate,to be envied)is the man whose strength is in You, in whose heart are the highways to Zion. I chose a to seek out and learn verses on strength this year and they have been a real encouragement to me especially when I am in a spot I can’t pick up and read my Bible.
Sr.Rebecca, Clyde
Ps 18:2 The Lord is my Rock, my fortress, my deliverer, my God, my keen and firm strength in Whom I will trust and take refuge in. AMP
Cheryl, Uganda:
“Consider it pure joy my brothers whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” James 1:2-4 NIV
Memorizing scripture this year has provided me with a much needed community of sisters and is actively redeeming me from the bondage of anxiety and fear.
Come to me, all 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. for my yoke is easy and my burden is light. Matthew ll:28-30 (NIV)
in Muscle Shoals, AL
Because of the LORD’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning. Great is thy faithfulness! Lamentations 3:22-23
Memorizing scripture this year has energized me!
Jennifer, Denham Springs, LA
My soul waits for the Lord more than watchmen wait for the morning, more than watchmen wait for the morning. Psalm 130:6, NIV
Pamela, Missouri (my adapted version to make it a morning prayer)
Into your hands I commit my [body, mind & spirit]; [deliver & cover ]me, LORD, my faithful God. ~ Ps. 31:5 (NIV)
“Until now you have asked nothing in My name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full.” John 16:24 NKJV
Carol, Cashion,OK “After He had removed him, He raised up David to be their king, concerning whom He also testified and said, “I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after My heart, who will do all My will.” Acts 13:22 NASB
Memorizing scripture this year is holding my feet to His path; uniting my heart to fear His name.
Stephanie, Austin. “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.” Phil. 4:8 (NIV)
Norman, OK
This is what the Sovereign LORD, the Holy One of Israel, says: “Only in returning to me and resting in me will you be saved. In quietness and confidence is your strength.”
Isaiah 30:15 NLT
1 John 1:9
If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive our sins and cleanse us from unrighteousness. -Memorizing scripture has given me truth in my life. I tend to dream up things that aren’t real or are in the future. I don’t know what the future holds, so my fears, worries, concerns, are not truth. I love the TRUTH of God’s Word and how relative it is for ALL time……
Sallie Howell, Tupelo, MS James 1:12 Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him. Scripture Memory for me has been healing. God’s word through chronic illness makes this life hopeful and healing.
Sallie,
I, too, suffer from chronic illness and agree with your testimony here. God’s Word is so refreshing and uplifting! Praying that you experience some relief of your symptoms today, even if just for a moment.
Rhonda, Townsend, TN.
“Oh, taste and see that the LORD is good! Blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him!” Psalm 34:8, ESV
O God, thou art my God; early will I seek thee: my soul thirsteth for thee, my flesh longeth for thee in a dry and thirsty land, where no water is; To see thy power and thy glory, so as I have seen thee in the sanctuary. Psalm 63:1-2[KJSB] Memorizing scripture this year has given me strength for circumstances and trials that come into my daily life. I thank God for Siesta memory team and I pray blessings on all the dear sisters who participate in scripture memorization. Twyla McAmis, Cleveland, Tennessee.
Alexis R
Atlanta, GA
John 14:1 (msg)
“Don’t let this throw you. You trust God, don’t you? Trust me.”
This year, i have focused on faith verses and my faith has definitely grown,
Heather, Whittier, CA
Proverbs 3:5-6
“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.”
NIV
Memorizing God’s Word this year has been an eye opening experience that has challenged me and also brought me closer to God.
Juliana, Dahlgren: For you were called to freedom, brethren; only do not turn your freedom into an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. Gal 5:13
Memorizing God’s Word this year has helped me to better discern truth from false beliefs, as God shows me scriptures I did not realize were there before.
Carol, Roswell GA Luke 17:19 (NIV) Then he said to him, “Rise and go: your faith has made you well.” It’s a time for me to respond to teaching/healing and get on with it.
Cindy
Jackson Hole, Wyoming
Psa. 73:26 NIV
My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and
my portion forever.
Memorizing God’s Word this year has been the constant that has exchanged fear of the unknown (as my cancer is recurring) with the steadfast truth of God’s mercy, faithfulness and love. These verses take the place in my mind where anxiety wants to live. I look forward to twelve more.
Michelle Charlotte NC
“O Lord, open my lips, and my mouth will declare your praise.” Psalm 51:15 NIV
MarySue,Auburndale and Brevard
Trust God from the bottom of your heart; don’t try to figure out everything on your own. Prov 3:5 (MSG)
Laura Beth, Frisco
We love because he first loved us.
1 John 4:19, NIV
Memorizing God’s Word this year has kept me meditating on Scriptures throughout my day, beyond my quiet time. Recalling my progression of memorized verses has also helped me remember my journey throughout the year.