**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
Galatians 6:9
“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” NIV
Andrea Woodstock, GA
Memorizing scrripture this year has drawn me closer to the Lord and given me a deeper hunger for His word.
Pam, Campbellsburg In.
“The wind blows where it wishes and you hear the sound of it,
but do not know where it comes from and where it is going;
so is everyone who is born of the Spirit”. John 3:8
NKJV
Memorizing verses with the blog family keeps me grounded and focused to DO IT !!!!!! Love ya.
Karen, Fruit Heights, Utah 1 Peter 3:15 NIV 15 But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect
Memorizing scripture this year has kept me seeking in Gods word for scriptures that speak to what is happening in my life
Kelly Powell, Eupora, MS
“Blessed are those who have learned to acclaim you, who walk in the light of Your presence, O Lord.” Psalm 89:15 NIV
Memorizing God’s Word this year has caused me to SPEAK it to others so much more!
Psalm 138: 1
I will praise you, Lord, with all my heart.
Memorizing Scripture this year has been amazing. I have been choosing Scripture that matches where I am at in my life at that time, and I love looking back in my spiral (and on my Siesta app!) – God is FAITHFUL.
Abbie – Franklin, TN
But after I rise from the dead, I will go ahead of you into Galilee.” Matthew 26:32 (NCV)
Memorizing scripture this year has helped me keep my tongue in check in many situations where I have wanted to say more than I should.
Hilary
Hudsonville, MI
“For the eyes of the LORD range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him.”
II Chronicles 16:9a
Amber, Euless Texas
Unless the lord builds the house, They labor in vain who build it; unless the lord guards the city, the watchman stays awake in vain.
Psalm 127:1
Emily Jones Mechanicsville, VA
Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perserveres. 1 Corinthians 13:6-7 NIV
Memorizing scripture has giving me a godly goal for the year and less idle thoughts.
Marie, Post Falls, Idaho –
“Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you.” – 1 Peter 5:7
Stephanie, Wise
Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead Phil 3:13 NKJV
Memorizing scriptures this year has given me God’s powerful words to cling to when this world gets too crazy
Bridgette Jencks
Panama City Beach, FL
Ephesians 4:29-30 NIV
Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.
Scripture memory is reminding me how to LIVE (perfect example – the verse above!) I’m trying to weave it into the very core of my brain.
Sharie, Chillicothe, MO
He must increase, but I must decrease. John 3:30 NASB
Kara, Lancaster PA
“I am the Lord,” He says, “and there is no other.”
Isaiah 45:18 NLT
Janet, Norman, OK
Hebrews 4:16 NIV
Let us, then approach the throne of grace with confidence,
so we may receive mercy and find grace in our time of need.
Memorizing the Word has given ministered to my own heart over and
over again, and then I have fresh manna to give to others.
Heather, Dadeville ” I will praise you, O Lord, with all my heart; I will tell of all your wonders.” Psalm 9:1 NIV
Memorizing God’s word this year has caused me to focus on Him and His promises.
Linda and girls, Pauls Valley, OK: Psalm 45:11 “Let the king be enthralled by your beauty; honor him, for he is your lord.” (NIV) Memorizing scripture along with my daughters has empowered me as a mother. For those times when my words can’t fix what they’re going through, I want them to have ready an arsenal of God’s failproof Words to declare.
Susan, Chicago. “So now my heart will sing to You and not be silent; O Lord my god, I will always give thanks to You.” Psalm 30:12 (NET). Memorizing scripture this year has enabled me to pray in an amazingly effective way for loved ones under attack.
Janet
Enid, OK
Proverbs 16:24
(NASB)
Pleasant words are a honeycomb,
Sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.
Kelly
Ruston, LA
Philippians 4:6-7
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with Thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
NIV
“For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.”
Romans 8:6 NKJV
And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. Colossians 3:14 (ESV)
Memorizing God’s Word this year has helped me to keep my thoughts and my heart focused on God and the things that are important to Him.
Marlies, The Netherlands:
‘For the director of music. Of David. A psalm.
You have searched me, LORD,and you know me.
You know when I sit and when I rise;
you perceive my thoughts from afar.’
Psalm 139:1,2 NIV
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
Renee/Austin
Nesha: Mechanicsville, VA
‘Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying “This is the way; walk in it”.’ Isaiah 30:21
Memorizing God’s Word this year has been a blessed reminder that He is with us through it all, with all the emotional trials this year.
Sharon, San Antonio
Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone. Colossians 4:6. NIV
Memorizing scripture this year has given me a foundation of truth to fall on when dealing with life’s daily ups and downs.
Carolyn, St.Peters, MO
I lift my eyes to the hills, where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth. Psalm 121: 1-2 (NIV) Memorizing scripture this year and this way is a great way to keep me accountable for doing it so I am continuing to build up on God’s word that is hidden in my heart.
Tanya, Somerville, TN Romans 12:1-2 (Missed the last one, so I’m doing 2) “I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God – this is your true and proper worship. 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.” NIV and
I Corinthians 6:19-20 “Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, Who is in you, Whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore, honor God with your bodies.”
NIV Memorizing scripture this year has kept me actively memorizing God’s Word and searching the scriptures for treasures to hide in my heart to empower my witness for Christ. Nothing has empowered my life more than memorizing God’s Word! Love you guys!! 🙂
Sarah, Little Rock
“Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way.”
2 Thessalonians 2:16 NIV
Memorizing scripture this year has allowed me to see just how alive and active God’s Word is, giving me a deeper appreciation for His Word!
Donna Kirkland,Wa
Proverbs 10:19
“When there are many words, transgression is unavoidable, but he who restrains his lips is wise.”
To meditate on His word is very soothing in stressful times.
Pam- Rochester MN
Make me Know your Ways O LORD,
Teach me your paths!
Ps. 25:4 ESV
Wendy and her 2 daughters Faith (15) and Naomi Hope (11)
Eden Prairie, MN
“Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers a multiude of sins.”
1 Peter 4:8 (NIV)
Ephesians 4:29 (NIV)
“Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building up others according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.”
Memorizing God’s Word this year has armed me for the spiritual battle and shown me the POWER that lives in the WORD of GOD!
Kay, Everett, Wa
Feed the hungry, and help those in trouble. Then your light will shine out from the darkness, and the darkness around you will be bright as noon.
The Lord will guide you continually, giving you water when you are dry and restoring your strength.
You will be like a well-watered garden, like an ever-flowing spring. Some of you will rebuild the deserted ruins of your cities. Then you will be known as a rebuilder of walls and a restorer of homes.
Isaiah 58:10-12 (NLT Bible)
Memorizing God’s Word this year has made me feel like my soul is soaking in God’s word, like it is written across my heart in ink that will never fade!
1 John 4:4 (ESV)
“Little children, you are from God and have overcome them, for he who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.”
Memorizing God’s Word this year has been one of the ways God is bringing healing to my once very heavy heart and distracted mind. 🙂
Melissa, Castle Rock, CO
The one who calls you is faithful and he will do it. 1 Thessalonians 5:24 NIV
Memorizing scripture this year reminds me that worthwhile things are often challenging, but perservering will be a blessing.
I am the Alpha and the Omega, says the Lord God, who is, and who was, and who is to come, the Almighty. Revelation 1:8 NIV
Christy, Clay Center, KS
Memorizing scripture this year has helped keep my mind focused on the big picture and focused on what God’s will is for me, not my will or anyone else’s.
nancy-LPM-houston
“I will praise you, Lord, with all my heart;
I will tell of all the marvelous things you have done.” Psalm 9:1 NLT
Memorizing Scripture this year has strengthened my faith as I roll His Word over and over in my mind, and focused my eyes even more on Christ.
Traci, vadnais heights, mn.
romans 8:6
“The mind governed by the flesh is death,
but the mind governed by the spirit is life and peace.”
memorizing scripture this year has been my security.
Nancy, Perry, “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 God’s Word this year and given additional power to my prayer life.
“Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My Righteous Right Hand.” (Isa 41:10)
Memorizing together has helped me be held accountable, to be reminded of God’s presence in my life, to taste how good the Lord is!
Elizabeth, Rocky Mount, NC:
2 Timothy 1:6-7 (NIV):
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. For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline.
Becky, Groesbeck, Tx.; “I will pour out water for the thirsty land and make streams flow on dry land. I will pour out my Spirit into your children and my blessing on your descendants.” Isaiah 44:3, NCV
“The Lord is my Shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures, He leads me beside still waters, He restores my soul. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will not fear, for You are with me. Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a feast for me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil. My cup overflows. Surely goodness and mercy will follow me all the days of my life and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.”
Psalm 23
Melody
Myrtle Beach, SC
Memorizing God’s word this year has given me peace about being single by changing the way I think! Praise Him!
2 Corinthians 12:10 (NIV)
That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
Memorizing scripture has continuously reminded me that God is in control.
Geri
Deer Park, TX
He holds victory in store for the upright. He is a shield to those whose walk is blameless, for He guards the course of the just and protects the way of His faithful ones. Proverbs 2:7-8
Memorizing Scripture has given me encouragement when I’m not sure what to do or if I can do it.
1 Corinthians 11:9
Amplified Bible (AMP)
9Neither was man created on account of or for the benefit of woman, but woman on account of and for the benefit of man.
memorizing God’s word has kept me focused and purposeful, reminding me to take my own thoughts captive daily.
Pam Woods, Hotchkiss, CO
Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.
Hebrews 13:8 NIV
Memorizing God’s Word this has helped to truly BELIEVE Him and His word and live it to the absolute fullest!
Aimee, Columbus, OH
Do not be anxious about anything but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving present your requests to God.
Philippians 4:6
Ok – I know the rule, but I have a prayer need and would be so thankful for any prayers. My best friend from high school is in the hospital and Dr’s aren’t quite sure what’s wrong with her. I’m praying that God would come alive to her through this and that she would learn to trust and believe the Lord and to take him at His Word. Pray for me also as I try my best to introduce her to the God that heals. Thank you so much, dear sisters. 🙂
Cathy R. Orofino,ID
Be joyful always. Pray continually. Give thanks in all circumstances for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. IThes.5:16-18NIV