**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
running my first race next saturday
Isaiah 40:31 NLT
But those who wait on the Lord will find new strength, they will fly high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint.
“The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience….” 1 Corinthians 10:13
Jenna
Waco, TX
“The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience….” 1 Corinthians 10:13 (NLT)
Caroline
Waco, TX
“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (ESV)
Melissa
Waco, TX
Julie, Clarks Summit, PA
I am come that they might have life and that they might have it more abundantly.” John 10:10 KJV
Memorizing God’s Word this year has been hard, rewarding, encouraging. I have fallen behind, but I am not giving up!!
Jodi Battle, San Diego, CA
“Owe nothing to anyone except to love one another, for he who love his neighbor has fulfilled the law.”
Romans 13:8 NIV
If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames, but have not love, I gain nothing.
1 Cor. 13:3
Cody – Houston, TX
“Worthy are you, our Lord and our God, to receive honor and glory and power; for You created all things, and because of your will they existed, and were created.”
Revelation 4:11 (NASB)
Sherree Hunsberger-Atlanta, GA
“He has showed you, O man, what is good! And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.”
Micah 6:8
Memorizing God’s Word has been a challenge BUT it has taught me that I can not live without it!! God truly blesses us with hope strength & His mercy through His Word memory!
Shonda Jo Aurora, SD
“Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.” Matthew 11:28-30 The Message
Scripture memory this year has been challenging and a blessing during a very crazy time in my life!
Michelle, Colorado Springs, CO
Proverbs 19:21
“Many are the plans in a man’s heart, but it is the LORD’s purpose that prevails.
Memorizing God’s Word this year has caused me to build deeper relationships with my girlfriends in keeping each other accountable and encouraging one another to keep memorizing!
Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.
Deut. 31: 6
Gayle, Salinas
Out of the fullness of His grace, we have all received blessing upon blessing
John 1:16 NIV
The Holy Spirit has brought verses I have memorized to mind at just the perfect time!
AmyLu, Evansville
And they sang a new song:
“You are worthy to take the scroll and to open its seals, because you were slain, and with your blood you purchased men for God from every tribe and language and people and nation. You have made them to be a kingdom and priests to serve our God, and they will reign on the earth.”
Revelation 5:9-10 (NIV)
Memorizing scripture has helped me hear what God is saying.
donna huneycutt mt. pleasant nc
I have wiped out your transgressions like a thick cloud and your sins like a heavy mist. Return to Me, for I have redeemed you. Isaiah 44:22 NASB
I have gotten off track with my memorization, but I am getting BACK on track this very day.
Ruth, Coeur d Alene Idaho
Galatians 2:20-21 NIV
“I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. I do not set aside the grace of God, for if righteousness could be gained through the law, Christ died for nothing!”
And the Lord said to Paul one night in a vision,”Do not be afraid, but go on speaking and do not be silent, for I am with you and no one will attack you to harm you, for I have many in this city who are my people.”
Acts 18:9 ESV
Becky
Westerville, OH
For we have heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and your love for all of God’s people, which come from your confident hope of what God has reserved for you in heaven.
Colossians 1:4-5
New Living Translation
Memorizing God’s Word this year has helped me know how to pray – for myself and others in my life. It’s helped me keep my head on straight.
Cindy, Grapevine, TX
Titus 2:11-12 “For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age”
Memorizing Scripture this year has reminded me of how God so actively cares for me and personally relates to me by bringing verses to my mind just when I need to be encouraged or challenged.
Kristen, Los Angeles, CA
“Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the LORD, “He is my refuge and my fortress,my God, in whom I trust.”
Psalms 91: 1- 2
Gina, San Antonio, TX
“He who trusts himself is a fool, but he who walks in wisdome is kept safe.” Pro 28:26, NIV
Kim, Warren: “Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothes yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.” Colossians 3:12 NIV
Renee – Charlotte, NC
“So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded. You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what He has promised.” Hebrews 10:35-36, NIV (1984)
Memorizing scripture this year has helped me claim and live in the power and security of God’s promises.
Jodi Alley, Humble, TX “I remain confident of this: 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 on the Lord.” Psalm 27: 13-14 NIV
Memorizing God’s word this year has made me realize these words are not just words, they are His words and He speaks to me through them.
Kate from Cheney, WA
Now that you have purified yourselves by obeying the truth so that you have sincere love for your brothers, love one another deeply, from the heart. I Peter 1:22 NIV
Memorizing God’s Word this year has allowed me to receive victory in areas I had struggled with in the past and has helped me to always have a ready word of exhortation and/or encouragement on my tongue to give to others – thank you Jesus!
Mary, Portland–“Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love Him.” James1:12 (NIV). Memorizing God’s Word this year has been more of a commitment than I thought it would be. I’m so glad that I’m doing it though because, I tell you, the second I start fussing or having a problem, these verses come to my mind and I start thinking about that instead meditating on my circumstances. Praise the Lord!
Because of the LORD’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. I say to myself, “The LORD is my portion; therefore I will wait for him.” Lamentations 3:22-24 NIV
Jeremiah 29:11
NIV
” For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future.”
“the wicked flee when no one pursues, but the righteous are as bold as a lion!” Proverbs 28:1 GNT
Amanda, Pine Bluff, Arkansas
You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you. -Isaiah 26:3
Katherine, Shiremanstown, PA
My little children, let us not love in word or in tongue, but in deed and in truth. ~ 1 John 3:18 (NKJV)
Memorizing God’s Word this year has reminded me that God knows what I’m going to face in the future and has picked out a verse for me to learn that will help me through that trial.
Karen, Orillia ON Canada
“For God has not given us a spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.” 2 Timothy 1:7 (KJV)
Myra, Lisbon, Portugal
Micah 7;7 NIV “But as for me, I watch in hope for the Lord, I wait for God my Savior; My God will hear me.”
Keri
Washington, GA
Romans 10:17(HCSB)
“So faith comes from what is heard, and what is heard comes through the message about Christ.”
Di, Cowpens, SC
“Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen,but what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.”
2 Corinthians 4:16-18 NIV
I know that the very words of God are being written across my mind and my heart as I memorize each one.
Rebecca, Stamford, TX “You find families for those who are lonely. You set prisoners free and give them a song, [a] but all who rebel will live in a scorching desert.” Psalm 68:6 CEV
Sorry this is late, been on vacation!
June 15
Melissa, Thompson’s Station, TN.
I have determined that my mouth will NOT sin!!! Ps. 17:3 HCSB
Memorizing God’s Word this year has…good, but I really want to start applying to my heart and obeying what I am learning!!
Kori, Cabot, Arkansas Psalm 70:4 NIV But may all who seek you rejoice and be glad in you; may those who love your salvation always say, “Let God be exalted!”
Donna
Loganville,PA
1 John 4: 10
This is love; not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.
NIV
Memorizing God’s word this year has reminded me of his love for me and brought restoration in my life.
Karon, Kingsland, GA
You know with all your heart and soul that not one of all the good promises the Lord your God gave you has failed. Every promise has been fulfilled; not one has failed.
Joshua 23:14 NIV
Memorizing God’s word this year has forced me to keep my focus on Him and not on the individual problems of my family members. I feel that God is training me to trust Him with my children, since He pointed out a few years ago that was one of my many shortcomings. Great is God’s faithfulness!!!
Rene, Abilene, TX
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! 2 Corinthians 5:17 NIV
Matthew 25:40 NIV
“The King will reply, ‘I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.'”
Anna, Sullivan, MO
“Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go, for to you I lift up my soul.” Psalm 143:8 NIV
Jessica, Jacksonville, Fl
“You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways.”
Psalm 139: 3 NIV
Valerie, Nashville, “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
Memorizing God’s Word this year has caused me to stay grounded, and is something that I can fall back on when faced with uncertainty.
Vicki, Elizabethtown, KY
If anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, this person’s religion is worthless.
James 1:26
ESV
Memorizing God’s Word this year reminds me of Who I am seeking to please…and helps me hold my tongue when those I love misjudge me. (only a couple, but it still hurts)
Donna, Norman, OK
Deuteronomy 30:14 NKJV
“But the word is very near you. It is in your mouth and in your heart,
so that you can do it.”
Memorizing God’s Word this year has shown me how much MORE I need to be in His Word and have His Word in me.
May I ask for prayer? My family and I are at a completely broken moment. We know the redeeming love of Christ….but I am beaten down by a long term issue. Please lift us up.
Bonnie
Rowlett, TX
We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.
2 Cor. 4:8 NIV
Memorizing scripture the last few months has reminded me how much I need to depend on Him!