**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
Jennifer, Mansfield, TX
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek His will in all you do, and He will direct your paths.”
Proverbs 3:5-6 (NLT)
Memorizing God’s Word this year has better equipped me to fight off fiery arrows aimed at me.
Elizabeth
Rochester,MI
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 entrust my life. Psalm 143:8 NIV
Jae, Lenoir
1 Peter 2:9(NIV)
9 But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.
Darien, Lenoir
1 Peter 2:9(NIV)
9 But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.
Darcy, Lenoir
1 Peter 2:9(NIV)
9 But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.
The LORD your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save;
He will rejoice over you with gladness; He will quiet you by His love;
He will exult over you with loud singing.
Zephaniah 3:17 ESV
Memorizing God’s Word this year has helped me to stay more focused on Him and what He is teaching me–that my hope is in Him.
“…my lips will not say anything wicked, and my tongue will not utter lies.”
Job 27:4
Um!! short but very powerful words and when i am stressed a lot harder “not” to do. I’m getting married to a wonderful Godly man Sept. 24. I can’t tell you how much these verses have meant to me so far as I’m preparing for this special day, moving two households together, and combining financial obligations. Oh Jesus, I need you to keep and guard my mouth at ALL times.
Karen, Shelby Twp., Michigan
“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 hope and a future.” Jer. 29:11 (NIV)
Memorizing scripture has been very, very hard for me. And like someone said earlier, something I’ve never needed more!
Stacy-Outlook, WA
Threevthings will last forever-faith, hope and love-and the greatest of these is love.
1 Corinthians 13 NLT I am learning to love people for who they are, not who I want them to be!
Abby, Vacaville CA
Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Matthew 5:3, NIV
For the kingdom of God is not just a lot of talk; it is living by God’s power.
~ 1 Corinthians 4:20 NLT
Teena
Cypress, Texas
Memorizing God’s word this year has caused me to deliberately view my circumstances through the lens of God’s character and His promises.
“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)
Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them: if prophey, let us prophesy in proportion to our fath; or ministry, let us use it in our ministering; he who teaches, in teaching;
Romans 12:6&7
Sammie, Sedona AZ Psalm 42:11 “Why are you in despair, O my soul? And why have you become disturbed within me? Hope in God, for I shall yet praise Him, the help of my countenance and my God.” NASB Memorizing Scripture this year has helped me in my battle against depression.
Leslie, UT
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.
Joshua 1:9 TNIV
Memorizing scripture has also meant praying scripture and feeling a new and deeper experience of God’s love and tenderness.
Sorry I am so late.
Beckie, Florence, SC
Psalm 103:15-18 NAS
As for man, his days are like grass;
As a flower of the field, so he flourishes.
When the wind has passed over it, it is no more,
And its place acknowledges it no longer.
But the lovingkindness of the LORD is from everlasting to everlasting on those who fear Him,
And His righteousness to children’s children,
To those who keep His covenant
And remember His precepts to do them.
Sharon, Los Angeles
“My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry.”
James 1:19 NIV
Isaiah 26:8
New International Version (NIV)
8 Yes, LORD, walking in the way of your laws,[a]
we wait for you;
your name and renown
are the desire of our hearts.
Beth Schwartz, Lititz.
Beth
Cary, NC
Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me from your presence
or take your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.
Psalm 51:10-12 (NIV)
Emily, Abu Dhabi, UAE
In the morning, LORD, you hear my voice;
in the morning I lay my requests before you
and wait expectantly.
Psalm 5:3
Moving to Abu Dhabi (thx for prayers!) from Houston has been a very difficult transition. The relocation company scared me so much about customs that I didn’t even bring my spiral! BUT, it’s amazing how memorizing the Word has helped me through and every Scripture I have memorized this year has proved relevant in its time.
You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. Jeremiah 29:13
It has been amazing how many times in diffent situations I have called on the scripture I have memorized and it felt wonderful!
Patty, Ada, OK
“For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.”
Hebrews 4:12 NIV
Katherine, Atlanata “The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit.”
Proverbs 18:21 (NIV)
Memorizing scripture has helped me to keep fighting the fight when the road is so uncertain.
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 The Message
Becky; Dayton Ohio
Deb K., Sterling Hts: Everything is permissible for me but not everything is beneficial. Everything is permissible for me but I will not be mastered by anything. 1 Corth 6:12 NIV
Scripture memory and meditation has been transforming me.
Amy
Middletown, Delaware
As the Father loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love.
Memorizing scripture has helped me to stay focused on the Lord and to learn to truly delight in His word. It also helps me to remember where my strength comes from and to keep a focus on eternal matters.
Sorry to be so late…I was on vacation.
Angela GARNER, NC
For this reason I kneel b/f the Father, from whom His whole family in heaven & on earth derives its name. I pray that out of His glorious riches He may strengthen you w/ power thru His Spirit in your inner being.
Eph. 3:14-16 (NIV)
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
Hey Beth, I know it is your Birthday Week (not sure of the day???) But wanted to wish you a very happy happy happy one! I love you to pieces!
In the Beloved,
~A~
Galatians 6:9 (NIV)
“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”
Charlene, Houston
Oops, forgot to post this last week:
Great is His faithfulness; His mercies begin afresh each morning. Lamentations 3:23
“For we walk by faith, not by sight.” 1 Corinthians 5:7
Memorizing Scripture has grounded my heart in truth in order that I might TRUST God more during this season of my life.
Pam
Proverbs 19:21
Many are the plans in a man’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails. NIV
Jeremiah 29:11 NIV “For I know the plans for you” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
Michelle – Austin, TX
“even the darkness will not be dark to you; the night will shine like the day, for darkness is as light to you.” Psalm 137:12 NIV
Amie, IN:
“If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me. I will be found by you,” says the Lord. Jeremiah 29:13-14 NLT
Dorinda, O’Fallon, MO- “So we make it our goal to please Him.” 2 Corinthians 5:9
Was going to give up until I read the blog this morning. Please pray that I persevere against he enemy!
Brenda, Midlothian, VA. “The Lord is for me; I will not fear; what can man do to me?” Psalm 118:6, NASB
Shira, Knoxville, Tn
James 1:2
Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds. (niv)
Sally. Crystal springs Ms. Solomon 2:4b. His banner over me was love. ESV
Memorizing God’s word this year has been challenging and fulfilling. So many times I have wanted to give up but realize how God has blessed me to be able to memorize and share his word and have been encouraged by sisters in Christ not to give up because He doesn’t give up on me
Stephanie, Mount Carmel, TN
“Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.” 2 Timothy 2:15
Memorizing scripture has given me truth to stand on through all circumstances good or bad.
Melissa, Columbus, OH
Matthew 12:37, “For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned.” (NIV)
Memorizing God’s Word this year has been challenging but rewarding.
Natalie
Austin, Tx
A man of many companions may come to ruin but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother
Prov. 18:24 NIV
Proverbs 28:13 NIV
He who conceals his sins does not prosper,
but whoever confesses and renounces them
finds mercy.
Brennan
Elmer, La
Sharon, Lititz, PA
Jeremiah 29:13 NIV
You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all of your heart.
Alison, Norman,OK
If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking. But when you ask Him, be sure that your faith is in God alone. Do not waver, for a person with divided loyalty is as unsettled as a wave ofthe sea that is blown and tossed by the wind. James 1:5,6 NLT
Memorizing God’s Word this year has been my source of joy, peace, and patience, and my sword against the enemy who has attacked hard and fierce!!
(I can’t find the BB app! =( )
Try this sister: BLACKBERRY APP: http://www.lproof-lpm.net/siestabb/2011SMT.jad
Proverbs 21:3 NIV
To do what is right and just
is more acceptable
to the Lord than sacrifice.
Tori
Elmer, La
“But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all things will be given to you as well.” Matthew 6:33 NIV
Janifer, Glen Burnie, MD
2 Timothy 2:15, NKJV
Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
Memorizing God’s Word has given me a fresh understanding of God’s love for me.
Sharie, Chillicothe
He must increase, but I must decrease. John 3:30 NASB
Memorizing scripture has helped me to step away from myself and come back to God in the middle of hard situations.