**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
Leah, Atlanta, GA: “The Lord is near the brokenhearted; He delivers those who are discouraged.” Psalm 34:18 (NET Bible)
Therefore the Lord is waiting to show you mercy, and is rising up to show you compassion. Is. 30:18a (holman)
Sandi H. (Holt, MO): “For the Lord your God is the one who goes with you to fight for you against your enemies to give you victory.” Deuteronomy 20:4 (NIV)
Barbra, Oxford, PA
Proverbs 11:25 NIV
A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.
Memorizing God’s Word this year has re-energized the way I pray for others.
” How natural it is that I should feel as I do about you, for you have a very special place in my heart.” (Philippians 1:7 TLB).
Julia, Glendora, CA. “The mind of man plans his way, but the LORD directs his steps.” Proverbs 16:9 NASB. Memorizing God’s Word this year has kept me believing Him even when everything I see and feel says He is silent.
Jenell,Springfield, MO –
“Teach me Your way, Lord, that I may rely on Your faithfulness; give me an undivided heart, that I may fear Your Name.” -Psalm 86:11(NIV)
In memorizing God’s Word this year He reminds me every time I look at my cute little spiral that I CAN! No more excuses! I can do this and I am doing it! Glory! I’m dancin’–not very well, but…:)
Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Galations 6:9 (NIV)
Memorizing God’s word has given me His words/assurances in times of need automatically.
Julie~ Carlsbad, Ca “My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, for man’s ager does not bring about the righteous life that God desires.” James 1:19-20 NIV Memorizing God’s word this year has made me more fully aware of the power of the Word and what He desires to do and fulfill through His church, the bride.
Rochelle, Louisville, KY
…The ungodly are not so: but are like the chaff which the wind driveth away. Psalm 1:4 KJV
Memorizing God’s Word this year has given me a focus on Him that I’ve never had before. PTL!
Valerie, Scott City
“Nor for the pestilence that walketh in darkness; nor for the destruction that wasteth at noonday.” Psalm 91:6, KJV
Memorizing God’s Word this year has sharpened my ability to recognize Satan’s subtle mental attacks and overcome them quickly with the Word of truth.
Suzanne – Knoxville, TN: “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.” – Lamentations 3: 22-23 (NIV)
Memorizing God’s Word this year has reminded me of how much wisdom there is in the Bible that can be applied directly to troubles and tribulations I am facing.
Elizabeth, Oxford, PA
Proverbs 11:25 NIV
A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.
Leah Hayes, Taylors SC My brothers and sisters, do not show prejudice if you possess faith in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ. James 2:1 NET
Kay from Deer Park, TX
Psalm 101: 3 NIV
“I will set before my eyes no vile thing. The deeds of faithless men I hate; they will not cling to me.”
Memorizing God’s Word this year has created some extra, precious time with Him, and with 4 friends joining me -even sweeter. . . and I love the extra accountability.
Submit to God and be at peace with him: in this way prosperity will come to you. JOB 22:21 NLT
Memorizing scripture helps me stay focused on God and to seek him and his desire for me in every part of my life.
Rachel
Fullerton, CA
2 Tim 2:24-25a (ESV)
“And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but kind to everyone, able to teach, patiently enduring evil, correcting his opponents with gentleness.”
Memorizing God’s Word this year has … kept me looking to Him for approval as I battle people pleasing!
love ya’ll,
rachel
Jo Ann, Philadelphia. “Make me know Your ways, O LORD; Teach me Your paths.” Psalm 25:4 (NAS) Memorizing God’s Word this year has given me a hand-hold onto a life preserver and new hope and joy in looking ahead.
For though we live as human beings we do not wage war according to human standards, for the weapons of our warfare are not human weapons but are made powerful by God for tearing down strongholds. We tear down arguments and every arrogant obstacle that is raised up against the knowledge of God and we take every thought captive to make it obey Christ. (2 Cor 10:3-5 NET Bible)
Memorizing God’s Word this year has given me a timeline of my progress in growing my relationship with Jesus. I can see where I’ve been and how far I’ve come.
“I have no greater joy than to hear my children are walking in the truth”. 3 John:4
God asked me to trust Him with my children and their salvation, and each memory verse confirms my commitment to that promise.
Emmy, Rome,Ga
“For He knows how we are formed, He remembers that we are dust.” Psalm 103:14
Memorizing God’s word refreshes my weary soul!
Cheryl, Chadbourn. I wait for the Lord, my soul waits, and in his word I put my hope. Psalm 130:5 NIV
Laura, Lexington, Ky
Truly my soul finds rest in God; my salvation comes from Him.
Psalms 62:1 NIV
Memorizing God’s word this year has kept me focused on what truly matters in life and what I want my marriage to become and my children to learn from us.
Matia, Fort Worth, TX, “All the earth worships you and sings praises to you; they sing praises to your name.” Psalm 66:4 (ESV)
Memorizing God’s Word this year has helped me to remain focused less on my circumstances and more on God’s character.
Lucinda Bomberger, Watsontown, PA
2 Corinthians 12:9 NIV My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.
Memorizing God’s Word this year has truely been my help and my strength through not just 1 but many difficult circumstances.
Hannah, Oxford, PA
Psalm 139:23 NIV
Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts.
Marsha, Lexington Park, MD
Thus I have beheld Thee in the sanctuary,
To see Thy power and Thy glory.
Psalm 63:2 NAS
Kristen, Fort Worth, TX: I praise you, O LORD; teach me Your decrees. Psalm 119:12 (NLT)
Dendy, Hernando, Ms
“But those who trust on the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not grow faint.” Isaiah 40:31 NLT
This has made me struggle with legalism and insecurity, but I’m hanging in there knowing it will be worth it in the end.
Katie, IA
Psalm 131 (NIV)
1 My heart is not proud, LORD,
my eyes are not haughty;
I do not concern myself with great matters
or things too wonderful for me.
2 But I have calmed and quieted myself,
I am like a weaned child with its mother;
like a weaned child I am content.
3 Israel, put your hope in the LORD
both now and forevermore.
The SSMT has felt like training; Praise the Lord that He prepares us, equips us, sees what lies ahead, and provides all we need.
Renee, Roanoke, VA: “Teach me Your way, Lord, that I may rely on Your faithfulness; give me an undivided heart, that I may fear Your Name.” -Psalm 86:11 (NIV)
Memorizing God’s word this year has revitalized my time with Him! Every time my eye falls on one of the 3 x 5 cards I have posted all around the house it feels like another impromptu visit with Him 🙂
Carrie, Boston “I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” John 16:33 ESV. Memorizing God’s word this year has caused me to depend on Him during this season of change in my life.
Carol – LaGrange, Ga – Good and upright is the LORD; therefore He instructs sinners in His ways. He guides the humble in what is right and teaches them His way. Psalm 25:8-9 NIV
Memorizing scripture has helped me keep my eyes fixed on Jesus and stand firm in my faith in stead of focusing on circumstances and worrying. The word of God is indeed the sword of the Spirit!
Valerie,NJ:
Be humble and gentle. Be patient with eachother, making allowance for eachother’s faults because of your love.
Ephesians 4:2 NLT
Memorizing verses has caused me to look deeper into God’s word and memorize verses that speak to me when I do.
Charmaine, Miami – Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need. Matthew 6:33 NLT
Jan, Winnipeg, Manitoba “Before they call I will answer; while they are still speaking I will hear.” Isaiah 65:24 (NIV)
Memorizing God’s Word this year has strengthened and sustained me through the difficulties and circumstances that have overwhelmed my days.
Sheila, Union City, Indiana
Eph 1:3 NIV
Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ.
Memorizing God’s Word has made my prayer life more meaningful, because I can pray His Word back to Him!
Billie, Greenville, KY
“How lovely is your dwelling place, O LORD Almighty! My soul yearns, even faints, for the courts of the LORD; my heart and my flesh cry out for the living God.” Psalm 84:1-2
Memorizing Scripture this year has carved truth in my inner place and helped even bless my 10 year old as he lets me recite to him at night when I tuck him in, Praise God!
Cassandra, Marienville, Pa
Psalm 52:8
“But I am like an olive tree flourishing in the house of God, I trust in God’s unfailing love for ever and ever.” (NIV)
Memorizing God’s Word this year has helped breathe a fresh new life into my faith, and helped keep my mind focused on God’s reality instead of my own.
Stacey-Morocco,in
Psalms 34:1 (NIV)
I will extol the Lord at all times;his praise will always be on my lips.
Memorizing Scripture this year has been life and healing to me. A constant reminder of truth when I needed it to defeat the lies of the enemy and my feelings.
Jennifer, Monroe GA
Psalm 60:11-12(NIV)
“Give us aid against the enemy, for the help of man is worthless. With God we will gain the victory, and he will trample down our enemies.”
Memorizing God’s word this year has given me a practical goal of spending time with God with two children under 2yrs. Most of the time we are “surviving” so recalling His word even if I can’t find the time to “study” is refreshing.
“May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable to You, Lord, my rock and my redeemer.” ~Psalm 19:14 HCSB
Memorizing Scripture this hear has made the Word come alive for me. Where I was previously stagnant in my “quiet times”, learning the discipline of meditating on a single passage for 2 weeks has brought life to my relationship with my Father. Every single time I’m amazed at how I choose a verse for one reason, but a couple days in a deeper, more impactful meaning is brought to light by the Holy Spirit. If I were just reading the passage and moving on, I never could have heard what He wanted me to learn from it.
Tricia, Tucson AZ.
Colossians 3:17 “And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” (NIV)
Psalm 121:1-4(as part of going through the Stepping Up study)
I raise my eyes toward the mountains. Where will my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.
He will not allow your foot to slip, your Protector will not slumber. Indeed, the Protector of Israel does not slumber or sleep.
Jen, Dublin VA
Becky Jo
Chesterfield MI
But as for me, God’s presence is all I need. I have made the sovereign Lord my shelter, as I declare all the things You have done.
Psalm 73:28 NET
Memorizing God’s Word this year has helped me to take it from the page to my heart and taught me to use IT in time of need – or praise – as I learn to pray His Word. GLORY to Him!
Meggie, Winnipeg, Canada
“O LORD, if you heal me, I will be truly healed; if you save me, I will be truly saved. My praises are for you alone.” Jeremiah 17:14 NLT
Memorizing God’s Word this year has helped me to overcome temptations and strengthened my faith to believe God is who He says He is.
Tracy from Wheeling, WV
Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Colossians 3:12 (NIV)
Roxanne M., Greenwood, LA, Philippians 4:5-9, KJV:
“Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice. Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand. Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.”
Kelly, Charlotte, NC
Psalm 71:3 NIV
Be my rock of refuge, to which I can always go; give the command to save me, for you are my rock and my fortress.
Memorizing God’s Word has been such a source of strength and comfort. The Holy Spirit has brought to mind the scriptures I have learned during stressful or difficult circumstances, giving me the perfect prayers in those times- God’s own words.
Susanne, El Paso, TX
Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever. Psalm 118:29 (NIV – 1984)
Memorizing Scripture this year have given me a daily glimpse of the Lord’s work in my life.