**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
Rachel; Willis, Texas
Psalm 42:1-2a
As the deer longs for streams of water, so I long for you God. I thirst for God, the living God.
Janine- Round Rock
Let me hear of your unfailing love each morning, for I am trusting you. Show me where to walk, for I give myself to you.
~ Psalms 143:8, NLT
Memorizing scripture this year has been challenging but a good reminder that when my mind is set on things above, there is always hope.
Nicole, Norman, OK
Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.
Ephesians 4:32 (NIV)
Memorizing God’s Word this year has allowed me draw closer to God and HIS will.
Kim from Springfield IL
NIV 1 Peter 2:11
Dear friends, I urge you, as aliens and strangers in the world, to abstain from sinful desires, which war against your soul.
My verses seem to have a pattern about turning away from idols and sin… As today’s verse says it so well those desires wage against your soul…Some days I really sense that war..
Joni, Littleton CO
Ephesians 3:17-19 ESV
“So that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith-that you, bieng rooted & grounded in love, may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth and to know the love of Christ that surpasses all knowledge, that you may be filled with the fullness of God”.
Memorizing scripture this year has validated the new places God is taking me on my life journey and has kept my mind focuesed on the new places instead of the old places I sometimes want to go back to because they are comfortable.
Laura, Morgantown, WV
“The Lord your God is with, He is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, He will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing.”
-Zepheniah 3:17 (NIV)
Memorizing scripture has taught me that scripture is living and active and pertains to everything that comes across my path.
only five days late…
Oops.
“Before they call I will answer; while they are still speaking I will hear.” Isaiah 65:24 NIV
Sasha
Washington
Teresa Odessa, Tx
“I wait for the Lord, my soul waits, and in his word I put my hope.” Psalms 130:5 NIV
Memorizing scripture has helped me focus on the word and turned my mind to positive thinking.
Daniel 10:19
Dont be afraid, he said for you are very precious to God. Peace! Be encouraged! Be strong! As he spoke these word to me I suddenly felt stronger and said to him Please speak to me my Lord for you have strengthened me.
NLT
Romans 12:21 (NIV)
Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
Shellie P.
Moscow, ID (although where I’m sitting for the next 2 months is Camp Grizzly in Harvard, ID)
Scripture memory for me this year has helped me to become “others centered” in my relationships, or at least I hope it has. That has been the goal. I’m not sure how well I’m doing. I think I still basically suck at relationships.
Sorry, this is so late. I was in the process of moving out here when this was posted and of course, Camp Grizzly is always a challenge since I’m constantly surrouned by people. (Interesting that that’s what I’ve been working on in counseling.) Even while typing this I’ve had to move out of someone’s way that was working once and helped someone else with something. Oh, yeah, and answered someone else’s question about how to get connected to the Wifi out here. (I wonder why they thought I’d know:))
For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith – and this not from yourselves, it is a gift from God –
not by works, so that no one can boast. Ephesians 2:8-9 (NIV)
Memorizing Scripture has helped me hold my mind captive during a time of trial.
“. . . does not rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth . . .” (1 Corinthians 13: 6, NASB).
Jessica, Westminster MD
“Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children.” Ephesians 5:1, ESV
Scripture memory has helped me keep my focus on God instead of my problems and insecurities. I have found that just working to learn my verses lowers my stress level and helps me feel more secure and confident in the future. God is so good!
Bobbie, Fort Walton Beach, Florida.
When tempted, no one should say, “God is tempting me.” For God cannot be tempted by evil nor does He tempt anyone,
James 1:13 (NIV)
Memorizing the first chapter of James has provided an abundance of sweetness and security that comes only from knowing Jesus better.
Nancy, Arkansas
“I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.” John 15:5
Chrystie C.
Piedmont, SC
“When God our Savior revealed his kindness and love, he saved us, not because of the righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He washed away our sins, giving us a new birth and new life through the Holy Spirit. He generously poured out the Spirit upon us through Jesus Christ our Savior. Because of his grace he declared us righteous and gave us confidence that we will inherit eternal life.” Titus 3:4-7 NLT
Memorizing gospel scriptures this year has given me a truer, deeper understanding of and a more wonderful appreciation for the gospel and it’s implications for my life. It has made me even more amazed at the love of our Savior.
Thorndale, PA
I will exalt you, my God the King;
I will praise your name for ever and ever.
Psalm 145:1 (NIV)
Nicole, Winnipeg, Phil 2:3 NIV
Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves.
Teresa – Austin, TX
James 5:16 Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.
Scripture memory has helped me to center my thoughts on the things of God and also claim victory over battles with the enemy.
Tami
Platte, South Dakota
Psalm 139:23,24 NIV
“Search me, O God, and know my heart;
test me and know my anxious thoughts.
See if there is any offensive way in me,
and lead me in the way of everlasting.”
Jen, Knoxville,TN
My son, if you receive my words, and treasure my commands within you, so that you incline your ear to wisdom, and apply your heart to understanding; Yes, if you cry out for discernment, and lift up your voice for understanding, If you seek her as silver, and search for her as for hidden treasures; Then you will understand the fear of the LORD, And find the knowledge of God.
Proverbs 2:1-5 (NKJ)
Rejoice in the Lord always and again I say rejoice.
Sarah, Chocowinity, NC
I sought the LORD, and He answered me; He delivered me from all my fears.
Psalm 34:4 NIV
Allison A. Johnson City, TN; Great is His faithfulness; His mercies begin afresh each morning. Lamentations 3:23
Lindsey, Woodstock, GA
Restore to me the joy of Your salvation & grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.
Psalm 51:12 [NIV]
Rebekah – Fulton, MS
“Always be joyful. Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.”
– 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, NLT
Memorizing God’s Word this year has redirected my mind, has helped me not to sin, and has given me an avenue of beating temptation for the past 6 months. Even though…I almost gave up. I’m thankful that though I may be 19 days late and 5 days late, that God gave me the encouragement I needed to keep going. He always does! Praise Him! 🙂
Been out of town so I’m going with Beth’s verse this time!
Kim, Huntsville, AL. “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 reminded me of the power in the living Word of God.
Cindy, DIberville, MS
Though a mighty army surrounds me, my heart will not be afraid. Even if I am attacked, I will remain confident. Psalm 27:3(NLT)
Port St. Joe, FL
God makes a home for the lonely
Psalm 68:6a NASB
Memorizing God’s Word this year has reignited my desire for the Word – and I praise HIM for it!
King George, VA
Psalm 121:7-8
The Lord will keep you from all harm–he will watch over your life;
the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore. (NIV)
This experience of memorizing verses has shown me in a deeply personal way how God can and does speak to me through the scriptures and given me new knowledge of the power and holiness of HIS WORD! (and I did find my spiral!)
Ok…just realized I didn’t add my 12th verse
I waited patiently for the Lord; He turned to me and heard my cry.
Jennifer, OKC
Ps. 40:1
Helen, Cambridge, UK
‘But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.’ 1 Corinthians 15:57-58 NKJV
Memorising Scripture this year (although I’ve missed the past few months, the reason will become clear) has helped me stay focussed on God during the most difficult situation I have ever faced – my 3rd baby, Jeremiah, was given a fatal antenatal diagnosis at the 20 week scan, we carried him to term and he died at 3 days old on 10th April. BUT I am still standing and God is still good and I am holding on to my Jan 1st memory verse that this year WILL be crowned by God with a bountiful harvest and that even this hard pathway will overflow with abundance (Psalm 65:11 NLT).
Helen.. I just read your post and wanted to let you know that my heart aches for you. The pain must be unimaginable. I am praying for you sweet sister.
Sue from Forney
For sin shall not be your master, because you are not under law, but under grace.
Romans 6:14 (NIV)
Song of Solomon 2:4b “His banner over me is love.” (NIV)
April, Hume
“He has shown 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 NIV
Memorizing God’s word this year has put TRUTH in my mind and heart, which has been SO needed this year!!
Karen, Columbia, MO
Philippians 4:13 The Message
“Whatever I have, wherever I am, I can make it through anything in the One who makes me who I am.”
NKJV
“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”
Proverbs 28:14 NIV “Blessed is the man who always fears the Lord, but he who hardens his heart falls into trouble.”
Memorizing scripture has given me peace and contentment like I have never experienced before!
Carol, Gig Harbor, WA
On the contrary: “If your enemy is hungry: feed him, if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.” Romans 12:20 NIV
Memorizing God’s Word this year has kept me focused on how God loves and calls me to love, not the world’s definition of love. (I’m memorizing a big chunk: Romans 12:9-21, it is sinking in at 2 verses/month with lots of review!!!!!)
Jennifer Greensburg, La
1 Chr 16:11 (NRSV) Seek the LORD and his strength, seek his
presence continually.
Memorizing God’s Word this year with my children has been so encouraging already. I want a verse to come to my mind for every situation.
Emily Greensburg, La
The Lord is kind and shows mercy. He does not become angry quickly but is full of love. Psalm 145:8 NCV
Memorizing Bible verses this year has inspired me because I am learning a lot really good verses. I am really enjoying doing this.
Heather Greensburg, La
Praise the Lord. Blessed is the man who fears the Lord, who finds great delight in his commands.
Psalms 112:1 (NIV)
Memorizing God’s Word this year has helped me to understand the Bible better as I study and learn each verse.
Siesta stephanie. Danville Ky
Let us the approach the throne of grace with confidence so that we may recieve mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.
Hebrews 4:16. NIV
Memorizing Scripture this year has walked me through the pain of an autoimmune disease, knowing that God will heal me, and I am to remain, with my belief, until He does. I am going on 9 years with daily pain, but I know there is a purpose. Just quote me a Word on healing, and I will bawl like a baby. 🙂 He is up to something good. I just know it.
“I cry out to God Most High, to God who will fulfill His purpose for me.”
Psalm 57:2 (NLT)
Cindy, Arkansas “We take captive every thought to make it obedient to God.” 2 Corinthians 10:5
John 15:12 (NIV) My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you.
Kay Chester Va
Donna, Summerfield, NC
John 21:15-19 NKJV These are the parts I think God wants me to remember:
Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these? Yes Master you know I love You. Jesus said Feed my lambs. Jesus said shepherd my sheep. Jesus said feed my sheep…..And then He commanded Follow Me.
I have a prayer request for anyone reading this. I lost my Siesta Scripture Memory Book! I cant’ find it anywhere in my home. I almost gave up on doing the verses but I won’t. I’m determined that I will find this little book and if not then I’m just going to buy a new but I will not get discouraged. For now I’m writing my verses in my journal.
Meredith Sloan
Greer, SC
Psalm 63:1 (NIV)
You, God, are my God,
earnestly I seek you;
I thirst for you,
my whole being longs for you,
in a dry and parched land
where there is no water.
Memorizing God’s Word this year has opened doors for me I never could have imagined. I spoke to 100 ladies at a church retreat on what scripture memorization means to me. I am certainly not a “speaker” I pass out at the thought of it. God was good and gave me strength and He was glorified through it all.
Emily, Newnan, GA
The Lord is my strength and my shield, my heart trust in Him, and I am hleped. My heart leaps for joy and I give thanks to him in song. Ps. 28:7 NIV
Susan B.
Chapin, SC
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 God’s word this year has given me direction through some confusing situations.
Sugar Land, TX
2 verses this time – didn’t post for the 1st of June.
“It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by the yoke of slavery.”
Galatians 5:1 (NIV)
“You give me your shield of victory and your ritht hand sustains me; you stoop down to make me great.”
Psalm 18:35 (NIV)
Memorizing God’s word this year has given my mind a place to focus when my stomach wants to focus on food. The result: me minus 25 pounds. Praise God!
Bridget, Portland, TX
“For you are my rock and my fortress; for your name’s sake you will lead me and guide me.” Psalm 31:3
Sorry it is late…
Sheila, Beckley, WV The Lord redeems the soul of His servants, and none of those who trust in Him shall be condemned. Psalm 34:22 NKJV Memorizing God’s Word this year has made my Jesus more real to me and confirmed I am not alone because He is with me.