**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
Deanna, Maytown AL
Proverbs 8:17 ESV
I love those who love me, and those who seek me diligently find me.
Deborah J., Clearwater, FL
Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name; you are Mine. When you pass through the waters, Iw ill be with you; and through the rivers, they will not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be scorched, nor will the flame burn you. (Isaiah 43:1-2, NASB)
Memorizing Scripture (since the first Siesta Memory Challenge in 2009) has taught me to pray Scripture, as the Lord brings the Scripture passages that I have memorized into my mind and my heart to lift as prayer to Him.
vee, howe, tx “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” Phil. 4:13 KJV
Paula – Arvada, CO
May the Lord bless you and keep you; May the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; May the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.
Numbers 6: 24-26 NIV
Memorizing God’s word this year has allowed me to own these verses and discover the delight of having them, verse and reference, when I want them.
“A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.” Proverbs 17:17
Judith, Orillia, ON Canada
2 Cor 4:4
“The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers,
so that they cannot see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ,
who is the image of God.”
Sharon McLaughlin
Panama City Beach, FL
Hebrews 11:6 NIV
And without faith it is impossible to please God because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.
Cheryl, Peoria, AZ – NIV Hebrews 4:12-13 “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. Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of Him to whom we must give account.”
Wheaton, IL
“My thoughts are nothing like your thoughts,” says the Lord.
“And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine.
For just as the heavens are higher than the earth, so my ways are higher than your ways and my thoughts higher than your thoughts.” Is 55:8-9 NLT
Jeanine
Athens, NY
Romans 8:18 (KJV)
For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that shall be revealed in us.
So late. Lightening took out the DSL box! Back online! Memorizing Scripture is a blessed gift that keeps on giving.
Proverbs 17:3 (NAS) The refining pot is for silver and the furnace for gold, but the Lord tests hearts. Amy, Las Vegas
Stacy Featherston, Searcy, AR
“Because you are my helper, I sing for joy in the shadow of your wings” Psalm 63:7 (NLT)
Sarah Grace Featherston, Searcy, AR
“I will praise you as long as I live, lifting up my hands to you in prayer” Psalm 63:4 (NLT)
Nicole, Florissant, MO: “But now, this is what the Lord says- he who created you, Jacob, he who formed you, Israel: ‘Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. Isaiah 43:1-2 NIV
CJ, Liberty, MO
“In his heart, a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps.”
Proverbs 16:9 NIV
Debbie Smyrna, TN
And we know that all things work togethr for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose. Romans 8:28 KJ study Bible
Memorizing scripture has taught me to think about what I say before I say it. I have been using His instructions to direct my responses. God has shown me that He wants me to live His abundant life which is so much better than me wanting to run it my way. He so loves me and I so love Him!
Sorry so late!
“If you preach, just preach God’s message nothing else; if you help just help don’t take over, if you teach stick to your teaching” this is from Romans 12 The Message
Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord, the Lord himself, is the Rock eternal.
-Isaiah 26:4 (NIV)
You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you.
(Isaiah 26:3 ESV)
Marci in Amsterdam,NL
Psalm 32:7 You are my hiding place, you protect me in times of trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance. (NIV)
Memorizing verses this year has helped me to keep my trust in God when I would tend to want to take things into my own hands.
Denise, Walton, KY
Philippians 4:4-6
Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again:Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
Memorizing Scripture has taught me to place my mind on Christ and to get my mind off of my problems/circumstances. It has brought me perfect JOY!
Rhonda
Gilmer
Whoever has no rule over his own spirit is like a city broken down with no walls.
Proverbs 25:28 (NKJV)
Michelle, Kansas
My heart pounds in my chest. The terror of death assualts me. Fear & trembling overwhelm me and I can’t stop shaking . . . but I will call on God and the LORD will rescue me. Morning, noon & night I cry out in my distress and the LORD hears my voice . . . Give your burdens to the LORD and He will take care of you.
NLT, Ps 55: 4-5, 16-17, 22
Pam- Milledgeville, Ga.
You, therefore, have no excuse, you who pass judgement on someone else, for at whatever point you judge the other, you are condemning yourself, because you who pass judgement do the same things. Romans 2:1 NIV
Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt and where thieves break through and steal Matt6:19 KJV
Janet, Holmes Beach, Florida
But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.
Acts 1:8 NIV
Liz, Washington D.C.
Man who is born of a woman is few of days and full of trouble. Job 14:1
(sorry this is so late!)
Diane, Gig Harbor, WA
I sought the Lord and he answered me: he delivered me from all my fears. Those who look to him are radient; their faces are never covered with shame. Psalm 34:4-5 NIV
Marta, Southlake TX
Rely on the Lord! Be strong and confident! Rely on the Lord!
Psalm 27:14 NET
And you must commit yourselves wholeheartedly to these commands that I am giving you today. Deut. 6:6 NLT
Kelly, Colorado Springs, CO
Philippians 4:4-7 NIV
“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, 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.”
You said be specific. 🙂 Memorizing scripture this year has turned my morning hair drying time from a time to contemplate the possible worries of the day and plan and scheme on my own to a time of meditating on God’s word and has helped me through a very difficult season of a move and health difficulties for my mom. He is good!
Renee, Calgary, Canada
The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he
will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.
Deut 31:8 NIV
Memorizing scripture has helped me battle my anxiety. God is amazing!
I Tim. 6:12a ESV
Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called. . .
Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.
I Peter 5:6-7 NIV
Valerie Oklahoma
Terra from Owasso
The secret things belong to the LORD our God, but the things revealed belong to us and to our children forever, that we may follow all the words of this law.
Deuteronomy 29:29
I’m late on this, but not giving up.
Psalm 19:14, “May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer.”
These bible verses that have learned (some better than others) pop into my head at just the right time! They have provided me with comfort.
Romans 12:17-18 (NIV)
Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.
Georgine East
Austin, TX
Memorizing scripture this year has focused my attention on the life of love that God calls us to and the power He provides to live that life.
I forgot my comment! Memorizing God’s word this year, especially meditating on one verse for two weeks, has allowed His promises to become more real. I honestly believe because I took hold of the truth, “He will go before you and will be with you,” that some of the toughest relational challenges have taken place in my life. It’s a test, but I have found him to be so faithful through it all.
Mary Lisa, Glenwood, MN: Isaiah 66:2 (NIV) . . . “These are the ones I look on with favor: those who are humble and contrite in spirit and who tremble at my word.”
Sue Sue, Bainbridge, Ga.
Colossians 4:5 & 6
Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt so that you may know how to answer everyone.
Hayley – Seymour, TX
With my whole heart I seek You; ket ne bit wander from your commandments! Psalm 119:10 ESV
Sorry it’s late (summer w/ 3 little kids!)
Memorizing God’s Word this year has been much harder than I thought it would be but very rewarding! I’m even dreaming about it! I dreamed last week that I was stoked to find out that Beth hired me as an aide and then was slightly embarrassed that she had to give me a kind reminder that I needed to get on my verse for this 2 weeks!! ha! 🙂
Lauren, Stephenville, TX: “And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be blameless until the day of Christ.” Philippians 1:9-10 NIV
His Word has been life to me, especially during a challenging season.
Hannah, La Grange, Texas “Your words are what sustain me. They bring me great joy and are my heart’s delight, for I bear your name, O Lord God Almighty.” Jeremiah 15:16 NLT
Jenn M from Mass:
Thats right because I your God have a firm grip on you and i’m not letting go I’m telling you “don’t panic,I’m right here to help you” Isaiah 41;13
The message
Gods word has been my breathe and strength to my very weary soul.
Kim Eshelman Lewisburg, PA
“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)
Sorry so late.
Jill Sayles, Puyallup, WA
Psalm 125:1-2 NIV
“Those who trust in the Lord are like Mount Zion, which cannot be shaken but endures forever. As the mountains surround Jerusalem, so the Lord surrounds his people both now and forevermore.”
Wendy, Calgary, AB Canada
“Forget about what’s happened; don’t keep going over old history. Be alert, be present. I’m about to do something brand-new. It’s bursting out! Don’t you see it?” Isiah 43:18-19 The Message
Columbus OH
1 John 3:2
Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is. KJV
Loganville, GA
He must increase, but I must decrease. John 3:30 NKJV
Keysha McNeil (I’m late)
Roanoke, VA
II Tim. 1:7 (ESV)
for god gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.
What I have learned this year is when life gets a little tough to recall my verses and there will always be some that apply to the situation.