Scripture Memory Challenge 2012

I wish I could think of a creative and unique way to grasp your attention with this blog post.  As an amateur writer, I find myself longing to be THAT writer who has a brilliant way of hooking the reader and holding his or her attention as every word is read.  I dream of the day when my reader will experience a whirlwind of emotions as he or she pours over the words (I've written) on the page.  She may laugh.  He may cry.  She may get angry.  He may be moved to action.  She may be inspired to even begin her own writing career after the inspirational words she's read written by, ahem...yours truly.  One can dream, right?  Getting back to the original point...I so wish I could set you up beautifully for the point of this blog post.  Alas, I find my word bank empty and am overwhelmed with the urgency to reach my point quickly.  So, here you go...

Scripture memory is good.  I love it a lot.  It's life changing.  You should do it, too.

There ya go!  Monumental, huh?  But fo' real though...back in 2009, I was challenged to memorize two verses a month.  One on the 1st and 15th of each month.  I kept up the habit ever since, and I'm so glad I did.  It has been special to look back over the past few years and see how God strategically placed verses on my heart to learn BEFORE I knew about the circumstances I would be walking into.  He is a smart God and practicing the discipline of Scripture memory has never proven that fact more true.

I am going to continue this practice for 2012, and I would love for you to join me.  Each month, I am going to post my verse on the 1st and 15th.  You will then have the opportunity to post your verse as a comment to the blog post.  (Be patient with me after you make your comment.  I moderate each comment before they post to the blog.  That may seem odd to some.  It's a control thing.  No, really...it's me, not you.) 

I know we are a few days late, but I am going to give you my verse for January 1st.  This year, I am memorizing the entire Psalm 139.  It has exactly 24 verses!!  Feel free to join me OR you can pick any verse you'd like.  I always write out my verses in a spiral index card notebook.  That way, I can refer to my verses when necessary, and I like being able to carry my verses with me in my purse, in the car, etc.  All I ask when you comment is that you write out your verse in its entirety, give us the address AND the version you are memorizing from.  Here is mine for January 1st...

"You have searched me, Lord, and you know me."  -Psalm 139:1 (NIV)

When reading others' comments, if you like a verse someone else has chosen, feel free to use it, by all means.  The beauty of the "Holy Scrips" is that they are for us ALL and belong to us ALL.  Alright friends?  Are we good?  Let's do this...let me hear from you.  I'm excited!!  Before we finish, let's give this new challenge to the Lord, first.

Father, we ask in Jesus' name that you revolutionize our hearts and our minds through the learning and applying of your holy, precious and life changing Word.  You are God!  And we give you our lives and ask for You to shake us up for the furthering of your Kingdom.  We are asking that through the memorizing and application of your Word that this be the year we officially stomp out complacency in our lives and replace our lukewarm ways with a holy passion that screams for justice, revival and mercy.  Amen.

What ya memorizing, friend?  Can't wait to read your comments.  :)
Linds

P.S.  Don't forget to check back on the 15th.