2012 Scripture Memory Challenge

Back in 2009 Beth Moore challenged her blog community to memorize 24 Scriptures in 12 months.  Now I've gone to church and Sunday School my whole life, and as a kid I was encouraged to memorize Scripture, but not so much as an adult.  So this was a new venture I was not sure that I could accomplish.  The first year I didn't tell too many people that I was doing it, just in case I could not make it to the finish line.  That year was a difficult year with a move for us.  (I don't do change well.)  And the only way I made it through with my sanity was because of the work God's Word was doing in my life.  Much to my surprise, I made it to the finish line!  And promptly stepped up to the starting line for the next year because who knows what the future holds?  I did know I wanted to walk with God like that through whatever came.  For 2010 Beth did not do it officially on her blog, but I wanted to keep it up because I knew that I needed it.  I had been amazed at the accountability it was to post a comment on her blog with my verse, so I decided to put mine here on my own blog.  In 2011 Beth hosted it again, and is taking 2012 off.  So I decided to post mine here again. 

Please know that it is in no way a "look at how great I am."  I am a work in progress, and trust me, I have a long ways to go--just like everyone else.  It is simply an accountability.  If I know I want to post it, I'm going to really do it! 

This is also an invitation to join me!  Over the past three years, God's Word has truly become more alive and active in my life.  The difference is motivation to take every opportunity to encourage anyone who will to do it with me.  You will not be disappointed.  God promises that His Word will not return void.  It is powerful and effective to do work.  I don't know about you, but with all the uncertainty and trouble we face, I need the stability of God and His Word. 

This is my plan for this year.  Beth set up a habit of choosing a new verse on the 1st and 15th of each month.  So I will keep that pattern, but I will only post once a month.  If you would like this to be your accountability too, I would invite you to post a comment of the verses you are memorizing. 

A few things you may want to know if you are starting with me:
* Get you a spiral index cards to write them in.  It is easy to take with you to work on wherever.  (There is also a SSMT app for iPhones and Androids.) 
*  You do not have to choose the ones I'm doing.  If they resonate with you, by all means, do them with me.  Pick ones that you need at this time in your life and they will come to mind more often and be easier to memorize.  They will come up in your personal Bible study, Sunday School, sermons...be on the look out and God will give you the verse that you need.
*  Does it have to be word for word?  No.  It is what I try to do, but if you are meditating on His Word and letting it change the way you think and react to life you are accomplishing the goal.  Don't get hung up on perfection and quit. 

If you have any questions, just ask.  I would love to encourage you on your walk with Him!

Are you ready?  Here we go!

These are the verses I'm memorizing in January.  (Yes, there are three.  One just really got me in Bible study and I had to add it.  Next time there might just be one because life happens.  Do what is best for you.)

Psalm 21:7
For the king trusts in the Lord;
through the unfailing love of the Most High
he will not be shaken.
NIV

James 1:19-20
My dearly loved brothers, understand this:
everyone must be quick to hear,
slow to speak,
and slow to anger,
for man's anger does not accomplish God's righteousness.
HCSB

1 Corinthians 4:3-4
It is of little importance to me that I should be evaluated by you or by [any] human court.  In fact, I don't even evaluate myself.  For I am not conscious of anything against myself, but I am not justified by this.  The One who evaluates me is the Lord.
HCSB

You can read more about my Scripture Memory journey here.  Again, please hear my heart that this is not a brag thing.  I hope that it is an encouragement and resource if you are searching for a verse.