Wednesday, December 31, 2008

Renewing our minds in 2009...

Happy New Year, y'all! A couple of us followers of Beth Moore's blog (check it out by clicking on the link at right if you've never visited) were intrigued by a scripture memory challenge she's issued. The idea is to commit to memorize (or seriously meditate on if you're absolutely convinced you cannot memorize) two scriptures a month for 2009. Lisa Fun-Lowe and I were chatting about it and decided to do it and thought we'd see about some accountability through this blog. Here's the deal: choose a scripture on the first and the 15th of each month to memorize. For accountability purposes (and to inspire other sisters!) you should get on and type it on the blog. Beth suggests one of those index card ring binders so you can write it out and carry it around with you, so that's what Lisa and I are doing. At the end of the year, we'll have 24 new verses memorized! I don't know about you, but this seems like just the thing I need to get my mind (heart, life, etc) right this year! I'm excited - and worried about follow-thru - so, my first memory work will be about worry! I've learned part of this passage before, but I'm committing to nailing down the entire short passage for context purposes. Anxiety and gentless will be themes for me, I think! So here's my first one:
Philippians 4:4-7
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. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Why not join in? Let me know if you're game!

12 comments:

StacyM said...

Hey. I ran across this and find it very interesting. I know I am not in your class or group, but I think I would like to give this a shot myself. Good luck everybody. Let us learn the word that God has for us.

Leslie Young said...

Hey this is a WIDE OPEN group! (I would even say 'loose,' but I don't want to give the wrong impression!) Any and all are welcome to join in! Welcome!

calista said...

Hi, I saw your comment on Beth's blog about studies becoming a crutch. Man, you hit me over the head with a really big book, like "90 Days with the One and Only" I do this exact same thing. One of my non-resolutions, (I don't make resolutions, because I can't keep them) is to be more intentional about scripture reading/memorizing, and spending time alone with God. Maybe I should join this group to. Have a great day!!

Anonymous said...

Lisa Lowe January 1, 2009

Nehemiah 1:11 "O LORD, let Your ear be attentive to the prayer of Your servant and the prayer of Your servants who delight to revere and fear Your name (Your nature and attributes); and prosper, I pray You, Your servant this day and grant him mercy in the sight of this man."

V. said...

Thanks for visiting again Leslie!

I'm on Beth's blogroll and my first verse is Job 23:12

I have not departed from the commandments of His lips; I have treasured the words of His mouth more than my necessary food.

V.

Susan Ragusa said...

Okay... I've finally decided on a verse.

John 14:1
Jesus said, "Don't let your heart be troubled, Trust in God, and trust in me."

It's short... but I waited a while to decided!

Anonymous said...

Michelle Fryou

Leslie, I saw this link on your facebook page and am really intrigued. Your first verse about worry could not be more perfect for me. I am the biggest worrier ever. Well, Mama says it's in our genes! I am going to try this and so is Mama. Thanks!

Leslie Young said...

Yay, Nan and Michelle! I have really been amazed at the way just repeating this verse has helped me wage war against worry!!! Let me know how you do!

Anonymous said...

Michelle here:

Leslie, I've found my 1st verse and I do find it very comforting. It's really appropriate for me because I do focus on my weaknesses in a negative way and get down on myself. So this helps! I put it on my iphone as well as in a little book I carry with me.

2 Corinthians 12.9-10

God said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness". Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me.

That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

Anonymous said...

Hi Leslie,
A verse I've been using for mediations is "Be still and know that I am God" Psalms 46:10. I saw it expressed the following way somewhere (can't remember where, so can't give credit), and have found it a very powerful, calming meditation.
Be Still and know that I am God
Be still and know that I am
Be still and know
Be still
Be.
I have it typed out and framed on my computer desk.
Thanks for the link
Nan

Susie Q said...

Count me in! I will choose Romans 12:18 for my virst verse -- the one you encouraged me with a month ago... "If possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone." ~ Romans 12:1(Amplified)

Leslie Young said...

Y'all! I am beyond excited to see what God is going to do this year!