Verse 16: Hiding 20 in 2012 Scripture Memory Challenge

God calls us to tell our stories.  He is pleased when we break bread with another and share His message. We should tell His Good News with reckless abandon.

In his book Scripture by Heart: Devotional Practices for Memorizing God’s Word, Joshua Choonmin Kang explains that memorizing Scripture helps foster a heart for evangelism:

“Sharing the Gospel with an inquirer

inevitably involves some measure of presentation,

persuasion and defense.

In each of these a background of Scripture memorization

gives us versatility in our dialogue” (P.89).

How about you?  Are you ready to become a better witness through Scripture memorization?  Let’s hold each other accountable by Hiding 20 in 2012.  In the comment section below, write out the verse you will be working on for the next two weeks. Make sure to include your first name, your home state, the verse’s address/location, and the Bible translation:

Lyli from Florida:

Behold God is my Helper,

the Lord is the Upholder of my life.

Psalms 95:4, ESV

Here’s a little play on words for all you Pinterest Fans. Rather than ‘Pin it,” let’s purpose to “Hide it.” I will end each post with a “Hide it” Suggested Verse.

“Hide it”:

Put on the whole armor of God,

that you may be able to stand

against the schemes of the devil.

Ephesians 6:11, ESV

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Verse 15: Hiding 20 in 2012 Scripture Memory Challenge

Forging strong friendships requires that you engage others and share your heart openly.  I am so thankful for the godly girlfriends God has placed in my life.  A true friend will encourage, challenge, and support you.  Do you have a friend like this?

In his book Scripture by Heart: Devotional Practices for Memorizing God’s Word, Joshua Choonmin Kang states that memorizing Scripture helps develop one skill required for fostering friendships: 

“Learning Scripture by heart

sharpens, seasons, and softens

our conversational skills” (p.83).

How about you?  Are you ready to effectively develop your conversational skills through Scripture memorization?  Let’s hold each other accountable by Hiding 20 in 2012.  In the comment section below, write out the verse you will be working on for the next two weeks. Make sure to include your first name, your home state, the verse’s address/location, and the Bible translation:

Lyli from Florida:

“In peace I will both lie down and sleep,

for You alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety.”

Here’s a little play on words for all you Pinterest Fans. Rather than ‘Pin it,” let’s purpose to “Hide it.” I will end each post with a “Hide it” Suggested Verse.

“Hide it”:

“A word fitly spoken is like

apples of gold in a setting of silver.”

Proverbs 25:11, NRSV

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Verse 14: Hiding 20 in 2012 Scripture Memory Challenge

This past April, I had surgery.  The surgeon I worked with was a confident fellow.  He had superior knowledge and skill that was commendable and provided peace of mind to this patient.  He used the tools of his trade effectively, and I am thankful for the outcome.

In his book Scripture by Heart: Devotional Practices for Memorizing God’s Word, Joshua Choonmin Kang compares the disciple seeking to memorize Scripture to a skilled surgeon: 

“A trustworthy surgeon has access

to a variety of surgical instruments

and knows the function of each.

The Word of God operates in much the same way;

it has the power to remove corruption

and treat the sickness” (p.77).

How about you?  Are you ready to effectively wield the tools God has provided in Scripture?  Let’s hold each other accountable by Hiding 20 in 2012.  In the comment section below, write out the verse you will be working on for the next two weeks. Make sure to include your first name, your home state, the verse’s address/location, and the Bible translation:

Lyli from Florida

“He  did not waver

at the promise of God through unbelief,

but was strengthened in faith, giving glory to God.”

Romans 4:20, NKJV

Here’s a little play on words for all you Pinterest Fans. Rather than ‘Pin it,” let’s purpose to “Hide it.” I will end each post with a “Hide it” Suggested Verse.

“Hide it”:

 For I consider that the sufferings

of this present time

are not worthy to be compared with the glory

which shall be revealed in us.

Romans 8:18, NKJV

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Verse 13: Hiding 20 in 2012 Scripture Memory Challenge

There are days where I lack stamina.  I lose focus on tasks, and my mind wanders off to far away fantasy lands.  I just wish I could get my mental faculties more firmly in grip.  You know what I mean?

In his book Scripture by Heart: Devotional Practices for Memorizing God’s Word, Joshua Choonmin Kang explains how daily Scripture memorization strengthens our mental endurance:

“Our will can be strengthened by training.

The stronger our will,

the easier learning Scripture by heart becomes.

The more we memorize Scripture,

the more steadfast and consistent we become” (p. 64)

How about you?  Are you ready to strengthen your will?  Let’s hold each other accountable by Hiding 20 in 2012.  In the comment section below, write out the verse you will be working on for the next two weeks. Make sure to include your first name, your home state, the verse’s address/location, and the Bible translation:

Lyli from Florida:

“But the end of all things is at hand;

therefore be serious and watchful in your prayers.”

I Peter 4:7, NKJV

Here’s a little play on words for all you Pinterest Fans. Rather than ‘Pin it,” let’s purpose to “Hide it.” I will end each post with a “Hide it” Suggested Verse.

“Hide it”:

If we endure,

we will also reign with Him,

if we deny Him,

He will also deny us.

II Timothy 2:12, NRSV

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Verse 12: Hiding 20 in 2012 Scripture Memory Challenge

When I was a child, I loved playing the memory game concentration.  It was like a treasure hunt for similar special trinkets.  The more I played, the better I became at scoping out matching pairs.

Now as an adult, I also must remember that I need to cultivate spiritual concentration through Scripture memorization.  In his book Scripture by Heart: Devotional Practices for Memorizing God’s Word, Joshua Choonmin Kang explains how daily Scripture memorization strengthens our thinking:

“Nothing is as indispensable

in leading a victorious life

as the power to concentrate.

Success doesn’t necessarily come

to those who work hard;

rather it comes to those

who work in a focused way.

When we learn Scripture by heart,

we grow in the sanctified habit

of concentration” (p. 61).

How about you?  Are you ready to exercise your concentration skills?  Let’s hold each other accountable by Hiding 20 in 2012.  In the comment section below, write out the verse you will be working on for the next two weeks. Make sure to include your first name, your home state, the verse’s address/location, and the Bible translation:

Lyli from Florida:

“Let us pursue the things

which make for peace

and the things by which

one may edify one another.”

Romans 14:19, NKJV

Here’s a little play on words for all you Pinterest Fans. Rather than ‘Pin it,” let’s purpose to “Hide it.” I will end each post with a “Hide it” Suggested Verse.

“Hide it”:

“Life and death

are in the power of the tongue,

and those who love it

will eat its fruit.”

Proverbs 18:21, HCSB

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Verse 11: Hiding 20 in 2012 Scripture Memory Challenge

I have so much respect for our men and women in uniform — they risk their lives every day to defend our freedoms.  Their sacrifice makes my cozy life possible.  May I never take that for granted.

I also must remember that I myself am a soldier engaged in a daily battle between good and evil.  In his book Scripture by Heart: Devotional Practices for Memorizing God’s Word, Joshua Choonmin Kang explains how daily Scripture memorization strengthens the heart for spiritual warfare:

“Courage doesn’t mean

that a person has no fear.

Rather, it’s a response:

keep on advancing

in spite of the fear…

The words you commit to memory

will sustain you” (p56).

How about you?  Are you ready to arm yourself for spiritual battle?  Let’s hold each other accountable by Hiding 20 in 2012.  In the comment section below, write out the verse you will be working on for the next two weeks. Make sure to include your first name, your home state, the verse’s address/location, and the Bible translation:

Lyli from Florida:

“Happy is the one

whose help is

the God of Jacob,

whose hope is

the Lord His God.”

Psalms 146:5  (HCSB)

Here’s a little play on words for all you Pinterest Fans. Rather than ‘Pin it,” let’s purpose to “Hide it.” I will end each post with a “Hide it” Suggested Verse.

“Hide it”:

“Do not fear,

for I am with you,

do not be afraid,

for I am your God:

I will strengthen you,

I will help you,

I will uphold you

with my victorious right hand.”

Isaiah 41: 10, NRSV

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Verse 10: Hiding 20 in 2012 Scripture Memory Challenge

During my recent hospital stay, I did not have a private room.  Sharing a room with a complete stranger is not an easy task — especially when your neighbor is not a peaceful person.  I was thankful when my neighbor was discharged so that I could rest.  Peace is a wonderful thing.

In his book Scripture by Heart: Devotional Practices for Memorizing God’s Word, Joshua Choonmin Kang explains how daily Scripture memorization brings a special blessing:

Memorizing Scripture invites

the blessings of peace into your life  (p.51).

How about you?  Will you invite the blessing of peace into your heart?  Let’s hold each other accountable by Hiding 20 in 2012.  In the comment section below, write out the verse you will be working on for the next two weeks. Make sure to include your first name, your home state, the verse’s address/location, and the Bible translation:

Lyli from Florida:

“Heaven is My throne,

and earth is My footstool!

what sort of house

will you build for Me?”

says the Lord, “or

What is my resting place?”

Acts 7:49  (HCSB)

Here’s a little play on words for all you Pinterest Fans. Rather than ‘Pin it,” let’s purpose to “Hide it.” I will end each post with a “Hide it” Suggested Verse.

“Hide it”:

“Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts,

    to which indeed you were called in the one body.  And be thankful.”

Colossians 3:15, NRSV

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Verse 9: Hiding 20 in 2012 Scripture Memory Challenge

I recently had surgery and am still on the recovery road.   Once I get the “all clear” from the doctors, one of my post-surgery goals is to get into a regular routine of exercise.   My husband bought a big piece of equipment at a reasonably discounted price online, and the monstrous piece is now sitting in our family room.

In his book Scripture by Heart: Devotional Practices for Memorizing God’s Word, Joshua Choonmin Kang explains how daily Scripture memorization helps work out our spiritual muscles:

Learning Scripture by heart…is a form of spiritual exercise

and intellectual discipline that encourages us to make the right choice (p.48).

How about you?  Are you spiritually exercising by memorizing God’s Word? Let’s hold each other accountable by Hiding 20 in 2012.  In the comment section below, write out the verse you will be working on for the next two weeks. Make sure to include your first name, your home state, the verse’s address/location, and the Bible translation:

Lyli from Florida:

“Therefore I tell you,

do not worry

about your life,

what you will eat or drink;

or about your body,

what you will wear.

Is not life more than food,

and the body more than clothes?

Matthew 6:25 (NIV)

Here’s a little play on words for all you Pinterest Fans. Rather than ‘Pin it,” let’s purpose to “Hide it.” I will end each post with a “Hide it” Suggested Verse.

“Hide it”:

“The king is enthralled by your beauty;

    honor Him, for He is your Lord.”

Psalms 45:11 (NIV 84′)

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Verse 8: Hiding 20 in 2012 Scripture Memory Challenge

My good friend, Lolita, took a seed packet that she got for free, threw it in a pot, and now she has a lovely basil plant out on her pack porch.  I must admit that I am jealous.  Fresh herbs add so much to a meal, but I am such a terrible gardener — I forget to water, and my plants end up dry and dead.

In his book Scripture by Heart: Devotional Practices for Memorizing God’s Word, Joshua Choonmin Kang explains how we need to be spiritual gardeners: 

Memorizing Scripture is like planting seeds

in the garden of our heart…

By constant cultivation you become well aware

of the interior of your being,

so the affection of the heart

can also be attended (p. 43).

How about you?  Are you cultivating your heart’s affections with the seed of God’s Word? Let’s hold each other accountable by Hiding 20 in 2012.  In the comment section below, write out the verse you will be working on for the next two weeks. Make sure to include your first name, your home state, the verse’s address/location, and the Bible translation:

Lyli from Florida:

“Serve the Lord with gladness

Come before Him with joyful songs.”

Psalms 100:2 (ESV)

Here’s a little play on words for all you Pinterest Fans. Rather than ‘Pin it,” let’s purpose to “Hide it.” I will end each post with a “Hide it” Suggested Verse.

“Hide it”:

“Whatever you have learned

or received or heard from me, or seen in me—

put it into practice.

And the God of peace will be with you.”

Philippians 4:9 (NIV)

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Verse 7: Hiding 20 in 2012 Scripture Memory Challenge

I spent a week documenting every ounce of fluid that I drank during my recent hospital stay.  I learned that my kidneys need water to function well.  I am committed to continuing the practice of faithfully drinking up my H2O.  Water is life to me.

In his book Scripture by Heart: Devotional Practices for Memorizing God’s Word, Joshua Choonmin Kang explains God’s Word is a living well of wisdom for our mind:

Constant use widens the underground channels

through which the water supply flows.

Our mind overflows with wisdom only

with regular and diligent learning and meditation. 

Previously cultivated channels of wisdom

and newly learned verses of Scripture

meet to bring forth still more insight” (p.42).

How about you?  Are you drinking up at the well of God’s Word? Let’s hold each other accountable by Hiding 20 in 2012.  In the comment section below, write out the verse you will be working on for the first half of May. Make sure to include your first name, your home state, the verse’s address/location, and the Bible translation:

Lyli from Florida:

“The Lord will keep you from all evil;

He will keep your life.”

Psalms 121:7 (ESV)

Here’s a little play on words for all you Pinterest Fans. Rather than ‘Pin it,” let’s purpose to “Hide it.” I will end each post with a “Hide it” Suggested Verse.

“Hide it”:

“And we know that in all things

God works for the good

of those who love Him,

who have been called according to His purpose.”

Romans 8:28 (NIV)

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