Okay, no more delays. I've been meaning to do this for, oh, say three or four months. And I just can't put it off any longer.
I've been so convicted lately that I need to write God's Word on my heart. Which is a fancy way of saying I need to memorize some verses. There are all kinds of reasons for this, and all kinds of verses that support it. Simply put, as believers, we need to know the Word. By heart.
And without a deadline, without accountability, I am a hopeless case and my motivation stops with the thought each and every day that "I really need to do this."
So.
Here comes Memory Monday.
Each Monday my goal is to pick a verse or passage to memorize for the upcoming week. And the next Monday, I'll type it out BY MEMORY and choose another one.
Wanna join me? Here's the button:
So, to start off I thought I'd pick a passage I sort of know, but get mixed up whenever I try to say it by heart.
And whatever you do,
whether in word or deed,
do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus,
giving thanks to God the Father through him...
Whatever you do,
work at it with all your heart,
as working for the Lord, not for men,
since you know that you will receive an inheritance
from the Lord as a reward.
It is the Lord Christ you are serving.
(Colossians 3:17, 23-24)
I just made a spot in my calendar to write a verse to memorize each week! I'm going to join you! Thanks!!
Posted by: Queen B | November 03, 2008 at 01:19 PM
Absolutely beautiful thought Joanne. It might sound a little childish but when we pray at our temple in a group,I always feel a sense of happiness from within when there is a prayer I know and don't need to read from the book. That just helps me chant the hym with better concentration and devotion.
And also, when I read the passage that you have chosen for this week, I totally fell in love with the part where it says to do everything for God and not for men. I think if I keep in mind everyday that whatever I am doing is not for my boss or for my company but for the almighty I might not have the fear of messing up and do it better.
Many thanks dear friend.
Priti
Posted by: Priti | November 03, 2008 at 01:41 PM
Posted! Count me in!
Posted by: Holly @ Crownlaiddown | November 03, 2008 at 01:52 PM
What a wonderful idea! It is something that I need to do as well so I will join you. I think I will write the verse out on a card and put it on my frig....
Misty
Posted by: Misty | November 03, 2008 at 01:58 PM
Great idea! I've been meaning to do a post on this too! I've finally found a "system" that works for me in memorizing scripture! And I will post it soon!!!
Posted by: Teri H | November 03, 2008 at 02:19 PM
Hi Joanne,
I just finished up a mega memory month held by Ann Kroeker and just posted my recap...she memorized John 14 and I memorized Romans 12...it has been such an amazing month and like you it really brought home the need to hide the Word in my heart and also that it would be displayed in my life...God is so tender and gracious...every time that I have attempted memorization...it seems that the verse or verses pop up all over the place...this time was no exception...two weeks in a row some of my chosen verses were used in the sermons...
So...I may not start this week as I still need to work on the last few verses of Romans 12...but I will catch up with you all soon...
Posted by: Helen | November 03, 2008 at 02:48 PM
This will be a challenge for me... but, I'll at least give it a try.
Posted by: angela | November 03, 2008 at 05:32 PM
Hi Joanne. Boy do I need this. Thanks for the button. Memorizing has never been easy for me, but I know it's so important to memorize God's word so I will have it readily with me when my Bible is not. I'd like to do this with my kids as well - perhaps with a shorter verse to begin.
Posted by: Lori Anne | November 03, 2008 at 09:04 PM
This is such a great idea! In Bible college we did a lot of this in our various classes, but I'm sorry to say I just memorized a lot of the verses because I had to or because they were going to be on a test. I know now the importance of storing God's Word in my heart, and I can't wait to get started!
Posted by: Tammy S. | November 03, 2008 at 09:13 PM
Great idea! I am such a firm believer that once you memorize a verse-it is never far from your mind. I still remember a verse in SPANISH from a trip to Mexico when I was in high school!
There is a great "Psalty" song about hiding God's word in our hearts, and it does a verse per letter of the alphabet! (we have it on tape!)
Posted by: Beth Whitney | November 03, 2008 at 11:10 PM
Oh, you are so right...I'll definitely link up if I join in. Thanks for the motivation.
Posted by: Gretchen | November 03, 2008 at 11:45 PM
I don't know if you like to participate in "tags" but I tagged you! =)
Posted by: Teri H | November 04, 2008 at 05:23 AM
I'm in - but the button doesn't work on my computer (?)
Posted by: janine | November 04, 2008 at 03:11 PM
Oh this will be great accountability! And I recognize the lovely picture of the Word! How did your speaking engagement go today? I prayed for you dear one.
Posted by: Lora | November 04, 2008 at 06:42 PM
Hey there. How did it go today?
Is it okay if I start with something easy like..."Jesus wept"?
I'm horrible about sticking with my scripture memorization!
Posted by: Susan | November 04, 2008 at 07:49 PM
I'm going to try to do this too. Thanks so much for the great idea and accountability!
Posted by: Megan | November 04, 2008 at 10:22 PM
Thank you, friend, for my beautiful birthday surprise!! You are so wonderful!!
Posted by: Marla Taviano | November 05, 2008 at 06:20 AM
I tried adding to my blog using HTML/JavaScript section and pasting it but it did not show up any suggestions? I am looking forward to working along side everybody. I have been trying to memorize my favorite Psalm. Thank you!
Posted by: Meredith | November 05, 2008 at 08:07 AM
thank you dear. I now have it working I am looking forward to this!!!!
Posted by: Meredith | November 05, 2008 at 11:53 AM
What a great idea!! I need all the help I can get.....and I know from experience that hiding God's Word in your heart is the Key to walking with Him constantly and consistently! I love your blog....thank you, thank you!
Posted by: Mimilee | November 05, 2008 at 06:05 PM
I love it! I'm in... I'll start next Monday, though :) What a great idea!
Posted by: Heather C | November 07, 2008 at 02:26 PM
Ok... scratch that. I'm motivated to get it learned by Monday anyway, even with just three days to do it. I started small. :) Posted.
Posted by: Heather C | November 07, 2008 at 03:21 PM
You totally inspired me to start memorizing verses. Since last Monday I've memorized 6 already! It helps it to stick when I say it out loud, with voice inflection and hand motions,...like I mean it. Thanks for the inspiration and motivation! Truly God is in this effort because I'm the worst memorizer ever.
Posted by: Delina | November 12, 2008 at 10:07 AM
Hi Joanne! Just found your blog via The Queen B and I am in love!
I have been needing to be much more disciplined when it comes to memorizing Scripture. What wonderful and powerful motivation. I would love to join in!
Posted by: Megan | November 12, 2008 at 10:38 PM
I'm joining as well (thank you Holly for the link!)
Posted by: cathy davis | November 17, 2008 at 11:10 AM
great idea!
I put your button on my side bar.
Posted by: Glenda | November 19, 2008 at 03:31 PM
I added a a button- I plan on joining!
Posted by: Verlina | November 26, 2008 at 02:47 AM
I just found your blog! I will try to do this memorizing as well. Great idea!!!
god bless!!!
Posted by: GINA | December 04, 2008 at 01:05 PM
I love this idea, and like you have intended to memorize scripture but never actually got around to it. Mine this last week was Lamentations 3:22-26. This weeks is Isaiah 9:6 - 7.
Posted by: Gretchen | December 08, 2008 at 12:48 PM
I found this through Beth Moore's blog. I'd love to join your group. Thanks for the encouragement.
Wanda
Posted by: wanda | December 27, 2008 at 06:23 PM
I love it! Count me in!!! Guess I'd better get started.. I'm already a day behind! :)
Posted by: Penny | January 06, 2009 at 12:28 AM
Count me in! On Week#3
Posted by: Penny | January 19, 2009 at 08:37 PM
I did It YAY! My first memorized scripture!
Posted by: mamasmitten | January 26, 2009 at 09:46 AM
I shall begin on Monday as this is an area that plagues me and I desire to hide God's Word in my heart! I thank God for directing me to this site!
Thank you, ~ linda
Posted by: linda | March 19, 2009 at 03:11 PM
Hmmm, this is a good idea!
Posted by: Sarah | March 19, 2009 at 11:28 PM
My first Memory Monday and God blessed me with encouragement and ability to memorize II Timothy 2:11-13. I praise Him.
~ linda
Posted by: ~ linda | March 23, 2009 at 12:02 PM
Thank you for the encouragement through these Memory Mondays as I am now actually memorizing Scripture and remembering them. I am grateful for the Holy Spirit's guidance and patience.
Posted by: ~ linda | April 13, 2009 at 10:25 AM
I just joined last week! What a great way to be held accountable! Thanks Joanne for the challenge and weekly reminder on your blog to finally get me to start doing it myself!
Posted by: Bethany Peters | April 20, 2009 at 06:50 PM
this is a great verse indeed!
have a wonderful day~
chasity
Posted by: the wild raspberry | August 24, 2009 at 06:53 AM
Hi, I just found your blog. Would like to join in Memory Monday.
Posted by: graywolfie | October 13, 2009 at 07:42 AM
And was sent the link for Memory Monday from Graywolfie (previous commenter). Am excited to join as well!
Posted by: Prairie Girl | October 26, 2009 at 01:41 PM
Hi Joanne, I just recently stumbled across your blog. Memorizing scripture has made such a wonderful difference in my life. I am so glad to see this encouraging post and will be more than happy to put your button in my sidebar. This will keep me motivated to keep at it. Thanks
Posted by: Angela | October 29, 2009 at 09:04 AM
I'm joining now. I have the button on my blog. I'm also on Facebook.
Posted by: Doylene Brents | November 06, 2009 at 10:04 AM
Better late than never...I'm starting this week.
Posted by: withajoyfulheart | December 08, 2009 at 06:43 AM
I may be late but I've wanted to go deeper and challenge myself and I am going to do this! Thanks!
Posted by: Tanya | January 12, 2010 at 12:06 PM
This is beautiful! Definitely count me in. Thanks! ;)
Posted by: Jennifer | April 26, 2010 at 05:49 PM
Just saw your button on someone's blog. Would love to join you. Perfect timing, too.
Posted by: Karen W. | July 03, 2010 at 04:06 PM
I think that this is such a great idea. I know that you have been doing this for awhile. Is is okay to start now.
Posted by: Sherree | October 27, 2010 at 08:59 PM