2009 - Hiding God's Word Verse # 2

After reading this post a few weeks ago, I committed, along with many of you, to memorize 2 verses (or passages) of Scripture each month for the entire year of 2009.

I have to say that in recent years it has become more and more difficult for me to memorize Scripture and be able to retain it. I don't know if this is due to a problem with my memory, getting older or all the distractions that I have competing for my attention.

The first verses that I chose to memorize for this year were Proverbs 4:20-27 in The Message translation. 

Dear friend, listen well to MY words;  

tune your ears to MY voice. 

Keep my message in plain view at all times.  

Concentrate! Learn it by heart! 

Those who discover these words live, really live;  

body and soul, they're bursting with health.  

Keep vigilant watch over your heart;  

that's where life starts. 

Don't talk out of both sides of your mouth;  

avoid careless banter, white lies, and gossip. 

Keep your eyes straight ahead;  

ignore all sideshow distractions. 

Watch your step,  

and the road will stretch out smooth before you. 

Look neither right nor left;  

leave evil in the dust.

To help with my memorization, I bought these cute little index cards and wrote my first verses in here.

While I am showering, drying my hair and putting on my makeup each morning, I "rehearse" them over and over in my mind.  While stopped in traffic, I say them aloud and meditate on them.

I am happy to report that, with the Lord's help, I have been able to memorize this passage and I can't begin to tell you how many times over the past couple of weeks that He has brought it to my remembrance in different situations. The Holy Spirit has convicted me with this passage many times in recent days.

So.....it is now January 15th, and it is time for me to post my second Scripture memory verse for this year.  I have chosen:

"For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and  the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope."  Romans 15:4 (NIV)

Praise the Lord for His Word! Thank you, Lord, that your Word is just as relevant today as it was in days gone by.  Thank you for the encouragement that comes from your precious words to us. May we hold fast to them and never lose hope!

"Even if it was written in Scripture long ago, you can be sure that it's written for us!"  

Romans 15:4  (The Message)