Why Hide the Word?

Here is the book Melle was talking about earlier. It is a good read and a great way to share
the strategies we all need to be a positive influence on those around us. You can get the kids version or the adults version - either way - it is a choice you make every day.

Fill'er up!

Melle explained it well...to hide the word in our heart will keep us from sinning, it will light our path which is directed by Him, and His Word will become our path to His presence. Psalm 119 is the longest book of the Bible. It talks about the revelation of God and the revelation of God's will to man. Throughout the Psalm (22 verses of 8 lines = 176 verses) there are several words for the Word of God: testimonies, precepts, statutes, commandments, word, promises, judgements, teachings, instructions, law, sayings...Torah.

Here's the challenge: 2 verses each month. You can identify one verse on the 1st and one on the 15th or you can identify 2 verses on the 1st of each month (sometimes verses go together). Here is a little tutorial on memorizing scripture from our Siesta Mama - Beth Moore: click on RENEW.

*Commit to memorize (or seriously meditate on) 2 Scriptures a month. See? Very, very doable! Doesn't seem like much at first but imagine that, in exactly one year, you'll have memorized 24 new Scriptures! That, my dear sister, is a feat.

*Watch for posts on the 1st and 15th of every month where I'll ask you to turn in the Scripture you're feeling led to memorize. (You'll write it all the way out in the version of your choice and put the reference with it because one of your Siestas might read it and want to memorize it next.) This is an important part of our process! We're NOT going to memorize the same Scriptures. I've learned through the years that we have the most victory with the verses that we each need most. Ask God to give you what He wants to prioritize for you this year then listen carefully through your quiet times, your Bible studies and your pastor's sermons for verses that really resonate with you or that you know you really need. He'll highlight one of those in your heart. Choose it with confidence. You'll most easily memorize what means most to you.

*Buy a brand new set of index cards with a spiral that is only for this Scripture memory plan.

*Watch your prayer life change. Check out John 15:7-8. The more God's Word abides in us, the more the mind of Christ is developed in us. The end result will be that we will pray more and more of God's will and get more and more of what we've asked. Do not think for a moment that praying in the will of God narrows your requests. It blows them wide open! Ask Him in this Jesus-year to explode your effectiveness in prayer then watch it happen.

**We are so excited to be on this journey with you. We are sharpening each other and we can be accountable to our families. One other thought from our weekend with Siesta Mama. One of the questions asked of Beth's girls was What was it you saw or heard that turned your heart toward the Lord. The answer from each was:

• Amanda - I saw my mom (Beth Moore) having her quiet time each day.
• Melissa - I watched as my mom lived out what she believed
  

So there you have it - let your kids watch you sharpen up and grow.