December 2006
A Year-long Scripture Memory Journey—The Journey Continues

During the first year of my personal scripture memory challenge when I committed to the Lord to memorize one scripture a week for 52 weeks, I learned to persevere through challenges. My goal was to be able to quote all 52 verses at the end of the year. My goal was my motivation. My goal was the vision that I kept before me each week as I began learning a new verse. Bill Parcels, head coach of the Dallas Cowboys once said, “ This year will bring many challenges but it will not lessen the vision.” That was my mindset as I journeyed that first year of scripture memory. That is the key to consistency in disciplining your life for godliness or for physical health. All or nothing thinking is common among today’s “ dieter.” We begin a diet plan and at the first hint of trouble, we quit, telling ourselves that we will begin next week. Unfortunately, one week becomes one month and before you know it, we are desperately in a never-ending, yo-yo cycle of weight loss and weight gain, never reaching that goal we envisioned. We turn in to “ should’ve, could’ve and would''ve” people, always making excuses and living in regret. The same is true in our spiritual discipline and the enemy is having a celebration at our expense, for he is keeping us from enjoying all that we have as children of the King!

As 2006 draws to an end, make a commitment to consistently hide God’ s Word in your heart so that when next December rolls around, you will be able to give the gift of truth to your First Place members and to your family. God’s Word, once rooted in your heart, will bring you joy beyond measure because it gives you knowledge of your Creator, a willing, obedient heart and a deeper trust in the One who loves you like no other.

Keep Feasting on the Word!
Nancy Taylor