Learn the Word Wednesday

So I think I broke some kind of blogging rule or something. See, last year my Wednesdays were all about counting my blessings--which I LOVED--and about mid-summer I started to feel a pull toward Learning the Word. And, well, since I felt a pull, that must mean I was meant to do it right then. (yes, that sarcasm is directed at me).

I decided to start introducing Word Wednesday and smushing it together with Blessing Wednesday, making one long post. I allowed that to happen for one month, but felt convicted over it the entire time. I'd committed my Wednesdays to counting blessings, and just because God was calling me toward something else didn't mean he meant for me to do it right then. (Pretty sure that's what a preparing or equipping season is all about).

So I stopped. Cold turkey. Without even mentioning it on my blog. See...told you I broke some sort of rule.

Anyway, as I prayed over my desire to not just learn His Word, but to encourage fellow believers to do so, I realized that my counting season would come to a close and open to a learning season. So this year, my Wednesdays will be fully--and solely--dedicated to learning the Word. (Hence my clever Wednesday title of "Learn the Word" Wednesdays).

And this is how it will work. Every other week I'll post a new verse for you to learn along with me. We do this for two reasons:

Strengthening our walk: Psalm 119:11 says "I have hidden your word in my heart that I might now sin against you".
and
Warfare: Our battle is not against flesh and blood but against the powers of darkness and spiritual forces...put on the full armor of God...take up the sword of the Spirit which is the word of God...for the word of God is living and active and sharper than any other double edged sword. (that comes from Ephesians 6:10-17, and Hebrews 4:12. I challenge you to fully read those verses today.)

When I post each verse, I will also link to a Pinterest board I've started so we can keep track of the verses all year long, (by the end of the year, you'll have a whole board full of verses you've learned!) and I'll post the verse on my Facebook page for that day. Here's what I want from you:

Learn the Word.

No 'likes', 'follows', or 'pins' required...I'm only putting those things in place to enable you...and let's face it, it's fun to join with other believers in a common purpose. We can encourage one another and hold each other accountable.

Here's what you'll get from me:

Fun rewards. I say this because every week my kids come out of Sunday School and Wednesday night church with verses to learn. When I was little, we did the same thing...and our Sunday School teachers always had little prizes for us if we learned them. Now, I have no idea how many of you will participate, so I can't claim to give you all prizes each month--I'd love to, but Mr. Budget says no.  I can, however, draw one name each month from those who are participating and send you a little something.

How will I know if you're participating? Simple. You tell me. Each month I'll have a Wednesday where I ask who's learning the verses. If you are, then leave me a comment on the blog, on my Facebook page, or even stop me in the hallway at church...whichever...and I'll add your name in. Then I'll draw one of your names and send you a little something. (Though I did learn last year, no chocolate sent in the middle of summer, right Michelle??)

I hope you'll join me. There is nothing better against satan's attack then tossing the Word of God in His face. There is nothing that soothes your mind, brings a smile to your face, or comforts you more than having the very breath of God flowing over you.

So....here is our first verse of the year! (linked to Pinterest here) For January I'm going with the theme of Battling Fear. Let's start the New Year off strong!

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous, do not be terrified, do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you may go. Joshua 1:9

Source: spiritualinspiration.tumblr.com via Susan on Pinterest