Barely even launched, our online community draws suspicion. Why such a narrow focus group? If you limit the community to people who memorize passages and books of the Bible, how many could that possibly be? Why not make it for everyone who loves God’s Word? You could reach more people.
Such a great question and I assume that many more will ask the same one, so here is my answer from the get-go. The idea for the online community came while writing HIS WORD IN MY HEART, the 2013 revision of my 2002 book with the same title. The book tells my story of how memorizing books of the Bible brought me closer to God.
In studying What makes a successful blog? I learned from the experts:
- A narrow, tighter focus group is better than a wide audience.
- Find a theme that you are uniquely qualified to speak to, and one that you are passionate about.
- Find an unreached market.
With those three things in mind, I planned this online community. My subscribers will be a small segment of the Christian population that I am uniquely qualified to address, and that I’m passionate about. I’m not equipped to be the Bible answer woman, nor is that my passion. Blogs already exist for those who memorize individual verses. I know from emails received that those who memorize book-by-book often feel like they are the only one. Now they will have a place to connect with like-minded others who thrive on memorizing verses in context. And, as this fountain spills over, we invite any and all to come and drink.
I hope this makes sense to you. And, as will always be the case in our community, I’d love to hear your thoughts.
Thank you, Janet, for starting this blog. My biggest struggle has been a lack of encouragement to continue memorizing more. To be plugged in to a community of like-minded people will help me keep on keepin’ on. I still reveiw the books and chapters that I’ve got stored in my heart, but haven’t pushed myself to do more in several months. This is just what I need.
God bless you sister!
Sue, We are so thrilled to have you join with us to grow and learn and spur each other on. God is using technology to bring Wyoming a little closer. Janet
Amen! And thank you for including me. I restarted my memorization program this morning and already the Lord is blessing me through it.
So proud of you! We will help each other.
I am right there with you Sue. Mine is more of letting “stuff” get in the way of getting the word in my heart. I started great this year and have gotten off track with some bible studies….And while bible studies might be great, they don’t surpass having the Word in our heart permanently. So encouragement to stay the course is really helpful. I too am really thankful for this new extension of Jane’ts ministry!!
Hi Melissa, It is soooo easy to get off track. That’s one reason why passages and books are helpful—you always know what the next verse is, and don’t have to try to come up with verses you want to memorize. “May the Lord direct your hearts into God’s love and Christ’s perseverance.” 2 Thess 3:5. I reviewed 2 Thess this morning so that thought was fresh on my mind. Yes, another benefit —there’s always something to share with others.
Janet, What a blessing to have encouragement through your new blog! Memorizing Scripture has been one of the greatest blessings in my life. I know others will be blessed by your testimony and experience.
I just finished reading your new book. The book, especially the last chapter, was a wonderful reminder that memorizing Scripture is always about a desire to know God more fully, not just memorizing for the sake of memorizing. I am actively praying that God will give me an even greater desire each day to know Him through His Word. Lise
Hi Lise, So glad you liked the last chapter. We have got to stay away from yellow brick roads that promise much but leave us disappointed in the end. Let’s press on together! Janet