Hey, my wonderful Word-memorizing Siestas! I am so excited about your response to our celebration event next January! We got some great enthusiasm back from you. I’m looking as forward to it as anything on my entire year’s calendar. (If you aren’t up to speed on it, see the March 15th post.) Amanda and I met up the other day to leave one of our cars in a parking lot and ride together to evening church. Since Annabeth is too young to be exposed to that many people and hadn’t yet had her first round of shots, I’ve been hanging out with her and Amanda on Sunday mornings while the boys go to church, then she and I have been going to the 6:30 PM service. When I jumped in the car with her, she said, “Have you been waiting on me long?” “Nope,” I said, “And anyway, it gave me a chance to work on my Scriptures. I want to qualify for the celebration event!” She laughed and said, “I do, too! And I need to get with it!” She’s got a pretty good excuse for being a tad behind on her memory work.
Don’t think for a second I’m not working hard on these Scriptures, too, Young Ladies. What we’re doing together is not easy for any of us. Memorizing this much and this often takes a tremendous effort. It also takes discipline and, to be lovingly frank, self-discipline is not highly valued in our Western world. It’s part of what can make our popular breed of Christianity so sloppy and, at times, so void of power. I’m not being cynical. There are fabulous things happening in the Body of Christ today. I just want to encourage you that this is one of those things. Stick with it! We’d be hard pressed to overemphasize the importance of Scripture memory.
Whew! I have chosen a HARD one this time! It came up in my Scripture reading one morning last week and I fell in love with it. I think it will bless so many of you to read it even if you don’t choose to memorize it. Here goes:
God’s love is meteoric, His loyalty astronomic, His purpose titanic, His verdicts oceanic. Yet in His largeness nothing gets lost; Not a man, not a mouse, slips through the cracks. How exquisite Your love, O God! Psalm 36:5-7a, The Message
Here’s this week’s tip: When I have a really challenging verse to memorize like this one, I read it over and over (please revisit our RENEW acrostic video-lesson from January if it’s been a while) then, if it invites various images, I sit back and visualize it. I deliberately begin associating pictures with various words and phrases. This is what I did, for instance, years ago when I memorized Psalm 1. It opens with “Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers.” I pictured a man walking, standing, and sitting in that order over and over and, to this day, I can say it from memory based on those visuals.
On this selection, Psalm 36:5-7a, I can picture a huge meteor for God’s love and the starry hosts for His infinite loyalty, an unsinkable Titanic for His purpose, and an ocean with a consistent tide for His verdicts. All of those things speak to me about His largeness so that part of the text comes next naturally. The words “man” and “mouse” begin with the same letters so that helps me remember them. The conclusion is joyously appropriate: “How exquisite Your love, O God!” That’s why I had to tag on the first half of verse 7. I wanted to respond with the psalmist to those enormous attributes of my God.
Somebody may be thinking, “Good grief! I didn’t want to have to think about it that much!” But, you see, that’s the BEAUTY of it! We could be thinking how ticked we are at somebody. We could be thinking how tempted we are toward somebody. We could be thinking how dissatisfied we are with something. We could be thinking AGAIN about what so-and-so had the gall to say to us. I am never more prone to mental defeat than when I just allow my mind to wander anywhere and to anything. I’m by no means suggesting that we never allow our minds to rest. Of course we do. I’m saying that when, in that state of rest and idleness, our thoughts begin to go left toward something destructive, we need a pretty fail-safe way to switch gears. I know no better way than to immediately start letting some verses scroll through my head. That’s what it means to take thoughts captive to the knowledge of Christ and that’s how we tear down everything that exalts itself against Him.
I’m also prone to mental defeat when the enemy has pitched me a great opportunity to obsess about something or to give way to fear and stress. Each of these represents perfect moments to turn to my Scripture memory. There are tons of things we COULD think about today but we have the power in Jesus’ Name to choose the things that edify our spirits and renew our minds. Remember, every defeat and every victory takes place on the battlefield of the mind before it erupts in the exterior life. Listen, Darling Things, we don’t have to let every mental struggle turn into a stronghold. We can successfully cut things off at the pass. And this is one huge way we do it.
OK, Sisters! Let’s hear your selections! Remember to list your name (first is fine), your city, and your verse and translation. I cannot adequately express how thankful I am to serve you. You are a very important part of my ministry life and I think about you every day.
To God’s great glory!
I love you,
Beth
God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God. 2 Cor. 5:21
Shelli L. (Karalee & Katelyn, too)
Fort Worth, TX
Psalm 27:14 HSCB
“Wait for the LORD; be courageous and let your heart be strong. Wait for the LORD.”
Kelly Womack
Fort Smith, AR
It is the Lord of hosts whom you should regard as holy. And He shall be your fear and He shall be your dread. Then He shall become a sanctuary.
Isaiah 8:13 (NAS)
Beth Moss
Gig Harbor, WA
Beth V said…
Beth V Sugar Land, Texas
Psalm 119:11–
I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.
And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given Himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour.
Ephesians 5:2
Linda
Greeley, CO
Colossians 3:12-18 NKJV
vs. 18 today:
Therefore, as the elect of God, Holy & beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering; bearing with one another, & forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do. But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection. And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; & be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching & admonishing one another in psalms & hymns, & spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him. Wives, submit to your own husbands, as is fitting in the Lord.
Jamie in Glen Carbon, Illinois
Psalm 134:2 NAS
Lift up your hands in the holy place, and praise the LORD!
Lucy – Hallsville, TX
Psalm 36: 5 – 7a
God’s love ia meteoric, His loyalty astronomic, His purpose titanic, His verdicts oceanic. Yet in His largeness nothing gets lost; not a man, not a mouse, slips through the cracks. How exquisite Your love, O God!
Linda
East Chain, MN
John 15:1-2 NIV
I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful.
Tina H. Montgomery, AL
Your Mercy O Lord is in the heavens
Your faithfulness is in the clouds
Your righteousness is like the grand mountains
Your judgements are a great deep; O Lord You preserve man & beast.
Psalm 36:5-6 NKJV
Bridget – Phoenix, AZ
“He who did not spare His own Son, but gave him up for us all-how will He not also, along with Him, graciously give us all things?”
Romans 8:32 NIV
Erin Morrow
Ruston,LA
Lohri
Plant City
For the kingdom of God is not a matter of food & drink but of righteousness, peace & joy in the Holy Spirit. Rom. 14:17 AMP
Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in You. Show me the way I should go for to You I lift up my soul
Psalm 143:8, NIV
Charity
New Lebanon, Ohio
I hope it’s okay that I do these 3 verses for the whole month of April. I am actually still working on 1 Thess 5:15 also so I will include it again.
1 Thessalonians 5:15-18 NIV
15 Make sure that noone repays wrong for wrong, but always try to be kind to each other and everyone else.
16 Be joyful always;
17 give thanks in all circumstances,
18 for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
The spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God's children.
Romans 8:16 NIV
Jules Kearney, NE
Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
Phil 4:6-7 KJV
"I will lie down and sleep in peace; for you alone o Lord, make me dwell in safety." Psalm 4:8
"You are my witnesses," declares the Lord, "and my servants whom I have chosen, so that you may know and believe me and understand that I am he." Isaiah 43:10
Caressa Hall
Arlington, Tx
I lost track of how far I had blogged in what I am memorizing, and I changed some scriptures as my needs are changing.
April 1
I John 4:4 KJV Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because greater is he who is in you than he who is in the world.
Eunice Fowler
Iona Station, ON
The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control; against such there is no law.
Galations 5:22
Robin
Morehead, KY.
"He is our constant source of stability; he abundantly provides safety and great wisdom; He gives all this to those who fear Him".
IS 33:6
Beth Schwartz
Lancaster, PA
"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In His great mercy He had given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,…" (first part of 7 verses)
1 Peter 1:3 NIV
Julie Meissner
Tomball, TX
(I apologize if I'm posting some of these twice, but our computer crashed a few months ago and I missed posting some of my verses. I'm just trying to go back and remember which ones so I can catch up. But I've been doing the work every two weeks!)
"Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord"
Ephesians 6:4 (NIV)
Leann from Alabama
Oh that my ways were steadfast in obeying your decrees! Then I would not be put to shame when I consider all your commands. I will praise You with an upright heart as I learn your righteous laws. I will obey your decrees; do not utterly forsake me. Ps. 119:5-8
Darcy, Lenoir, NC
II Samuel 22:36
You give me your shield of victory;
you stoop down to make me great.
Darien, Lenoir, NC
Psalm 19:13,14
Keep your servant also from willful sins;
may they not rule over me.
Then will I be blameless,
innocent of great transgression.
May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer.
Jae, Lenoir, NC
Proverbs 3:1
My son, do not forget my teaching,
but keep my commands in your heart,
Bring joy to your servant, for to you, O Lord, I lift up my soul.
Psalm 86:4 NIV
Faith
Columbia, SC
“Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.â€- Psalm 139:23-24 (NIV)
Kenzie Stanfield
Katy, TX
"Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer."
Psalm 19:14
Jamie H
Birmingham, AL
God blesses the people who patiently endure testing. Afterward they will recieve the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.
James 1:12 NLT
Stephanie
Lititz, PA
1 Peter 5:6 NIV
Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that in due time He may exalt you.
Traci in Franklin, TN
"You hem me in- behind and before; you have laid your hand upon me."
Psalm 139:5
"The tongue of the wise commends knowledge, but the mouth of the fool gushes folly."
Proverbs 15:2 NIV
Debbie Nix
Dalzell, SC
Malachi 4:2 NKJ
But to you who fear My name the Sun of Righteousness shall arise with healing in His wings; and you shall go out and grow fat like stall-fed calves!
Patti
Statham, GA
"Behold, I am with you and will keep you wherever you go, and will bring you back to this land; for I will not leave you until i have done what I have spoken to you." Than Jacob awoke from his sleep and said,"Surely the LORD is in this place, and I did not know it."
Genesis 28:15-16
Emily
Rouge Valley OR
For ye have need of patience, that after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise.
Hebrews 10:36 (KJV)
Fran Dockins
Corryton, TN
0 So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God.I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
Isaiah 41:10
NIV
missy
houston
Psalm 145:18 (NIV)
The LORD is near to all who call on him,to all who call on him in truth.
Valerie
Fultondale, AL
"All scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, and correcting and training in righteousness. –2 Tim 3:16 NIV
Deena Jefferson
Springboro, OH
Nikki
Santa Rosa, CA
NIV
I Thessalonians 5:22
Avoid every kind of evil.
Christina Modesto, CA
Psalm 19:14 NKJV
Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, my strength and my Redeemer.
Jeremiah 17:9
NIV
The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it?
Lorraine
Wilson's Mills, NC
Psalm 34:8 "O taste and see that the Lord is good; how blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him!"
Psalm 145:18 (NIV)
"The LORD is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth."
Anne
Katy, TX
Isaiah 43:2-3a (NLT)
When you go through deep waters, and great troubles, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty you will not drown. When you walk through the fires of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you.
For I am the LORD your God, the Holy one of Isreal, your Saviour.
But we all with unveiled faces are beholding as in the mirror the glory of the Lord and we are being transformed into His likeness with ever increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.
2 Corinthinas 3:18
Romans 6:23
"For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord."
Don'tbe deceived, my dear brothers. Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. He chose to give us birth through the word of truth that we might be a kind of firstfruits of all he created.
James 1:16-18
NIV
Rhonda
Anderson, IN
I'm having to go through and redocument my Memory verses for the cards because, we moved and I cannot find my little flip folder of index cards. 🙁 Sadly, as I perused this set of comments I found I did not post one… So if you happen to spot my verse please advise me where it may be so I can fetch it –
Otherwise, I'm going to go with Bethie's verse and memorize two for the next few weeks… <3's to you.
"God’s love is meteoric, His loyalty astronomic, His purpose titanic, His verdicts oceanic. Yet in His largeness nothing gets lost; Not a man, not a mouse, slips through the cracks. How exquisite Your love, O God! Psalm 36:5-7a, The Message
Michelle Bentham, Fort Worth