Hey, Everybody! I am jotting this post several days in advance because I’ll be at a Living Proof Live in Atlanta, Georgia the day this goes up. In fact, if you read this before 11:15 CST (12:15 Atlanta time) on Saturday, we’d be incredibly blessed if you’d pray for our remaining time to be so flooded with the presence of God that we can hardly bear the glory.
I’m so proud of you for making it this far in our Scripture memory process! Sisters, you have worked hard. Let yourself feel the holy nod of God. He has tremendous joy in seeing His children esteem His Word highly enough to store it like treasures in the vault of their hearts. We’ve arrived at a milestone of sorts in this journey. June is tremendously significant for our team because this is the month we come to the halfway marker. Once we get into July and August we have less memorization in front of us than we have behind us. That’s a big deal.
This time around I’m choosing a verse that I’ll be challenging the attendees to memorize at the Atlanta Living Proof Live. I’m not sure a verse could be more fitting for the pure act of praise. I love Scriptures that not only speak about God but speak straight to God. Get a load of this one:
Beth, Houston. O Lord, You are great, mighty, majestic, magnificent, glorious, and sovereign over all the sky and earth! You have dominion and exalt Yourself as the ruler of all. 1 Chronicles 29:11 The NET Bible
Any of us who memorize a fair amount of Scripture have certain go-to approaches that have helped us along. If you’ve got a method that is working, by all means, go with it! But, if you’re interested in memorizing the same verse and would like some suggestions about how to tackle it, I’ll share what works for me. Keep in mind that the methods of Blonder Than She Pays To Be could be madness to someone else so take this or leave it depending on your learning style.
With any verse, I start looking almost immediately for how I can reason out the word order. The first thing I’m going to notice in 1 Chronicles 29:11 is that there are 6 rapid-fire descriptions of God in the first sentence. In this verse, I’d reason that it’s fitting for the word “great” to be first among the descriptions because many of us are accustomed to using the terminology that God (or the Lord, in this case) is great. It’s an easy, accessible word. The next three descriptions all begin with “M”: mighty, majestic, magnificent. As I prepare for Atlanta, I’ll be saying those three words over and over in that order so that they’ll get ingrained in my thinking. They have an amplifying rhythm to them, too, because the first one (mighty) is two syllables, the second one (majestic) is three syllables, and the third one (magnificent) is four syllables. Does that help at all with the word order and how they roll off your tongue? Say them until you feel the syllables build and you might latch onto them pretty quickly.
After the beginning “G” (great) and the 3 “M’s”, we have another “G.” This time it stands for “glorious.” That’s a word I love to say so I’m hoping I can remember it pretty easily. G-M-M-M-G. Are you beginning to catch on? (I think I just heard somebody yell “NO!” Was that you?? I tried to warn you that I can make things harder than they have to be. Laughing. You might need to be the one telling your sisters here how to tackle a wordy verse. Just give me an “E” for effort here and maybe an “A” for affection. I do so seriously love you.)
The last of the 6 descriptions is “sovereign.” To me, that’s always the final word on anything that has to do with God. If I’m confused or I can’t fit in my brain why this happened or why God approached a particular thing a particular way, I finally come to a measure of peace by stating this biblical truth: He is sovereign over all things. In the exact words of 1 Chronicles 29:11, “over all the sky and earth.” I love visual language and that, Sister, is plenty visual. Span the galaxies in the universe with your imagination then put your scope on our planet and zero in. (I know I’m really pushing it right now with some of you but the way I’d keep it straight that “sky” comes before “earth” is that it starts with an “S” like “sovereign” right before it. If I’m getting on your last nerve, never mind.)
Then put the finishing touches on the verse with this: You have dominion and exalt Yourself as the ruler of all!
Now, don’t get me wrong. I’m not expecting that we’d have it down pat in the brief amount of time it’s taken us to walk through those few paragraphs but what about 15 days? That’s how long we’d have to get those words steeped into our souls. Could we get them down over the course of two weeks? Yes, ma’am, I do believe we can! And, if not word-for-word, just think how much we’ve meditated on descriptions of our God! That is time NEVER wasted. Let’s ask God to give us the supernatural unction to accomplish this memorization and remind Him how much glory He could receive from our being able to extol His preeminence like that over and over while we’re…
praying…
driving…
walking through our neighborhoods…
on our treadmills…
rocking our babies…
getting chemotherapy…
getting physical therapy…
sitting with an elderly loved one…
healing from a heartbreak…
or so happy that we need some way to tell Him how marvelous we think He is before we burst.
Of course, most of you have your own Scripture selections and I have just put you through the wringer for nothing! So, whether you’re sharing 1 Chronicles 29:11 or bringing your own verse to the table, let’s see them! I’m blessed almost out of my bleached blond mind to get to do this with you, Sister. You are a tremendous joy to me.
Tags: Scripture Memory 2013
Debbie Z Vancouver, WA
And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has ben given to us. Romans 5:5 NIV
WendyC – Cheyenne, WY.
The Lord will work out his plans for my life – for your faithful love, O Lord, endures forever. Psalm 138:8 NLT
Ally (NIV)
Psalm 18:30
AS for God, his way is perfect; the word of the Lord is flawless. He is a shield for all who take refuge in him.
Lyn Steriti
Littleton NH
He will cover you with His feathers and under His wings you may seek refuge. He faithfulness is a shield and a bulwark.
Psalm 91:4 NASB
“Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless His Holy Name. Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits- Who forgives all your sins, and heals all your diseases.” Psalm 103:1-3 NKJV
Gail, Phoenix
I want to know Christ- yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and so, somehow, attaining to the resurrection from the dead. Philippians 3:10-11 NIV
Jill (NIV)
I am in Ephesus right now. Ephesians 1:11
In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will.
Berni, Albuquerque
“O LORD, You are great, mighty, majestic, magnificent,
glorious, and sovereign over all the sky and earth!
You have dominion and exalt Yourself as the ruler of all.”
1 Chronicles 29:11 NET
Beth, Toronto: “And this I pray, that your love may abound still more and more in knowledge, and all discernment, that you may approve the things that are excellent, that you may be sincere, and without offense till the day of Christ, being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.”
Philippians 1:9-11 (NKJV)
Tara, Fort Worth, TX:
O Lord, You are great, mighty, majestic, magnificent, glorious, and sovereign over all the sky and earth! You have dominion and exalt Yourself as the ruler of all. ~1 Chronicles 29:11 (NET)
As for God, His way is perfect;
The word of the Lord is proven;
He is a shield to all who trust in him.
Psalms 18:30 ESV
Marilyn, Mission Viejo, CA
Joshua 1:8 ESV
This book of instruction must not depart from your mouth; you are to recite it day and night, so that you may carefully observe everything written in it. For then you will prosper and succeed in whatever you do.
Jennifer
Lexington, KY
Proverbs 31:20 (NIV)
“She opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy.”
Megan
Richmond
O Lord, You are great, mighty, majestic, magnificent, glorious, and sovereign over all the sky and earth! You have dominion and exalt yourself as the ruler of all. NET
Isaiah 41:13 NIV
For I am the LORD your God, who takes hold off your right hand
And says to you, Do not fear,I will help you.
Yes, Lord, in everything!
Midland, TX
Galatians 6:4 (HCSB)
But each person should examine his own work,
and then he will have a reason for boasting in himself
alone, and not in respect to someone else.
Ann, Prior Lake, MN
“God’s way is perfect. All the LORD’s promises prove true. He is a shield for all who look to Him for protection. For who is God except the LORD? Who but God is a solid rock?
Psalm 18:30-31 NLT
Webb City, MO
Who forgives all your iniquities, who heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from destruction, who crowns you with loving kindness and tender mercies, who satisfies your mouth with good things, so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.
Psalm 103:3-5 NKJV
Arlington TX
1 Chronicles 4:10 NIV
Jabez cried out to the God of Israel, “Oh that You would bless me and enlarge my territory! Let Your hand be with me, and keep me from harm so that I will be free from pain.” And God granted his request.
1 Chronicles 29:11 NET
O Lord, You are great, mighty, majestic, magnificent, glorious, and sovereign over all the sky and earth! You have dominion and exalt Yourself as the ruler of all.
Linda R. Springfield, MO
Psalms 125:1 Those who trust in the LORD are steady as Mount Zion, unmoved by any circumstance. ~ Living Bible
Lisa, Greensburg, Pa
“I will not trust in my bow, nor will my sword win me victory; for Thou dost deliver us from our foes and put all our enemies to shame.”
Psalm 44:6-7(NEB)
Vicki, Corpus CHRISTI
Philippians 1:6 NKJV
Being confident of this very thing,
that HE who has begun a good work in you
will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ.
Susie P from Carmel, Indiana
“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.” Ephesians 6:10-17 (NIV)
Melissa Walla Walla Wa “O Lord, You are great, mighty, magestic, magnificent, glorious and sovereign over all the sky and earth; You have dominion and exalt yourself as ruler over all.” 1 Chronicles 29:11 NET Bible
Joanna Duck
Norman, Oklahoma
Do not rejoice over me, my enemy! Though I have fallen, I will stand up; though I sit in darkness, the Lord will be my light.
Micah 7:8 HCSB
Brenda, Santa Rosa Beach Florida Psalms 117:2 NCV
For His merciful kindness is great toward us, and the
truth of the Lord endures forever. Praise the Lord
Diera – Austin, TX
“Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.”
Ephesians 4:29 NIV
Sharon, Riverside,Ca.
“You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they were created and have their being”.
Revelation 4:11 NIV
Judy from Lake Charles, LA
“But the meek will inherit the land
and enjoy great peace.” Psalm 37:11(NIV)
Ellen White
Saint Augustine, FL
Rejoice Always. Pray without ceasing. In everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
IThessalonians 5:16,17,18 NIV
Lori, Friendswood, TX
“Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some people have entertained angels without knowing it.”
Hebrews 13: 2 (NIV)
Michele, Oakdale, CA
Trust in Him at all times, O people; pour out your heart before Him; God is a refuge for us. Ps 62:8 NSAB
Xan, Cullman, AL
Psalm 119:10
With my whole heart I have sought you;
Oh, let me not wander from Your commandments!
NKJV
Janet, West Linn, OR
Blessed arebthe meek for they will inherit the earth.
Matthew 5:15 NIV
Lisa Riley from Sussex, WI
Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!
Philippians 4:4 (NIV)
Crystal from Phoenix:
Rom. 15:13 NIV
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Janet, Tulsa
“For you have been my refuge, a strong tower against the foe” (Psalm 61:3, NIV)
Sacramento’ CA
O Lord, You are great,mighty,majestic,
magnificent ,glorious ,and sovereign over all
the sky and earth
You have dominion and exalt Yourself as
the ruler if all.
Lindsey, Jenks, OK
“Those who live in the shelter of the Most High will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty. This I declare about the Lord: He alone is my refuge, my place of safety; He is my God, and I trust Him.” ~Psalm 91:1-2 NLT
Kellie from Keller, TX:
Psalm 18:30: God’s way is perfect. All the Lord’s promises prove true. He is a shield for all who look to him for protection. (NLT)
Psalm 118:6
The Lord is on my side. I will not fear. What can man do to me?
NIV
Debbie, Sevierville
NET Bible
All of a person’s ways seem right in his own opinion, but The Lord evaluates the motives.
Proverbs 21:2
Kathy Lovell, Denison TX
O Lord, You are great, mighty, majestic, magnificent, glorious, and sovereign over all the sky and earth! You have dominion and exalt Yourself as the ruler of all. 1 Chronicles 29:11 The NET Bible
Michelle, Houston “How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth!” Psalm 119:103 NIV
Margaret Ann, Pacific Junction, IA
We also pray that you will be strengthened with his glorious power so that you will have all the patience and endurance you need. May you be filled with joy, always thanking the Father, who has enabled you to share the inheritance that belongs to God’s holy people, who live in the light. For he has rescued us from the one who rules in the kingdom of darkness, and he has brought us into the Kingdom of his dear Son. God has purchased our freedom with his blood and has forgiven all our sins.
Colossian 1:11-14 (NLT)
Kathy Cupit Hazlehurst, Ms: 1st Thess 5:16-18 KJV
16.Rejoice evermore.
17. Pray without ceasing.
18. In every thing give thanks: for this is
the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.
Kerry, Nederland, TX
I pray that from His glorious, unlimited resources He will empower you with inner strength through His Spirit.
Ephesians 3:16
NLT
Pammie, Barstow.
“I will abide in Your tabernacle forever; I will trust in the shelter of Your wings. Selah.”
Psalm 61:4, New King James Version (NKJV),
Mary Appleton WI-The fear of the Lord is clean, enduring forever;The judgments of the Lord are true; they are righteous altogether.Psalm 19:9 NASB
Rachel, Frankfort, IL
In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials.
1 Peter 1:6