Hey, you Scripture memory fiends! I am so proud of you guys for keeping your numbers up with your second verses! There can be a really big drop out between the hype surrounding the first verse and the discipline that starts kicking in with the second verse. Stay at it, you guys. Not one of you will be sorry you did. No one is going to get to the finish line next December 15th and say it wasn’t worth the work. God is far more faithful than that. He rewards those who seek Him (Hebrews 11:6) and diligently uses His Word to equip us in our callings (2 Timothy 3:16-17). He uses His Word to make us wiser, more aware of His will, more fortified against temptation, and more alive in His Spirit. He uses His Word to make us less gullible when our hearts are trying to deceive us, when someone we love is trying to mislead us or when Satan himself is trying to seduce us. Be encouraged. Not one ounce of your effort is wasted.
Here is the biggest key to accomplishing this task: throughout the entire process, continually ask God to enable you to memorize. In John 14:26, Christ tells His followers that the Holy Spirit is the one who will “bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you.” Proactively taking Him up on this assurance has been strategic through the years I’ve memorized Scripture. Over and over I convey to God that I know only He can empower those inspired words on the page to find a permanent place in my memory and a home in the marrow of my bones. I call upon His Spirit in Jesus’ Name to stir up those verses in me and remind me of every word and phrase.
When you’re able to say your verse with any accuracy at all, start thanking Him. Do it right then. Completely engage in the relational side of your memory work. That will be by far the biggest success in this endeavor. God is after your heart, not just your mind. He’s not just looking for your discipline. He wants to be your desire. His aim is relationship. Ask Him to help you then thank Him when He does it. When you’re working on a beautiful verse, tell Him you think it’s beautiful. When you keep stumbling over one particular word, ask Him right then to help you get that phrase straight. His Word is God speaking to you so speak back. Use it as an invitation to dialogue. Is the verse really hard? Say to Him, “This verse is killing me here, Lord. I can’t seem to get it. Grant it to me. Help me with it.” Get what I’m saying? This way He gets all the glory in every success and we get immeasurable gain.
This I promise you: God’s objective for you and me in 2015 is not for us to memorize 24 verses. It’s for us to draw nearer and nearer to Him, love Him more, know Him more, trust Him more, and believe Him more. To let His Word go down deep where He wants it. To invite it fervently and proactively to abide in us and bring vivacious life to us. To meditate on His words and to prize them more than our daily bread. Job said it this way: “I have treasured the words of His mouth more than my portion of food.” (Job 23:12b) That’s what these 24 verses are about. So, let’s engage with Jesus throughout the entire process. THAT, at the end of our journey, is what will determine our success.
I think I just changed my mind on what I want to present you for my 3rd verse. I am doing memory work out of the Book of Ephesians right now but I don’t happen to be on a verse that stands alone in a comprehensive enough way to offer it to someone to share. Mentioning Job in the previous paragraph stirred up in my memory how much I love that 23rd chapter. Savor the gorgeousness of verses 8-12. (ESV)
8      “Behold, I go forward, but He is not there,
and backward, but I do not perceive Him;
9Â Â Â Â Â Â on the left hand when He is working, I do not behold Him;
He turns to the right hand, but I do not see Him.
10Â Â Â Â Â Â But He knows the way that I take;
when He has tried me, I shall come out as gold.
11Â Â Â Â Â Â My foot has held fast to his steps;
I have kept his way and have not turned aside.
12Â Â Â Â Â Â I have not departed from the commandment of his lips;
I have treasured the words of his mouth more than my portion of food.
Translation of verses 8-10??? I may not know where God is right now in my situation but of this I’m sure: He knows where I am. Isn’t that powerful? Then, behold the faith and steadfastness of Job in that 10th verse: because God is at work and is at the helm, “I will come forth as gold” (NIV). (If you get a chance, glance at how perfectly that concept corresponds with 1 Peter 1:7.) I believe Job 23:10 is the exact verse I want to choose this time around and I think I’ll use the NIV. So here goes:
Beth Moore, Houston, Texas. But He knows the way that I take; when He has tested me, I will come forth as gold. Job 23:10 NIV
Hit it, Girls.
So honored to study and memorize Scripture with you. Much, much love to you.
Shirley Chase, Canton, TX
You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all of your heart. Jeremiah 29:13 ESV
Julie Kunz, Seattle, WA. For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become therighteousness of God. 2 Corinthians 5:21(ESV)
But be sure to fear the Lord and serve him faithfully with all your heart; consider what great things he has done for you. (â€1 Samuel‬ â€12‬:â€24‬ NIV)
Katie Morrow
Birmingham, Alabama
Psalm 37:23-24 “The Lord makes firm the steps of the one who delights in Him; though he may stumble he will not fall, for the Lord upholds him with his hand.”
“For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.” Ephesians 2:8-9 ESV
Susannah Maddox, Folsom, CA
I Corinthians 13:1-6
If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have the gift of faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing. Love is patient, love is kind, It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud, it does not dishonor others, it is not self seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil, but rejoices with the truth.
I hold you by your right hand – I, The Lord your God. And I say to you, “Do not be afraid. I am here to help you.”
Isaiah 41:13
Tina Hinson
Okinawa , Japan
Psalms 40:1-3
I waited patiently for the LORD ; he turned and heard my cry. He lifted me up out of the slimy pit; out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand. He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God; many will see and fear the LORD , and put their trust in him.
Psalms 40: 1-3
NIV
Joey Lynn, Las Vegas, NV
Exodus 33:14 (Message)
God said, “My presence will go with you. I’ll see the journey to the end.”
Lindsay ~ Bangor, Maine
Out of His fullness we have all received grace in place of grace already given.
~John 1:16
Lindsey Fellers, Myrtle Beach, SC
“Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever.” 1 Corinthians 9:24-25 NIV
“May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.” Psalm 19:14 (NIV)
Donna B., Leonard, Tx
Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.
James 1:22 NIV
Phil. 1:27-28: Conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or remain absent, I will hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel.
Heather Boone
Hineston,LA
The eternal God is your dwelling place,and underneath are the Everlasting Arms. And He thrust out the enemy before you and said ‘Destroy’. Deut.33:27 ESV
Lisa Vaughn, Watkinsville, GA
“If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and He will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking.” James 1:5 NLT
Katie, Jakarta, Indonesia, “By this we know love, that he laid down his life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for the brothers. But if anyone has the world’s goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God’s love abide in him. Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth.” 1 John 3:16-18 (ESV).
Diane Collins, Harlan, IN: “Be still, and know that I am God! I will be honored by every nation. I will be honored throughout the world.” Psalm 46:10 NLT
So all of us who have had that veil removed can see and reflect the glory of the Lord. And the Lord—who is the Spirit—makes us more and more like him as we are changed into his glorious image. (â€2 Corinthians‬ â€3‬:â€18‬ NLT)
Happy to look like Him!
Sherry Fisher, Murray, KY “And all who have this eager expectation will keep themselves pure, just as he is pure.” 1John 3:3 NLT
Karen, Christy, Cheryl A Cord of Three Strands
Jay, OK
As for me, if I am lifted up from the earth I will draw all people to myself.
John 12:32
Ephesians 3:20 NLT
“Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think.”
Westland, MI
Donna Walters, Hartsville, South Carolina – 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)
Susan McLaughlan, Fishers, Indiana.
I have not departed from the commandment of his lips; I have treasured the words of his mouth more than my portion of food. Job 23:12 ESV
“…with everlasting kindness
I will have compassion on you,”
says the Lord your Redeemer.” Isaiah 54:8
Morgan Murphy, Muscle Shoals, AL, “Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent, and do the works you did at first. If not, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place, unless you repent.” Revelation 2:5, ESV
I posted in the wrong place again!
Cathy Rutledge, Jacksonville, Alabama “Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, “i will never leave you nor forsake you.”
Hebrews 13:5 NKJV
Samantha from Texarkana, AR
Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones. Proverbs 16:24, NIV
Matthew 5:4. God blesses for those who mourn, for they will be comforted.
Lyndsay, New Castle, IN.
“When she speaks, her words are wise, and she gives instructions with kindness.”–Prov. 31:26 NLT
Kelsey Baker, Milledgeville, GA
Then he said to me, “Prophesy to these bones and say to them, ‘Dry bones, hear the word of the Lord! This is what the Sovereign Lord says to these bones: I will make breath enter you, and you will come to life. I will attach tendons to you and make flesh come upon you and cover you with skin; I will put breath in you, and you will come to life. Then you will know that I am the Lord.'”
Ezekiel 37:4-6 NIV
Renee- Kennesaw,GA-And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you. (â€1 Peter‬ â€5‬:â€10‬ ESV)
Jane Swanquist, Lagro, Indiana. “Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.” Romans 12:12 NIV
Those who sow with tears will reap with songs of joy. Psalms 126:5 NIV
Anne, Hudsonville, Michigan: “Those who know your name trust in you, for you , LORD, have never forsaken those who seek you.” Psalm 9:10
Janine, Houston: “I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.
-John 16:33
-ESV
Kathy Brooks, Derry, New Hampshire
“but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles.
They will run and not grow weary.
They will walk and not be faint.
Isaiah 40:31 NIV
Nikki, Marianna, Florida
I have treasured the words of His mouth more than my portion of food!
Job 23:12
Beth, Menominee, MI. “No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent me draws him. And I will raise him up on the last day.” John 6:44 ESV
Mary Ellen, Wichita, KS
You will be secure, because there is hope; you will look about you and take your rest in safety. Job 11:18 NIV
Darcy Brown, Spokane, WA
“Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland.” Isaiah 43:18-19 NIV
Tina Hulbert, Knoxville, TN. May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer. (â€Psalm‬ â€19‬:â€14‬ NIV)
Kenzie, Tulsa, Oklahoma
Proverbs 3:9-10 CEB
Honor the Lord with your wealth and the first of your crops. Then your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will burst with wine.
John 15:7
If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.
Waxahachie, TX
Concetta, White Oak, TX, Isaiah 38:16 NLT
Lord, your discipline is good, for it leads to life and health. You restore my health and allow me to live!
Amy Hoots, Shiloh, IL Can any of you by worrying add a single hour to your life? Matthew 6:27 NIV
Shelly Hurst, Leachville, AR. “Bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.” Luke 6:28 NIV
Emily F
Logansport, IN
The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.
2 Peter 3:9 (NIV)
This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears us—whatever we ask—we know that we have what we asked of him. (â€1 John‬ â€5‬:â€14-15‬ NIV)
Bridget, Cadillac
My, daughter, if you accept my words and store up my commands within you, turning your ear to wisdom and applying your heart to understanding- indeed, if you call out for insight and cry aloud for understanding, and if you look for it as for silver and search for it as hidden treasure then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God. For the Lord gives wisdom; form his mouth come knowledge and understanding(Prov. 2:1-6 niv).