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.
Amanda,Ocean Springs, MS
In peace I will both lie down and sleep; for You alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety.
Psalm 4:8 ESV
Rebecca C.
Toledo, OH
For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face; now I know in part, but then I will know fully just as I also have been fully known.
1 Corinthians 13:12 (NASB)
Psalm 139: 1-2 New American Standard
Lord, you have searched me and known me. You know when I sit down and when I stand up; up understand my thoughts from far away.
Patty Howell, Corbin, Kentucky “Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God is one Lord: And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might.” Deuteronomy 6:4-5 KJV
Anita T. from Alberta, Canada “Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28
Karen, Pearl, MS Ephesians 1:3 NLT All praise to God, the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realms because we are united with Christ.
Glenda Locke, George West, Texas
“Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done.” Phillipians 4:6 (NLT)
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
Philippians 4:6
Lana B, McAllen, TX The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still.
Exodus 14:14, NIV
1 Timothy 1:15-16 New International Version (NIV)
Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst. But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his immense patience as an example for those who would believe in him and receive eternal life.
Meg, League City TX
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
“With your help I can advance against a troop; with my God I can scale a wall.” Psalm 18:29. NIV
Deborah Starkey, Proctorville, OH
And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment,
Philippians 1:9 ESV
Because You are my help, I sing in the shadow of Your wings. I cling to You; Your right hand upholds me.
Psalm 63:7-8
Michelle Arnold, Carrollton, Texas “If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have 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 a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames but do not have love, I gain nothing.”
1 Corinthians 13:1-3
Cindy
Hesperia, Ca
1 John 2:3 “We know that we have come to know him if we obey his commands” NIV
Revelation 17:14 NIV
They will make war against the Lamb, but the Lamb will overcome them because He is the Lord of lords and King of kings ~ and with Him will be His called, chosen, and faithful followers.
Beth Clark
Columbus, OH
Ephesians 2:8 & 9 (NIV)– For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith — and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God — not by works, so that no one can boast.
Phyllis, Irvine, CA, “you became imitators of us and of the Lord, for you welcomed the message in the midst of severe suffering with the joy by the Holy Spirit.” 1 Thessalonians 1:6 NIV
I say then, walk by the Spirit and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh. Galatians 5:16 NIV
Brenda Cousino, Frisco, TX
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 entrust my life. (â€Psalm‬ â€143‬:â€8‬ NIV)
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
Philippians 4:13 NKJV
Jenni Whitaker, Norwalk IA
John 16:33 NIV
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
Caitlyn Howell, Corbin, Kentucky, “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.” Psalms 37: 23-24 NIV
Karen Banducci, Redmond, OR
“Casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ”
2 Corinthians 10:5 NKJV
Debbie, Burleson, Texas. God is our refuge and strength. A very present help in trouble. Psalm 46:1. ASV
Sherri Herron, Paris, Texas. “I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me, you can do nothing.” John 15:5 NKJV
Alicia Thompson, Davao City, Philippines “We who are strong have an obligation to bear with the failings of the weak, and not to please ourselves.” Romans 15:1
Let love be genuine; abhor what is evil. Hold fast to what is good. Romans 12:9
Susanne F., Houston, TX
Therefore as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with one another and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. Colossians 3:12, 13
Caren, Canyonville, OR. “Make sure that your character is free from the love of money, being content with what you have; for He Himself has said, “I WILL NEVER DESERT YOU, NOR WILL I EVER FORSAKE YOU,” Hebrews‬ â€13‬:â€5‬ NASB
Kathy, Birmingham
“Cast your burden on the Lord, and He will sustain you;
He will never permit the righteous to be moved.” Psalm 55:22 ESV
Michelle Alosa
Concord, NH
Proverbs 31:25 NIV
“She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come.”
“If anyone serves me, he must follow me; and where I am, there will my servant be also. If anyone serves me, the Father will honor him.”
John 12:26 NIV
Rosemary Forney, Tx And let us not be weary in well doing:for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. Galatians 6:9 KJV.
Charlene Agan, Cartersville. “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.” 2 Timothy 1:7 KJV
Cindy Burdine
Magnolia, AR
You will keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You.
Isaiah 26:3
NKJV
Christina L
Longmont CO
Then Joshua said unto the people: Sanctify yourselves, for tomorrow the Lord will do wonders among you.
Joshua 3:5 ERV
Patti Rogers, Newburg MO
For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8: 38-39
Katie Davison Bradley Beach, New Jersey “I pray you are as healthy in body as you are strong in spirit.” 3 John 1:2 (NLT)
Psalms 56:3 NKJV
Whenever I am afraid, I will trust in You.
Laurie Doverspike, The Woodlands, Texas “Many are the plans in a man’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.” Prov. 19:21 (NIV)
Danielle Dryburgh, Philadelphia PA
“The Sovereign Lord is my strength! He will make me as surefooted as a deer and bring me safely over the mountains.” Habakkuk 3:19
Charlotte – Leander, TX
“Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” I Thessalonians 5:16-18 NIV
Kelly Taylor, Troutman, NC
Therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, I urge you to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God; this is your spiritual worship. (â€Romans‬ â€12‬:â€1‬ HCSB)
Leona, Fort Langley, BC – “For by the grace given me I say to everyone of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgement, in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you.” Romans 12:3 NIV
Joy Couch, Corbin, Kentucky: “Let not your heart be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me.” John 14:1 ESV
Teresa, Chadron, NE
“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. John 13:34:NIV
Connie Hughey, Bolingbrook, IL
Love the Lord, all you His saints! The Lord preserves the faithful but abundantly repays the one who acts in pride. Be strong and let your heart take courage, all you who wait for the Lord! Psalm 31: 23, 24 ESV
Amanda King *Bastrop Tx*
NIV Romans 12:12
Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.