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.
Lori Moritz, Cedar Park, TX
“When I am afraid, I put my trust in you. In God, whose word I praise – in God I trust and am not afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?”
Psalm 56:3-4 NIV
JaneS, St. Louis, MO
And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment.
Philippians 1:9 (ESV)
Jacqueline Thrash from Downsville, la
11 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11 NIV
Rhonda Smith Unionville Tn.
I do not ask that you take them out of the world, but that you keep them from the evil one.
John 17:15
Rhonda Neanover, Sputhaven,MS
Psalm 34:18 NIV
The Lord is close to the broken-hearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.
Amy, Myrtle Beach, SC. “…let us also lay aside every encumbrance, and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” Hebrews 12: 1b-2 NASB
Isaiah 26:3-4
You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trust in you. Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord God is an everlasting rock.
Rachel – Nashville, TN
“Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day.” 2 Corinthians‬ â€4‬:â€16‬ (NIV)
trisha : ) Delleker
So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary but what is unseen is eternal.
2 Cor. 4:18 NIV
Valerie | Louisville, Kentucky
Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things that you do not know. Jeremiah 33:3 (NIV)
Janice
Lebanon, MO
Because He turned His ear to me, I will call on Him ad long as I live.
Psalm 116:2.
Beth, Visalia, CA
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
Jenny T – Midland, TX
The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork. (â€Psalm‬ â€19‬:â€1‬ ESV)
Karee, Alvin, TX I can do all this through him who gives me strength. Philippians 4:13
Kelly Merrill
Menomonie, WI
He will not let your foot be moved; he who keeps you will not slumber. Behold, he who keeps Israel will neither slumber nor sleep. Psalm 121:3-4 ESV
Rachel, Cleveland, Ohio
“Truly I tell you, if anyone says to this mountain, ‘Go, throw yourself into the sea,’ and does not doubt in their heart but believes that what they say will happen, it will be done for them. Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.
Mark 11:23-24 (NIV)
Danielle Rye
Cedar Park, TX
“All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.”
II Timothy 3:16 KJV
Kathy Rye
Cedar Park, TX
“Be gentle and ready to forgive; never hold grudges. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others.”
Colossians 3:13 TLB
Stephanie, Keller, TX Psalm115:11 NLT All you who fear the Lord, trust the Lord! He is your helper and your shield.
Sheena Donley, Lakeland,Fl
Glory in his holy name; let the hearts of all who seek the Lord rejoice. 1 Chronicles 16:10 NIV
Teel
Oklahoma City
The ligh shines the darkness and the darkness can never extinguish it! John 1:5 NLT
Jen Lovelace
Ridgecrest, CA
“The faithful love of the Lord never ends! His mercies never cease. Great is his faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each morning.”
Lamentations 3:22-23 (NLT)
Madison Donley, Lakeland,Fl
Sing to him, sing praise to him; tell of all his wonderful acts. 1 Chronicles 16:9 NIV
Jenny R.
Corona, Ca
“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28 (NIV)
Kristi, Bartlesville, OK
“And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.” Ephesians 6:18 NIV
Grace Donley, Lakeland, fl
Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path. Psalms 119:105 KJV
Becky, Brownsburg, IN
The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God stands forever. Isaiah 40:8 NIV
TaWanna — Denver, CO
And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. KJV
Becca G, Dallas, TX “But the one who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his doing.” James 1:25 ESV
Joni. Lee’s Summit, MO “Ah, Sovereign Lord, you have made the heavens and the earth by your great power and outstretched arm. Nothing is too hard for you. “Jeremiah 32:17 NIV
Wanda- Denver, CO
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. KJV
Sarah Winslow Durant, OK
For the Lord loves justice and will not abandon His faithful ones. They are kept safe forever, but the children of the wicked will be destroyed. – Psalm 37:28 HCSB
Lisa Chow, Alpharetta, Ga. Surely He will save you from the fowler’s snare and from the deadly pestilence. Psalm 91:3 NIV
Allison Willingham, Bethany,OK “He will have no fear of bad news; his heart is steadfast,trusting in the Lord.” -Psalm 112:7 NIV
Rachel Grantham, Raymond, MS.
“I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” â€Galatians‬ â€2‬:â€20‬ (NIV)
Ashley
Rancho Cucamonga, Ca
They do not fear bad news; they confidently trust the LORD to care for them. (â€Psalms‬ â€112‬:â€7‬ NLT)
Cindy, Sulphur,LA
But endurance must do its complete work, so that you may be mature and complete, lacking nothing.
James 1:4 (HCSB)
Sarah, Greensboro, NC
There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. For fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not been perfected in love.
1 John 4:18 ESV
But let all who take refuge in You rejoice, Let them sing for joy And spread Your protection over them Ps 5:11
Amen 🙂
” And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.”
Rom 8:28 NKJV
Ashley Ehrlick, Billings, MT: “So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we do not give up.” Galatians 6:9 (NLT)
I am Kristy Torres from Amarillo, Tx. Romans 8:38 And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons,[a] neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love.
Carla, Douglasville, Ga. And he hath put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our God: many shall see it, and fear, and shall trust in the Lord. Psalm 40:3 KJV
Mary Ellen Black, Barboursville, WV
Jesus replied, “The most important commandment is this: ‘Listen, O Israel! The LORD our God is the one and only LORD. And you must love the LORD your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind and all your strength. The second is equally important: Love your neighbor as yourself. No other commandment is greater than these.” Mark 12: 29-31
Andrea, Aurora CO
“Remember your leaders, who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.”
Hebrews 13:7-8 NIV
Christi Bruecher, Houston, TX
Heal me, O LORD, and I shall be healed; save me, and I shall be saved, for you are my praise.
Jeremiah 17:14 ESV
Laura, Laramie, WY
Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers.
3 John 1:2 (NKJV)
Crystal Rants, Colorado Springs, CO
Job 23:10 NIV
But He knows tha way that I take; when He has tested me, I will come forth as gold.
Kim Hayes, Rio Rancho, NM
The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. (â€Psalm‬ â€18‬:â€2‬ ESV)
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. For through wisdom your days will be many and years will be added to your life. Proverbs 9:10-11 NIV