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.
Cara Dyba, Nashville, TN
I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. (â€Romans‬ â€12‬:â€1-2‬ ESV)
I say of the holy people who are in the land, “They are the noble ones in whom is all my delight.” (Psalm 16:3 NIV)
Kelly Richland, WA
They will soar on wings like eagles;
they will run and not grow weary,
they will walk and not be faint.
Isaiah 40:31b
Tessa Harris- Lincoln, NE
“Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, ‘This is the way; walk in it.’ ” Isaiah 30:21 NIV
Kara B., Longview, TX
For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes. Romans 10:4 ESV
Laura, Greenbrier, AR Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Hebrews 12:1 NIV
I made you and I will carry you. Isiah 46:4
Leigh Steitz Apple Valley, CA
“For the word of the Lord holds true, and we can trust everything he does.” -Psalm 33:4 NLT
Beverly Regensberg, Fresno CA
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable – if anything is excellent or praiseworthy – think about such things. Philippians 4:8
Amber Berry-Laramie, WY
“And you shall remember the whole way that the LORD your God has led you these forty years in the wilderness, that he might humble you, testing you to know what was in your heart, whether you would keep his commandments or not.” Deuteronomy 8:2 ESV
“And the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will Himself restore you and make you strong, firm, and steadfast.” 1 Peter 5:10 NIV84
I want you to know, this verse brought me through cancer and out to freedom!
Christine, Newcastle, England For God has not given us a spirit of fear but of power and of love and of a sound mind. 2 Tim 1:7 NKJV
LaVonne Beale
Peachtree City, GA
I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.
Psalm 139:14 NIV
Lorraine Moen, Surrey, BC. “The greatest among you shall be your servant. Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.” Matthew 23:11-12
Susan
Piscataway, NJ
Last time I posted 2 verses – continuing with the memorization of same this posting:
Praise be the name of God for ever and ever;
Wisdom and power are his.
He changes times and seasons;
He sets up kings and deposes them.
He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning.
Daniel 2: 20 & 21
NIV
Portland, OR
Oops, guess I hit the key, and away the comment went.
To wrap up,(well, it may not have even been posted) Sorry if a duplicate. 🙂
Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 2 Cor 9:7
Giving and tithing are an important role I choose, and love that God likes me to be cheerful when doing so!
Shari Valdez, Long Beach, California. Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time. I Peter 5:6 NKJV
Shelly Verley
Apache Junction, AZ
“In Him, you also, after listening to the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation-having also believed, you were sealed in Him with the Holy Spirit of promise, who is given as a pledge of our inheritance.” Ephesians 1:13-14 NASB
Amy Villa, Auburn, WA Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience. Colossians 3:12 ESV
Nicole from Victoria, BC
“Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in the one body. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly; teach and admonish one another in all wisdom; and with gratitude in your hearts sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs to God.”
Colosians 3:15-16
1 Corinthians13:4-5 NLT
Love is patient, love is kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. It does not demand it’s own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged.
“What then can we say to these things? If God is for us then who can be against us?” Romans 8:31 NKJV
Amy Wallace, Delaware,Ohio
Genesis 50:20 NIV
“You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to
accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.”
carla van hemmen, Ede The Netherlands
en ik bid dat uw liefde blijft groeien door inzicht en fijnzinnigheid, zodat u kunt onderscheiden waar het op aankomt. Phil.1: 9 NBV
Christi Copes
Bavaria, Germany
“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men.”
Colossians 3:23 NIV
Helen Magana, San Bernardino, CA — Be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves — James 1:22
For I know the thoughts that I think toward you says the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope. Jeremiah 29:11 NKJV
Katherine Jurn Emmett MI
Sheila, Splendora, TX
But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, so that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light;
1 Peter 2:9 (NASB)
Katherine Jurn Emmett MI
For I know the thoughts that I think toward you says the LORD thoughts of peace and not of evil to give you a future and a hope Jeremiah 29:11 NK JV
“Do not merely listen to the Word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.”
James 1:22 NIV
Amy
Hoboken, NJ
Donna Mayfield, Archdale, NC,
If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.
James 1:5 NIV
Charlotte Carty
Lexington,Ky
You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. (â€Jeremiah‬ â€29‬:â€13‬ NIV)
Nancy Schneider
Kissimmee, FL
“The Lord is good, a refuge in times of trouble.”
Nahum 1:7 NIV
Terri from Mechanicsville, VA:
‘And now these three remain: faith, hope, and love. But the greatest of these is love.’ 1 Corinthians 13:13
Kim from Hickory,N.C.
God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved: God shall help her, and that right early. (KJV)
Terri, Grand Haven, MI
I have not departed from the commandment of his lips; I have treasured the words of his mouth more than my portion of food.
Ephesians 23:12 NIV
Cathy, Acworth GA
Now in the morning, having risen a long while before daylight, He went out and departed to a solitary place; and there He prayed.
Mark 1:35 NKJV
Liz
North Carolina
We wait in hope for the Lord; he is our help and our shield. -Psalm 33:20, NIV
Ellainn White, Titusville, FL “But I will sing of Your strength and will joyfully proclaim Your faithful love in the morning. For You have been a stronghold for me, a refuge in my day of trouble.”
(Psalm 59:16 HCSB)
Diana, Round Hill, VA – Trust in the LORD with all your heart And do not lean on your own understanding. Proverbs 3:5 NAS
Lauren Ferguson. Valrico, Florida. “So be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid and do not panic before them. For The Lord your God will personally go ahead of you. He will neither fail you nor abandon you.” Deuteronomy 31:6
Finally brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.
Philippians 4:8
The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky proclaims the work of His hands. Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they communicate knowledge. Psalm 19:12 HCSB
Louisville, KY. But He knows the way that I take; when He has tested me, I will come our as gold. Job 23:10 NIV
Jennifer Cochran, Sealy, TX
“My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. (â€2 Corinthians‬ â€12‬:â€9‬ NIV)
Stephanie from Gulf Shores, Alabama Trust in the LORD with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take. (â€Proverbs‬ â€3‬:â€5-6‬ NLT)
Erin Hall, Magnolia, Texas -You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last—and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you. (â€John‬ â€15‬:â€16‬ NIV)
Jean Krapfel
Winston Salem, NC
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not rely on your own insight. In all your ways acknowledge him and He will make straight your paths. Proverbs 3:5-6. RSV
Ruth, Bartlett,TN Matthew 11 : 29 KJV TATake my yoke upon you, and learn of me : for I am meek and lowly in heart:and ye shall find rest unto your souls.
Cincinnati, OH
In nothing be anxious; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your request be known into God. And the peace of god which passeth all understanding shall guard your hearts and thought in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7 NAV