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.
Greensboro, NC
37 No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. 38 For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, 39 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 8:37-39, NIV
Brenda, Crosby, TX, Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need. Hebrews 4:16 NIV
I am the vine and you are the branches;he who abides in me and I in him, he bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing.
Kelly Sartor, Denver, Colorado
For the word of The Lord holds true, and we can trust everything that he does.
Psalm 33:4 NLT
We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down , but not destroyed; always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that life of Jesus may also be manifested in our bodies. 2 Corinthians 4-10 ESV
Laura Webb
Waxahachie, Texas
For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.
Ephesians 2:10 (NIV)
Nora, Crowville, LA “Then he taught me, and he said to me, Take hold of my words with all of your heart; keep my commands and you will live.” Proverbs 4:4 (NIV)
Cindy, DIberville, MS
rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer.
Romans 12:12 NKJV
Susan B, Chapin, SC
The Spirit of God has made me, and the breath of the Almighty gives me life. Job 33:4 ESV
Sharice, Shelby, NC
“…yet because of your shameless audacity he will surely get up and give you as much as you need.”
Luke 11:8, NIV
Phoebe, Lenoir City, TN
Eph. 6:12, ESV
For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.
Becky-Cheryl Hershberger
Middletown, PA
Philippians 4:8-9(NIV)
8 Finally, brothers and sisters, 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. 9 Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.
Sorry this is late. If the 1st or 15th falls on a Sunday or Monday (as I think it does this and next month) I will probably be late. My time those days is pretty scheduled. However, I am keeping up with the memorization and wrote my verse in my book last week and was able to lay it out in the kitchen and work on it.
Katie Carruth, Charlotte, North Carolina:
” yes, if you call out for insight
and raise your voice for understanding,
if you seek it like silver
and search for it as for hidden treasures,
then you will understand the fear of the Lord
and find the knowledge of God.” Proverbs 2:3-5
Rhonda, Houston TX
He is your praise and He is your God, who has done these great and awesome things for you which your eyes have seen. Deuteronomy 10:21 NASB
Psalms 15:1-5 Lord, who may dwell in your sacred tent? Who may live on your holy mountain? The one whose walk is blamless who does what is righteous who speaks the truth from their heart. Whose tongue utters no slanderr, who does no wrong to a neighbor and casts no slur on others.who despises a vile person but honors those who fear the Lord. Who keeps an oath even when it hurts, and does not change their mind; who lends money to the poor without interest who does not accept a bribe against the innocent. Whoever does these things will never be shaken.
Evansville, IN
“So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.” 2 Corinthians 4:18
Sandy Amarillo TX
Continuing with my plan for one verse from each book of the Bible…Leviticus was tough.
Do not lie with a man as one lies with a woman. That is detestable.
Leviticus 18:22 NIV
Barbara, Fredericksburg, VA
Anyone, then, who knows the good he ought to do and doesn’t do it, sins.
James 4:17 NIV
Kari, Wheaton, IL. “Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord.” Hebrews 12:14, NIV.
Lanae, Jefferson City, TN
But anyone who needs wisdom should ask God, whose very nature is to give to everyone without a second thought, without keeping score. Wisdom will certainly be given to those who ask. Whoever asks shouldn’t hesitate. They should ask in faith, without doubting. Whoever doubts is like the surf of the sea, tossed and turned by the wind. (â€James‬ â€1‬:â€5-6‬ CEB)
Am I too late???
Susan, Cartersville, GA “The Lord is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower.” Psalm 18:2 (KJV)
Not too late, sister!
Katrinna, Bossier City, LA, “So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive His mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most.” Hebrews 4:16 NLT
Barb P. Kansas City
All discipline for the moment seems not to be joyful, but sorrowful, yet to those who have been trained by it, afterwards it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness.
Hebrews 12:11 (NASB)
Heather, Aberdeen SD
Hebrews 13:5 NIV
Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have because God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.”
Lam. 3:24 NLRV
I WILL SAY TO MYSELF, THE LORD IS EVERYTHING I WILL EVER NEED. SO I WILL PUT MY HOPE IN HIM!!!
Meleah Spencer, Springfield, Missouri. “And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.” Ephesians 5:20. NKJV
Lindsey A, Murphy, TX. “Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction,faithful in prayer.” Romans 12:12 NIV
Mallory, Independence, MO
Because of the Lord’s faithful love we do not perish, for His mercies never end. They are new every morning. Great is Your faithfulness! I say: the Lord is my portion, therefore I will put my hope in Him.
Lamentations 3:22-24 HCSB
Stephanie
Pawleys Island, SC
For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Hebrews 12:2 (NIV)
Dee NC –
Isaiah 46:4 NIV
Even to your old and gray hairs I am he, I am he who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you.
Acts 4:12 ESV, “And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.”
Rom. 8:5 (NIV) Those who live according to the sinful nature have their minds set on what that nature desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires.
Bowling Green, Ohio
#1 – No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it. 1 Corinthians 10:13 NIV
Jessica Goney, Nashville TN. NASB. Ephesians 2:8-9 8For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; 9not as a result of works, so that no one may boast.
Troy, Ohio
Be joyful always; pray continually;
give thanks in all circumstances, for
this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
1Thessalonians 5:16-18 NIV
Jill K.
Germantown, TN
“Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, 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,” Hebrews 12:1 (NAS)
Jacqueline M, Lancaster PA
1 Thessalonians 1:2-3 (NIV)
We always thank God for all of you, mentioning you in our prayers. We continually remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, you labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.
Ronnie, Ostrander, Ohio
“So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed” John 8:36 (ESV)
Laura Beth Harpe from Milledgeville, Georgia
“But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him.” James‬ â€1‬:â€5‬ NASB
Kokomo, Indiana
Proverbs 16:24
Pleasant words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the body.
Jeanette Cole, Bloomington, IL – “Again I declare to every man who lets himself be circumcised that he is obligated to obey the whole law.” (Galatians 5:3, NIV)
Stephanie Jo
Crane Oregon
But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.
James 1:22 KJV
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7
Sharon Seagle, Lecanto, Florida “Now may our God and Father Himself, and the Lord Jesus, direct our way to you. And may the Lord cause you to increase and overflow with love for one another and for everyone, just as we also do for you. May He make your hearts blameless in holiness before our God and Father and at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all His saints. Amen.” 1 Thessalonians 3:11-13
Metamora, IL
“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” Acts 1:8 NIV
Wooster, oh
25 If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit.
26 Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another.
Galatians 5:25-26
Amanda J. – Corsicana, TX – “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” Psalm 34:18 (NIV)
Kathy M. – Brevard, NC
“Exalt the Lord our God and worship at His footstool, He is holy.” Psalm 99:5 (NIV)
Maureen, Royal Oak, MI “This is how we know we live in him and he in us: He has given us his Spirit. 1John 4:13 (NIV)
Dorine van Loon, Papendrecht, The Netherlands – “Christ is the culmination of the law so that there may be righteousness for everyone who believes.” Rom. 10:4 (NIV)