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;
9 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.
10 But He knows the way that I take;
when He has tried me, I shall come out as gold.
11 My foot has held fast to his steps;
I have kept his way and have not turned aside.
12 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.
Houston, TX
“Rejoice in hope; be patient in affliction; be persistent in prayer.”
Romans 12:12 HCSB
Cindy b Alton NH. I will lie down in peace and sleep, for you alone,O Lord will keep me safe. NLT Psalm4:8
Kat Miller – Argyle, Texas
Psalm 121 KJV
I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help.2 My help cometh from the Lord, which made heaven and earth.3 He will not suffer thy foot to be moved: he that keepeth thee will not slumber.4 Behold, he that keepeth Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep.5 The Lord is thy keeper: the Lord is thy shade upon thy right hand.6 The sun shall not smite thee by day, nor the moon by night. 7 The Lord shall preserve thee from all evil: he shall preserve thy soul. 8 The Lord shall preserve thy going out and thy coming in from this time forth, and even for evermore.
Titus 3:4-ESV- But when the goodness and lovingkindness of God our Savior appeared,…
Mary C. From Hazel Green, AL
Philippians 4:6 NIV
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
Lindsay S, Castleton, VA “Kind words are like honey, sweet to the soul and healthy for the body.” Proverbs 16:24
Stephanie B., Augusta, KS
Let me hear of your unfailing love to me in the morning, for I am trusting you. Show me where to walk, for I have come to you in prayer.
Psalm 143:8 (NLT)
DeLand, Florida
“You saw me before I was born. Every day of my life was recorded in Your book. Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed.
Psalm 139:16 Life Application Study Bible
Melanie Crockett, Bell Buckle, TN. But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk and not faint. Isaiah 40:31 (KJV)
“Your righteousness, o God, reaches to the heavens. You have done such wonderful things. Who can compare with you O God?” Psalm 71:19 (NLT)
“Be still in the presence of the Lord and wait patiently for Him to act.” Psalm 37:7a
Kimberley Pool
Conroe, TX
Galatians 2:20 (KJV)
I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.
Kim Thrower, Houston TX. Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. Proverbs 3:5 ESV
Macungie, PA. “But to you who are listening I say: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.” Luke 6:27-28 NIV
Emily, Derby KS
Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.
Colossians 3:23 NIV
Madison, WI
Proverbs 24:3 niv
By wisdom a house is built, and through understanding it is established.
Carol Hartley Montgomery Al
It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery. Galatians 5:1 NIV
Angie Manitoba Canada Colossians 1:11 ESV
May you be strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy
Michael Ann from Irvine, CA
I love you, Lord;
you are my strength.
The Lord is my rock, my fortress, and my savior;
my God is my rock, in whom I find protection.
He is my shield, the power that saves me,
and my place of safety.
Psalm 18:1&2 NLT
“But this happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God, who raises the dead.’ 2 Corinthians 1:9
Jennifer Coleman, Derby, KS,
Colossians 3:23 NKJV
“And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men”
Seek his will in all you do & He will show you which path to take.
Proverbs 3:6
Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. Psalm 23:6
Angel Blass, Ankeny IA
This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.
1 John 4:10
NIV
Misty Watt, Amarillo, TX
Isaiah 58:11 HCSB
“The Lord will always lead you, satisfy you in a parched land, and strengthen your bones. You will be like a watered garden and like a spring whose waters never run dry.”
February 1,2015. NIV Isaiah 41:10, So do not fear, for I am with you;do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you. I will uphold you with my righteous hand.
Robin Padgett, Morehead City, NC
Ephesians 4:29
“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.”
Katie from Easley, SC: “Now thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to triumphin Christ, and maketh manifest the savour of His knowledge by us in every place.” 2 Corinthians 2:14 KJV
Billie Attwood, Tonasket, WA
Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, yes, I will help you. I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.
Isaiah 41:10 NKJV
Angela; Monroe, GA
“Speak your servant is listening”
I Samuel 3:10 NIV
Barbara Ordner, Houston, Tx
Fix your thoughts on what is true and honorable and right. Think about things that ate pure and lovely and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. Phil 4:8 NLT
Letha Mahan, Mountain Home, AR
Psalm 71:3 ESV
“Be to me a rock of refuge,
to which I may continually come;
you have given the command to save me,
for you are my rock and my fortress.”
Shellee Austin, Kent Lakes,NY
1 John 4:18-19 NKJV
“There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love. We love Him because He first loved us.”
Calgary, Alberta
Lamentations 3:21-24 ESV
But this I call to mind, and therefore I have hope:
The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases,
his mercies never come to an end;
they are new every morning;
great is your faithfulness.
“The Lord is my portion,” says my soul, “therefore I will hope in him.”
Mitzi, Kannapolis, NC
God presented him as a sacrifice of atonement through faith in his blood.
Romans 3:25 NIV
Sharon Gaudet, Rochester, NH: “You in Your mercy have led forth the people whom You have redeemed; You have guided them in Your strength to Your holy habitation.” Exodus 15:13 NKJV
Wolfeboro, NH: “Whatever you do, do it for the glory of God.” 1 Corinthians 10:31 NIV
Kristine Pulver, Leo, IN
I call to you, Lord, come quickly to me; hear me when I call to you. May my prayer be set before you like incense; May the lifting up of my hands be like the evening sacrifice.
Psalm 141:1,2 NIV
Andrea, San Diego, CA: “But he knows the way that I take; when he has tested me, I will come forth as gold.” Job 23:10 (NIV)
Joyce LaForte, Lee’s Summit, MO “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous! Do not tremble or be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9 NASB
Janelle, Harrisonville, Mo
Deut 6:4
Hear Oh Israel, the Lord is our God, The Lord is One,
You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, mind and soul.
Patti Calk, Rayville, LA: 3) Each time he said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me. 2 Corinthians 12:9 (NTL)
Sarah – Appleton, WI
It is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord.
Lamentations 3:26
Amy Peterson, Fort Worth, TX
“I tell you these things so that in me you will have peace. In this world you will have trouble. Take heart! I have overcome the world.”
NIV John 16:33
Sue Palmer Elkton, MD “For you are a people holy to the Lord your God. Out of all the peoples on the face of the earth, the Lord has chosen you to be his treasured posession.” Deuteronomy 14:2 NIV
Belinda, Chesapeake, VA – “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves.” Philippians 2:3
No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to humanity. God is faithful, and He will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation He will also provide a way of escape so that you are able to bear it.
1 Corinthian 10:13 HCSB
Lydia, Gadsden, Alabama, “As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received.”–Ephesians 4:1 NIV
Jan Strickler, Cypress, TX: “Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.” 1 Peter 5:8
Surayyah, Alexandria, VA
For God gave us a spirit not of fear, but of power and love and self-control.
2 Timothy 1:7, ESV