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.
Missy bertonica, fuquay varina, nc
Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. (James 1:4, niv )
Cindy, Fort Worth, TX
5 If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. 6 But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. James 1:5-6 (NIV)
Mary Beth; Cleveland, Georgia
Colossians 3:17- NKJV
And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the father through Him.
Kolette Kramer, Denbigh, ND “Hear my cry, O God, attend my prayer, from the end of the earth I will cry to You, when my heart is overwhelmed; lead me to the rock that is higher than I.” Psalm 61:1-2 NKJV
Deborah, Yarmouth, NS
The Lord gives His people strength.
The Lord blesses them with peace.
Psalm 29:11 NLT
And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. 1 Corinthians 10:13
Lauren Gill, Frisco, TX. “Like apples of gold in settings of silver is a word spoken in right circumstances”. NASB
Janey Palmer, Naples, FL
“In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, O Lord, will keep me safe.”
Psalm 4:8 NLT
Pamm Wynn from Albuquerque, NM
“I am with you, and will protect you wherever you go.”
Genesis 28:15 (TLB)
Hanna Wahlbrink. Lexington, Ky.
That is why for Christ’s sake I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
2 Corinthians 12:10 (niv)
Sherryl Sacramento, CA
Create in me a clean heart, O God, and put a new and right spirit within me. Psalms 51:10 I don’t know the translation. This was sent to me without a translation listed. I’ve searched through several translations but couldn’t find a perfect match.
Erin, Hickory, North Carolina,
Psalm 18:16 NLT
He reached down from heaven and rescued me; he drew me out of deep waters.
Becky Schuck Conway AR Colossians 1:10 So that you will walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, to please Him in every way, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God.
Georganne, Piedmont, Ok.
II Thessalonians 2:17 NIV
…encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word.
Crystal Robinson: Pittsburgh, PA
The fruit of that righteousness will be peace;
its effect will be quietness and confidence forever. Isaiah 32:17, NIV
Jessica-Gadsden, AL. “And if you believe you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer. ” Matthew 21:22
Jackie Brownstown MI. A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones. Proverbs 17:22 NIV
Karissa Cook, Martinsburg, WV Isaiah 51:12 NIV “I, even I, am he who comforts you. Who are you that you fear mortal men, the sons of men, who are but grass,”
Melanie Wyatt, Knoxville, TN
“Set a guard over my mouth, Lord; keep watch over the door of my lips.” (â€Psalm‬ â€141‬:â€3‬ NIV)
Katelyn, Garland, TX
Those who are dominated by the sinful nature think about sinful things, but those who are controlled by the Holy Spirit think about things that please the Spirit. So letting your sinful nature control your mind leads to death. But letting the Spirit control your mind leads to life and peace. (â€Romans‬ â€8‬:â€5-6‬ NLT)
Maribeth Gibson, Jackson, MS
But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be glory both now and forever! Amen
II Peter 3:18 NIV
Jannet Ortiz – Geneseo, NY
So now, come back to your God. Act with love & justice and always depend on Him. NLT Hosea 12:6
Vicki Custer Goodview, Va
KJV Matthew 5:16
Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.
Jennifer Olmstead
Janesville, WI
2nd Peter 1:2
May grace and peace be multiplied unto you in the knowledge of God and of our Lord Jesus Christ. [ESV; with a couple of personal touches, to help me remember it better].
May God bless each one of us in this special Scripture memorization process !
Karen – Lake Jackson, TX “You can be sure that God will take care of everything you need, his generosity exceeding even yours in the glory that pours from Jesus.” Philippians 4:19 The Message
Joyce D. Highlands Ranch, CO
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.” (â€Deuteronomy‬ â€31‬:â€6‬ NLT)
Kristin Liddell, Shakopee, MN
“I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you and watch over you.” Psalm 32:8 NIV
while we do not look at the things that are seen,but at the things which are unseen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things that are unseen are eternal.
2 Corinthians4: 18 NKJV
Rachel Clawson MI : The righteous man leads a blameless life; blessed are his children after Proverbs 20:7 NIV
Aimmi Adams, La Russell, MO
The Lord is near to the broken-hearted and saves the crushed in spirit. Psalm 34:18 ESV
Teena Lubojacky, Cypress, Texas.
This Book of The Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, that you may observe to do all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have success. Joshua 1:8, NKJV
Lise Ode, Cumming, GA. Hear the Word of God and do it. Luke 8:21 NASB.
Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.
Matthew 11: 28-29 ESV
Gladys Dresner. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
Phil.4:13 NKJ
Deer Park Texas
Lamentations 3:22 and 23
The Lord’s love never fails.
His mercies never stop.
They are new every morning.
JoAnn Heath, Houston, TX “Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving. Colossians 4:2 ESV THANKS, BETH! THAT WAS JUST THE KICK IN THE PANTS I NEEDED!!
Philippians 4:7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (NIV)
Proverbs 6:16-19 KJV
16 These six things doth the Lord hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him:17 A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, 18 An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief, 19 A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren.
Tammy, White House,TN
Psalm 16:5
Lord, you alone are my inheritance,
my cup of blessing.
You guard all that is mine.
The land you have given me is a pleasant
land. What a wonderful inheritance! NLT
Debbie, Calgary, AB. Canada.
My Soul, wait in silence for God only, For my hope is in HIM.
Psalm 62:5 (NASB)
P.S. I got late with this…I had it written in my recipe cards and completely forgot to post it.
Abby T., Ferndale, WA: “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.” –Philippians 4:8, NIV
Alisa Phillips
Doha, Qatar (Texas native)
“Therefore, take up the full armor of God, that you may be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm. Stand firm therefore, Having Girded your loins with truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace;” Ephesians 6:13-15 NASB
Psalm 118:24
This is the day the Lord has made;let us rejoice and be glad in it.
Jennifer Sterk. Tehachapi, CA. “But He knows the way that I take; when He has tested me, I will come forth as gold.” Job 23:10 NIV
Sorry for my tardiness!
Jamie Thrash, San Juan Capistrano, CA-
For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. 2 Cor. 4:17-18 NIV
Kerri Eyler, Woodsboro , MD: So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. 2Corinthians 4:18 NIV
Leslie Westmoreland, Franklinton, LA, May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable to You, LORD, my rock and my Redeemer. Psalm 19:14 HCSB
Angie Watson, Greenville, NC.
“For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.” – Psalm 139:13-14 NIV
Who among the gods is like you, O Lord? Who is like you – majestic in holiness, awesome in glory, working wonders. You stretched out your right hand and the earth swallows your enemies. In your unfailing love you lead the people you have redeemed. In your strength you lead them to your holy dwelling. Exodus 15:11-13
Psalm 46:10 NIV. Be still and know that I am God I will be exalted among the nations I will be exalted in the earth