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.
DeQuincy, LA
Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Phil 4:6-7
16 All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness,
2 Timothy 3:16 New International Version (NIV)
Leah DiPascal
Charlotte, NC
“As the rain and the snow come down from heaven and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater, So is my word that goes out from my mouth; It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I send it.
Isaiah 55:10-11
Because He is… and He will…
I will restore to you the years that the swarming locust has eatten, the hopper, the destroyer, and the cutter. My great army, which I sent among you. Joel 2:25 ESV
Melissa Elrod, Benton, KY. “O our God, will you not execute judgment on them? For we are powerless against this great horde that is coming against us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you.”
2 Chronicles 20:12 ESV
Kelly Ott, Diana, Texas
Psalm 27:3
“Though an army encamp against me, my heart shall not fear; though war should rise against me, in this I will be confident.” NKJV
Melody Stevens, Whiteland, Indiana. “so shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth;
it shall not return to Me void,
but it shall accomplish that which I please,
and it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it.” Isaiah 55:11 MEV
Dawn Winslow, Clever, MO
Colossians 3:12 (NLT) “Since God chose you to be the holy people He loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.”
Angelia, Cabot, AR
Let us hold tightly without wavering to the hope we affirm for God can be trusted to keep his promises. Let us think if ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. Hebrews 10:22-24 NLT
Angie Martens, Charlotte, NC
Isaiah 48:17
This is what the Lord, your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel says:
I am Yahweh your God,
Who teaches you for your benefit,
Who leads you in the way you should go. (HCSB)
Leigh Gray
Emmajoy Gray
Sarahjane Gray
Elleigh Gray
Carmi, Il.
Ps. 143:2
“Do not bring your servant in to judgement, for no one living is righteous before you”
Numbers 6:24-26New International Version (NIV)
24 “‘“The Lord bless you
and keep you;
25 the Lord make his face shine on you
and be gracious to you;
26 the Lord turn his face toward you
and give you peace.”’
Mckinney, TX
Psalms 119:111-112 NIV, Your statutes are my heritage forever; they are the joy of my heart. My heart is set on keeping your decrees to the very end.
The LORD is my shepherd; I have everything I need. (Psalms 23:1 NCV)
Jody, Pittsburgh, PA
Laura Johnson. Kennewick, WA
Isaiah 61:2-3 NLT
“He has sent me to tell those who mourn that the time of the Lord’s favor has come, and with it the day of God’s anger against their enemies. To all who mourn in Isreal, he will give a crown of beauty for ashes, a joyous blessing instead of mourning, festive praise instead of despair. In their righteousness they will be like great oaks the Lord has planted for his glory.”
Becky Roddenberry Brunswick, GA
‘That our sons may be as plants grown up in their youth; That our daughters may be as pillars, sculptured in palace style.’
Psalm 144:12 NKJV
Melanie Beaudin, Winchester, VA
“No test or temptation that comes your way is beyond the course of what others have had to face. All you need to remember is that God will never let you down, He’ll never let you be pushed past your limit; He’ll always be there to help you come through it.”
1 Corinthians 10:13 (MSG)
Denise Davis, Tomball, TX
Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. Lamentations 3:22-23
1 Peter 4:8 NIV
“Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. “
Sue, Michigan
Matthew 6:10
Your Kingdom come, Your will be done–on earth as it is in Heaven. NIV
Around and through and in me.
Chapel Hill, North Carolina
Be joyful always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. I Thessalonians 5:16
Jesus said…If you have faith and do not doubt, you will not only be able to do what was done to the fig tree. You will also be able to say to this mountain, ‘Move from here and be thrown into the sea,’ and it will be done. All things you ask for in prayer, you will receive if you have faith.” Matthew 21: 21-22 NLV
Linda Peel
Lexington, KY
Colossians 4:2Contemporary English Version (CEV)
2 Never give up praying. And when you pray, keep alert and be thankful.
Sherry Smith, Little Rock, Arkansas
May God, the source of hope, fill you with all joy and peace by means of my faith in Him so that my hope will continue to grow by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Ro. 15:13
Erin M, Fort Worth Texas
Eph 2:10 niv
For we are Gods Masterpiece
He has created us a new in Christ Jesus, so that we can do the Good things He planned for us long ago.
Thank you Beth, for being obedient to the Holy Spirit’s calling for today’s prayer message. I am reminded of how faithful my Abba was to my heart’s cry… my constant and consistent prayer that was on my lips, written on the prayer card at church, in each tear that fell on my pillow at night. About 20 years ago, I begged the Lord to touch my husband’s heart and make him new. I cried out for the desire I had to serve Him together, as a couple (and a family), attending worship services, bible studies and the like TOGETHER. One day it happened. My husband showed a desire to attend a Sunday morning worship service with me and our two little ones. It was that day that God performed a miracle as he softened my husband’s heart through a message that was being given. I was overwhelmed with gratitude and praise for what was happening! My husband and I have been married for almost 30 years now and have enjoyed leading bible studies, starting a homeless ministry in our church, serving as small group leaders in our home, attending worship as a family… TOGETHER. God is so good and so faithful. He is not “bothered” by our persistent prayer. He longs to let us experience His glory!
Love your testimony, Rebecca! Glory to God!
1 Peter 5:6-11 NKJV “Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon him, for he cares for you. Be sober, be vigilant, because your adversary the devil walks around like a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour. Resist him, steadfast in faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world. But may the God of all grace, Who called us to his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen and settle you. To him be the glory in the dominion forever and ever. Amen.”
Luke 6-31
And just as you want men to do to you, you also do to them like wise.
Jenn Dueholm, Milltown, Wis, “Look to the nations and watch – and be utterly amazed. For I am going to do something in your days that you would not believe, even if you were told.” Habakkuk 1:5 (NIV)
Connie Hardy,Durham NC “During the days of Jesus’ life on earth, he offered up prayers and petitions with fervent cries and tears to the one who could save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverent submission”.NIV
Proverbs 3:5-6 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.
Catherine S. – Grants Pass, Oregon
“When I called, you answered me; you made me bold and stouthearted.” Psalm 138:3 (NIV)
Joanie, El Dorado Hills, CA
Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Colossians 3:15 NIV
Karen – Greer, SC: “Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own?” 1 Corinthians 6:19 (NET)
Mississauga, ON – Canada
For everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world – our faith.
1 John 5:4 (ESV)
“Christ has liberated us to be free. Stand firm then and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery” Galatians 5:1 HCSB
Jami Holland Fayetteville, NC
“Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God.” Psalm 20:7 NIV
jessica wince, Fredericksburg, VA
“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ, God forgave you.” Eph 4:32 NIV
Pam, Lawrenceville, GA –
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” John 14:27 NIV
Robin wince, Fredericksburg, VA
“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ, God forgave you.” Eph 4:32 NIV
Amy, Gipsy, MO
James 1:5-6 KJV
If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that gives to all and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed.
Ephesians 4:29. (NCV). When you speak, do not say harmful things but say what people need–
Words that will help others become stronger. Then what you say will do good to those who listen to you.
Debra-Many, La
“And my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus. Now to you God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen”
Philippians 4:19-20 (HSCB)
Michele, Cedar Park,Tx Do you see someone skilled in their work? They will serve before kings’ they will not serve before officials of low rank. Proverbs 22:29 NIV
I will give thanks to you, Lord, with all my heart; I will tell of all your wonderful deeds. I will be glad and rejoice in you; I will sing the praises of your name, O Most High.
Psalm 9:1-2 NIV
I will restore to you the years that the swarming locust has eaten, the hopper, the destroyer, and the cutter, my great army, which I sent among you. You shall eat in plenty and be satisfied, and praise the name of the Lord your God, who has dealt wondrously with you. And my people shall never again be put to shame. You shall know that I am in the midst of Israel, and that I am the Lord your God and there is none else. And my people shall never again be put to shame.
Joel 2:25-27 ESV
Sue Rice, Telford, PA
Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is – His good, pleasing and perfect will. Romans 12:2 NIV
“Again I say to you that if two of you agree on earth concerning anything that they ask, it will be done for them by my father in heaven.” Matthew 18:19 NKJV
Lafayette, IN Finally, brothers & 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. Phil. 4:8 NIV
Amy Young, Midlothian VA, A mans wisdom gives him patience; it is to his glory to overlook an offense. Proverbs 19:11 NIV