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.
A little late this time, but sticking to it.
Elaine Stewman, Asheville, NC. “No dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing. Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead.” Philippians 3:13, New Living Translation
“Praise be to the name of God for ever and ever;
Wisdom and power are his.” Daniel 2:20 (NIV)
Chrystal Lancaster, CA
Giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ Ephesians 5:20 ESV
Audrey Whitacre, Louisville, KY
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.” ~Romans 15:13~
Tabitha Whitacre, Louisville, KY
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.” ~Romans 15:13~
SE Michigan
There is time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens. Eccl 3:1 NIV
Jen B, Arlington, VA; For whatever is born of God overcomes the world; and this is the victory that has overcome the world–our faith. 1 John 5:4
Teresa Collier, Jackson, TN
“So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in Him, rooted and built up in Him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.”
Colossians 2:6-7 (NIV)
Susan from Beverly, MA
Psalm 105:4 (TNIV)
Look to the Lord and his strength; seek his face always.
Liz Allen, Wooster, Ohio
“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.” 1Peter 1:3, ESV
Van, Emporia, KS. “Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.” Proverbs 16:24 (NASB)
Better a patient man than a warrior, a man who controls his temper than one who takes a city. Proverbs 16:32
Katherine, AZ – Luke 3:11 – “John replied, ‘If you have two shirts, give one to the poor. If you have food, share it with those who are hungry.'”
We live by faith, not by sight.
2 Corinthians 5:7
Ermithe Marcelin, Orlando, Florida. And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.Romans 8:28 NIV
Judith Marcelin. Orlando, Florida. “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11 NIV
The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peach, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. Galatians 5:22-23 ESV
Anna S, Sullivan, MO
What other nation is so great as to have their gods near them the way The Lord our God is near us whenever we pray to Him? Deuteronomy 4:7 NIV
Proverbs 16:1-4English Standard Version (ESV)
16 The plans of the heart belong to man,
but the answer of the tongue is from the Lord.
2 All the ways of a man are pure in his own eyes,
but the Lord weighs the spirit.
3 Commit your work to the Lord,
and your plans will be established.
4 The Lord has made everything for its purpose,
even the wicked for the day of trouble
Isaiah 43:18,19
Do not remember the former things neither consider the things of old. Behold I am doing a new thing! Now it springs forth; do you not perceive and know it and will you not give heed to it? I will even make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.
Carmen Durham , NC The Lord your God is with you. he is mighty to save. he will take great delight in you. He will quiet you with his Love. he will rejoice over you with singing Zephaniah 3:17
Patti Dillman
Auburndale, FL
Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill his promises to her! 1 Peter 1:45 NIV
Patti Dillman
That’s LUKE 1:45 NIV not 1 Peter :/
Allison from Richmond
“The eyes of all look to You, and You give them their food in due time.” Psalm 145:15
Carol M
Canton, Mi
For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.
Barbara Q , West Point, GA
Find rest, O my soul, in God alone; my hope comes from him. Psalm 62:5 NIV
Donna, Memphis, IN
Again Jesus spoke to them saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” John 8:12 ESV
Amy Umphlett, Carrollton VA, I posted my verse on FB, Ps. 139:5-6…but had to share that I love your verse Beth! It has encouraged me so, even your following the Holy Spirit’s lead in changing at the last minute.
Amy, Brentwood TN
Isaiah 26:3 “You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you because he trusts in You.” ESV
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
– Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV)
Jane VanOsdol, Westfield, Indiana, Psalm139:7-8 “Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? If I go up to the heavens, you are there; If I make my bed in the depths, you are there.”
The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge. He is my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. I call to the Lord, who is worthy of praise, and I am saved from my enemies.
Psalm 18:2-3 (NIV)
Shelly, Rosamond, Ca
Psalm 37:7-8
Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for Him;
Do not fret because of him who prospers in his way,
Because of the man who brings wicked schemes to pass.
Cease from anger, and forsake wrath;
Do not fret—it only causes harm.
Becky in Baton Rouge, LA. “16 Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. 17 For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. 18 So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.”
2 Cor 4:16-18 NIV
Ginny, Grayson, Ga.
But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness and all these things will be added to you.
Matthew 6:33
NASB
Alvin, TX; ‘Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.’ PROV 3: 5-6 NIV
Nirma,Boston,MA
You will keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you because he trusts in you.
Isaiah 26:3 ESV
Mindi – Ramona, OK
But blessed is the one who trusts in The Lord, whose confidence is in HIm. They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out it’s roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes and it’s leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit.
Jeremiah 17:7-10
Renee, Calgary, Canada
“Make them holy by your truth; teach them your word, which is truth” John 17:17 NLT
Brenda McGurk, Medina Ohio
NIV Psalm 16:8
I keep my eyes always in the Lord. With Him at my right hand,
I will not be shaken.
Nicole Brentwood, CA “No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. 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 you can stand up under it.” 1Corinthians 10:13 (NIV)
Olivia, east Tennessee
“You have made known to me the path of life;
You will fill me with joy in your presence.”
Psalm 16:11 NIV
Gina, Manitowoc, WI
Ephesians 4:29 (NLT)
Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful so that your words will be an encouragement to all who hear them.
Colleen Dennison, Ohio
1John 5:14-15
And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us: And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him.
Atlanta, GA Jeremiah 29:10-13 NIV
This is what the Lord says: “When seventy years are completed for Babylon, I will come to you and fulfill my gracious promise to bring you back to this place. For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart”.
Hebrews 13:8
Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.
Oblong,IL
Psalm 5:1-3
“Give ear to my words O Lord, consider my groaning my King and my God. For to you I pray. In the morning O Lord you will hear my voice. In the morning I will order up my prayer to you and eagerly watch.” NASB
Hereford, TX
Live wisely among those who are not believers, and make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be gracious and attractive so that you will have the right response for everyone.
Colossians 4:5-6 NLT
I have prayed this verse SO many times this week!!!
Pam Asheville NC I have hidden Your Word in my heart, that I might not sin against You. Psalm 119:11(NIV)
Brenda Greathouse, Hays, KS “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.” (â€Galatians‬ â€5‬:â€1‬ NIV)
Beth Shelton
North Canton, OH
NIV
Romans 12:2
Do not conform 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.