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.
Rachel Sweatt
Canyon, TX
Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong.”
1 Corinthians 16:13, NIV
Shelly Hough
Gordon, Texas
James 1:22
But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.
ESV
Kimberly Turman, Montgomery, AL- “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Romans 15:13 NIV
Mary Beth, TN, Ephesians 6:10, NIV, Fianally, be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power.
Linda Ahearn, Bossier City, LA – And I will be like a wall of fire all around her, says The Lord, and I will be as glory in her midst. Zechariah 2:5 MSV
Tami Arceneaux, Denham Springs, LA
Romans 5:8 (HCSB)
But God proves His own love for us in that while we were still sinners Christ died for us!
Better late than never…
Cristy Hayes, Monroe Ohio Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of Him to whom we must give account. Hebrews 4:13 NIV
1 Peter 2:9
But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, so that you may declare the goodness of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.
LeaAnn Goodman, Lexington, KY
“In the night, I search for You; in the morning, I earnestly seek You. For only whenYou come to judge the earth will the people learn what is right.”
Isaiah 26:9 NLT
LeaAnne,
Having a restless night – came to the blog to be encouraged and I read your memory verse – thank you… I almost gave up and didn’t post because I was late – but this encouraged me in many ways!
Praying for you by name today.
Mary Barnowske, San Antonio, TX
Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people. Colossians 3:23 NLT
Anne Acker, Johnson City, TN
Proverbs 16:3
“Commit your work to the LORD, and your plans will be established.”
Tatiana Cavarretta, Florida.
A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. Proverbs 15:1
Jamie, Mason OH
… in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight
Proverbs 3:6 NIV
Dale Lynam
Rocklin, CA
‘Let your unfailing love surround us Lord, for our hope is in you alone.’
Psalm 33:22
MLD, Jacksonville, IL
“For I am convinced that neither death or life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing will be able to separate me from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Roman 8:38-39 (NIV)
Morgan Roberts, Brandon, MS
“[Love] does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.” – 1 Corinthians 13:6-7 NKJV
For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them
NIV …. Matthew 18:20
Charlene, Waterloo, ON
Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails. Proverbs 19:21 (NIV)
Do not conform any longer to the pattern of the 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)
Doris Hoskins, Chesapeake, Va.
For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; Romans 3:23 KJV
Kyndra Ables, Waxahachie tx – SAGU student
Now concerning things sacrificed to idols, we know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge makes arrogant, but love edifies. If anyone supposes that he knows anything, he has not yet known as he ought to know; but if anyone loves God, he is known by Him. (â€1 Corinthians‬ â€8‬:â€1-3‬ NASB)
Scripture verse 3
Vicki Mendell, Talala, OK
Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take. Proverbs 3:6 NLT
Pflugerville, Texas
The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing.
He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul.
He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake.
Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me;
your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
[Psalm 23:1-4] NIV
Dannielle.Jackson, Greensboro ,NC
Then if my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and restore their land. (â€2 Chronicles‬ â€7‬:â€14‬ NLT)
Deuteronomy 31:6 (NIV) “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you.”
Terri, Cadillac, Michigan. “Simon, Simon behold, Satan demanded to have you, that he might sift you like wheat, BUT I HAVE PRAYED FOR YOU that your faith may not fail. And WHEN you have turned again, strengthen your brothers.” Luke 22:31-32 ESV
Find rest, O my soul, in God alone; my ️hope comes from him.
Psalm 62:5
Pauline Stevens, Colchester, England
Isaiah 46:4 (NIV)
Even to your old age and grey 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.
Nancy, Holcomb, MO
I have not departed from the commandment of His lips;
I have treasured the words of His mouth more than my necessary food.
Job 23: 12 NKJV
Debbie
Millen, GA
Even a sparrow finds a home,
and a swallow, a nest for herself
where she places her young—
near Your altars, Lord of Hosts,
my King and my God.
Psalm 84:3
Karen Crawford, Jefferson City, MO
Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters,whenever you face trials of many kinds,
James 1:2 NIV
Tara Stolpe, Sarasota FL
“Set a guard over my mouth, Lord;
keep a watch over the door of my lips.”
Psalm 141:3 NIV
Shelly, Greenwich, OH:
A fool gives full vent to his anger, but a wise man keeps himself under control. Proverbs 29:11 NIV
Becky Bigbie Highland Village, Tx The Lord is wonderfully good to those who wait for him and seek him. Lamentations 3:25 NLV
Jennifer Talsma in Stratford, ON
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 NIV
Meggie, Winnipeg, Canada
“Your awe-inspiring deeds will be on every tongue; I will proclaim your greatness. Everyone will share the story of your wonderful goodness; they will sing with joy about your righteousness.”
Psalm 145:6-7 NLT
Most important of all, you must sincerely love each other, because love wipes away many sins.
1 Peter 4:8 CEV
Marti Colbaugh, Loganville, Ga
” Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” Colossians 3:13 NIV
Audrey Colbaugh, Loganville, Ga
” Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” Colossians 3:13 NIV
Don’t worry about anything instead pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done.
Philippians 4:6
NLT
Carrie B, Princeton, MN
“The Lord will fight for you;
you need only to be still.”
Exodus 14:14
Jennifer McLemore, Shreveport, LA
Proverbs 3:5-6 NASB
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your paths straight.
Amanda Thurman, Texas
There is an appointed time for everything. And there is a time for every event under heaven- A time to give birth, and a time to die; A time to plant, and a time to uproot what is planted. A time to kill, and a time to heal; A time to tear down, and a time to build up.
Ecclesiastes 3:1-3
Nothing in all creation is hidden from God. Everything is naked and exposed before His eyes, and He is the one to whom we are accountable. Hebrews 4:13 (NLT)
Melissa
Waco, TX
othing in all creation is hidden from God. Everything is naked and exposed before His eyes, and He is the one to whom we are accountable. Hebrews 4:13 (NLT)
Jenna
Waco, TX
othing in all creation is hidden from God. Everything is naked and exposed before His eyes, and He is the one to whom we are accountable. Hebrews 4:13 (NLT)
Caroline
Waco, TX
Brie, AB Canada
‘Whenever I am afraid, I will trust in you. In God I will praise His word. In God I have put my trust; I will not fear. What can flesh do to me? Psalm 56:3-4 NKJV
Karla, Sheboygan Falls, WI
“Give me wisdom and knowledge, that I may lead this people, for who is able to govern this great people of yours?”
2 Chronicles 1:10 (NIV)
Emily C., Castle Pines, Colorado. “Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that He may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you.” 1 Peter 5:6-7 NIV
Chelley Nisbet Muskegon MI
“His unchanging plan has always been to adopt us into His own family, by bringing us to Himself through Jesus Christ. And this gave Him great pleasure.” Eph 1:5 NLT