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.
Kari Blackmore from Nyssa OR
“But his delight is in the law of the Lord,
And in His law he meditates day and night.”
Psalm 1:2 NKJ
Doneita
Belwood, North Carolina
Philippians 4:8 NIV
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.
Diane, Golinda, TX
February 1, 2015
See, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands; your walls are ever before me. (Isaiah 49:16 NIV)
Tami; Denver, CO
For your Maker is your husband, the Lord of hosts is his name; and the Holy One of Israel is your Redeemer, the God of the whole earth he is called.
Isaiah 54:5 (NIV)
La Plata, MD. “I will say unto the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him I will trust.” Psalm 91:2 KJV
Mary – Gilbert AZ “Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. (Romans 12:12 ESV)”
Kristi Skeen, Laty, TX: No, the Lord is ALL I need. He takes care of me. Psalm 16:5 NCV
Frisco, TX NIV “The fear (awe, reverence) of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; all who follow his precepts have good understanding. To him belongs eternal praise”
Lisa Atkinson, Chappell Hill, Tx
“Keep me safe oh God, for in you I take refuge” Psalm 16:1
(NIV)
Nancy Rottschafer Holland Michigan. 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. Zephania 3:17
Rachel Yost, Harlan, KY
2 Corinthians 4:18
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.
Sheri – OR
O give thanks unto the Lord, for he is good: for his mercy endurth for ever. Psalms 107:1 KJV
Valerie R, Taylors, SC
He settles the barren woman in her home as a happy mother of children. Praise the Lord!
Psalm 113:9 NIV
Maryann Clarke, Phenix City, Alabama
“Many are the plans in a man’s heart but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails .”
Proverbs 19:21. NIV
Paula from Houston 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (NIV)
Be joyful always, pray continually, given thanks in all circumstances for this is the God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
Clearwater,FL
Ephesians 4:29 NIV
Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouth, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs that it may benefit those who listen.
Amy, Daytona Beach, FL
“Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ.”
Galatians 1:10 (NIV)
Larwill, IN
“May the God of hope fill you will 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
Emily Milliner, Hesperia, California
Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.
James 1:22 (NIV)
Kelly, Charlotte, NC
Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on the earth.
Colossians 3:2 ESV
James 4:9 ESV
Be wretched and mourn and weep. Let your laughter be turned to mourning and your joy to gloom.
Esther de Graaf, The Netherlands, Nieuwveen:
“Ik ga recht op mijn doel af: de hemelse prijs waartoe God mij door Christus Jezus roept.”
Filippenzen 3:14 NBV
Lucinda Burris, Nashville, Tennessee, …but those who hope in the Lordwill renew their strength.They will soar on wings like eagles;they will run and not grow weary,they will walk and not be faint. Isaiah 40:31, NIV
Saralyn Miller. Morehead, Kentucky:
“I go east, but he is not there. I go west, but I cannot find him. I do not see him in the north, for he is hidden. I look to the south, but he is concealed. But he knows where I am going. And when he tests me, I will come out pure as gold.” Job 23:8-10 NLT
Kathleen McKim from Amman, Jordan, “Beloved, now we are children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is.” (I John 3:2 NKJV)
Callie, Nashville, TN, “But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.” John 14:26 NIV
sheila Crowley, Qualicum beach, BC, Canada
“I will be your God throughout your lifetime – until your hair is white with age. I made you and I will care for you. I will carry you along and save you.
Isaiah 46:4 NLT
Fairborn, OH
If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames, but have not love, I gain nothing.
1 Corinthians 13:3 (NIV)
You light a lamp for me. The Lord, my God lights up my darkness.
Psalm 18:28 NLT
Sharon, Little Rock
“Stolen water is sweet; food eaten in secret is delicious!” (Proverbs 9:17 NIV)
Vickie from Spokane, WA.
Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another
with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs with gratitude
in your hearts to God.
Colossians 3:16 NIV
See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God
1John 3:1
Sara, Little Rock, AR Isaiah 41:10
So do not fear, for I am with you. Do no the dismayed for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will uphold you with my righteous right hand
Psalm 34:3 ” o magnify the Lord with me and let us exalt His name together “. NAS
Lancaster OH
Isaiah 41:10 HCSB
“Do not fear, for I am with you;
do not be afraid, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you; I will help you;
I will hold on to you with My righteous right hand.”
Sierra Westberg, Arkadelphia, AR
Lord, how are they increased that trouble me! Many are they that rise up against me. Many there be which say of my soul, There is no help for him in God. But thou, O Lord, art a shield for me; my glory and the lifter up of mine head.
Psalm 3:1-3 NKJ
Vicki, Howell MI
1 John 4:16 (ESV)
So we have come to know and to believe the love that God has for us. God is love, and whoever abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him.
Clare, Bucks , UK
‘Hatred stirs up conflict but love covers over all wrongs. Wisdom is found on the lips of the discerning’ Proverbs 10:12-13 NIv
Kris, Treasure Island, FL
“Finally, brothers, 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)
Donna Benjamin
Tuscaloosa, Alabama
“Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord will personally go ahead of you. He will be with you; He will neither fail or abandon you.” Deuteronomy 31:8 NLT
Debbie from Northern Virginia
Jan 15
James 1:26 ESV
If anyone thinks (she) is religious and does not bridle (her) tongue but deceives (her) heart, this person’s religion is worthless.
Feb 1
Psalm 141:3
Set a guard, O Lord, over my mouth;
keep watch over the door of my lips!
Sonia Kibe, Morrilton, AR: “And if I give all I have to the poor and even sacrifice my body, I could boast about it; but if I did not love others, I would have gained nothing.” 1 Corinthians 13:3 (NLT)
Kristen, Columbia, SC
“But now finish doing it also, so that just as there was the readiness to desire it, so there may be also the completion of it by your ability.” – 2 Corinthians 8:11 NASB
“Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong. Do everything in love.”
1 Corinthians 16:13-14 Going to need this truth during 2 wks of (student) teaching full time.
Leah, Kansas City, Mo
Nehemiah said, “Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared. This day is holy to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.”
Nehemiah 8:10 NIV
Jeanette Dahm Lake Oswego ,OR. 1Thess:1:5. …because our gospel came to you not simply with words , but also with power, with the Holy Spirit and with deep conviction. you know how we lived among you for your sake.
Tilley Hawkins, Franklin, TN
“Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them.”
Ephesians 4:29 (NLT)
Liz
St Johns, FL
Hebrews 4:12-13 NIV
For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. 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.
Pamela, Schwenksville,
“But those who wait for the Lord [who expect, look for, and hope in Him] shall change and renew their strength and power; they shall lift their wings and mount up [close to God] as eagles [mount up to the sun]; they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint or become tired.” Isaiah 40:31 (AMP)
Jennifer B., Gaithersburg, MD
‘Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.’ (Jeremiah 33:3 NIV)