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.
Sherwood, Oregon; “Love is kind and patient, never jealous, boastful, proud, or rude. Love isn’t selfish or quick-tempered. It doesn’t keep a record of wrongs that others do. Love rejoices in the truth but not in evil. Love is supportive, loyal, hopeful, and trusting. Love never fails!” 1 Corinthians 13:4-8
Paddy from Plattsburgh NY
Accept each other just as Christ has accepted you, so that God will be given glory.
Romans 15:7 NLT
Antigo, WI
Hebrews 13:6 “So we can confidently say, ‘The Lord is my helper; I will not fear; what can man do to me?'”
Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth.
Psalm 46:10King James Version (KJV)
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard you hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7
Debbie, Colorado Springs
“For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.”
2 Timothy 1:7 KJV
From the end of the earth will I cry to You, when my heart is overwhelmed and fainting; lead me to the rock that is higher than I . Psalm 61:2 AMP
Beverly Birmingham, Al Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other. (â€Romans‬ â€12‬:â€10‬ NLT)
Mallory P. Jackson, TN
I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.
Romans 12:1
Julie Gresham Jackson MS
Philippians 4:6 NIV “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”
Luke 6:37-38 (NLT)
37 “Do not judge others, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn others, or it will all come back against you. Forgive others, and you will be forgiven. 38 Give, and you will receive. Your gift will return to you in full—pressed down, shaken together to make room for more, running over, and poured into your lap. The amount you give will determine the amount you get back.[a]”
Patti Yother, Birmingham, Alabama
1Timothy 6:6-7
“Now godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world and it is certain that we can carry nothing out.”
Judy Conn, Ashland, KY: From the end of the earth will I cry to You, when my heart is overwhelmed and fainting; lead me to the rock that is higher than I. Psalm 61:2 AMP
Jonni from Paintsville, KY
In the midst of the fire I remember: 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
Melissa, Enid, OK/Parker,CO; A month in YAY!!
1 Timothy 6:12 AMP
“Fight the good fight of the faith; lay hold of the eternal life to which you were summoned and (for which) you confessed the good confession (of faith) before many witnesses.”
Danielle from Cedar Park, TX
“We know that our old self was crucified with him in order that the body of sin might be brought to nothing, so that we would no longer be enslaved to sin. For one who has died has been set free from sin.”
Romans 6:6-7 (ESV)
Olda, Huntsville, Al
Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.
Colossians 3:23-24 (ESV)
Hebrews 10:23
Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering,(for he is faithful that promised)
Cynthia Simmons, Mount Vernon, NY. “And Moses called all Israel, and said to them, Hear, O Israel, the statutes and ordinances which I speak in your hearing this day, that you may learn them and take heed and do them.” Deuteronomy 5:1
(AMP)
Nell, Gallatin, TN
Romans 12:1-2 NIV
Therefore, I urge you brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing (acceptable) to God–this is your true and proper (spiritual) worship. 2)Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be (continuously) transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to (determine) test and approve what God’s will is– his (good) proper pleasing and perfect will.
Kimberly
Montezuma, Indiana
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.
Ephesians 6:10-11 NIV
Holly, Apex, NC
Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. 1 Peter 5:8 NIV
Jennifer Walker, Sarver, PA ” I have told you these things, so that you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! <3 I have overcome the world." John 16:33 NIV
Jill, Plano, TX
Proverbs 3:5Amplified Bible (AMP)
5 Lean on, trust in, and be confident in the Lord with all your heart and mind and do not rely on your own insight or understanding.
II Timothy 1:7 NKJV
For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.
Ephesians 3:20 msg
God can do anything, you know–far more than you could ever imagine or guess or request in your wildest dreams.
Rhonda H Wade Buchanan GA
1 Samuel 16:7 NKJV
But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not look at his appearance or at his physical stature, because I have refused him. For the Lord does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart”.
Jill, Westerville, Ohio
For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.
Ephesians 2:10 (NIV)
Cindy Wilbur from Clifton, VA
“But those who hope in the Lord will 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
Laverne Contreras, Brighton, CO
“He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteousness.” Matthew 5:45 NIV
Jennifer,Center Point, IA
Isaiah 64:8 NIV
O LORD, you are our Father,
we are the clay,
you are the potter,
we are all the work of your hands.
Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good. His love endures forever.
Psalm 136:1 NIV
Debbie, Sevierville TN
Psalms 91:14-16 Amplified
I will answer him; I will be with Him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him. With long life I satisfy him and show him my Salvation.
He shall call on me, and I will answer him; I will be with him and honor him. With long life I satisfy him and show him my salvation. Psalms 91:15-16 American Standard[‘
Tina Becnel, Vacherie La.
“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.” Jer 29:11
Jennifer B, Plano, TX
Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.
James 1:4 NIV
Indianapolis, IN
Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be. (â€Psalm‬ â€139‬:â€16‬ NIV)
2 Cor 4:3
If the Good News we preach is hidden behind a veil, it is hidden only from people who are perishing.
Nederland, Texas
Based on the gift they have received, everyone should use it to serve others, as good managers of the varied grace of God.
1 Peter 4:10 HCBS
Amy R., Fort Collins, Colo. –
“But forget all that – it is nothing compared to what I am going to do. For I am about to do something new. See, I have already begun! Do you not see it? I will make a pathway through the wilderness. I will create rivers in the dry wasteland.” Isaiah 43:18-19, NLT
Psalms 18:30 His way is PERFECt 🙂
Diane – Chesapeake, VA.
Romans 12:9-10 NLT
“Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good. Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other.”
Anita Thompson, Miami, FL
For You are my hope, O Lord God, You are my trust from my youth and the source of my confidence. Psalm 71:5 AMP
Rayeanne Owen, Round Rock, Texas:But Jesus said, “Let the children alone, and do not hinder them from coming to Me; for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” Matthew 19:14
Cheryl, Roswell, NM
“In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, O Lord, will keep me safe.” Psalm 4:8 NLT
Heather Johnson, Minneapolis, MN For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. NIV
Karen Riekeman
Coffeyville, Kansas
Romans 8:24-25 ESV
For in this hope we are saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience.
From now on, then, you must live the rest of your earthly lives controlled by God’s will and not by human desires.
1 Peter 4:2 TEV
Kim from NH
I am the vine;you are the branches. If you remain in me and I remain in you,you will bear much fruit;apart from me you can do nothing.
John 15:5 NIV
Debra of Baraboo, Wi
“For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.”
Ephesians 2:8-10 ESV
Michelle B. McComb, MS
May the favor of the Lord our God rest on us; establish the work of our hands for us— yes, establish the work of our hands. (â€Psalm‬ â€90‬:â€17‬ NIV)