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.
Amy Andrews
Edmond OK
Romans 12:1-2 NKJV
I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.
Sarah, Pearland, TX, 1 Corinthians 6:18-19 NIV
Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own, you were bought at a price. Therefore, honor God with your body.
Katie Rhodes
Brownwood, TX
NIV Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come. 2 Cor. 5:17
Cathy Banks, Columbia, SC
Colossians 3:1 & 2 NASB
Therefore if you have been raised up with Christ, keep seeking the things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set you mind on the things above, not on the things that are on the earth.
Brenda Dupuis, Southaven, MS. Praise Him, sun and moon. Praise Him all you twinkling stars! Psalm 148:3 NLT
Hannah Chatham, Montgomery AL
“With You I can attack a line of soldiers. With my God I can break through barricades.” Psalms‬ â€18‬:â€29‬. GW
Kim Culp; South Bend, IN.
Proverbs 4:7 ESV
Getting wisdom is the wisest thing you can do, and whatever else you do, develop good judgement.
Katherine, Owensboro, Kentucky
I will lie down and sleep in peace,
for you alone, O LORD,
make me dwell in safety.
Psalm 4:8 NIV
Debbie L. Spartanburg, SC “Hatred stirs up dissention but love covers up all wrongs. Wisdom is found on the lips of the discerning.” Proverbs 10:12,13 TNIV
Karen McCormick, Waco, TX
“See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the basic principles of this world rather than on Christ.”
Colossians 2:8 NIV
Amy, Dayton, Ohio
But He knows the way that I take; when He has tested me, I will come forth as gold. Job 23:10 NIV
Nanette Smith Jacksonville, TX
Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O LORD, my rock and my redeemer.
Psalm 19:14 ESV
Amy, Xenia, OH. But He knows the way that I take; when He has tested me, I will come forth as gold. Job 23:10 NIV
Whitney Holder, Wilmington, NC. “Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. 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.” (â€Romans‬ â€12‬:â€1-2‬ NIV)
Romans 8: 3-4 ESV “For God did what the law, weakened by the flesh, could not do. By sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin,He condemned sin in the flesh in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit.”
Laura, Pearland, TX, Philippians 1:5-6 New International Version (NIV)
5 because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, 6 being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.
Dana Camp- Newnan, GA
Hebrews 12:1-2a (Holman) Therefore since we also have such a large cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us lay aside every weight and the sin that so easily ensnares us, and run with endurance the race that lies before us, keeping our eyes on Jesus.
Genia Quinn, madison, ms
And I will give you a new heart and I will put a new spirit in you. I will take out your stony, stubborn heart and give you a tender, responsive heart. Ezekiel 36:26 NLT
Beverly Welch, Dallas, NC
He only is my rock and my salvation: He is my defense; I shall not be moved.
In God is my salvation and my glory: the rock of my strength, and my refuge, is in God.
Psalms 62:6-7 (KJV)
Lynette, Nashville, TN
He is not afraid of bad news; his heart is firm, trusting in the Lord. (â€Psalm‬ â€112‬:â€7‬ ESV)
Kris- Shakopee, MN.
Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God. 2 Corinthians 1: 3-4 NIV
Ana from Dayton, TX (I really wrote this verse out before I read Beth’s blog!)
Job 23:12 (ESV)
I have not departed from the commandment of his lips; I have treasured the words of his mouth more than my portion of food.
Janelle MacKay
Malta, NY
“But godliness with contentment is great gain.
For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it.
But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that.
Those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction.
For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.”
1 Timothy 6:6-10 NIV
Ashley Gaines, Maryville, TN
For I, saith the Lord, will be unto her a wall of fire round about, and will be the glory in the midst of her. (â€Zechariah‬ â€2‬:â€5‬ KJV)
Listen, my dear brothers and sisters! Did God not choose the poor of the world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom that he promised to those who love him? James 2:5-6 (NET)
Laura, Englewood,Co
Isaiah 30:18 NIV Yet the Lord longs to be gracious to you;
therefore he will rise up to show you compassion.
For the Lord is a God of justice.
Blessed are all who wait for him!
Jen from Wyoming
But He knows the way that I take; when He has tested me I will come forth as gold. Job 23:10 NIV
Ashley Richcreek, Columbus, Ohio
Deuteronomy 31:8
“The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afriad; do not be discouraged.”
Fran, Stedman, NC
“May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing to You, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer. Psalm 19:14 (NLT)
“My children, we should love people not only with words and talk but by our actions and true caring. “~1 John 3:18
Bobbie Jo
San Angelo, TX
2 corinthians 4:16-18 “Therefore we do not lose heart. THough outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. 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.”
Denise Ciofani, Lexington, NC. Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Hebrews 12:1 NIV
Tara Nelson, Vista,CA
For we are Gods masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.
Ephesians 2:10. NIV
Anastasia Remmes
Houston TX
He saved us not because of the righteous things we have done but because of His mercy, He washed away our sins, giving us new birth and new life through the Holy Spirit.
Titus 3:5
Linda W.from Tomball, TX
Galatians 6:10 ESV
“So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.”
Robin Wickman, Chadron, Ne “For God did not give us a spirit of timidity (of cowardice, of craven and cringing and fawning fear), but [He has given us a spirit] of power and of love and of calm and well-balanced mind and discipline and self-control.” (â€2 Timothy‬ â€1‬:â€7‬ AMP)
Chrissy Hilliard, Oswego, IL
“The Lord is my portion,” says my soul, “therefore I will hope in him.”
-Lamentations 3:24 (ESV)
Angela, Cullman, AL
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
Margaret – Salem, VA
Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.
Eph 5:15-17 ESV
Elizabeth Hughes, Berrien Springs, MI, “but just as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, so we speak, not to please man, but to please God who tests our hearts. For we never came with words of flattery, as you know, nor with a pretext for greed-God is witness.” (1 Thessalonians 2:-5ESV).
It’s verse 4-5 not just five
“You will seek Me and find Me when you seek Me with all your heart.” Jeremiah 29:13
Lorri Sapp, Oak Grove, MO, Joel 2: 12-13 ““Even now,” declares the Lord, “return to me with all your heart, with fasting and weeping and mourning.” Rend your heart and not your garments. Return to the Lord your God, for he is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love, and he relents from sending calamity.” NIV
Monica
Cheyenne, WY
1 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.
Cheyenne, Wy
11 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.
(Sorry for the wrong reference in my first post)
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
Ruth-Anne, Garvagh, N.Ireland
The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and he helps me. My heart leaps for joy, and with my song I praise him. (â€Psalm‬ â€28‬:â€7‬ NIV)
Matthew 5:16 (HCSB)
In the same way, let your light shine before men, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.
Margie Snyder
Groveland, Florida
Stephanie Murphy, College Station TX
“If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast.” Psalm 139:9-10 NIV
Moulton, Alabama: Therefore put away all filthiness and rampant wickedness and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls. James 1:21 ESV
Robin – Atlanta GA
Come to me all you who are weary and burdened and I will give you rest.
Matthew 11:28 (NIV)
Paula Rutherford, Decatur, Tx
Philippians 3:5-6 KJV (Continuing to memorize through the book of Philippians)
“Circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, an Hebrew of the Hebrews; as touching the law, a Pharisee;
Concerning zeal, persecuting the church; touching the righteousness which is in the law, blameless.”