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.
Laura Hall
Kyle, Texas
“Do not be grieved, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.” Nehemiah 8:10 ESV
Diane, Front Royal, VA
We know that all things work together for the good of those who love God-those whom he has called according to his plan. Romans 8:28, GWT
Pam Coleman, DeLeon Springs, Florida
“Do everything without grumbling or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, “Children of God” without fault in a warped and crooked generation. Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky as you hold firmly to the word of life.”
Phillipians 2:14-16a (NIV)
“I have wiped out your transgressions like a thick cloud
And your sins like a heavy mist. Return to Me, for I have redeemed you.” ~ Isaiah 44:22 (NASB)
Alicia Stewart (Loveland, CO)
“God can do anything, you know—far more than you could ever imagine or guess or request in your wildest dreams!” (Eph 3:20The Message)
Addy Burke, Fernandina, FL – “As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love.” John 15:9 NRSV
Yates Center, KS
Psalm 138:3
On the day I called, You answered me;
my strength of soul you increased. ESV
John 14:6
I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.
1 John 2:24-25, NIV
See that what you have heard from the beginning remains in you. If it does, you also will remain in the Son and in the Father. And this is what He promised us – even eternal life.
Amy Storms
Joplin, MO
“I keep my eyes always on the Lord. With him at my right hand, I will not be shaken.” Psalm 16:8
Melissa Rausch, Blue Springs, MO
“May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable to You, Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.” Psalm 19:4 HCSB
Yeah Melissa, glad to see you here!
Julie Green – Charleston, SC
You hem me in, behind and before,
and lay your hand upon me.
Such knowledge is too wonderful for me;
it is so high that I cannot attain it.
~ Proverbs 139: 5-6
Kathy Springer, Chula Vista, CA. “Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.” Ephesians 4:2 NIV
Lisa, Huntsville, AL:
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. – Zeph. 3:17 NIV 84
Nina Waukesha, WI
Hebrews 12:1-2 ESV
Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.
Cris S, New Lenox, IL
Philippians 4:6-7
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God which transcends all understanding will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. ((NIV)
Lou, Jenison MI
Romans 6:23
For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. (NASB)
Cassie Roth, Tunnel Hill Ga
2 Timothy 3:16-17 ESV
All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.
Jennifer Cunio Quincy, MA James 1:2-3 (NIV) – “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.”
Valerie Wray Buffalo, OH
“In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.”-Matthew 5:16 (ESV)
But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High, because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked. 36 Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful. Luke 6:35-36
But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint. Isaiah 40:31 (KJV)
Dawn Fuhrman, Cape Coral, FL
Eph 4:32
Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.(ESV)
Kristen, cottage grove, WI: Then he said to them, Go, eat of the fat, drink of the sweet,send portions to him who has nothing prepared; For this day is holy to our God. Do not be grieved, for the joy of the Lord is your strength. Nehemiah 8:10 NASB
Abigail Winkelman – Akron, Ohio
Romans 5:5 (ESV)
“and hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.”
Kyndra Hartzler, Houston, TX
1 Chronicles 21:13- David said, “I am in distress. Let me fall into the hands of the Lord, for His mercy is great, but do not let me fall into the hands of me.NIV
John 14:1
Let not your heart be trouble:
Ye believe in God, believe also in me.
Judy Adams memphis tennessee
Dawn. Eads, Colorado–No weapon forged against you will prevail, and you will refute every tongue that accuses you. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and this is their vindication from me,” declares the LORD. Isaiah 54:17 NIV
Tammy Minnick Vilonia, AR
The LORD says, “I will rescue those who love me. I will protect those who trust in my name. (â€Psalms‬ â€91‬:â€14‬ NLT)
Joyce Davidson, Big River, Saskatchewan, Canada
Simon Peter, a servant and apostle of Jesus Christ, To those who through the righteousness of our God and Savior Jesus Christ have received a faith as precious as ours: Grace and peace be yours in abundance through the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord. (â€2 Peter‬ â€1‬:â€1-2‬ NIV)
Dianne Detrick, Magnolia, Texas
Give me understanding, and I will keep your law and obey it with all my heart.
Psalm 119:34 NIV
Tiffany Jones, Valparaiso, IN
In everything you do, put God first and He will direct you and crown you with success.
Proverbs 3:6 Living Bible
Leilani Esmond, Smyrna, GA
Philippians 4:7 NIV
And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds.
Brenda, Collinston, La.
Mark 14:24
“He said, this is my blood, God’s new covenant, poured out for many people. MSG
Psalms 121:5 NKJV
The Lord is your keeper; The Lord is your shade at your right hand.
Amy Brown
New Palestine, IN
“Go after a life of love as if your life depended on it- because it does.” – 1 Corinthians 14:1 MSG
Laura Steinkraus Dallas Texas “Rejoice always.
Pray without ceasing. In everything give thanks.
For this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
Do not quench the spirit.
Do not despise the prophecies.
Test all things. Hold fast to what is good.
Abstain from every form of evil.
2 Thessalonians 5:16-22
1 Corinthians 13:2- “And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing.”
Frederika E Myles; Spring Hill,TN: And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19 (NIV)
Doris Ann Barnes, Manchester, GA
Then answered Jesus and said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, the Son can do nothing of himself, but what he seeth the Father do for what things soever he doeth, these also doeth the Son likewise. John 5:19 (KJV)
Michelle G from Waterloo, ON, Canada
“The Lord will fight for you. Just be still.” Exodus 14:14 NIRV
Diane Ellison Littleton, CO
The Sovereign LORD has given me an instructed tongue,
to know the word that sustains the weary.
He wakens me morning by morning,
wakens my ear to listen like one being taught.
Isaiah 50:4 NIV
Lorna Clemente, Walker, LA
They shall be like mighty men,
Who tread down their enemies
In the mire of the streets in the battle.
They shall fight because the LORD is with them,
And the riders on horses shall be put to shame.
Zechariah 10:5 NKJV
Carrie, Liberty, TX
“And the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.” 1 Peter 5:10 (NIV)
Lori Lozano
Seymour, Tn
Romans 12:2
Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will be able to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.
Nancy- Pearland,TX
But He knows the way that I take; when He has tested me, I will come forth as gold. Job 23:10 NIV
“And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus” Phiippians 4:19. NIV
Misty Hayes, Carbon, Indiana
Search me, O God, and know my heart; try me, and know my anxieties, And see if there is any wicked way in me, And lead me in the way everlasting. (Psalm 139:23-24 NKJV)
Deb McGuire
But the God of all grace, who hath call us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you.
1 Peter 5: 10 KJV
God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Psalm 46:1, NIV