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.
Tammy-Choudrant,La- Make allowance for each other’s faults and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. Colossians 3 : 13 NLT
Psalm 145:2 NIV
Every day I will praise you
and extol your name for ever and ever.
Cara Koski; Fridley, MN
I do not cease to give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers, that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of him, having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the working of his great might. -Ephesians 1:16-19 (ESV)
Gwen, Earth TX
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.
James 1:2-3 (NIV)
Mary Felkins, Hickory, NC. “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)
Edwards, CA “Make me to know your ways, O Lord; teach me your paths. Lead me in your truth and teach me, for you are the God of my salvation; for you I wait all the day long. “(â€Psalm‬ â€25‬:â€4-5‬ ESV)
Lauren Sledge: Bowling Green, KY
1 John 4:19 ESV “We love because He first loved us”
Dorelle Hogan, Hot Springs, AR
“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.” 2 Corinthians 4:18 (NIV)
Vickie Farris, Alexandria LA. 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
Brook Fiegel, Milford, OH
Philippians 3:20
But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Christ Jesus,
Amanda Fletcher, Winchester, Va “Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering; bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do.” Colossians 3:12-13 NKJV
Crystal McLin Pineville LA “But may it never be that I would boast, except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world”
Galatians 6:14
Robin, Tracy CA
Romans 11:36 ESV
For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things. To Him be glory forever. Amen.
Ashley Scruggs, Appomattox, Va–Jesus replied, “You do not realize now what I am doing, but later you will understand.” (â€John‬ â€13‬:â€7‬ NIV)
Janice Griffin Fosters,Alabama My soul shall make its boost in the Lord; The humble shall hear of it and be glad.Psalm 34:2 NKJV
Stacy Mc…Southaven, MS
Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility, value others above yourselves….
Philippians 2:3 NIV
1 Corinthians 6:18 ESV /
Flee from sexual immorality. Every other sin a person commits is outside the body, but the sexually immoral person sins against his own body.
Jan Cleburne, TX “For it is written: “As I live, says the Lord, Every knee shall bow to Me, And every tongue shall confess to God.”” Romans 14:11 (NKJV)
Noreen Kyle, Cleveland Ohio
Psalm 63:3 (HCSB)
“My lips will glorify You because Your faithful love is better
than life.”
But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. Matthew 6:33 (NKJV)
Suzanne
Tenaha, TX
Romans 12:1 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 to God—this is your true and proper worship. Romans 12:1 NIV
They will have no fear of bad news; their hearts are steadfast, trusting in the Lord. (â€Psalm‬ â€112‬:â€7‬ NIV)
As a newlywed living a new life of unknowns its difficult for me to have faith in Gods plan. But I’m working on it 🙂
Christi Messinger, Hurst Texas
“Those who know your name trust in you, for you, O Lord, do not abandon those who search for you.” Psalm 9:10
Not sure the first one took, so here it is again
Psalm 145:2 NIV
Every day I will praise you
and extol your name for ever and ever.
It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres, love never fails’s 1Corinthians 13:7 NIV
Glennell Strawn (Buda, TX)
Psalm 105:4 (NIV)
Look to the Lord and his strength; seek his face always.
Rebecca, Chattanooga, TN
which is why I suffer as I do. But I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed, and I am convinced that he is able to guard until that Day what has been entrusted to me.
2 Timothy 1:12 ESV
Psalm 1:2-3, NKJV
But his delight is in the law of the Lord,
And in His law he meditates day and night.
3 He shall be like a tree
Planted by the rivers of water,
That brings forth its fruit in its season,
Whose leaf also shall not wither;
And whatever he does shall prosper.
Pati, Macomb,Mi, She is clothed in strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future. proverbs 31:25 NLT
Jackie C…Southaven, MS
But they who wait for the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not be faint.
Isaiah 40:31 ESV
Sara, Indiana
But in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect.
-1 Peter 3:15 (ESV)-
Rona Howard, Fort Worth, Tx
Delight yourself in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart. Psalm 37:4 (NIV)
Angie Jackson, Minden, LA
The end of a matter is better than its beginning; Patience of spirit is better than haughtiness of spirit. Ecclesiastes 7:8 (NASB)
Dallas Tausch, Helotes, Tx
“For our present troubles are small and won’t last very long. Yet they produce for us a glory that vastly outweighs them and will last forever!” (2 Corinthians 4:17 NLT)
LeEllen Phillips, Nashville, TN
“Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God.”
(â€Romans‬ â€5‬:â€2‬ ESV)
Sherri Stokes, Indian Trail, NC. The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. Lamentations 3:22-23
Charlotte Brown, Seymour, Texas, These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full. John 15:11 ESV
E… Westlake, OH
The Lord is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love. Psalm 103:8, NIV
“You are my hiding place; You will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance.”
Psalm 32:7
Connie Salmen, Longmont, Colorado
Romans 1:17 (NASB)
For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, “BUT THE RIGHTEOUS man SHALL LIVE BY FAITH”
Sherry McCurrie, Russellville, AR
Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. 1 Peter 5:8 NASB
Kathy, Albany OR.
The way of a fool is right in his own eyes,
but a wise man listens to advice.
Proverbs 12:15 ESV
Becky Stephens Morganton, ncLet all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. 32 hBe kind to one another, tenderhearted, iforgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you. Eph 4:31,31 esv
Rachel, Nashville TN, put on the full armor of God, so you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. Ephesians 6:11
Sissy Youngblood Ruston, Louisiana
We know that all things work together for the good of those who love God: those who are called according to His purpose. Romans 8:28 HSCB
“Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.” James 4:10 NIV
“You are forgiving and good, O Lord, abounding in love to all who call to You”
Psalm 86:5 (NIV)
Ginger B from Ringgold, GA
In the night I search for you; in the morning I earnestly seek you. For only when you come to judge the earth will people learn what is right. (â€Isaiah‬ â€26‬:â€9‬ NLT)
Sheila, Salina, Ks. For I will forgive their iniquity, and their sin I will remember no more. Jeremiah 31:34
Mary Ellen in Laurel, MT
“You will guard him and keep him in perfect and constant peace whose mind (both its inclination and its character) is stayed on You, because he commits himself to You, leans on You, and hopes confidently in You.” Is. 26:3 Amp.