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.
Andrea Brandhorst, Van Alstyne, TX
“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
Sandy Bowers, snowy Bryan, Ohio.
For from His fullness, we have all received grace upon grace.
John 1:16 ESV
Matthew 24:45 “Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his master made ruler over his household, to give them food in due season? 46 Blessed is that servant whom his master, when he comes, will find so doing. 47 Assuredly, I say to you that he will make him ruler over all his goods.{NKJV}
Deb Marcus, Iowa
John 8: 12
When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”
Kathie Francis, Portland, Oregon:
“Don’t neglect to do what is good and to share, for God is pleased with such sacrifices.” Hebrews 13:16 Holman Christian Standard Bible
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. (â€Isaiah‬ â€26‬:â€3‬ AMP)
2 Timothy 1:12(NIV)
12 That is why I am suffering as I am. Yet this is no cause for shame, because I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him until that day.
There is a ·time [season] for everything, and ·everything [every activity] ·on earth [L under heaven] has its ·special season [time]. Ecc 3:1 expanded version st Augustine Fl
krystal ward
teague, texas
and this is love: that we walk in obedience to his commands. as you have heard from the beginning, his command is that you walk in love.
2 john 1:6 NIV
Romans 15:7 NASB Therefore, accept one another, just as Christ also accepted us to the glory of God.
Loren Howell, Montgomery, Alabama
Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving. Colossians 3:23 & 24 (NIV)
Kristi. Butler, Oklahoma
Strength and dignity are her clothing, and she laughs at the time to come. Proverbs 31:25 (ESV)
Jenni Neal, Dunn, NC. “And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart.” Jeremiah 29:13 KJV
Heidi Lakenan, Daphne, AL
“…the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.” (Galatians 5:22-23 – KJV)
Jennifer, Saint Johns, FL – Rejoice in hope; be patient in affliction; be persistent in prayer. Romans 12:12 (HCSB)
Kim Bridgers Cave City Ar Matthew 6:26 KJV Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns, yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they?
Molly Hale, Billings MT,
Luke 1:45 NIV
Blessed is she who has believed that The Lord would fulfill his promises to her.
Hannah Lakenan (age 10), Daphne, AL
“Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.” (Proverbs 3:5-6 – KJV)
Arla, Benton, AR
But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in MY name, HE will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you. (â€John‬ â€14‬:â€26‬ ESV)
Pam Mayer from Apple Valley, MN: I will be glad and rejoice in Your love. Psalm 31:7 NIV
Robin Nadasdy, Highland, IN “My eyes are on the Lord, for only He will release my feet from the snare “(Psalm 25:15 NIV)
J.J. Ehr, Longmont, CO
John 8:12 NIV
When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”
Chris, Thousand Oaks, CA
Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you. (â€1 Peter‬ â€5‬:â€6,7‬ ESV)
Christina Carlos
Summerville, SC
Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.
Ephesians 4:29
Joanne Corley, Colleyville, TX
Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know the testing of your faith produce perseverance. James 1:2-3NIV
Emily Lakenan (age 9), Daphne, AL
“Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.” (Proverbs 3:5-6 – KJV)
Dora Polk Matthews,MO
Ephsians 4:29 Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.
ESV
Kira Chaloupka
Auburn, AL
We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trails, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. And this hope will not lead us to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love. -Romans 5:3-5
San Angelo- Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. 1 John 4:8
Lacy McMurry, Carthage, MS– “Therefore, whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. 1 Corinthians 10:31, NKJV
Vonda Schwarz, Bertrand, NE, “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
Stephanie Peterson, El Cajon, CA “We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.” 2 Corinthians 10:5
Sandy Seitzinger, Silver City, NM – For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:38-39 (KJV)
Wendi McPike, Kennebunkport, ME
“And in Him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by His Spirit”
Eph 2:22 NIV
Pamela Jeffcoat Leesville, LA
Teach me your way, Lord , that I may rely on your faithfulness; give me an undivided heart, that I may fear your name. I will praise you, Lord my God, with all my heart; I will glorify your name forever.
Psalm 86:11-12 NIV
Bartlett, TN
I will lift up my eyes to the mountains; from where shall my help come? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth. Psalm 121:1-2
Jamie, Tyler, TX. Blessed is the man
who does not walk in the council of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers, Psalm 1:1(NIV)
Tricia Rea, Auburn, AL, “And thus Abraham, having patiently waited, obtained the promise.” Hebrews 6:15 ESV
Janelle Fitzler. Sioux Falls SD
James 1:14
But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire.
Lisa Peck, Las Vegas, NV Psalm 143:8-10 NIV
Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go, for to you I life up my soul. Rescue me from my enemies, O Lord, for I hide myself in you. Teach me to do your will, for you are my God; may your good Spirit lead me on level ground.
Psalm 143:8-10 NIV
It was revealed to them that they were serving not themselves but you, in the things that have now been announced to you through those who preached the good news to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven, things into which angels long to look. (â€1 Peter‬ â€1‬:â€12‬ ESV)
Allison B, Austin, TX
It was revealed to them that they were serving not themselves but you, in the things that have now been announced to you through those who preached the good news to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven, things into which angels long to look. (â€1 Peter‬ â€1‬:â€12‬ ESV)
Jenna, Franklin, TN
so Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many people; and he will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for him. Hebrews 9:28 NIV
Chris Bradbury, Greeley, Colorado Isaiah 46:4 (NIV)
Even to your old age and gray hairs
I am he, I am he who will sustain you.
I have made you and I will carry you;
I will sustain you and I will rescue you.
Candy- Fort Worth, TX
The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. (â€John‬ â€10‬:â€10‬ NIV)
Krissy Flynn, Incline Village, NV
HCSB Psalm 119:165. “Abundant peace belongs to those who love Your instruction; nothing makes them stumble.”
Barbara, Fort Wayne, IN. So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. 1Corinthians 10:31 NIV
Susan Knowles, Bradenton, Florida
May you be strengthened with all power, according to His glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy, giving thanks to the Father.
Colossians 1:11-12a
Sharon Mills
Henderson, Nv
1 TH 5:16-18 NIV
Be joyful always, pray continually, and give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. Philippians 3:6 NIV
Donalee Cushman
Houston, TX
“Behold, I stand at the door and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.”
Revelation 3:20 KJV