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.
Elizabeth Steed, Rockwall, Texas: “Blessed are those whose strength is in you. who have set their hears on pilgrimage.
As they pass through the Valley of Baca, they make it a place of springs, the autumn rains also cover it with pools. They go from strength to strength till each appears before God in Zion.” Psalm 84:5-7 NIV
Sarah, Lincoln NE “If you show special attention to the man wearing fine clothes and say, “Here’s a good seat for you,” but say to the poor man, “You stand there” or “Sit on the floor by my feet,” have you not discriminated among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts?” (James 2:3-4 NIV)
Pleasant words are like a honeycomb,
Sweetness to the soul and health to the bones.
Proverbs 16:24 NKJV
Jones Creek,TX
The Lord is my shepherd;
I shall not want.
He leads me beside still waters.
He restores my soul;
Abi Copeland Springfield, MO
“The Lord does not delay His promise as some understand delay, but is patient with you not wanting any to perish but all to come to repentance.” 2 Peter 3:9 (HCSB)
Sherry, Palm Desert, CA
“I will praise God’s name in song and glorify Him with Thanksgiving.” Psalm 69:30 NIV
Nancy English, Laramie, Wy
“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith. ” 2 Timothy 4: 7 NAS
Paula Weatherly
Huffman, TX
And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. (â€Romans‬ â€8‬:â€28‬ NASB)
Barbara Israel
Eagle, Idaho
Let all that you do be done in love.
I Corinthians 16:14 ESV
Jennifer, Greensburg, LA,
It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery. Galatians 5:1
Emily, Greensburg, LA,
There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love. 1 John 4:18 KJV
Heather Miller, Greensburg, LA
According to my earnest expectation and my hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but that with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life, or by death. Philippians 1:20 (KJV)
Diane Wadsworth, Pleasant Grove, AL
2 Corinthians 3:17, NLT
“For the Lord is the Spirit, and wherever the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.”
Deb Oakes Alliance, Nebraska nkjv Psalm 37:7&8 “Rest in the Lord and wait patiently for Him. Do not fret because of him who prospers in his way, because of the man who brings wicked schemes to pass. Cease from anger, and forsake wrath. Do not fret, it only causes harm.
Dori
Meridian, ID
Psalm 16:8
I have set the Lord always before me;
Because He is at my right hand I shall not be moved.
NKJV
Connie Colston from Waxahachie, TX
My heart says of you, “Seek his face!” Your face Lord I will seek. Psalm 27:8 NIV
Jennifer, Aberdeen, WA. Delight yourself in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart. Psalms 37:4 NIV
Tonsy Cheek Connersville Indiana “Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.” Galations 6:1 KJV
Vanessa, Corrales NMÂ
And he passed in front of Moses, proclaiming, “The Lord, the Lord, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness, maintaining love to thousands, and forgiving wickedness, rebellion and sin.” – Exodus 34:6-7a NIV
Janessa Ford, Davao City, Philippines. “For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. 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 10:3-5
Katie Logsdon, Dallas, TX. “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 your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7 (NIV)
Casey Gaines, Springfield, MO.
No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it. 1 Corinthians 10:13 (NKJV)
Patricia Clevenger Midland,TX
For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. 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 10:3-5 TNIV
Noreen
Calgary, AB
“Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord, the Lord himself is the rock eternal.”
Isaiah 26:4
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. (â€Lamentations‬ â€3‬:â€22-23‬ NIV)
Donna, Deer Park, TX
NIV, Nehemiah 4:14
“Don’t be afraid of them. Remember (recall) the Lord, who is great and awesome and fight for your brothers, your sons and your daughters, your wives and your homes.”
Justina Gibson, Fort Sask, Ab, Canada
Colossians 3:23-24a NIV
Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord and notfor men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward.
Sharon, San Antonio TX: 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)
Georgia Wight, Tucson, AZ. For now I have chosen and sanctified this house, that My name may be there forever; and My eyes and My heart will be there perpetually. 2 Chronicles‬ â€7‬:â€16‬ NKJV
linda, colorado springs
but he knows the way that i take; when he has tested me, i will come forth as gold. job 23:10 (niv)
Heather, Austin, TX “Jesus answered them ‘Truly truly I say to you, everyone who commits sin is a slave to sin. The slave does not remain forever, the son remains forever. So, if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed” John 8:34-36 (ESV)
Shauna Long, Cape Girardeau, MO
May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable to You, Lord, my rock and my Redeemer. Psalm 19:14 HCSB
Marla Ritter, Benton AR. “Then Jesus said, ‘Come to me all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.’ ” Matthew 11:28 NLT
Beth W., Spring, TX
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 3:22-23
Flavia, Knoxville TN
Phil 4:8
Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things (NASB)
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing,
so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.
Romans 15:13 ESV
Karla — Albuquerque “I have not departed from the commands of His lips;
I have treasured the words of His mouth more than my daily bread.”
Job 23:12 NIV
Annette Turner, Houston, Texas
Do not remember the former things,
Nor consider the things of old.
Behold, I will do a new thing,
Now it shall spring forth;
Shall you not know it?
I will even make a road in the wilderness
And rivers in the desert. Isaiah 43: 18-19 ( NKJV )
Jami Johnson Ponchatoula, La
So The Lord knows how to save those who serve him when trouble comes. 2 peter 2:9 NIV
Michele Snyder, Rupert, Idaho
Romans 15:13 (NKJV)
Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
NIKKI JAMES; Maumelle,AR:
Philippians 4:6-7 NIV
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 your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Dianna Lolo,MT
But He knows the way that I take; when He has tested me, I will come forth as gold. Job 23:10 NIV
Cathy Frank Houston , Tx, Philippians 4:8 NKJV “Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy- meditate on these things. “
Debora Eaves, Lancaster, California. Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God, so that He may exalt you at the proper time, casting all your care on Him, because He cares about you. 1Peter 5: 6-7 HCSB
Amanda, Chesapeake,VA
“He saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of His mercy. He washed away our sins giving us a new birth and a new life through the Holy Spirit.” Titus 3:5 NLT
Priscilla, Brentwood, CA
“Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers.” 3 John 1:2 NKJV
Bethany Johnson, Burleson TX
Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth. (â€1 John‬ â€3‬:â€18‬ NIV)
Patti McConville, Salem Oregon
If you do do away with the yoke of oppression, with the pointing finger and malicious talk, and if you spend yourselves on behalf of the hungry and satisfy the needs of the oppressed, then your light will rise in the darkness and your night will become like the noonday.
Isaiah 58:9b-10 NIV
Molly B Auburn, AL
Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you.
1 Peter 5:7
Angie Keeting, Lees Summit, MO
Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in them.
1 John 2:15 NIV
Claire Anderson, Cedarville, Ohio
For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love he predestined us to be adopted as his sons through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will – to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves.
Ephesians 1:4-6 NIV
Christy, Conifer, Colorado
You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.
Genesis 50:20 NIV