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;
9 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.
10 But He knows the way that I take;
when He has tried me, I shall come out as gold.
11 My foot has held fast to his steps;
I have kept his way and have not turned aside.
12 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.
Lois, Prospect Heights, Illinois. Do you not know? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and His understanding no one can fathom. Isaiah 40:28 (NIV)
Andrea Spray, Centreville, Va –
We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain, where our forerunner, Jesus, has entered on our behalf. He has become a high priest forever, in the order of Melchizedek.
Hebrews 6:19-20 (NIV)
Natalie Bullock – Pearl, MS – “Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them.” Ephesians 5:11 ESV
Angie Vernon, Harrah, OK. Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth. 1 John 3:18 NIV
Janna Halterman, Fresno, CA
“Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.” James 1:12NIV
Linda; Colorado Springs, CO
Isaiah 40: 28-31 ESV
28: Have you not known? Have you not heard?
The Lord is the everlasting God,
the Creator of the ends of the earth.
He does not faint or grow weary;
his understanding is unsearchable.
29: He gives power to the faint,
and to him who has no might he increases strength.
30: Even youths shall faint and be weary,
and young men shall fall exhausted;
31: 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 faint.
Angie O’Bleness, Aurora, CO
“Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” Matthew 11:29 NIB
1 Corinthians 15:58 (NIV)
58 Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.
Kimberly Stuckey, Stoutsville,OH The correct verse is: And when all the children of Israel saw how the fire came down, and the glory of the Lord upon the house, they bowed themselves with their faces to the ground upon the pavement, and worshiped, and praised the Lord, saying, “For He is good; for His mercy endureth forever. 2 Chronicles 7:3
LeAnn Nichols, Spring, TX
“He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.”
Micah 6:8 NIV
Jennifer Watson (Ruston, LA)
Philippians 4:6 NASB- Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.
Indianola, IA. “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.” Romans 12:1 (NKJV)
Jamie Makawao, Hawaii
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)
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.
Zephaniah 3:4
Janine, Ojai, CA “But in your hearts set apart Christ as LORD. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.” 1 Peter 3:15 (NIV)
Kristi, Paducah, KY. to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen. Eph. 3:21 NIV
Kelly, Gardner, KS
“But whenever someone turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away. For the Lord is the Spirit, and wherever the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.
2 Corinthians 3:16-17 NLT
Annette Nelson Escondido, Ca He will have no fear of bad news; his heart is steadfast, trusting in The Lord Psalm 112:7 NIV
Joyce Grimes – Pace, FL
Jesus said to him, “ ‘You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ This is the first and great commandment. (Matthew 22:37-38 NKJV)
Donna Knight, Belton, KY
‘Because he loves me,’ says The Lord, ‘I will rescue him. I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name. He will call on me and I will answer him. I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him. With long life I will satisfy him and show him my salvation.’ Psalm 91:14-16 NIV
Lisa Lewis, Santa Clara, CA Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing. 1 Thessalonians 5:11 ESV
Casi Ivey, Lebanon, TN, “I love the LORD because he hears my voice and my prayer for mercy. Because he bends down to listen, I will pray as long as I have breath!” Psalms 116:1-2 NLT
Kimberly Humphrey, Hattiesburg, Mississippi. “Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.” Matthew 28:20 (KJV)
Ronda from Marion, IN
But he knows the way that I take; when he has tested me, I will come forth as gold.
My feet have closely followed his steps; I have kept to his way without turning aside. Job 23:10-11 NIV
Kimberly Miller, Leachville, AR “But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere.” James 3:27
Janet Anderson, Edmond, OK
“…having been born again, not of corruptible seed, but incorruptible, through the word of God which lives and abides forever…”
1 Peter 1:23 NKJV
Mandy
Temple, Texas
Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure. (Philippians 2:12-13 ESV)
Jessica, Encinitas, CA, “But we do not belong to those who shrink back and are destroyed, but to those who have faith and are saved.” Hebrews 10: 39 (NIV)
Wendy,Cary, NC. Surrender your heart to God turn to him in prayer and give up your sins even those you do in secret, then you won’t be ashamed, you will be confident you will be fearless, your troubles will go away like water beneath the bridge and your darkest night will be brighter than the noon then you will find rest safe and secure you will be filled with hope and emptied of worry.
Oops. I forgot the address. Job 11:13-18
Jean Crawford – Boring, OR
Create in me a pure heart O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.
Psalm 51:10 (NIV)
Alicia, Oregon “Find rest, oh my soul, in God alone, my hope comes from Him. He is my rock and my salvation; He is my fortress, I will not be shaken.” Psalm 62:5-6 NIV
Eden Thornton, Prattville, Al, Proverbs 18:10 The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous runs into it and is safe. NASB
Carolyn, Terrace BC Canada
Psalm 86:11
Teach me your way, O Lord, and I will walk in your truth;
Give me an undivided heart, that I may fear your name.
Jeanine, Augusta, GA
I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength. (Philippians 4:12-13 NIV)
Mary K Humber, Omaha, Nebraska. “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is pure, whatever is right, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable — if anything is excellent or praiseworthy– think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me–put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.” Phil 4:8-9 NIV
Jenn Rorabaugh, Corvallis Oregon “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine.” Isaiah 43:1 NIV
Janet Walker, in Lima,Peru. Tickets were bought to be here to help at our grandsons birth but he was born at 35 wks on Dec. 30 and only lived 1&1/2 hr. Our daughter claimed these verses at 20 wks when the Dr. said there could be problems.
Psalm 18:(30&)32 God arms me with strength, and He makes my way perfect.
Lynda Allen, Warrenton, GA
“Whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through him to God the Father.”
Colossians 3:17, NLT
Madelin Butler, Thousand Oaks, Ca
However, as it is written: “What no eye has seen, what no ear has heard, and what no human mind has conceived”— the things God has prepared for those who love him—
1 Corinthians 2:9 NIV
Rebecca – Las Vegas, NV “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” Ephesians 4:32 (NIV)
Terri Sims, OrangeTX
Blessed are those who have learned to acclaim you, who walk in the light of your presence, O Lord. They rejoice in your name all day long; they exult in your righteousness. Psalm 89:15-16
Christa Todd- Chesapeake, VA. ” “He replied, “Because you have so little faith. Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.” -Matthew 17:20 NIV
Kaci Waller, Thomasville, GA.
“For Christ suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God. He was put to death but made alive in the spirit.”
1 Peter 3:18 NIV
Danelle, Lamar, MO
“Abhor what is evil, hold fast to what is good. Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor.” Romans 12:9-10 ESV
Gina South, Montgomery, AL
She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks. Proverbs 31:17 (NIV)
Marita Reese, Maricopa, AZ
“Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God! Therefore the world does not know us, because it did not know Him.”
1 John 3:1 (NKJV)
Michelle Rademacher, Aurora, IL
“But the one who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his doing.” James 1:25 (ESV)
14 Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD.
Psalm27:14 KJV 14 Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD.
Charlene Sarver, Cookeville, TN
All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.
2 Timothy 3:16-17 (NIV)
Jennifer Frisbie, Jefferson City, MO. But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. (Romans 5:8, NIV)