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.
Amy Lefkowitz, Richmond, VA.
Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in Him. Your roots will grow down into God’s love and keep you strong. Ephesians 3:17, NLT
Ashley Reed, Austin, TX (continuing to memorize Philippians) – “I am sure of this, that He who started a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. It is right for me to think this way about all of you, because I have you in my heart, and you are all partners with me in grace, both in my imprisonment and in the defense and establishment of the gospel. For God is my witness, how deeply I miss all of you with the affection of a Christ Jesus.” -Phil. 1: 6-8 (HCSB)
WendyC – Cheyenne, WY.
Teach us to realize the brevity of life, so that we may grow in wisdom. Psalms 90:12 NLT
Jennifer Z.
Greensburg, PA
“The Lord upholds all those who fall and lifts up all who are bowed down.” Psalm 145:14 NIV
Any Flanagan Santee, Ca Eph 3:20
Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.
Lauralee Courtney, Austin, TX
Teach me your ways. O Lord, that I may live according to your truth. Grant me your purity of heart, so that I may honor you. Psalm 86:1 NLT
Florence Gilmore, Arcadia, CA
“Yet the LORD longs to be gracious to you; He rises to show you compassion. For the LORD is a God of justice. Blessed are all who wait for Him.” (Isaiah 30:18 NIV)
Susan Ventura, CA
Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. 1 Peter 5:7. NIV
Abby Smith in Troy, OH
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. ~ Philippians 4:6 (NIV)
Jennifer, Harrisburg, PA :
The high and lofty one who lives in eternity, the Holy One, says this: “I live in the high and holy place with those whose spirits are contrite and humble. I restore the crushed spirit of the humble and revive the courage of those with repentant hearts. (â€Isaiah‬ â€57‬:â€15‬ NLT)
Delores O.
Lake Stevens, WA
Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature will reap destruction; the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life.
Galatians 6:7-8 NIV84
Jen Allen, Broomfield, CO. “I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.”, Psalm 119:11 NIV
Valerie Maddox, Dayton, Texas
“Whatever the Lord pleases, he does, in heaven and on earth, in the seas and all deeps.” Psalm 135:6 ESV
Nancy Denver
“Let all that I am wait patiently before God, for my hope is in Him” Ps 62:5 NLT
Mary Jo Wheeler, Las Vegas, NV
Now finish the work, so that your eager willingness to do it may be matched by your completion of it, according to your means. 2 Cor 8:11 (NIV)
Mechelle, Clarksville TN
(I hope this one takes)
Prov 3:5-6
Trust in the Lord with all your heart
on your own intelligence do not rely.
In all your ways be MINDFUL of HIM,
and He will direct your path.
Shelley Candy, Bainbridge PA
“Show me the right path, O Lord; point out the road for me to follow.” – Psalm 25:4 (NLT)
Nicole Moore, Olathe, KS – I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, 17 so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And “I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.” Ephesians 3:16-21 NIV
Becky, Choctaw, OK:
“I AM the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. He will come in and go out, and find pasture.” John 10:9
Kelli Ott, Modesto, CA
“I love you, O LORD, my strength. The LORD is my rock, my fortress, and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge. He is my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.”
Psalm 18:2 (NIV)
Linda Spahr, Maryland. My verse is Matthew 6:19-21 NIV. Today my husband was in a hurry and broke something my late father gave me many years ago. I was reminded that things go away, but memories and relationships are what matter. 19 “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. 20 But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
Lindy from Rockledge, Florida
Colossians 3:23-24 NIV
Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.
Dana Abee, Clarksville,TN
“I sought the LORD, and He delivered me from all my fears.” Psalm 34:4. NIV
Emily McCargar, Elk Grove, CA
He takes me to lush pastures,
He leads me to refreshing water.
Psalm 23:2 NET
Joy West Monroe, LA
“He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers.” Psalm 1:3 NIV
Amanda Porter. Kansas City, Missouri. “I saw God before me for all time. Nothing can shake me; he’s right by my side. I’m glad from the inside out, ecstatic; I’ve pitched my tent in the land of hope” -Acts 2:25-26 (MSG)
Keri Lee Robbins, Las Vegas, NV “In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ, whom having not seen you love. Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, receiving the end of your faith—the salvation of your souls.” (â€I Peter‬ â€1‬:â€6-9‬ NKJV)
Beautiful…like you my friend : )
Cynthia, Liscomb, Iowa
“For from him and through him and for him are all things. To him be the glory forever! Amen.” Romans 11:36 NIV
Riches and honor come from You, and You are the ruler of everything. Power and might are in Your hand to make great and give strength to all. 1 Chronicles 29:12 HCSB
Sorry – I left out part of my verse.
“I sought the LORD, and He answered me; He delivered me from all my fears.”
Psalm 34:4. NIV
As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble & gentle, be patient, bearing with one another in love.
Ephesians 4:1-2 NIV
Kandi Miller; Colton, SD
Phillipians 4:8 ESV
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.
Lisa, Abilene, TX
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Galations 5:22-23 NIV
Jennifer Cook, Pullman, WA
“The Lord will fight for you, and you have only to be silent.” –Exodus 14:14, ESV
Elaine, Austin,TX
“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience” Col 3:12 (NIV)
Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for He who promised is faithful.
Hebrews 10:23 (NIV)
Kristen, Landisville, Pa
“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 (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.” John 8:12. (NIV)
Kelli Hall ~ Sherwood, Oregon
“Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 3: 12-14 NIV
Johanne RC, Calgary, AB, Canada
Now to Him who is able to do above and beyond all that we ask or think according to the power that works in us– to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen
Ephesians 3:20-21 HCSB
Colleen, Mae Sot, Thailand
O Lord, you hear the desire of the afflicted; you will strengthen their heart; you will incline your ear.
Psalm 10:17
Jenna French, Reidsville, NC.
Jesus replied, “You don’t understand now what I am doing, but someday you will.” John 13:7 NLT
Christy MacDonald, St. Clements, Ontario. “Am I now trying to win the approval of men, or of God? Or am I trying to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a servant of Christ.” Galations 1:10 NIV
Lisa, West Des Moines, IA “In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:16 NIV
Barbara Fenn,Medina,Oh
I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.
Rom 12:1ESV
Alice Hinckley, Dallas, Texas: “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.”
Colossians 3:16
Jan Novak, Newport, Oregon. Thomas said to him, “Lord, we don’t know where you are going, so how can we know the way? “Jesus answered, ” I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” John 14 : 5&6 NIV
Sylvie from Abbotsford. British Columbia, Canada
Psalm 41:3. New International Version (NIV)
3 The Lord sustains them on their sickbed
and restores them from their bed of illness.
Tara, Tinley Park, IL,
“They were continually devoting themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.” (NASB)
Joan G, Allentown, PA. The beginning of wisdom is: Acquire wisdom, And with all your acquiring, get understanding. Proverbs 4:7 NASB