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.
Susan, Statesville, NC
I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me and I in him, he bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing. John 15:5 (NAS)
Danielle Barger. Chesapeake, Virginia. I have set the Loed continually before me, Because He is at my right hand, I will not be shaken. Psalm 14:8. (NASB)
Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise — the fruit of lips that openly profess his name. Hebrews 13:15 (NIV).
Donna, Fredericksburg, Va
I am the vine, you are the branches. If a man abides in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit. Apart from me, you can do nothing.
John 15:5 NIV
Becky, Roswell, GA
“He who covers and forgives an offense seeks love; but he who repeats or harps on a matter separates even close friends.”
Proverbs 17:9, AMP
Anna, Boise Idaho. Psalm 139:23-24 “Search me, O God, and know my heart; try me, and know my anxieties. See if there is any wicked in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.”
Elizabeth, Lenoir, NC
He will have no fear of bad news; his heart is steadfast, trusting in the Lord. His heart is secure, he will have no fear; in the end he will look in triumph on his foes. Psalm 112:7-8 NIV
Donna King, Crossville, TN “Show me your ways, O Lord, teach me your paths; guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God, my Savior and my hope is in you all day long. Ps. 25:4-5
Ali, “Steeler Nation”, PA 😉 2 Timothy 3:14-17 (NIV)
14 But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it, 15 and how from infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. 16 All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, 17 so that the servant of God[a] may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.
Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Psalm 51:10 KJV
Kim Mccool Columbus nc. Hebrews 12:1-2 ESV
“Therefore since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight and sin which clings so closely, and let us run wirh endurance the race that is set before us
Looking to Jesus the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God”
Karen, Lynnwood, Wa
“All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realms because we are united with Christ.”
Ephesians 1:3 NLT
Yancey Bradley
Savannah, GA
This hope does not disappoint us, for God has poured out his love into our hearts by means of the Holy Spirit, who is God’s gift to us. (Romans 5:5 GNT)
Sharon Parker, Flowery Branch, GA, “Do not be afraid nor dismayed because of this great multitude, for the battle is not yours, but God’s.” 2 Chronicles 20:15b
Don’t worry about anything instead, pray about about everything.
Tell God what you need & thank him for all he has done.
Philippians 4:6 NLT
I forgot to post last time so I am posting the third verse and the verse from Jan 15 as well. Isaiah 41: 9, 10 NIV: 9. I took you for the ends of the earth, from its farthest corners I called you. I said, ” you are my servant;” I have chosen you and have not rejected you. 10. So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
Tina DeLong, West Jefferson, OH.
For I know the plans I have for you declares the Lord. Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11
Patti Levi, Blue Ridge, TX
Create in me a clean heart O God, and renew a steadfast Spirit within me.
Psalm 51:10
Lauren, Boca Raton, FL. “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.” James 1:17, NIV
Colleen,Phoenix AZ: John 16:33 (Jesus is speaking) I have told you these things so that in me you will have peace. You will have suffering in this world. Be courageous! I have conquered the world.
Kay Berland, Richmond Hill, Ga. But He knows the way that I take; when He has tested me, I will come forth as gold. Job 23:10 NIV
Vicky Jones Adelaide Australia
Hatred stirs up conflict, but love covers over all wrongs. Wisdom is found on the lips of the discerning. Proverbs 10:12-13 NIV
Stacy Boerboom, Cape Girardeau, Missouri Colossians 3:3 (NIV)
For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God.
Lynn, Fairview, OK. He is not afraid of bad news; his heart is firm, trusting in the Lord. Ps. 112:7 (ESV)
Melanie, Winter Springs, FL. “You intended to harm me, but God intended it all for good. He brought me to this position so I could save the lives of many people.” Genesis 50:20 (NLT)
Jessica Walter, Farmington Hills, MI
Matthew 6:33 (NLT)
Seek the Kingdom of God[a] above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.
Crista – Forest, VA
Hebrews 2:1 “We must pay more careful attention, therefore, to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away.” (NIV)
Rebekah Gardner, Harrisburg, NC
“Turn my eyes from worthless things, and give me life through your Word.”
Psalm 119:37
Lynn Bennett, Stowe, Vt.
Trust in The Lord with all your heart,
and lean not on your own understanding,
in all your ways ackowledge Him,
and He will direct your paths.
Prov 3:5-6 NKJV
Sue Price, Houston, Texas
But He knows the way I take;
When He has tried me, I shall come forth as gold. Job 23:10 NISB
Christine from Media, PA Psalm 50:14,15 Offer to God a sacrifice of thanksgiving, and perform your vows to the MOst High, and call upon me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you shall glorify me.(ESV)
Lisa Markley, Cary, NC- But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends the rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. Matthew 5:44-45
Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about what happens to you.
1 Peter 5;7 NLT
Carol Metteauer, Palestine, TX. Get rid of all bitterness and slander, along with every form of malice. Ephesians 29:31 (NIV)
Jan B, Amarillo TX
I’ve told you all this so that trusting me, you will be unshakable and assured, deeply at peace. In this godless world you will continue to experience difficulties. But take heart! I’ve conquered the world.” (John 16:33 MSG)
Rebecca in Durham NC: “But I am like an olive tree flourishing in the house of God; I trust in God’s unfailing love forever and ever.” Psalm 52:8 (NIV)
Andrea, Havelock, NC “These will make war against the Lamb, but the Lamb will conquer them because He is Lord of lords and King of kings. Those with Him are called, chosen, and faithful.” Revelation 17:14, HCSB
Gennie Coe, Boerne, TX – “And if someone wants to sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well.” Matthew 5:40
Leta, Lawrenceburg, KY
You God, are my God, earnestly I seek You; I thirst for You, my whole being longs for You, in a dry and parched land where there is no water.
Psalm 63:1 NIV
(planning to memorize verses 1-8 one at a time)
But blessed are those who trust in the LORD and have made the LORD their hope and confidence. They are like trees planted along a riverbank, with roots that reach deep into the water. Such trees are not bothered by the heat or worried by long months of drought. Their leaves stay green and they never stop producing fruit. Jeremiah 17:7-8 NLT
Rocky Wimme, Cass Lake, Minnesota
Your Word have I hidden in my heart that I may not sin against you!
Psalm 119:11
Carolyn Lish, Brownsburg, Indiana
“Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value.” Proverbs 31:11 NIV
Janet Mckerlie, Spokane, WA. “How precious also are Your thoughts to me, O God! How vast is the sum of them! If I should count them, they would outnumber the sand. When I awake, I am still with You.
Psalms 139 : 17-18 NASB
Kimberly Gholson, Waurika, OK. Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ. Galations 1:10 (NIV)
Cathy, Houston. Cast all your anxiety on him because He cares for you. 1 Peter 5:7 (NIV).
Jodi Breaux, Thibodaux, LA
Surely, shall one say, in the Lord have I righteousness and strength: even to him shall men come; and all that are incensed against him shall be ashamed. (Isaiah 45:24 KJV)
Monte Armstrong, Dickson, Tennessee. God is my
strength and power and he makes my way perfect.
~2 Samuel 22:33~NKJV
Andrea, Louisville, Ky
“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.”
Galatians 5:22,23
Annette,mBonaire, Georgia. “casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ,”
(2 Corinthians 10:5 NKJV)
Jenny, Des Moines, IA
Enlarge the place of your tent, stretch your tent curtains wide, do not hold back, lengthen your cords, strengthen your stakes. Isaiah 54:2 NIV