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.
Christine Jackman
Denham Springs, LA
I will call on you O God, for you will answer me; give ear to me and hear my prayer.
Psalm 17:6 NIV
Teresa Taylor, Roanoke, VA
My goal is to know Him and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death. Philippians 3:10 – HCSB
Psalm 19:14New International Version (NIV)14 May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.
Ann Brown, Acworth, AL I keep my eyes always on the Lord. With Him at my right hand, I will not be shaken. Psalm 16:8 (ESV)
Layne Hall, Columbus MS. “Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:18 NIV
Erica, Lancaster City, PA
John 15:3 (NIV)
“You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you.”
Jackie Pope, Covington, IN. If any of you lacks wisdom let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given him. James 1:5 NKJV
Lacey, Kirbyville, Texas.
Give generously to the poor, not grudgingly, for the LORD your God will bless you in everything you do. (â€Deuteronomy‬ â€15‬:â€10‬ NLT)
February 2,2015
Tell them not to speak evil of anyone, but to be peaceful and friendly, and always show a gentle attitude toward everyone. Titus 3:2 Good News Bible
I love O Lord, my strength.
Psalm 18:1
Sherry Pearcy
Meeker, OK
3. who forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your diseases,
Ps. 103:3 ESV
Lynn Canaday, Lee’s Summit, MO. For we walk by faith, not by sight. 2 Corinthians 5:7 (NKJV)
Pamela, New Bern, NC
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ, just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love,
Ephesians 1:3-4
Miriam, Columbia, SC
“Bless The Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits.” Psalm 103:2 (ESV)
I am coming soon; Hold fast to what you have, so that no one may seize your crown. Revelation 3:11 (NRSV)
Sunni Sutphin Mount Airy North Carolina Isaiah 43:2 NIV
When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.
Kimberly Heron, Owensboro, KY.
May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer. Psalm 19:14 NIV
NIV Daniel 1:15 at the end of the ten days they looked healthier and better nourished than any of the young men who ate the royal food.
Lisa from Waycross, GA
Donna from Albany, GA
“And the Lord said, My Presence shall go with you, and I will give you rest.” Exodus 33:14 (Amplified)
Sarah, Brookhaven, MS
Psalm 13:7 ESV
For The Lord is righteous; He loves righteous deeds; the upright shall behold his face.
Sue Meigel East Meadow NY ” Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.” Hebrews 11:1 NIV
Diane Norris, Colorado springs, CO
Make me to know your ways, O LORD; teach me your paths.
Psalm25:4 ESV
Debra Milburn
College Station, TX
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 Corintians 10:5 (NIV)
Tammy, Monroe,Ga.
God proves to be good to the man who passionately waits, to the woman who diligently seeks. It’s a good thing to quietly hope, quietly hope for help from God. It’s a good thing when you’re young to stick it out through the hard times. Lametations 3:25-26 MSG
Alabaster, AL: Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by my name; you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. For I am the Lord your God, the Holy one of Israel, your savior. Isaiah 43:1b-3a.
For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day,and having done all, to stand. Ephesians 6:12-13 NKJV
Psalm 68:19 (NAS)
“Blessed be the Lord, who daily bears our burden, the God who is our salvation.”
Carolyn
Wheaton, IL
Carrie Norris, Goshen, Indiana
For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases Him. Philippians 2:13 (NLT)
Melanie Groff, Katy, TX: Look among the nations and see; wonder and be astounded. For I am doing a work in your days that you would not believe if told. Habakkuk 1:5
Gwen McVey, Longview Tx – “Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the LORD your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you.” Deut 31:6, ESV
Stacy from savannah, ga
“Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them” Ephesians 4:29 NLT
Eileen Heughins, Naples, FL…I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be rewarded to us. Romans 8:18 NIV
Duet. 31:8 “Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you.” Deuteronomy 31:8 ESV
Traci, Vadnais Heights, MN
Psalm 92;1-2 (NIV)
“It is good to praise the Lord,
And make music to your name, O Most High,
To proclaim your love in the morning,
And your faithfulness at night.”
Brenda Brown, Maryville, TN
Let the morning bring me word of you unfailing love for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go for to you I lift up my soul. Psalms 143:8 NIV
Joan Vanderwall, Orofino, Idaho. This book of the law shall not depart out of the mouth, but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do accordingly to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success. Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest. Jousha 1:8-9 (KJV)
Sherry Stewart, Winston-Salem, NC
“The Lord is my portion,” says my soul, ” therefore I will hope in Him.”
Lamentations 3:24
ESV
JoAnne Beckner, Lake Worth, Florida
Exodus 14:14. The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still.”. NIV
Cris OBrien, Virginia Beach , VA
Wisdom is supreme, so acquire wisdom .And whatever you acquire, acquire understanding .
Proverbs 4:7 NET
Robin, Leo, IN. You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you. Isaiah 26:3 NIV
Brandi Mincey, Hope Mills, NC
The LORD will fight for you; you need only be still.
Exodus 14:14 (NIV)
Bette, Danville,PA
Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting .
Psalm 139:23-24 NIV
The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of the Lord endures forever. Isaiah 40:8 (NIV)
Amber Ball, Nicholasville, KY. Seeing that His divine power has granted to us everything pertaining to life and godliness, through the true knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and excellence. 2 Peter 1:3 NASB
Amanda Singleton, Drexel, NC
Galatians 6:4-5 NLT “Pay careful attention to your own work, for then you will get the satisfaction of a job well done, and you won’t need to compare yourself to anyone else. For we are each responsible for our own conduct.”
Jeanette St Petersburg FL
For what the law was powerless to do in that it was weakened by the sinful nature, God did by sending his own Son in the form of sinful man to be a sin offering. And so he condemned sin in sinful man
Romans 8:3 NIV
Kim
New Port Richey, FL
II Peter 1:4 NLT
“And by that same mighty power, He has given us all of His rich and wonderful promises. He has promised that you will escape the decadence all around you caused by evil desires and that you will share in His divine nature.”
Jen Lesak, Richimond, TX.
Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 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. (â€Philippians‬ â€4‬:â€4-7‬ NIV)
Judy Kalamazoo MI
Jer 31:3 I have loved you with an everlasting love, therefore, I continue in my faithfulness to you.
Lori Kodak, TN
Philippians 1:10 That ye may approve things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere and without offense till the day of Christ; KJV