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.
Juliet Wilkinson, Burgaw, North Carolina
“The night is far spent, the day is at hand.
Therefore let us cast off the works of darkness,
And let us put on the armor of light.”-Romans 13:12 KJV
Cynda
Newnan, GA
Romans 8:14-15
For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. For you did not receive a spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!” (ESV)
Charne, Secunda – South Africa. I will praise you with an upright heart as I learn Your righteous laws. Psm 119: 7
So it depends not on human will or exertion, but on God how shows Mercy. Rom 9:16
Diane Jackson, Riverside, CA “Do all things without complaining and disputing” Phil 3:14 NASB
Ps 83:18
Then they will learn that you alone are called the Lord, that you alone are the Most High, supreme over all the earth.
NLT
Kristi Stallo, Greenville, SC.
Look to the Lord and His strength; seek his face always. Psalm 105:4 NIV
Megan Shoemaker, Stevens, PA
Do everything without grumbling or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, “children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.” Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky as you hold firmly to the word of life. -Philippians 2:14-16a (NIV)
Meredith from Columbus, OH: “For everything there is a season and a time for every matter under heaven.” Ecclesiastes 3:1 (ESV)
Patty, Peoria Az, For the Lord takes delight in His people;He crowns the humble with salvation. Psalm 149:4 (NIV)
Ally Turner, Detroit, MI.
The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to release the oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor. Luke 4:18-19 NIV
SSMT vs 3: Seek The Lord and His strength; seek His presence continually. ESV 1 Chronicles 16:11
Rachel Martin, N. Attleboro, MA.
“David replied to Michal, “In God’s presence I’ll dance all I want! He chose me over your father and the rest of our family and made me prince over God’s people, over Israel. Oh yes, I’ll dance to God’s glory—more recklessly even than this. And as far as I’m concerned . . . I’ll gladly look like a fool . . . but among these maids you’re so worried about, I’ll be honored no end.” (2 Samuel 6:21-22, MSG)
Linda Lamont. Oshkosh, Wi
Let your conversation always be full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.
Colossians 4:6 NIV
Tamara Ward, Woodbridge, VA
“The grass withers and the flowers fall,
but the word of our God endures forever” (Isaiah 40:8) NIV
Jamie Cook, Fort Worth, TX Find rest, O my soul, in God alone, my hope comes from him. He alone is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will not be shaken. Psalm 62:5-6 NIV
Mary, Panama City FL
Romans 12:2 NIV
“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is – his good, pleasing, and perfect will.”
I pray that your hearts will be flooded with light so that you can understand the confident hope he has given to those he called—his holy people who are his rich and glorious inheritance. (â€Ephesians‬ â€1‬:â€18‬ NLT)
Sue,houston,tx NAS, II Corithians 3:4
Such confidence we have thru Christ, towarrd God.
Not that we are adequate in ourselves to consider
anything as coming from ourselves, but out adequacy
Is from God
“Just as you accepted Christ Jesus as your Lord, you must continue to live in obedience to him.” Colossians 2:6 NLT
Psalm 141:2 NIV “May my prayer be set before you like incense; may the lifting up of my hands be like the evening sacrifice.”
Beth from Chesterfield MO:
Luke 12:29-34. “And do not seek what you shall eat, and what you shall drink, and do not keep worrying. For all these things the nations of the world eagerly seek; but your Father knows that you need these things. But seek for His kingdom, and these things shall be added to you. Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has chosen gladly to give you the kingdom. Sell your possessions and give to charity; make yourselves purses that do not wear out, an unfailing treasure in heaven, where no thief comes near, nor moth destroys. For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. NASB
“You were saved by faith in God, who treats us much better than we deserve. This is God’s gift to you, and not anything you have done on your own.” (Ephesians 2:8). CIV
Stacy Fratherston
Searcy, AR
“Summing it all up,friends, I’d say you’ll do best by filling your minds and meditating on things true, noble, reputable, authentic, compelling, gracious- the best and not the worst; the beautiful , not the ugly; things to praise, not to curse. Put in to practice what you learned from me, what you heard and saw and realized.”
Philippians 4:8,9 The Message
Ann Jones, West Palm Beach, FL Anyone who claims to be in the light but hates a brother or sister is still in the darkness. Anyone who loves their brother or sister lives in the light and thee is nothing in them to make them stumble. 1John 2:9-10
Taylor T., Grovetown, GA
“The Lord is my portion,” says my soul, “therefore I will hope in him.”
Lamentations 3:24 (ESV)
Courtney Turner, Griffin Ga.
For the lord your God is living among you. He is a mighty savior. He will take delight in you with gladness. With his love, he will calm all your fears. He will rejoice over you with joyful songs.” (Zephaniah 3:17 NLT)
1Peter5:8 ESV
Be sober minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.
Onda Jenks, Morgantown, WV: “For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities-his eternal power and divine nature-have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse.” Romans 1:20 NIV
Janette Estes Park ,CO
But he knows the way that I take; when he has tested me, I will come forth as gold.
Job23:10 NIV
Job 23:10. NIV
But He knows the way I take; when He has tested me, I will come forth as gold.
Leslie Miller
Christiansburg, VA 24073
Zephaniah 3:17
The Lord you God is in your midst, A victorious warrior. He will exult over you with joy, He will
be quiet in His love, He will rejoice over you with shouts of joy.”
Alicia Keys, Walhalla, SC. May have missed posting the second verse but I did it! Here is the third.
Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. (â€Colossians‬ â€3‬:â€12-14‬ NIV)
Phyllis
Gilmer, Texas
Ephesians 1:17 NIV
I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better.”
Diane Flook, Flagstaff, AZ “I would have lost heart unless I had believed to see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living. Wait on the LORD; Be of good courage and He shall strengthen your heart, Wait, I say, on the Lord.” Psalm 27:13-14 NKJV
Jolene, Mendota Heights, MN, “and provide for those who grieve in Zion—to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of his splendor. Isaiah 61:3 (NIV)
Karen Glisson,Kennesaw,GA, Peace I leave with you;my peace I give to you. I dot give as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. John 14:27 (NIV)
Kathi Crowder in Yorktown, Virginia: “Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me.” John 14:1 NIV
Marcia from San Clemente, CA
Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you saying “This is the way walk in it”.
Isaiah 30:21. NIV
“Be joyful always, pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 NIV
Bonnie Webb Cibolo, Texas Ephesians 3:17-18 NIV
And I pray that you being rooted and established in love ,may have power, together with all the Lords people, to grasp how wide, and long and high snd deep is the love of Chrst.
Shandra, Greensboro, NC
I seek you with all my heat; do not let me stray from your commands. I have hidden your word in my heat that I might not sin against you. Psalm 119:10-11 (NIV)
Michelle Engberg Eagan, MN
Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.
~Colossians 3:12-14 (NIV)
Barbara Carson, Pearland Texas.
“You will be made rich in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God” 2 Corinthians 9:12
Betty Collins, Biloxi MS. 1 Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. 2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect. Romans 12:1-2 NASB
Brigitte Thomson,Newark,OH.
But He knows the way that I take; when He has tried me, I shall come out as gold. Job 23:10 ESV
Never pay back evil with more evil. Do things in such a way that everyone can see you are honorable. (â€Romans‬ â€12‬:â€17‬ NLT)
Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect. (â€Romans‬ â€12‬:â€2‬ NLT)
For it is by grace you have been saved…it is a gift of God
Ephesians 2:8
Susan Dodson, Douglasville, Ga
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your own insight. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.
Proverbs 3:5-6 NRSV