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.
Laura, Decatur IL
Now may the God who gives perseverance and encouragement grant you to be of the same mind with one another according to Christ Jesus so that with one accord you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Romans 15:5 & 6 NASB
Fraser Traverse, Falls Church, Virginia. Jesus answered, “If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” Matthew 19:21 (NIV)
Cassy, canton ohio
consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds because you know that the testing of faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish it’s work so that you may mature and complete not lacking.
James 1: 2-4
Hailey Boone, Wilmington, NC. Rejoice always; pray without ceasing; in everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. I Thessalonians 5:16-18
Linsey Courtney, New Haven, CT
Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Philippians 4:4-5 (NIV)
Cheyenne, Wyoming
Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be men of courage; be strong. Do everything in love.
1 Corinthians 16 : 13-14
Colorado City Tx. My God will meet my needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus. Phillipians 4:19 NIV
” In order that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith – that I may know him and the power of his resurrection.” (Phil. 3:9)
Tulsa, OK
Stephanie Ritchey – Tupelo, MS
“But his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night.” -Psalm 1:2 (NIV)
Kathy, Austin. Romans :12:2 Aramaic eng trans
Do not be conformed to this world but be transformed by the entire renovation of your mind & you will discern the good & acceptable & perfect pleasure of God(in his sight for you)
Could not get online to post yesterday! I was going frantic, but was working on my verse and trying to take it to heart.
Romans 8:28 NIV
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.
Tish Evans, Ashland, KY
“For you know that God paid a ransom to save you from the empty life you inherited from your ancestors. And it was not paid with mere gold or silver, which lose their value. It was the precious blood of Christ, the sinless, spotless Lamb of God. I Peter 1:18-19
Kayla Card, Gainesville, Florida – “When the Lord restored the fortunes of Zion, we were like those who dream. Then our mouth was filled with laughter, and our tongue with shouts of joy; then they said among the nations, ‘The Lord has done great things for them.’ The Lord has done great things for us; we are glad.” Psalm 126:1-3 ESV
Elise Arnold, Midlothian, TX
For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. Ephesians 2:10 ESV
Toni Sidler, Argyle, TX
For our gospel did not come to you in word only, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction. 1Thessalonians 1:5a NASB
Keely from Hermann, MO says, “Even to your old age and gray hairs, I am He. I am He who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you. I will sustain you and I will rescue you”. Isaiah 46:4 NIV
Kim Cook, Valley, AL –
And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment Phil 1:9 ESV
Susan C, Houston TX
Proclaim the message; persist in it whether convenient or not; rebuke, correct, and encourage with great patience and teaching. 2 Timothy 4:2 (HCSB)
Rachel from Berrien Springs, MI:
Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; 1 Corinthians 13:4-5 ESV
Stealing Beth’s…LOVE IT
“But He knows the way that I take; when He has tested me, I will come forth as gold.” Job 23:10 NIV
Becky
TN
Amber, Champlin, Minnesota. You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you! Trust in the Lord always, for the Lord God is the eternal Rock. Isaiah 26:3-4 NLT
Rachel Waldorf, MD
The Lord’s lovingkindnesses indeed never cease, for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness. Lamentations 3:22-23
Laurie Case, Keizer, Oregon
Colossians 3:2-3 Set your minds on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God.
gina Johnstown, CO
For nothing will be impossible with God. Luke 1:37 (ESV)
Erin Keel from Chesnee, SC
“He will cover you with His feathers; you will take refuge under His wings. His faithfulness will be a protective shield.” Psalm 91:4 HCS
Rebecca M., Clifton, NJ. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. 1 Corinthians 13:7 ESV
Karyn, Elberfeld IN
For the eyes of the Lord move to and fro throughout the earth that He may strongly support those whose heart is completely His. 2 Chronicles 16;9 (NASB)
Emily Berry, Lugoff, SC
13 Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong. 14 Let all that you do be done in love.
1 Corinthians 16:13-14
Christy, Jasper, AL Because He bends down to listen, I will pray as long as I have breath.
Psalm 116:2
Wendy Hornback Windsor, Colorado
I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. I do not nullify the grace of God, for if righteousness were through the law, then Christ died for no purpose.
Galatians 2:20-21 (ESV)
Jill, Winter Haven, FL
Isaiah 32:17 KJV
“And the work of righteousness shall be peace; and the effect of righteousness quietness and assurance forever.”
Adrienne
Jasper, TN
“For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love, and of self-discipline.”
2 Timothy 1:7 NIV
He that covereth his sins shall not prosper, but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.
Proverbs 28:13 KJV
Barbara Fetter 1 John 4:9-10 NIV This is how God showed His love among us. He sent His one and only Son that we might live through Him. This is love, not that we loved God but that He loved us and sent His son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.
Christie from Greeley, Colorado: But love your enemies, do good to them and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great and you will be sons of the Most High, because He is kind to the ungrateful and wicked. Be merciful just as your Father is merciful. (NIV) Luke 6:35-36
Janice, Slidell, Louisiana. The joy of the Lord is your strength. Nehemiah 8:10 NIV. Because I lose joy when my world gets busy and takes over my time and my thoughts.
Bridget Boyles, East Bend, NC
Look to The Lord and His strength; seek his face always.
Psalm 105:4 NIV
You will keep him in perfect peace, Whose mind is stayed on You, Because he trusts in You. (â€Isaiah‬ â€26‬:â€3‬ NKJV)
Ambur, Fulton, MO ‘Ask me and I will tell you remarkable secrets you do not know about things to come.’ Jeremiah 33:3 NLT
Alicia Casady, Columbia, MO
“Your beauty should not come from outward adornment such as elaborate hairstyles and the wearing of gold jewelry and fine clothes. Instead it should be that of your inner self, the unfailing beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit which is of great worth in God’s sight.”
1 Peter 3:3-4
Now therefore, you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God
Shanna, Lake Stevens, WA: BUT NOW [in spite of past judgments for Israel’s sins], thus says the Lord, He Who created you, O Jacob, and He Who formed you, O Israel: Fear not, for I have redeemed you [ransomed you by paying a price instead of leaving you captives]; I have called you by your name; you are Mine. (â€Isaiah‬ â€43‬:â€1‬ AMP)
Kay, Sierra Vista, AZ, Ephesians 3:18, NLT
And may you have the power to understand, as all God’s people should, how wide, how long, how high and how deep His love is.
Robin, Colorado Springs, CO
Satisfy us in the morning with your unfailing love, that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days. Psalm 90:14 NIV
Dana Meade, Oxford, PA – “We have this hope as an anchor for our lives, safe and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain.” Hebrews 6:19 HCSB
Arkansas, Psalm 33:20, 21 Common English Bible
We put our hope in the Lord. He is our help and our shield. Our heart rejoices in God because we trust His Holy Name.
Denise Boling, Paragould, Arkansas
“humble yourself before the Lord and He will lift you up.” James 4:10NIV
Cindy – Powdersville, SC
Rejoice in our confident hope. Be patient in trouble, and keep on praying.
Romans 12:12. NLT
Pat Jones, Springfield, MO But He knows the way that I take; when He has tested me, I will come forth as gold. Job 23:10 NIV
Hanston, Kansas. Set your mind on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and our life is now hidden with Christ in God.
Colossians 3:2-3