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.
Martinez, CA
Joshua 1:8 NIV
Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.
Kathy, Middleburg Heights, Ohio Job 23:10 NLT but He knows where I am going. And when He tests me, I will come out as pure gold.
Habakkuk 3:17 Though the fig tree may not blossom,
Nor fruit be on the vines;
Though the labor of the olive may fail,
And the fields yield no food;
Though the flock may be cut off from the fold,
And there be no herd in the stalls—
and verse 18 starts out with the word “YET, I will rejoice…”
Erin, Conway, AR. Job 19:25-26 (NIV)
“I know that my redeemer lives; and that in the end he will stand on the earth.
And after my sin has been destroyed, yet in my flesh I will see God;”
Cindy, Fort Worth, TX
The LORD does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart
I Samuel 16:7b NIV
Kristinia, Metairie, Louisiana
Do all things without grumbling or disputing, that you may be blameless and innocent children of God without blemish in the midst of a crocked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world – Philippians 2:14-15
Kristen Fowler, Marble, NC
Love must be sincere.
Hate what is evil; cling to what is good.
Be devoted to one another in brotherly love.
Honor one another above yourselves.
Romans 12:9-10 NIV
Chandra J., Centerton, AR: Psalm 115:14 (KJV)
The Lord shall increase you more and more, you and your children.
Amy, Big Lake, MN – “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of Holy Spirit.” Romans 15:13 (NIV)
New Haven, Mo
NIV
Romans 8:15 & 16
For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of Sonship and by him we cry Abba Father. The Spirit testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children.
Donna, N Wilkesboro, NC
Likewise, the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark – James 3:5 NIV
Anna, Redford, MI
The LORD is my shepherd; I have all that I need. He lets me rest in green meadows; he leads me beside peaceful streams. He renews my strength. He guides me along right paths, bringing honor to his name. Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me. (â€Psalms‬ â€23‬:â€1-4‬ NLT)
Naomi – Colorado Springs: “So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded. You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised” Hebrews 10:35-36 NIV
Marsha, Jupiter Florida
Look to the Lord and his strength; seek his face always. Psalm 105:4 NIV
Roxie Crews, Gwynn’s Island, Va
“There is no fear in love; but perfect love
Casts out fear: because fear hath torment.
He that feareth is not made perfect in love.”
1 John 4:18
Missy Lonergan, Humble, Texas
It is the Spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.
John 6:63 KJV
Kelli Smith
McKinney, Texas
Phil 4:6-7 (NIV)
“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.”
Kim Abbott, Mabank, TX
For as the heavens are higher than the earth,so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts. Isaiah 55:9 ESV
Linda Jessee, Bozeman, MT. 1Cor 2:10 God has revealed these to us by the Spirit. For the Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God. NIV
Conway, SC “and every decision you then make will be uncertain, as you turn first this way and then that. If you don’t ask with faith, don’t expect the Lord to give you any solid answer.” James 1:7-8 TLB
Cheryl, Concord, NC
“I have treasured the words of His mouth
more than my portions of food.”
Job23.12b ESV
Donna Stephens, Wylie, Texas, Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved. Acts 4:12 NIV
Sarah Nichols Dallas, Texas “23 Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men,
24 knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.” Colossians 3:23-24 (ESV)
Micki; Prairie Village,KS
I consider my life worth nothing if only I may finish the race (with joy KJV) and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me-the task of testifying to the gospel of God’s grace.
Acts 20:24 NIV (my life verse)
April in Portales
I wait for the Lord, my soul waits,
and in his word I hope;
Psalm 130:5 ESV
April Anstey, St. John’s, Newfoundland
Take delight in the Lord and he will give you your heart’s desires. Commit everything you do to the Lord, trust him and He will help you. Be still in His presence, and wait patiently for Him to act.
Psalm 37:4-7 (NLT)
“Chris J. from St. Louis –
“My son, if you accept my words and store up my commands within you, turning your ear to wisdom and applying your heart to understanding, and if you call out for insight and cry aloud for understanding, and look for it as for silver and search for it as for hidden treasure, then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God. For the Lord gives wisdom and from his mouth come knowledge and understanding”
Proverbs 2:1-6
Chris W. From Webster, NY
“As for me, it is good to be near God. I have made the Sovereign LORD my refuge; I will tell of all Your deeds.”
Psalm 73:28 NIV
Misty Sanders, North Charleston, SC
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.
John‬ â€14‬:â€27‬ NIV
As I have just finished reading through the book of Job in RTW( Reading Through the Word with Wendy Pope from Proverbs 31 Ministry, I choose to memorize Job 32:12b:
“I have treasured the words of His mouth more than my daily bread.” This verse is so true of where I am in my walk with the Lord.
Michele, Rockford, IL
Proverbs 17:22 Complete Jewish Bible & Amplified
“A happy heart is good medicine and a cheerful mind works healing, but low spirits sap one’s strength.”
Lisa Hall, Arp, TX,
” 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. Isaiah 41:10 NIV
Cynthia, Massanutten, VA (Nut House)
“You are my witnneses,” declares the Lord,
“and my servant whom I have chosen,
so that you may know and believe me
and understand that I am He.
Before me no god was formed
nor will there be one after me.”
IS 43:10
Diane Strandlund , Bethel,MN. 2 Thessalonians 3:13
Brothers and sisters do not be weary in doing what is right.
Diane, Wichita, KS, James 1:22 (NLT)
But don’t just listen to God’s word. You must do what it says. Otherwise, you are fooling yourselves.
Susie Fletcher. Bentonville, AR. Isaiah 46:4 CEV
I will still be the same when you are old and gray, and I will take care of you. I created you. I will carry you and always keep you safe.
Susan Reeves, Richmond TX
Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers a multitude of sins.
1 Peter 4:8 NIV
Sharon from Van, TX
Blessed are they who keep His statutes…
“They do nothing wrong; they walk in His ways.”
Psalm 119:3 NIV
Laura Stuart – Nashville, IN
“But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you.” John 14:26 ESV
Laura ~ Plainfield, IN
Be at rest once more, O my soul, for the Lord has been good to you.
Psalm 116:7 NIV
Cindy Sharp, Olathe, KS
He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.
Psalm 147:3 ESV
Jen, West Palm Beach, FL
1 Corinthians 15:33
Do not be deceived: ” Bad company corrupts good morals.” (NASV)
Vonda, Thorntown, IN
Prov 10:12-13a NIV
“Hatred stirs up conflict, but love covers over all wrongs. Wisdom is found on the lips of the discerning.”
Morgan- Discovery Bay, CA
Titus 2:7-8
In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned, so that those who oppose you may be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say about us.
Paula
Evans, GA
Look to the Lord and his strength; seek his face always. Psalm 105:4 (NIV)
Linda Cumbie, South Carolina: above all else: guard your heart for it is the wellspring of life. Proverbs 4:23 (NIV)
Angel, Folsom LA
This I declare about the Lord: He alone is my refuge, my place of safety; he is my God, and I trust him. Psalm 91:2
Therefore I do not run like someone running aimlessly; I do not fight like a boxer beating the air. (â€1 Corinthians‬ â€9‬:â€26‬ NIV)
Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him…
Psalm 37:7. NIV
Olivia, Chichester, UK “The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children” Romans 8:16 NIV