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.
Emily Hayes, Conway, Arkansas
God is our refuge and strength, A very present help in trouble. Psalm 46:1, New American Standard
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 NLT
Linda Mayes, Webb City, MO…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. (Ephesians 1:17) NIV
Frances Poage – Pasadena, TX
I have hidden your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you. Psalm 119:11 NLT
Gail
McDonough, Ga
But he knows the way that I take; when he has tested me, I will come forth as gold.
Job 23:10 (NIV)
Lindsey, Dubach, LA…”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)
Janet Henderson, Bowling Green, KY. Through him you believe in God, who raised him from the dead and glorified him, and so your faith and hope are in God. 1 Peter 1:21 (NIV)
Taylorm Collimgsworth, Nashville, TN
Colossians 3:10 NLT
Put on your new nature, and be renewed as you learn to know your Creator and become like him.
Jenny, Lexington, Ky
When the angel of the Lord appeared to Gideon, He said, “The Lord is with you mighty warrior, ”
Judges 6:12 Niv
Valerie
Clinton, Me
“Direct me in the path of your commands, for there I find delight.” ~Psalm 119:35 (NIV)
Debbie Hogan, Pocahontas, Ar
“She girdeth her loins with strength, and strengtheneth her arms.” Proverbs 31:17 Geneva Bible 1599
Jessica Lance, Shelby, NC, “Now the Lord is Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.” 2 Corinthians 3:18 ESV
Lisa Vinson, Abilene TX
For you were bought at a price: therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s. I Cor. 6:20 NKJ
Rebecca
Owasso, OK
“But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us.”
2 Corinthians 4:7 NIV
Jennifer, Weston, MO:
But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Matthew 6:33 NIV
Liz from Hilliard, OH:
“Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one. Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.”
Deuteronomy 6:4-5 (NIV)
Patty Royal. Orlando, FL
Do everything without complaining and arguing
Phil. 2:14. NLT
Samantha, Kingwood, TX. Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know. Jeremiah 33:3 (NIV)
Stephanie, Dayton, OH
John 16:33 NIV – i have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.
Catlett, VA. Being confident of this very thing, that he which begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ. Philippians 1:6
Kristi Lenoir City, TN
No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.
1 Corinthians 10:13 NIV
Mary Jane, Troy KS “Your love must be real. Hate what is evil, and hold on to what is good. Love each other like brothers and sisters. Give each other more honor than you want for yourselves.” Romans 12:9-10 NCV
Psalm 19:14 [NIV]
“May the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O LORD, my Rock and Redeemer.”
The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. 2 Corinthians 10:4 NIV
Exodus 33:14 NIV
The LORD replied. “My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.”
Carissa LaValle, St. Bonifacius MN
Philippians 4:19 My God will richly fill your every need in a glorious way through Christ Jesus.–God’s Word Translation
Cheryl Melton, Ft. Worth, TX
You have made known to me the paths of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence.
Acts 2:28 NIV
Ginny, Vancouver, BC, Canada
Job 42:2 ESV
“I know that you can do all things and that no purpose of yours can be thwarted.”
Melanie of Greenbrier, TN
As soon as they began singing, the LORD confused the enemy camp, 2Chronicles 20:22 (CEV)
Kim Carver
Fredericktown, MO
1 Peter 2:24 KJV
Who His own self bare or sins in His own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.
Deb Meabon, Warren, PA.
Then He added, “Pay close attention to what you hear. The closer you listen, the more understanding you will be given – and you will receive even more.”
Mark 4:24 (NLT)
Jana, Troy KS “Yes, I am sure that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor ruling spirits, nothing now, nothing in the future, no powers, nothing above us, nothing below us, nor anything else in the whole world will ever be able to seperate us from the love of god that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” NCV
Carol Busse, Battle Creek, Micigan- “Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.” Ephesians 4:2-3 NIV
Sierra, Skowhegan Maine
Psalm 28:7
“The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in Him and He helps me. My heart leaps for joy, and with my song I praise Him.” (NIV)
Kelly Sonderby, San Clemente, CA
Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Philippians‬ â€4‬:â€6‬ NLT
Melani Shock, Alexandria, LA.
Psalm 3:4-5 (KJV) -“I cried aloud unto the Lord with my voice, and he heard me out of his holy hill. Selah. I laid me down and slept; I awaked; for the Lord sustained me.”
Stefanie Parker, Tuscaloosa AL, “But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy. And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace.” James 3:17-18
Maggie, Atlanta, Georgia
Teach me to do your will, for you are my God; may your good Spirit lead me on level ground.
Psalm 134:10 NIV
Stephanie Shinn
Chanhassen, MN
“I sought the Lord and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears.” Psalm 34:4 (NIV)
Rhonda Patterson, Niles, MI, “Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.” Romans 12:12 ESV
Beth, Minnetonka, Minnesota
NIV Isaigh 40:26
Lift your eyes and look to the heavens: Who created all these? He who brings out the starry host one by one, and calls them each by name. Because of His great power and mighty strength, not one of them is missing.
But now, this is what the Lord says – he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: “Fear not, for I have redeemed you: I have summoned you by name: you are mine. Isaiah 43:1 NIV
Micki Elaine, Atlanta, Texas
But now is the time to get rid of anger, rage, malicious behavior, slander, and dirty language.
Colossians 3:18 (NLT)
Jan; Louisville, Ky
Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans. (â€Proverbs‬ â€16‬:â€3‬ NIV)
Mindy – Minot, ND
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. Romans 12:2 NLT
Brenda, Lincoln, NE
Psalms 139:23-24 NLT
Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. Point out anything in me that offends you, and lead me along the path of everlasting life.
Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.
Isaiah 26:3
So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most.
Hebrews 4:16 (NLT)
Lebanon ohio: just as the Lord forgives you, so also must you forgive. Colossains 3:13
Laura H., Albuquerque, NM
“…let us run with 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.” Hebrews 12:1-2, ESV