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.
Carrie Foreman. Horatio, Arkansas
But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong. 2 Corinthians 12:9-10
Jodell, Frankfort, IN “But he knows the way that I take; when he has tested me, I will come forth as gold.” Job 23:10 NIV
But He knows the way that I take; when He has tested me, I will come forth as gold.
Job 23:10 NIV
Kelly Ganster Florence KY
But this is the new agreement I will make with the people of Israel, says the Lord: I will write my laws in their minds so that they will know what I want them to do with out my even telling them, and these laws will be in their hearts so that they will want to obey them, and I will be their God and they shall be my people.
Hebrews 8:10 The Living Bible
Christy in Elkhart, In.
A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh. Ezekiel 36:26KJV
“Our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.” -2 Corinthians 4:17 NIV
Gale Ocean Springs, Mississippi
“We always thank God for all of you and continually mention you in our prayers.” 1 Thessalonians 1:2 (NIV)
Heather. Pelion SC. “Search me [thoroughly], oh God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts. And see if there is any wicked or hurtful was in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.” (Psalm 139:23-24 AMP)
Lynell Horn, Kirbyville, TX
For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.
II Corinthians 4:17 NIV
Fincastle, Virginia
I will not fail you, [Leigh]. Joshua 1:5 NAS
Elizabeth Peck, Fairfax Station, VA. Many are the plans in a man’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails. NIV 1984
Christine Madison AL
Before I formed you in the womb I knew you,
before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.” Jeremiah 1:5 NIV
Melodie Ocampo from Bullhead City AZ,
And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you. Ephesians 4:32 (NKJV)
Bobbie, Litchfield, MN
Rejoice 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)
Hebrews 5-7-9 NIV “During the days of Jesus’ life on earth, he offered up prayers and petitions with fervent cries and tears to the one who could save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverent submission. 8 Son though he was, he learned obedience from what he suffered 9 and, once made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him.”
Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. Hebrews 11:1 (KJV)
Emily – Bartlett, TN
James 1:5 NIV
 If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.
Tracy, Kountze, Texas
Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men, Colossians 3:23
Dee Shera – Jacksonville, Florida
Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.
Philippians 4:8 (NIV)
Julie Grissett,
Sugar Land, TX
“O Lord, be gracious to us; we long for you. Be our strength every morning, our salvation in time of distress.”
Isaiah 33:2 NIV
Dr. Wilma Arant, Swartz, LA: “Lift up your hands in the sanctuary, and bless the LORD.” Psalm 134:2 KJV
Carrie Nixon
Clayton, NC
“And you, Solomon my son, know the God of your father and serve him with a whole heart and willing mind, for the Lord searches all hearts and understands every plan and thought. If you seek him, he will be found by you, but if your forsake him, he will cast you off forever.”
1 Chronicles 28:9 ESV
Douglasville, Ga
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah‬ â€29‬:â€11‬ NIV
Oops, forgot the address: Elizabeth Peck, Fairfax Station, VA. Many are the plans in a man’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails. Prov 19:5 NIV 1984
Susan Canham, Bismarck ND: 6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; 7 and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. – Philippians 4:6-7 NKJV
Becky, Cleveland,TN
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving ,present your request to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and yours minds in Christ Jesus.
Phillipians 4:6,7
Psalm 62:1-2 NIV
Truly my soul finds rest in God; my salvation comes from him.
Truly he is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will never be shaken.
Paige Woodard Mitchell, Minden, LA: “Love is patient, love is kind. Love does not envy,is not boastful, is not conceited, does not act improperly, is not selfish, is not provoked, and does not keep a record of wrongs.” 1 Corinthians 13:4-5 (HCSB)
Sarah Schultz- Abilene, TX:
“In all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight”
Proverbs 3:6
Lisa, Leesville, La
I can do everything through him who gives me strength.
Philippians 4:13 NIV
Emily Lawyer, Arlington, VA
My child, pay careful attention to what I say. Listen carefully to my words. Don’t lose sight of them. Let them penetrate deep into your heart for they bring life to those who find them, and healing to their whole body. Prov. 4:20-22 (NLT)
Lisa, Morningview, KY
Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. (Philippians 4:9 NIV)
Sherry, Independence, Oregon:
“The Lord will guide you continually, and satisfy your soul in drought, And strengthen your bones;
You shall be like a watered garden, And like a spring of water, whose waters do not fail.” (Isaiah 58:11, NKJV)
The LORD is near the brokenhearted; he delivers those who are discouraged. (â€Psalms‬ â€34‬:â€18‬ NET)
Meg Hughes from Shelbyville, KY: “But as it is written: What eye did not see and ear did not hear, and what never entered the human mind – God prepared this for those who love Him.” (1 Cor. 2:9, HCSB)
From Tishomingo, OK
The LORD your God is with you, He is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, He will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing. (NIV)
Patty B Cleveland, OH “One who loves a pure heart and who speaks with grace will have the king for a friend.” Proverbs 22:11 NIV
Never walk away from someone who deserves help. Your hand is God’s hand for that person.
Proverbs 3:27
Renate, Heath, OH. “Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing!” Isaiah 43:18-19a (NIV)
Tricia, Converse, IN: “Look to the Lord and his strength; seek his face always.” Psalm 105:4, NIV
Lori McGahey, Nashville, TN, “Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, my strength and my Redeemer.” Psalm 19:14 NKJV
Jeanne Messer, Warner Robins, GA
Mark 7:15 TLB
Your souls aren’t harmed by what you eat, but by what you think and say, by what comes from your heart!
Ritva Legacy, Kitchener/Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
When you go to war against your enemies and see horses and chariots and an army greater than yours, do not be afraid of them, because the Lord your God who brought you up out of Egypt, will be with you. Deuteronomy 20:1 <3
Memory, Wenatchee, Wa
“He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” (Micah 6:8, NIV)
Angie, Markham, Ontario
Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.
Hebrews 12:2-3 NIV
Robin, Conway, SC ” pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere.” Eph. 6:18 (NLT)
Peggy Watson, Whitby, ON “He has looked with favour on the low status of his servant. Look! From now on everyone will consider me highly favoured” Luke 1:48 (CEB)
Brooke Carson, Mason Hall, TN
“My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry.” James 1:19 NIV
JoAnne – Sedona, AZ
We pray that you’ll live well for the Master, making him proud of you as you work hard in his orchard. As you learn more and more how God works, you will learn how to do your work. Colossians 1:10 (MSG)
Melody Bradshaw, NE “may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and the length and the height and depth and to know the love of Christ which surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled up to all the fullness of God.” Ephesians 3:18 &19 NAS