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.
Chris K from
Granbury, Texas
Proverbs 2:4
“If you seek her as silver and search for her as for hidden treasures;”
Katie Mitchell Jacksonville FL
Romans 1:5 New Living Translation (NLT)
5 Through Christ, God has given us the privilege[a] and authority as apostles to tell Gentiles everywhere what God has done for them, so that they will believe and obey him, bringing glory to his name.
“The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; His mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness.” Lamentations 3:22-23 ESV
Kathie Cwienkala Zephaniah 3:17 KJV The LORD thy God in the midst of thee is mighty; he will save, he will rejoice over thee with joy; he will rest in his love, he will joy over thee with singing.
Priscilla Nash, San Antonio, Texas
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)
Pam Guins. Taylorsville, NC
The God of my rock; in him will I trust: he is my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my high tower, and my refuge, my saviour; thou savest me from violence.
2 Samuel 22:3 KJV
Julie, Alliance, Nebraska.
“O Lord, you are so good, so ready to forgive, so full of unfailing love for all who ask for your help.” Psalm 86:5 NLT
Cheri, Sheridan WY “God is both kind and severe. He is severe toward those who disobey, but kind to you if you continue to trust in His kindness.” Romans 11:22 NLT
Janie Phillips, Indianapolis, IN. You are all children of the light and children of the day. We do not belong to the night or to the darkness. 1 Thessalonians 5:5
Carla, Coweta. “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
Amanda Francis, Gaffney, SC
Come near to God and He will come near to you. James 4:8 (NIV)
Laura Jane, Monroe N.C. Isaiah 55:8-9 (NKJ) For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways says the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth,So are My ways higher than your ways,and My thoughts than your thoughts
Nicole Carlisle Pell City, AL
But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his immense patience as an example for those who would believe in him and receive eternal life. (â€1 Timothy‬ â€1‬:â€16‬ NIV)
Angie Sarich
Deland, FL
I absolutely love this verse 🙂
“At that time his voice shook the earth, but now he has promised, “Once more I will shake not only the earth but also the heavens.” The words “once more” indicate the removing of what can be shaken—that is, created things—so that what cannot be shaken may remain. ”
(Hebrews 12:26-27, NIV)
I love this also. I am going to make note of it for a later memory verse. It really speaks to my heart.
Jamie Martin, Judsonia AR “….and what does The Lord require of you but to do justice, to love kindness and to walk humbly with your God.” Micah 6:8 NAS
Tracey G, Weatherford TX
Ruth 1:16 NIV
…“Don’t urge me to leave you or to turn back from you. Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. …” in loving memory of my MIL
Leslie B from Cedar Grove, NC
“Pleasant words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.” Proverbs 16:24
Rachel, Springfield, TN
Romans 1:20 NLT
“For ever since the world was created, people have seen the earth and sky. Through everything God made, they can clearly see his invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature. So they have no excuse for not knowing God.”
Molly P., Portland, OR “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.” Matthew 6:33 NKJV
Melissa – Shinnston, WV “And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope; and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us. (â€Romans‬ â€5‬:â€3-5‬ NASB)”
Denise Masengill, Morristown, TN ” 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.” Romans 8:28 NIV
Christina Armentrout, Lancaster, CA
Make me to know your ways, O Lord; teach me your paths. Lead me in your truth and teach me, for you are the God of my salvation; for you I wait all the day long.
Psalm 25:4-5 ESV
My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience.
James 1:2-3 (NKJV)
Kathy, North Wilkesboro, NC
Johanna, Carlsbad CA
Colossians 3:15 (NIV): “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.”
Melissa, Fort Worth,
“Therefore, no condemnation now exists for those in Christ Jesus, 2 because the Spirit’s law of life in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and of death. 3 What the law could not do since it was limited by the flesh, God did.” Romans 8:1-3a HCSB
Morgan from Arlington, VA Philippians 2:3, NIV, “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves”
Carrie, St. Paul, MN
I call to You from the ends of the earth
when my heart is without strength. Psalm 61:2a HCSB
Judy, Springfield, MO
Psalms 86:12
I will give thanks to You, O Lord my God, with all my heart, And will glorify Your name forever.
Jennifer, Topeka, KS
“In all your ways acknowledge Him, and he will make straight your paths.” Proverbs 3:6 ESV
Marsha Johnson, Irmo, SC Psalm 86:10-11 (NASB)
For You alone are great and do wondrous deeds;
You alone are God.
Teach me Your way, O LORD;
I will walk on Your truth;
Unite my heart to fear Your name.
Oops! First line of Psalm 86 doesn’t contain the word alone. While true that God alone is great and does wondrous things, “alone” shows up only in the second line. 🙂 I’ll memorize what’s in my little book!
Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.
Romans 12:2 ESV
“You, Lord, are forgiving and good,
abounding in love to all who call to you.
Hear my prayer, LORD;
listen to my cry for mercy.
When I am in distress, I call to you,
because you answer me.”
Psalm 86:5-7 NIV
Sandra Hagy North Tazewell, VA
But He knows the way that I take; when He has tested me, I will come forth as gold. Job 23:10 NIV
Westerville, Ohio
2 Corinthians 12:9 (NIV)
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.
Ally, Houston, TX.
“The Spirit gives life; the flesh counts for nothing. The words I have spoken to you- they are full of the Spirit and life.”
John 6:63 NIV
Robin Elizabethtown, KY
Isaiah 40:31 (NIV)
but those who hope in the Lord
will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
they will run and not grow weary,
they will walk and not be faint.
Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you. Romans 12:3 NIV
Dawn, Silver Spring, MD
Their voice goes out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world. In them He has set a tent for the sun, which comes out like a bridegroom leaving his chamber, and, like a strong man, runs its course with joy.
Psalm 19: 4-5 (ESV)
I didn’t forget yesterday, was busy with company.
Matt 6:34 NIV
Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.
Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak. Matt 26:41 NIV
Vickie Ingle, Indio, CA “I am with you and will watch over you wherever you go, and I will bring you back to this land. I will not leave you until I have done what I have promised you.
(Genesis 28:15 ESV)
Whitney, LaGrange, Ga
“Simon Peter answered him, ‘Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life, and we have believed, and have come to know, that you are the Holy One of God.'” John 6.68-69 ESV
Jill Miller; Akron, IN
“Do not be quick with your mouth, do not be hasty in your heart to utter anything before God. God is in heaven and you are on earth, so let your words be few.” Ecclesiastes 5:2 NIV
Debbie B., Robstown, TX
“And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.” Romans 8:28 NKJV
Julie Luten, Spokane, WA “I will bless the LORD at all times; His praise shall continually be on my mouth. My soul makes its boast in the LORD, let the humble hear and be glad. Oh, magnify the LORD with me and let us exalt his name together.” Psalm 34:1-3 ESV
Amanda, Houston, TX
A good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold Proverbs 22:1 NIV
Matthew 22:37-39 ESV
And he said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself.
Rana, Lovington, New Mexico. “For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and self-discipline.” 2 Timothy 1:7 NIV
Brandy, Port Neches, TX
2 Timothy 2:24 “The Lord’s servants must not quarrel but must be kind to everyone. They must be able to teach effectively and be patient with difficult people.” (NLT)
Michele – Whitehall, PA
James 3:17 ESV – But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere.