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.
Kendall Reidenbach: Dover, OH
For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened. (â€Matthew‬ â€7‬:â€8‬ NIV)
Allison D., Little Rock, AR
We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain. Hebrews 6:19 (NIV)
LaRonda Arlington, tx
He changes times and seasons he sets up kings and desposes them he gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning
Daniel 2:21 NIV
Mary Joy Stuart, Dayton, OH. “I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 3:14 (NIV).
Wendy, Aworth, GA
What no eye has seen, what no ear has heard, and what no human mind has conceived the things God has prepared for those whose love him.
1 Corinthians 2:9 NIV
Thanks be to God who always leads us as captives in Christ’s triumphal procession and uses us to spread the aroma of the knowledge of Him everywhere.
For we are to God the pleasing aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing. To the one we are an aroma that brings death; to the other, an aroma that brings life. 2 Corinthians 2:14-16 NIV
Kristi Schnipke, Kettering, Ohio
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.” Galatians 5:22-24 ESV
Elmwood, Tennessee
“May the LORD show his constant love during the day, so that I may have a song at night, a prayer to the God of my life.” Psalm 42:8 (GNT)
Sarah Legaspi Jurupa Valley, CA
“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)
Sacramento, CA
But he knows the way that I will take;
When he has tested me, I Will come
forth as gold. Job 23:10 NIV
Danna, Atlanta,TX.
“But blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, whose confidence is in him. He will be like the tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit.” Jeremiah 17:7-8 (NIV)
Stephanie Hulse, Tonasket , WA
“Keep yourselves in God’s love as you wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you to eternal life” Jude 1:21)
Laura Hiatt-Las Vegas,NV-
As for me, I shall call upon God, And the Lord will save me. Psalm 55:16 NASB
Sheryl, PA = Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
! Thessalonians 5:16-18 NIV
Kathy Welch, Tyler, TX
“But God showed His love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Romans 5:8 ESV
Rebecca, Colorado Springs, CO
How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in peace!
(â€Psalm‬ â€133‬:â€1‬ NIRV)
Amanda M., Redding, CA.
Isaiah 6:8(NIV)
“Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?”
And I said, “Here am I. Send me!”
Michaela Claspill Nevada, MO — My soul finds rest in God alone; my salvation comes from Him. Psalm 62:1 (NIV)
Jules Lane
Foothills of the Rocky Mtns, Colorado
“Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not his benefits:” ~ Psalm 103:2 (KJV)
Becky, Houston TX. “Oh my dear children! I feel as if I am going through labor pains for you again, and they will continue until Christ is fully developed in your lives.” Galatians 4:19 NLT
Jennie Spearin Granite bay CA
“No in all these things we are more than victorious through him who loved us. For I am persuaded that not even death or life, angels or rulers, things present or thing to come, hostile powers, height or depth, or any other created thing will have the power to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord!”
Romans 8:37-39 HCSB
Catherine Lisle, Albuquerque, NM. “He is the Rock, his works are perfect, and all his ways are just. A faithful God who does no wrong, upright and just is he.” Deuteronomy 32:4 NIV
Deb, Becker, MN
But I have raised you up for this very purpose, that I might show you my power and that my name might be proclaimed in all the earth. Exodus 9:16 (NIV)
Candice, Olive Branch, MS
Out of the same mouth proceed blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not to be so. – James 3:10, NKJV
April Hughes, Escondido, Ca “I will give to the LORD the thanks due to his righteousness,
and I will sing praise to the name of the LORD, the Most High.” Psalm 7:17 ESV
Ramona Gellick
Medina, Ohio
Psalm 31:24 (MSG)
Be brave. Be strong. Don’t give up.
Expect God to get here soon.
Vickie Davis. Foxworth, Mississippi
1 John 1:6. NIV
If we claim to have fellowship with him yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live by the truth
Kelley, Houston, Tx
But he knows the way that I take;
when he has tested me, I will come forth as gold.
Job 23:10 (NIV)
Abigail Dubbe, Red Lion PA, Psalm 3:5, “I lie down and sleep; I wake again, because the LORD sustains me.” (NIV)
Lyn Fountain, Forest, MS; “Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them.” John 7‬:â€38‬ NIV
Acts 17:26 NET
From one man He made every nation of the human race to inhabit the entire earth, determining their set times and the fixed limits of the places where they Would live,
Lynda, Dallas, Texas. “Keep yourselves in God’s love as you wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you to eternal life.” Jude 21, NIV
Dawn Atwood, Colleyville, TX
For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. Hebrews 4:12, NIV
Love, love, love this verse! Think I found the second one for February! Thank you for posting!
Linda Patterson, Snowy Wolcottville IN
Teach me your way, O Lord, and I will walk in your truth;
give me an undivided heart, that I may fear your name.
Psalm 86:11 NIV
Annette, Richmond, TX
Do not lag in zeal, be enthusiastic in spirit, serve the Lord.
(Romans 9:11 NET)
Mimi from Snellville, GA – “Take delight in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart.” Psalm 37:4 NIV
Ashlie Black, MIssouri city, TX
Then Jesus told his disciples, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it. For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what shall a man give in return for his soul?
Matthew 16:24-26 (ESV)
Marilyn – Seattle
Your statutes are my heritage forever; they are the joy of my heart. (â€Psalm‬ â€119‬:â€111‬ NIV)
Feb 1st John 1:16niv
Out of the fullness we have all recieved grace. In place of grace already given.
I see you good job :)I’m down about 5 or so people
Mauri Sparks, Queen City, TX
Because your steadfast love is better than life, my lips will praise you. (â€Psalm‬ â€63‬:â€3‬ ESV)
Kathy of Los Gatos, CA. Col 3:12-14 NLT 12 Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. 13 Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. 14 Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony.
Lynne Molyneaux, Pittsburgh PA
Psalm 62:5 New Living Translation (NLT)
Let all that I am wait quietly before God,
for my hope is in him.
“Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”
Matthew 11:28 KJV
Tammy, Estelline SD
Do not let your hearts be troubled, trust in God, trust also in me. John 14:1
Psalm 119:165 KJV
Great peace have they which love thy law: and nothing shall offend them.
Chris M, Seattle, WA
As far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us.
Psalm 103:12 NIV
Samantha Zumbro, Golden, CO
“And I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you. And I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh.” Ezekiel 36:26 (ESV)
Judy, Lancaster, PA “He renews my strength. He guides me along right paths, bringing honor to his name.” Ps 23.3 nlt
Psalm 119:165 KJV
Great peace have they which love thy law: and nothing shall offend them.
Kayla Davisson, Fort Wayne, IN:
“7 These trials will show that your faith is genuine. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold–though your faith is far more precious than mere gold. So when your faith remains strong through many trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world.
8 You love Him even though you have never seen Him. Though you do not see Him now, you trust Him; and you rejoice with a glorious, inexpressible joy.”
-1 Peter 1:7-8