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.
Kristen, Long Island, NY.
“O Eternal, drench [me] with Your endless love, even now as [I] wait for You.”
Psalm 33:22, The Voice
Chrystal – Coachella, CA – The Lord knows the thoughts of man, that they are but a breath. (Psalm 94:11 ESV)
Linda from Van Alstyne, TX. 2 Timothy 4 : 17 “But the Lord stood at my side and gave me strength…”
Gloria – Cypress, TX – “If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.” James 1:5 (NIV)
Keely Hagan, Sturgis, KY “But he knows the way that I take; when he has tried me, I shall come out as gold. My foot has held fast to his steps; I have kept his way and have not turned aside. I have not departed from the commandment of his lips; I have treasured the words of his mouth more than my portion of food.” Job 23:10-12 ESV
Psalm 19:14 NAS
Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart
Be acceptable in Your sight,
O Lord, my rock and my redeemer
Christina, Decatur, TX
“In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps.” Proverbs 16:9 (NIV)
Jennifer – Milford, OH
“The Lord makes firm the steps
of the one who delights in him;
though he may stumble, he will not fall,
for the Lord upholds him with his hand.”
Psalm 37:23-24 (NIV)
Amanda Long, Clinton, MO Jesus said, “Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust in me.” John 14:1 NIV
Rachel Wright, Louisville KY. “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self control. Against such things there is no law. And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with it’s passions and desires. If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit.” (Gal. 5:22-25 ESV)
Dina, Orlando FL — Romans 8:31b-32: If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son, but delivered him up for us all — how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?
“Happy are those whose strength is in You, whose hearts are set on pilgrimage.” – psalm 84:5 ESV
Mary. Winter Park, FL
12Let not sin, therefore, reign in your mortal bodies, to make you obey their passions. 13 Do not yield your members to sin as instruments of wickedness, but yield yourselves to God as men who have been brought from death to life, and your members to God as instruments of righteousness. 14 For sin will have no dominion over you, since you are not under law but under grace.
Romans 6:12-14 RSV
“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your works and glorify your Father in heaven. Matthew 5:12
So overflowing is His kindness towards us that He took away all our sins throught the blood of His Son, by whom we are saved: and He has showered down upon us the richness of His grace – for how well He understands us and knows what is best for us at all times. Ephesians 1:7-8 The Living Bible
Karen H., Stephenville, TX
John 20:3-4 (NASB)
So Peter and the other disciple went forth; and they were going to the tomb.
The two were running together; and the other disciple ran ahead faster than Peter and came to the tomb first.
(couldn’t find my post entered from yesterday, so apologize if this is a repeat)
Holli from Corona, Ca. “Since we have these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from every defilement of body and spirit, bringing holiness to completion in the fear of God.” 2 Corinthians 7:1 ESV
Leslie, Oakland MD
14 For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father’s family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?” Esther 4:14 NIV
Lori Benson, Paris, TX
Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.
Psalm 19:14, NASB
“Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. DO WHAT IT SAYS.” James 1:22 (emphasis mine!!)
Beth, Cowpens, SC
“…for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:11b-13 ESV
Jennifer Campbell, Fort Worth, TX, NLT
I memorized but did not submit my verse for last time, so I will submit both this time:
#2: “But when he saw the strong wind and the waves, he was terrified and began to sink. ‘Save me, Lord!’ he shouted. Jesus immediately reached out and grabbed him.” -Matthew 14:30
#3: “So letting your sinful nature control your mind leads to death. But letting the Spirit control your mind leads to life and peace.” -Romans 8:6-8
Virginia, mcKinney Tx
“Ah, Sovereign Lord, you have made the heavens and the earth by your great power and outstretched arm. Nothing is too hard for you.” Jeremiah 32:17 NIV
Jenn, Frederick CO
Romans 15:13 ESV
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.
She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life. Proverbs 31:12
Alston, Columbia, SC
You are my rock and my fortress. For the honor of your name, lead me out of this danger. (Psalm 31:3 NLT)
Jaime Cornelius Tyler, Texas
“But He knows the way that I take; when He has tested me, I will come forth as gold.” Job 23:10 NIV
Melissa Fancher, Marble, AR- Be joyful always;pray continuously;give thanks in all circumstances for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:16 – NIV
Allison in Fort Worth, TX
Behold, I go forward, but He is not there,and backward, but I do not perceive Him; 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.
But He knows the way that I take; when He has tried me, I shall come out as gold. Job 23:8-10 (ESV)
Connie Knott, Brandon, MS
“Words kill, words give life; they’re either poison or fruit—you choose.” (Proverbs 18:21, The Message)
Sloan
Atlanta, GA
‘For in him we live and move and have our being.’ As some of your own poets have said, “We are his offspring.” Acts 17:28 NIV
Isaiah 26:3 NLT
You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you! Trust in the LORD always, for the LORD GOD is the eternal ROCK.
Laura
Piney Flats, TN
“All Scripture is God-breathed and is valuable for teaching the truth, convicting of sin, correcting faults and training in right living; thus anyone who belongs to God may be fully equipped for every good work.”
~2 Timothy 3:16-17
Complete Jewish Bible
Laurie, Amarillo TX
“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
Nicole, Jonesboro, AR: “You know with all your heart and soul that not one of all the good promises the Lord your God gave you has failed. Every promise has been fulfilled; not one has failed. (â€Joshua‬ â€23‬:â€14‬ NIV)
Stephanie, Winder, GA
Daniel 2:21 ESV
He changes times and season; He removes kings and sets up kings; He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to those who have understanding.
Kendra Huckabee, Seymour, Tx ” But God, being rich in mercy, because of the love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespass, made us alive together with Christ-by grace you have been saved- and raised us up with him and seated us with him in heavenly places in Christ Jesus.” Ephesians 2:4-6 ESV
Robin Murray
Arlington, TX
“Rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer;” Romans 12:12 NKJV
Kathleen
St. Louis, MO
II Corinthians 12:9 (NASV)
“And he said to, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.” Most gladly therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses so that the power of Christ may dwell in me”
Jan Hixson, Fayetteville, Arkansas. “Pursue love and earnestly desire the spiritual gifts.” I Corinthians 14:1 NIV
Michelle Mardis, Scottsboro, AL
“Those who know Your name will trust in You for you LORD, have never forsaken those who seek You.”
Psalm 9:10 NIV
Nicole Blake, Severance, CO
“The LORD is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble. Those who know your name trust in you, for you, LORD, have never forsaken those who seek you.”
(Psalm 9:9-10 NIV)
Lauren Fancher, Marble,AR- ,Continue in prayer,and watch in the same with thanksgiving.Colossians 4:2- KJV
Cassie Pattillo, boiling springs, SC “My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, & slow to become angry.” James 1:19 (NIV)
Dawn Moore, Buford, GA
James 1:26
Those who consider themselves religious and yet do not keep a tight rein on their tongues deceive themselves, and their religion is worthless.
Psalms 127:1 “Except the Lord build the house, they labour in vain that build it except the Lord keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain.”
KJV
Darlene Medford Garner, NC
The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, His mercies never come to an end, they are new each morning; Great is Thy Faithfulness! Lamentations 3:22 ESV
Cheryl in Fairhope, AL “Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God.” James 1:19-20 (ESV)
Shannon Olson
Cardiff-by-the-Sea, CA
Psalm 25:3 NIV
No one who hopes in you will ever be put to shame, but shame will come on those who are treacherous without cause.
Jan ~ Summerville,SC
Blessed are those who trust in the lord… they are like trees planted along a riverbank with roots that reach deep into the water. Such trees are not bothered by heat or worried by long months of drought. Their leaves stay green and they go righ on producing deliciou fruit. Jeremiah 17:7-8 (NLT)