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.
Mechelle, Shaw, MS “Be very careful, then, how you live- not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.” Ephesians 5:15-16
Ashley from Bean Station,Tn: For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor Angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Romans 8:38 KJV
Karen, Kitchener, ON
Whoever confesses that Jesus is the son of God -God remains in him, and he in God.
1John 4:15 HCSB
Maggie, Julian, NC
Philippines 3:14 esv
I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.
Felicia – Allen, TX
Show me your ways, Lord, teach me your paths. Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long. Psalm 25:4-5 NIV
Melany Ethridge
Van Alstyne, TX
Colossians 1:28 (NIV)
He is the one we proclaim, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone fully mature in Christ.
Theda, Front Royal, VA Jeremiah 29:12 Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you.
Terra Haisley, Albany, Indiana: “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
Angela M. – Tulsa Area
Bless the Lord, O my soul,
and all that is within me,
bless his holy name!
2 Bless the Lord, O my soul,
and forget not all his benefits,
3 who forgives all your iniquity,
who heals all your diseases,
4 who redeems your life from the pit,
who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy,
Psalm 103:1-4
Renee Cloutier, Lansing, MI Job 23:12b NASB
“I have treasured the words of His mouth
more than my necessary food.”
Job 23:12b NASB
Miranda, West Virginia “This is the message we have heard from Him and declare to you: God is light; in Him there is no darkness at all.” 1 John 1:5 NIV
Pam Drewery
Springfield, Ohio
Forget teh former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?
Isaiah 43:18&19 NIV
Kathy, Chesapeake, VA
Proverbs 31:26 (NRSV)
She opens her mouth with wisdom and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue.
Bobbi Mooney, Houston, TX
Isaiah 30:18 (NIV)
Yet The Lord longs to be gracious to you; therefore he will rise up to show you compassion. For The Lord is a God of justice. Blessed are all who wait for him!
“And when the Centurion, who stood there in front of Jesus, heard his cry and saw how he died, said ” Surely this man was the Son of God!” Mark 15:39
Exodus 15:13 KJV Thou in thy mercy hast led forth the people which thou hast redeemed: thou hast guided them in thy strength unto thy holy habitation.
Kim Emmerich
Dickinson, ND
Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.
Matt. 5:4 ESV
Jessica from Rockvale, TN
Luke 6:31 (NIrV) “Do to others as you would have them do to you.”
Debbie Alix, Valley Falls, NY
“Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong.”
1 Corinthians 16:13 (NIV)
Beth Bellow, Houston, NIV
Psalm 139:7-10
7. Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence?
8. If I go up into the heavens you are there. If I make my bed in the depths, you are there.
9. If I rise on the wings of the dawn– If I settle on the far side of the sea,
10. Even there your hand will guide me. Your right hand will hold me fast.
Tonya, Searcy, AR
I Cor. 10:31 NCV
“The answer is, if you eat or drink, or if you do anything, do it all for the glory of God.”
Karen, Rialto, California.
Galatians 1:10 ESV
“For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ.”
Isaiah 38:17
“Surely it was for my benefit that I suffered such anguish. In your love you kept me from the pit of destruction; you have put all my sings behind your back.”
Elaine Moran, Austin, Arkansas
He has shown you, O man, what is good; And what does The Lord require of you
But to do justly
To love mercy
And to walk humbly with your God.
Micah 6:8 NKJV
Lelystad, the Netherlands
Laat de Heer uw vreugde blijven: ik zeg u nogmaals: wees altijd verheugd.
Fil. 4: 4 (NBV)
Deborah G. Berry – Silver City, NM
It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm then and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery. Galatians 5:1 NIV
Liz/Hillsboro OR-
“As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. ”
Ephesians 4:1-3 NIV
Cynthia, Dallas TX
Hebrews 4:16 (NKJV)
Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.
Las Vegas, Nevada
John 13:17 King James Version (KJV)
17 If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them.
Lynn Hartselle-Huntsville, AL
Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell. Matthew 10:28 NIV
Abby, Vacaville CA
And so, Lord, where do I put my hope? My only hope is in you.
Psalm 39:7, NLT
1 Thessalonians 5:17-19 King James Version (KJV)
17 Pray without ceasing.
18 In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.
Lorie Herinckx, Portland, Oregon “For if you live according to the sinful nature, you will die; but if by the spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will life. Romans 8:13 NIV
Stigler, OK
The Lord is my light & my salvation, whom shall I fear? The Lord is the STRONGHOLD of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?
Psalm 27:1 NIV
Michele N., Dallas, TX, “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.” Psalm 28:7 (NIV)
Natalie, San Diego, CA
4 And these things we write to you that your joy may be full. 5 This is the message which we have heard from Him and declare to you, that God is light and in Him is no darkness at all.
1 John 1:4-5, NKJV
Natalie – Will use your verse as next selection Feb 15.
Whitney Caves, Clinton, MS
“Behold, I am with you and will keep you wherever you go, and will bring you back to this land; for I will not leave you until I have done what I have promised you.”
Genesis 28:15 NASV
Angela from Aurora, Nebraska – “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God. Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of Heaven.” Matthew 5:8-10 NIV84
Gena Burnett, Fresno, CA
He knows the way that I take; when He has tested me, I will come forth as gold. Job 23:10 NIV
“I will praise You, LORD, with all my heart; I will tell of all the marvelous things you have done. Psalm 9:1 NLT
Myriam \ Rock Hill, SC
How blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked,Nor stand in the [a]path of sinners,Nor sit in the seat of scoffers!
2 But his delight is in the law of the Lord,And in His law he meditates day and night.
Ps. 1 v1-2 NASB
Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?
Isaiah 43:18&19 NIV
Donna Garvin, Eldordo, Texas
1 Chronicles 16:34 (ESV) Oh give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; for His steadfast love endures forever!
I chose the ESV over the NIV’84 because of the word “steadfast” which just says it all about God’s love for us.
Leah, Jonesboro, AR
How precious are your thoughts to me, O God! How great is the sum of them! If I should count them, they would be more in number than the sand; when I awake, I am still with you.
Psalm 139:17,18 NKJV
Melissa | Lancaster, PA
Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. (â€Proverbs‬ â€3‬:â€5-6‬ KJV)
One of my very favorite verses that has encouraged me in so many different situations!
Pam-NC
That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ. 1 Peter 1:7 KJV
Beth Lewis, Story City, Iowa
“For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.”
Hebrews 4:12, NKJ
Jaime Weaver, Klamath Falls, OR
Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. Philippians 2:3 NLT
Carol Kirby, Amarillo TX
Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. (â€2 Corinthians‬ â€4‬:â€16‬ NIV)
Tille, Spring Branch, TX
“We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to our own way; and the LORD has laid on Him the iniquity of us all.”
Isaiah 53:6 NIV