Whew. It's getting late on March 1st, but I'm making it on time. I apologize to those of you who have been waiting all day to post your verse.
Many of you know that I've been teaching fitness classes for about 12 years. During November and December I was absolutely over it, done, finished. I felt annoyed every time I had to go teach a class, but because it is my job and I have grown to care for the people I see in my classes, I kept going. My only hope was to get to quit teaching or get over the hump. I actually gave myself a four month window to see if it was just a work-out wall or it was actually time to quit.
Good news. I got over that darn wall. I'm loving instructing my classes again. Exercising with a group of people makes me smile, work harder, and show up even when I don't want to.
Well, guess what. I'm so grateful for all of you because you help me "show up" in memorizing scripture.
Right now I'm kind of in a "Meh, I think I'll coast awhile" funk when it comes to taking in scripture. Thank God He provided community for me through you. Without you, I may have remained lazy, or apathetic, or whiney, or just quit altogether.
I debated whether or not to tell you this because I don't want any of you to take this as license to slack off. Discipline takes work. Real work. For some of you setting goals and achieving them can practically happen in your sleep. But, for the other 99% of us, discipline means skinning our knuckles, clenching our jaw, furrowing our brow, and begging God to work in us as we work out our faith.
With all that being said, I will not be adding a verse this time. I'm staying focused on Ephesians 3:16-17 and Ephesians 6:20-21.
Thank you all for walking this journey with me. Your diligence encourages me. I pray for each of you as you comment and leave your verse. I truly love it and love you.
Post away and feel free to add anything you are learning or processing.
23 important comments so far. What are your thoughts?
Happy March!
Thank you for doing this yet again. I have this today...
Psalm 149:4-6
For the Lord takes delight in his people. He crowns the humble with salvation. Let the saints rejoice in this honor, and sing for joy on their beds. May the praise of God be in their mouths and a double edged sword in their hands.
So many times this past couple of weeks, God brought this to mind for me, reminding me, first of all, that I can never forget I am in a battle. And secondly, that my tools for fighting are as much the praise in my mouth, as the sword in my hands. So good, so important.
Still moving along in James. I'm going to try to take a bigger chunk in the next two weeks. Working on verses 9-12.
"Let the lowly brother boast in his exaltation, and the rich in his humiliation, because like a flower of the grass he will pass away. For the sun rises with its scorching heat and withers the grass; its flower falls, and its beauty perishes. So also will the rich man fade away in the midst of his pursuits. Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him."
James has been a really good reminder to me over the past few weeks. Learning that we need to consider it joy when we go through trials and that through that testing of our faith, steadfastness is produced. Hard lesson to learn for sure!
Romans 13:8-10
English Standard Version (ESV)
8 Owe no one anything, except to love each other, for the one who loves another has fulfilled the law. 9 For the commandments, “You shall not commit adultery, You shall not murder, You shall not steal, You shall not covet,” and any other commandment, are summed up in this word: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” 10 Love does no wrong to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfilling of the law.
I'm still working on getting 1 Peter 1 into my brain. I'm working on vs. 14-15:
"As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do;"
For my new verses I'm adding Ephesians 2:8-9 NIV:
"For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast."
I have to say I do love my new system but haven't been the greatest at putting it into action. However, I'm feeling confident with the verses I wanted to review and of course I will continue reviewing them.
I had mulled around the idea of working on memorizing a book and have decided to jump on board.
I'm going to work on starting James (seems fitting right now).
James 1:2-4 (ESV)
Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.
All I can say is God's timing for this passage is pretty incredible.
And Angel tried again to sign up let me know if it worked :)
I have been reading in John lately, and this passage stood out to me about receiving glory from God. I was listening to a sermon that described glory as weight or significance, and it helped me understand this passage so much more. Jesus is speaking mainly to the Jews in this passage, however, I see myself in it as well. Sometimes I seek to be "religious" rather than drawing near to Jesus himself. I also seek the approval of others and for others to provide my life with significance, but how amazing is it that the God of the universe can do that and it is a lasting significance. Jesus has such depth of understanding of us humans, it is astounding!
John 5:39-43
"You search the Scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life; and it is they that bear witness about me, yet you refuse to come to me that you may have life. I do not receive glory from people. But I know that you do not have the love of God within you. I have come in my Father's name, and you do not receive me. If another comes in his own name, you will receive him. How can you believe, when you receive glory from one another and do not seek the glory that comes from the only God?"
Continuing on with Psalm 139.....
verses 5-6:
"You go before me and follow me. You place your hand of blessing on my head. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too great for me to understand."
--Kelly
Finishing up the last portion of Matthew 7 that I began memorizing last month. :)
Matthew 7:9-11
"Or what man is there among you when his son asks for a loaf, will give him a stone? Or if he ask for a fish, he will not given him a snake, will he? If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your father who is in heaven give what is good to those who ask Him?"
Since swallowing my pride last time and taking some responsibility, I have really really enjoyed working under a new system to memorize and review scripture. I walk to work every day, so most days I have my packet out and run through the verses. And the ones that end up coming up hit me freshly all the time in the different circumstances that life allows. I memorized a lot this last two weeks in my excitement, but I'm glad to say I've truly memorized them and review them frequently!
Here they are:
Isaiah 50:6-7
I offered my back to those who beat me, my cheek to those who pulled out my beard. I did not hide my face from the mocking and spitting. Because the Sovereign LORD helps me, I will not be disgraced. Therefore, I have set my face like flint, and I know that I will not be put to shame.
This has been powerful as I surrender the things in my life to God with the knowledge that God may take me to Houston. I offer them up, even to someone who may take them and make the sting more tangible. But they are God's, and I will not be put to shame!
Isaiah 61:1
The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me, because the LORD has anointed me to preach the good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the broken hearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners.
The above is powerful in thinking of Christ's mission, and why He was sent. What am I anointed for? And when I was first memorizing this verse, before my interview in Houston, that was my first moment of surrender that where God sends me, I will go because His purposes are so much more powerful and deep than my own!
Similarly, Isaiah 6:8
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!"
(Interesting also that the LORD says 'who will go for us?" indicating the triune, perfectly communal nature of God)
Luke 19:10
For the Son of Man came to seek and to save what was lost.
I processed this verse deeply as I face the death of another friend who did not know Jesus, and think deeply about evangelism.
Proverbs 24:33-34
A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest - and poverty will come upon you like a bandit and scarcity like an armed man.
I need to be diligent and work hard! Discipline! Most people I talk to have trouble resting. I struggle to put my back into the plow and dig in deeply in my work.
Luke 14:33
In the same way, those of you who does not give up everything you have cannot be my disciples.
Deep truth, and one to wrestle with. Re: Houston. Re: everything in life.
Galatians 5:25
Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.
This was the first one I memorized this last two weeks. I dearly do not want to quench the Spirit of God in my life by what I expect of Him. Let Him take hold, let Him do great and awesome things. I am a vessel!
Isaiah 53:5
He was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities. The punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed.
"The punishment that brought us peace"...wow. Re: thinking about Jesus and what He has done.
Habakkuk 3:17-18
Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will be joyful in God my Savior.
Amen!
I know I memorized a lot this time. And I'm not sure what the pacing will look like in the months to come. But I am taking hold of this more truly than I have through the whole past year, and it has been great!
God bless you ladies!
I am at the last verse of my passage of Isaiah 40:21-31. So, since I already know verse 31 I am going to work on solidly reviewing the whole passage. Excited to be at the end of this one!
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.
I am adding on to my journey through Isaiah 55 with verse 3.
"Incline your ear, and come to me; hear, that your soul may live; and I will make with you an everlasting covenant, my steadfast, sure love for David."
Also, for about a year now, our family has enjoyed listening to Bible verses set to music while we drive around town. Both Seeds Family Worship and Rizers are fantastic for these! It has reminded me just how much music helps me memorize. I have loved it as much as Jackson and Norah :) My kids know most of the verses on our various CDs but it occurred to me while driving that we haven't been intentionally explaining what these words mean or how these truths apply to our lives. So I am going to make it a point to intentionally bring the songs "out of the car" by reviewing some of their favorites before bed to allow for discussion and focused conversation.
This go around it will be Jeremiah 33:3 ‘Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.’
"My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires." -James 1:19-20
I'm becoming very aware of the fact that I can react very quickly to upsetting, angry, unkind words and retaliate with just the same. This isn't a habit I want to keep so this verse came to mind. :)
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.
Sorry for the previous delete...forgot I was signed in as Seeds Community Center :(
Carol
I'm going back to add on verse 5 to the passage in James 1...
"If any of you lacks wisdom let him ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him."
hello, sweetie.
still in proverbs 2:
then you will understand righteousness and justice
and equity, every good path;
for wisdom will come into your heart, and knowledge will be pleasant to your soul...
proverbs 2:9-10 esv
"Fear not for I am with you. Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you. Yes, I will help you. I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."
Isaiah 41:10 NKJV
I am still working on Psalm 10.
3 For the wicked boasts of the desires of his soul, and the one greedy for gain curses and renounces the LORD. 4 In the pride of his face the wicked does not seek him; all his thoughts are, "There is no God."
Britni
Second verse down...loving the process...hope to keep up the momentum!
Adding this one to it!
Philippians 4:9
What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me-- practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.
Philippians 4:9
Lizz
Working on Proverbs 31:8-9
“Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy.”
whew, guess I am a little late on posting! I am continuing in memorizing Isaiah 43. I am really stoked for how powerful verses 16 & 17 are.
"Thus says the Lord, who makes a way in the sea, a path in the mighty waters, who brings forth chariot and horse, army and warrior; they lie down, they cannot rise, they are extinguished, quenched like a wick:"
Mark 9:24
The father instantly cried out, "I do believe, but help me overcome my unbelief!"
Finally ready for a new verse!
Isaiah 40:9, ESV
Get you up to a high mountain, O Zion, herald of good news; Lift up your voice with strength, O Jerusalem, herald of good news; Lift it up, fear not; say to the cities of Judah, "Behold your God!"
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