Memorizing Scripture – Verse 2

The man who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence indeed is the Lord, is blessed – Jeremiah 17:7 (HCSB)

For those of you who haven’t read the story behind why I’m memorizing scripture so fervently, you can find it HERE.

In context, this scripture is so perfect for what Chris and I are going through right now. We are facing big transitions in every aspect of our life together and at times it would be easy to trust in the things of this world instead of God. The verses preceding this one talk about what happens when man trusts in mankind. Verse 5 says “The man who trusts in mankind, who makes human flesh his strength and turns his heart from the Lord, is cursed”. It’s the exact opposite of verse 7! After verse 7 it goes on to say that if you trust in the Lord, you will be like a tree planted by water, with strong roots, no fear, and fruit aplenty. When you experience drought, you won’t worry. I chose verse 7 to memorize from January 15 to February 1 because I want so desperately to truly trust in the Lord, and experience the peace of mind and blessings that come from full confidence in Him. I have already been able to use this verse over and over again whenever my mind wanders to anxiety and uncertainty about different things. I love that I’m experiencing firsthand the benefits of memorizing scripture and of using these verses to fight against things not of God! Be encouraged to start your own journey of memorization too.  

Memorizing Scripture – Verse 1

May all who fear You find in me a cause for joy, for I have put my hope in Your word. – Psalm 119:74 (NLT)

At the very beginning of this year I was in a meeting with John Piper, who was speaking to a group of leaders and had so much insight to offer. Probably the advice that impacted me the most was to concentrate as a leader on these three things: to Analyze Scripture, to Memorize Scripture and to Believe Scripture. Piper said that if you model these things to the people you’re leading, the ripple effect of your ministry will be immeasurably more. I enjoy analyzing scripture and along with that I wholeheartedly believe scripture, but I have really dropped the ball with memorizing scripture. This revelation led me to Beth Moore’s blog. At the beginning of the year she rallies together thousands of women from around the world  online and they all make a commitment together to memorize a new verse of scripture every two weeks. Two weeks is a great amount of time for the words to sink into your memory and your soul. What I like about her idea so much is that each woman is able to choose her own scripture, something that is relevant to her life at that moment. This really helps me to memorize the verse and live out what I’m repeating. HERE is the link to her memory verse ‘program’ – I recommend that everyone give it a try (if you’re a guy, totally do it – just not on her blog)!

I have decided that since I am going to be memorizing all these verses I need to know what they’re about, what context they’re in and how I can apply their meaning to my life in a practical way. I chose Psalm 119:74 for Jan 1 – 15, 2013 because I want people to find joy in me – not because I’m amazing but because God’s love shines through me and His word is alive in me, so that they can’t help but have fresh revelations about who He is when conversing with me (that’s the goal!).

When I read this verse, it’s very clear to me that God comes first, then me. I am only present in this verse because of God and His word. I think that whenever you are actively in His word, you’re drawing near to Him. Relationship with God is reciprocal. James 4:8 says draw near to God and He will draw near to you – it works both ways and has to come from both parties. So first of all, we have a choice to make about drawing near to Him and a great way to do that is through His word. When you’re doing that, it can’t help but radiate off of you so that others are encouraged too, though they may not always know why. John Piper also said that every time a leader opens his (or her) mouth, something about the scriptures/life should be clarified. May it be so with me, Lord! The only way to make this a reality in my life is to live out this verse and to analyze, memorize and believe scripture. I can’t wait to start memorizing my next verse tomorrow!

What a Week! Edition 2

This is what has been getting me through this week, and I hope these verses can provide some comfort for you as well. Everyone is going through something, it’s okay to feel the burden of a struggle and ask for help.

“God is our refuge and our strength, a very present help in trouble. So we will not fear when earthquakes come and the mountains crumble into the sea. Let the oceans roar and foam. Let the mountains tremble as the waters surge! A river brings joy to the city of our God, the sacred home of the Most High. God dwells in that city; it cannot be destroyed. God will protect it.” – Psalm 46:1

“Yahweh is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble: He knows those who take refuge in Him.” – Nahum 1:7

“And this is our confidence, that if we pray according to His will, He will hear us, and give us what we ask for, because our desires are in agreement with His thoughts for us.” – 1 John 5:14-15

“Since He himself has gone through suffering and testing, He is able to help us when we are being tested.” – Hebrews 2:18

 

30th October 2009

Jonah 2:8

“Those who pay regard to vain idols forsake their hope of steadfast love” (ESV)

“Those who cling to worthless idols forfeit the grace that could be theirs” (NIV)

“Those who worship hollow gods, god-frauds, walk away from their only true love” (THE MESSAGE)