LeRoy Eims on the importance of Scripture memory: "I think two of the master strokes of the devil have been to convince people he doesn't exist, and that Scripture memory is only for children. He remembers the humility of defeat when Jesus Christ, who was tempted in all points like as we are, met him with the Word of God." (What Every Christian Should Know About Growing; p. 26-27)

Thursday, January 31, 2013

James 1:7

Begin by reviewing v1-6.  Then move on to today's verse.

That man should not think he will receive anything from the Lord; (NIV)

For that person must not suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; (ESV)

If we doubt God, if we don't trust in His goodness, we dishonour Him and God will not answer our prayers for wisdom (or anything else).  God is good.  God is love.  We can trust Him!

Repeat, repeat, repeat!

Wednesday, January 30, 2013

James 1:6

Today is Wednesday, so begin the day by reviewing 1 Corinthians 13.

But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. (NIV)

But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. (ESV)

When we ask for the wisdom in v5 we must pray with absolute trust in our sovereign God, without doubt both mentally and morally.  God does not lie.  God does not break any promises.  God has promised us wisdom when we ask, and if we ask (with right motives and seeking His glory), He will answer.

Repeat this verse over and over today.

Tuesday, January 29, 2013

James 1:5

I totally forgot to post yesterday, sorry about that!  Hopefully you reviewed the Psalms and the first 4 verses of James.

Today, begin by reviewing the book of Titus, and then go on to today's verse.

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. (NIV)

If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God,who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. (ESV)

Wisdom is necessary to live life for the glory of God.  Not wisdom as the world see wisdom.  But divine wisdom, grounded within the absolutes revealed to us in the Word, and then lived out.  Practical wisdom.  And we simply need to ask.  As with all of His blessings, God has wisdom in abundance, ready to pour out on those who seek it.  Just like Solomon.

Repeat today's verse over and over, meditating on its truths, as you hide this verse in your heart today.

Friday, January 25, 2013

James 1:4

Begin by reviewing v1-3.  Can you do it?  If not, that's ok.  Review them several times until you've got it and before moving on to the next verse.

Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. (NIV)

And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. (ESV)

Obviously perfection in this life is not possible for us.  But growth towards perfection is.  In fact, if we are not sinning less, we are not growing in our spiritual life.  As we grow in the love of God and as we grow in our love for each other, we will begin to sin less often.  However, as we understand more and more the holiness of God and our own depravity, that sin will bother us even more - so it may seem to us like we sin the same as we did before.

My MacArthur commentary says this:
The testing of faith drives believers to deeper communion and greater trust in Christ - qualities that in turn produce a stable, godly, and righteous character.

Our trials will product steadfastness of character which will, in turn, result in a growth in spiritual maturity.

Meditate on the truths of these verses as you repeat them over and over.  Remember, we are not memorizing just for the sake of memorization - but transformation!

Saturday and Sunday will be spent on review.  See you Monday for James 1:5!

Thursday, January 24, 2013

James 1:3

Start the day off by reviewing v1&2.

Then add on v3

because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. (NIV 1984)

 for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. (ESV)

We are tested to prove our faith genuine and the result of such testing is steadfastness or perseverance or endurance.  As my ESV Study Bible says - a life of faithful endurance amid troubles and afflictions.

Repeat today's verse over and over and over again!
You're doing great!

Wednesday, January 23, 2013

James 1:2

Today is Wednesday, so start the day by reviewing 1 Corinthians 13.

Then review James 1:1 from yesterday.

On to today's new verse....

Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, (NIV)

Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, (ESV)


Our natural human response to trials is certainly no to rejoice, so we must make a conscience effort to face them with joy.  Count it joy, consider it joy.

Trials in our life prove our faith to be genuine, and in fact, increase both the strength and quality of our faith.

MacArthur adds this thought in his study Bible....
Every trial becomes a test of faith designed to strengthen. If the believer fails the test by wrongly responding, that test then becomes a temptation, or a solicitation to evil.

When we trust in God's plan for our lives, when we trust in His goodness, when we recognize the fact that all trials will test and strengthen our faith if we allow it to, then we can choose to face them with joy.  Not because we're happy about it, but because we are purposefully choosing to rejoice in the Lord and glorify Him.

Repeat today's verse over and over and allow it's truth to sink deep into your heart.

Tuesday, January 22, 2013

James 1:1

Well, it's not Monday, but today we're starting new!

Start off today by reviewing the book of Titus (because it's Tuesday).

Today we're going to start the book of James.  Now, before you panic, don't think of it as learning an entire book.  Just think of it that our next chapter we're tackling is James 1.  Once James 1 is totally secure, we'll move on to our next chapter which will just so happen to be James 2.  Don't think of it as the entire book, because that can be overwhelming.  Try it and see!  We won't go too fast, but if you need more time, just let me know and we can add in a few extra review days as needed.

I am going to be posting two versions - ESV and NIV (1984).  I have always previously memorized the NIV, but I am leaning towards switching to the ESV for myself because it is a more accurate literal translation, yet still maintains readability. If any of you that are following use a different translation and would like me to add that in, please let me know.  Obviously you are free to memorize whichever translation you like.

Here we go!



NIV 1984

James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ,
To the twelve tribes scattered among the nations:
Greetings.


ESV

James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ,
To the twelve tribes in the Dispersion:
Greetings.




This James is the half-brother of Jesus and he is writing to the Jews, wherever they may be living.

Read this verse aloud several times.  Then try doing it from memory.  If you can't, go back to reading it aloud several more times.  Rinse and repeat.  There's no magic to this.  Just repetition.  Reading aloud will help!

God bless you as you store His Word in your heart.


Friday, January 18, 2013

Book of Titus

Today we will review the Book of Titus again.

Over the weekend, review any of the chapters that are tougher for you.  Monday we start new!


Thursday, January 17, 2013

1 Corinthians 13

Spend today reviewing 1 Corinthians 13.


1 Corinthians 13

New International Version 1984 (NIV1984)
13 If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecyand can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames, but have not love, I gain nothing.
Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away.For we know in part and we prophesy in part, 10 but when perfection comes, the imperfect disappears. 11 When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put childish ways behind me. 12 Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.
13 And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.



Tomorrow we will review the Book of Titus again.


Wednesday, January 16, 2013

Tuesday, January 15, 2013

Book of Titus Review

Today, review the entire book of Titus.


Titus 1-3

New International Version 1984 (NIV1984)
Paul, a servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ for the faith of God’s elect and the knowledge of the truth that leads to godliness a faith and knowledge resting on the hope of eternal life, which God, who does not lie, promised before the beginning of time, and at his appointed season he brought his word to light through the preaching entrusted to me by the command of God our Savior,
To Titus, my true son in our common faith:
Grace and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Savior.

Titus’s Task on Crete

The reason I left you in Crete was that you might straighten out what was left unfinished and appoint elders in every town, as I directed you. An elder must be blameless, the husband of but one wife, a man whose children believe and are not open to the charge of being wild and disobedient. Since an overseer is entrusted with God’s work, he must be blameless—not overbearing, not quick-tempered, not given to drunkenness, not violent, not pursuing dishonest gain. Rather he must be hospitable, one who loves what is good, who is self-controlled, upright, holy and disciplined. He must hold firmly to the trustworthy message as it has been taught, so that he can encourage others by sound doctrine and refute those who oppose it.
10 For there are many rebellious people, mere talkers and deceivers, especially those of the circumcision group. 11 They must be silenced, because they are ruining whole households by teaching things they ought not to teach—and that for the sake of dishonest gain. 12 Even one of their own prophets has said, “Cretans are always liars, evil brutes, lazy gluttons.” 13 This testimony is true. Therefore, rebuke them sharply, so that they will be sound in the faith14 and will pay no attention to Jewish myths or to the commands of those who reject the truth. 15 To the pure, all things are pure, but to those who are corrupted and do not believe, nothing is pure. In fact, both their minds and consciences are corrupted. 16 They claim to know God, but by their actions they deny him. They are detestable, disobedient and unfit for doing anything good.

What Must Be Taught to Various Groups

You must teach what is in accord with sound doctrine. Teach the older men to be temperate, worthy of respect, self-controlled, and sound in faith, in love and in endurance.
Likewise, teach the older women to be reverent in the way they live, not to be slanderers or addicted to much wine, but to teach what is good. Then they can train the younger women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled and pure, to be busy at home, to be kind, and to be subject to their husbands, so that no one will malign the word of God.
Similarly, encourage the young men to be self-controlled. In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned, so that those who oppose you may be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say about us.
Teach slaves to be subject to their masters in everything, to try to please them, not to talk back to them, 10 and not to steal from them, but to show that they can be fully trusted, so that in every way they will make the teaching about God our Savior attractive.
11 For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. 12 It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, 13 while we wait for the blessed hope—the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, 14 who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good.
15 These, then, are the things you should teach. Encourage and rebuke with all authority. Do not let anyone despise you.

Doing What Is Good

Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good, to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and to show true humility toward all men.
At one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another. But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life. This is a trustworthy saying. And I want you to stress these things, so that those who have trusted in God may be careful to devote themselves to doing what is good. These things are excellent and profitable for everyone.
But avoid foolish controversies and genealogies and arguments and quarrels about the law, because these are unprofitable and useless. 10 Warn a divisive person once, and then warn him a second time. After that, have nothing to do with him. 11 You may be sure that such a man is warped and sinful; he is self-condemned.

Final Remarks

12 As soon as I send Artemas or Tychicus to you, do your best to come to me at Nicopolis, because I have decided to winter there. 13 Do everything you can to help Zenas the lawyer and Apollos on their way and see that they have everything they need. 14 Our people must learn to devote themselves to doing what is good, in order that they may provide for daily necessities and not live unproductive lives.
15 Everyone with me sends you greetings. Greet those who love us in the faith.
Grace be with you all.


We will spend the rest of this week reviewing (tomorrow we will review all the Psalms) and then on Monday we will start our new book, but I haven't decided yet what it will be.  Stay tuned!



Monday, January 14, 2013

Titus 3 Review

Today review Titus 3.


Titus 3

New International Version 1984 (NIV1984)

Doing What Is Good

Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good, to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and to show true humility toward all men.
At one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another. But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life. This is a trustworthy saying. And I want you to stress these things, so that those who have trusted in God may be careful to devote themselves to doing what is good. These things are excellent and profitable for everyone.
But avoid foolish controversies and genealogies and arguments and quarrels about the law, because these are unprofitable and useless. 10 Warn a divisive person once, and then warn him a second time. After that, have nothing to do with him. 11 You may be sure that such a man is warped and sinful; he is self-condemned.

Final Remarks

12 As soon as I send Artemas or Tychicus to you, do your best to come to me at Nicopolis, because I have decided to winter there. 13 Do everything you can to help Zenas the lawyer and Apollos on their way and see that they have everything they need. 14 Our people must learn to devote themselves to doing what is good, in order that they may provide for daily necessities and not live unproductive lives.
15 Everyone with me sends you greetings. Greet those who love us in the faith.


Grace be with you all.
Tomorrow we will review the entire book of Titus.



Friday, January 11, 2013

Titus 2 Review

Today review Titus 2.


Titus 2

New International Version 1984 (NIV1984)

What Must Be Taught to Various Groups

You must teach what is in accord with sound doctrine. Teach the older men to be temperate, worthy of respect, self-controlled, and sound in faith, in love and in endurance.
Likewise, teach the older women to be reverent in the way they live, not to be slanderers or addicted to much wine, but to teach what is good. Then they can train the younger women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled and pure, to be busy at home, to be kind, and to be subject to their husbands, so that no one will malign the word of God.
Similarly, encourage the young men to be self-controlled. In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned, so that those who oppose you may be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say about us.
Teach slaves to be subject to their masters in everything, to try to please them, not to talk back to them, 10 and not to steal from them, but to show that they can be fully trusted, so that in every way they will make the teaching about God our Savior attractive.
11 For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. 12 It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, 13 while we wait for the blessed hope—the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, 14 who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good.
15 These, then, are the things you should teach. Encourage and rebuke with all authority. Do not let anyone despise you.


For the weekend, spend your days reviewing any of the previous chapters that you are your toughest ones to remember.  On Monday we will review Titus 3.


Thursday, January 10, 2013

Titus 1 Review

We're continuing on our goal of reviewing all the chapters we memorized last year.  Spend the day today reviewing Titus 1.


Titus 1

New International Version 1984 (NIV1984)
Paul, a servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ for the faith of God’s elect and the knowledge of the truth that leads to godliness a faith and knowledge resting on the hope of eternal life, which God, who does not lie, promised before the beginning of time, and at his appointed season he brought his word to light through the preaching entrusted to me by the command of God our Savior,
To Titus, my true son in our common faith:
Grace and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Savior.

Titus’s Task on Crete

The reason I left you in Crete was that you might straighten out what was left unfinished and appoint elders in every town, as I directed you. An elder must be blameless, the husband of but one wife, a man whose children believe and are not open to the charge of being wild and disobedient. Since an overseer is entrusted with God’s work, he must be blameless—not overbearing, not quick-tempered, not given to drunkenness, not violent, not pursuing dishonest gain. Rather he must be hospitable, one who loves what is good, who is self-controlled, upright, holy and disciplined. He must hold firmly to the trustworthy message as it has been taught, so that he can encourage others by sound doctrine and refute those who oppose it.
10 For there are many rebellious people, mere talkers and deceivers, especially those of the circumcision group. 11 They must be silenced, because they are ruining whole households by teaching things they ought not to teach—and that for the sake of dishonest gain. 12 Even one of their own prophets has said, “Cretans are always liars, evil brutes, lazy gluttons.” 13 This testimony is true. Therefore, rebuke them sharply, so that they will be sound in the faith14 and will pay no attention to Jewish myths or to the commands of those who reject the truth. 15 To the pure, all things are pure, but to those who are corrupted and do not believe, nothing is pure. In fact, both their minds and consciences are corrupted. 16 They claim to know God, but by their actions they deny him. They are detestable, disobedient and unfit for doing anything good.


Tomorrow we will review Titus 2.