Now that I’m 30-something, my memory ain’t what it used to be. In school I had a mind like a steel trap. A nearly photographic memory. Beginning in second grade I had to memorize scripture verses, usually a different one every single week. All the way through 12th grade. That’s a huge chunk of God’s word. But now I’m hard pressed to remember the references and exact words of the vast majority of those. I know what the Bible does and does not say, and I can find the verses I need, but most of it is not on the tip of my tongue any more. With a few exceptions. There are a few verses that I have called on so frequently that they stick in my head. They have such impact on my daily living, my sense of peace, my decision-making, my priorities. Here are ten of them. (More Top Ten posts here.)
1. John 3:16 “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whosoever believes in Him will not die, but will have everlasting life.” (I’m teaching my 5 yr old to memorize this one.)
2. Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
3. John 16:33 “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (Jesus said this to his disciples)
4. 2 Timothy 3: 16-17 “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.”
5. Psalm 51: 10-12 “Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation
and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.”
6. Ephesians 1:4 “For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love he predestined us to be adopted as his sons through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves. In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace that he lavished on us with all wisdom and understanding.”
7. Romans 12:2 “Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.”
8. Joshua 24:15 “But if serving the LORD seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your forefathers served beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD.”
9. Psalm 139:13-14 “For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.”
10. 1 Corinthians 13: 4-6 “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.”
What scriptures are your favorites? Please, do share in the comments, I’m sure it will bless and encourage me and those reading! 🙂
What a great post! Some of mine would be the same as yours, but I’ll need to think about it on a less scheduled day. Very worth doing, though. I memorized a lot of scripture as a child, too, for prizes in Sunday School. I wish there were more emphasis on that today, for kids. “Thy word have I hid in my heart, that I might not sin against thee…” There’s one I remember! 🙂
What a great post! Some of mine would be the same as yours, but I’ll need to think about it on a less scheduled day. Very worth doing, though. I memorized a lot of scripture as a child, too, for prizes in Sunday School. I wish there were more emphasis on that today, for kids. “Thy word have I hid in my heart, that I might not sin against thee…” There’s one I remember! 🙂
What a great post! Some of mine would be the same as yours, but I’ll need to think about it on a less scheduled day. Very worth doing, though. I memorized a lot of scripture as a child, too, for prizes in Sunday School. I wish there were more emphasis on that today, for kids. “Thy word have I hid in my heart, that I might not sin against thee…” There’s one I remember! 🙂
I can’t get through a day without reminding myself “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Phil 4:13
Great list!
love how God puts a true smile in my face when i look for him, nothing is ours but we should learn to apreciate those who care for us. and pray for those who envy you. these verses help thanks…
Romans 1:16
For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes