ABC Scripture Memory

When our son was around 2 years old we decided to start teaching him scripture. Since we were studying a letter of the alphabet each week I searched the internet for a ready-made list of scripture verses for each letter of the alphabet. Unfortunately, I could not find one that I really liked. So instead I went through the alphabet myself and tried to find verses that would be suitable for each letter. I wanted them to be simple, clear and easy to remember. I wanted to avoid more complex concepts like propitiation, sanctification, etc. Most importantly I wanted them to be verses that would build a foundation of truth as well as commands that would help my son honor the Lord. I wanted them to be ones that we could reference when he disobeyed but also ones that would encourage him to seek the Lord throughout his life.

As we have taught these verses to our son we realized that going through the alphabet is a GREAT way to memorize scripture. I was amazed at how many verses I could recall when I had a letter to start with.

After spending a significant amount of time on this list I have finally finished it. A few people have asked me to share this list with them so then I thought, why not share it with the whole region. I hope that it helps you and your family build a firm foundation on the word.

*Most of the verses are ESV, NAS, or NIV, but some are also Erin’s Simplified Version. I tried to double check everything, but there is a good probability that there is a mistake or typo. Let me know if you find one. I am also taking additional suggestions for letters K, Q, R, U, V, X, Y, and Z.

All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness. 2 Timothy 3:16

All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. Romans 3:23

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28

All things are possible with God. Mark 10:27

Believe in the Lord Jesus and you will be saved. Acts 16:31

Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for Him. Psalm 37:7

Be still and know that I am God. Psalm 46:10

Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Romans 12:12

Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord. Colossians 3:20

Commit your way to the Lord; trust in Him and he will act. Psalm 37:5

Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established. Proverbs 16:3

Confess your sins to one another and pray for one another that you may be healed. James 5:16

Cast all your anxieties on him because he cares for you. 1 Peter 5:7

Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. James 4:8

Delight yourself in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart. Psalm 37:4

Encourage one another and build one another up. 1 Thessalonians 5:11

Every good and perfect gift is from above. James 1:17

Everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened. Luke 11:10

For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword. Hebrews 4:12

For God so loved the world that he gave his only son. John 3:16

The FRUIT of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control; Galatians 5:22-23

A FRIEND loves at all times. Proverbs 17:17

God created the heavens and the earth. Genesis 1:1

God created man in his own image… Genesis 1:27

God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Psalm 46:1

Gracious words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the body. Proverbs 16:24

God shows his love for us in the while we were still sinners Christ died for us. Romans 5:8

God gave us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. 1 John 5:11

God is truthful. John 3:33b

Holy, holy, holy is the Lord Almighty; the whole earth is full of his glory! Isaiah 6:3

The HEAVENS declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork. Psalm 19:1

Humility comes before honor. Proverbs 15:33b

Honor one another above yourselves. Romans 12:10b

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Philippians 4:13

Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another. Proverbs 27:17

I call upon the Lord, who is worthy to be praised, and I am saved from my enemies. Psalm 18:3

I praise God for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Psalm 139:14

In your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy. 1 Peter 3:15a

The JOY of the Lord is your strength. Nehemiah 8:10b

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. Hebrews 13:8

Jesus said, “I am always with you.” Matthew 28:20

Be KIND to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you. Ephesians 4:32

Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength. Matthew 22:37

The LORD is gracious and merciful; slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. Psalm 145:8

Love one another earnestly from a pure heart. 1 Peter 1:22b

Let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works Hebrews 10:24

Love your neighbor as yourself. Matthew 22:39

Live in harmony with one another. Romans 12:15

Live at peace with everyone. Romans 12:18

Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth! Psalm 100:1

My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. Psalm 42:2

My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. Psalm 73:26

Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand. Proverbs 19:21

Not to us, O Lord, not to us, But to your name be the glory. Psalm 115:1a

No good thing does God withhold from those who walk uprightly. Psalm 84:11b

Nothing can separate us from the love of God. Romans 8:39

Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; for his steadfast love endures forever. Psalm 118:1, Psalm 107:1

Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God. Romans 11:33a

Offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God Romans 12:1

Overcome evil with good. Romans 12:21

Pray without ceasing. Give thanks in all circumstances. 1 Thessalonians 5:17-18a

The PRAYER of a righteous man is powerful and effective. James 5:16b

Preach the Good News about Jesus. Mark 16:15

Preach the word. 2 Timothy 4:2

Be QUICK to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry. James 1:19b

Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. James 4:7b

Satisfy us in the morning with your steadfast love that we may rejoice and be glad all our days. Psalm 90:14

Set your mind on things above, not on things on earth. Colossians 3:2

Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Romans 12:13

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. Proverbs 3:5

(Oh) Taste and see that the Lord is good! Psalm 34:8b

Turn away from evil and do good. Seek peace and pursue it. Psalm 34:14

Teach me your way, O Lord, that I may walk in your truth; Unite my heart to fear your name. Psalm 86:11

Through him all things were made. John 1:3

Unite my heart to fear your name. Psalm 86:11b

Make VOWS to the LORD your God and fulfill them; Psalm 76:11

The VOICE of the LORD is powerful; Psalm 29:4

Whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus. Colossians 3:17

Worship the Lord your God and serve him only. Luke 4:8

We love God because he first loved us. 1 John 4:19

Whoever pursues righteousness and kindness will find life, righteousness, and honor. Proverbs 21:21

We must obey God rather than men. Acts 5:29

Whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, for him it is sin. James 4:17

EXERCISE self-control in all things 1 Corinthians 9:25

EXCEL in the grace of giving. 2 Corinthians 8:7

You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you. Acts 1:8a

Be ZEALOUS and repent. Revelation 3:19

Women’s Getaway

If you had to choose one highlight of your ministry year, what would it be? Mine would be going to the MidSouth Women’s Getaway. In the earlier years of my life, I lived under a lot of stress – doing ministry while caring for two kids and a disabled husband. I would often dream of the day when I’d be at the women’s conference laughing, crying and going to movies with my staff girl friends! Getting out of my normal routine was refreshing. I was able to take time alone with the Lord without interruption, hear some great talks and to be “off-duty” from my many responsibilities. (I am an introvert, but still love this conference!)

Often women don’t attend because they have ministry obligations they feel they can’t leave. Can I challenge you to take the break this year? Every year I meet women who tell me they didn’t want to come to the conference, but came at the encouragement of a friend or husband and they were so glad they came! It changed their lives~

Perhaps money is tight at your house. Could you start saving now so you can join us? (Like the CSU account - put away a little bit every week and it will add up.)

If you have been to a MidSouth Women’s Conference before, what was your highlight? If you have not been able to join us in past years, please consider coming this year! Come with the attitude of “giving” as well as “getting”. We want to get to know you~ The time is designed for you to meet new friends as well as enjoy your old friends. A shout out to my discussion group from last year! I loved our authentic sharing times together. (We love you, Erin Smith!)

This February we are going to the gorgeous Inn on Biltmore Estate. Staying there is like walking into a fairy tale. J We will enjoy the beautiful surroundings of the Biltmore properties, but you are free to explore other favorite places in Asheville if you’d like. After rave reviews from last year, our “speakers” will be our own MidSouth staff sisters as they share the Word of God with us.

Please join me this February 19-22, 2011 for our MidSouth Women’s Getaway. I can assure you it will be an experience you will never forget!