In December of 2008 our Sunday School teachers, Reed and Marian, gave us a challenge. Not only to memorize scripture, but to learn it and to hide God's word so deeply in our hearts that it would be there at all times for us to lean on. To qualify for the the cruise each husband and wife would have to recite 11 pre-determined scripture verses, these were only our "Qualifying Verses" and would lay the ground work for those who wanted to take part in the challenge. Then for each "battery" of verses that we recited beyond the QV we could earn $500 per person. There were 5 Batteries of Verses and 3 Bonus Batteries for extra spending money. Most couples memorized all 5 batteries and the bonus batteries...so their ENTIRE trip was paid for and they got all of the extra spending money...what an amazing incentive, but not really the reward. There were a total of 164 verses and all the books of the bible, Joe and I got through 3 of the batteries (87 verses) but we plan on finishing, even if the monetary reward is done. It has been a life changing experience for us. I watched as the verses I was committing to my heart were revealed as truth in my life at the time. The last time Ella had her seizure we were starting to memorize Battery 3 and here are some of the verses that I clung to (and still do):
Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. James 1:2-4
And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope; and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us. Romans 5:3-5
Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal among you, which comes upon you for your testing, as though some strange thing were happening to you; but to the degree that you share the sufferings of Christ, keep on rejoicing; so that also at the revelation of His glory, you may rejoice with exultation. If you are reviled for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. 1 Peter 4:12-14
No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, that you may be able to endure it. 1 Corinthians 10:13
For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh, for the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh, but divinely powerful for the destruction of fortresses. We are destroying speculations and every lofty thing raised up against the knowledge of God, and we are taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ. 2 Corinthians 10:3-5
Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, shall guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7
And He has said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.” Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, that the power of Christ may dwell in me. 2 Corinthians 12:9
‘Do not fear, for I am with you; Do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely I will help you, Surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.’ Isaiah 41:10
“When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; And through the rivers, they will not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be scorched, Nor will the flame burn you. “For I am the Lord your God, The Holy One of Israel, your Savior; Isaiah 43:2-3a
“These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.” John 16:33
And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to become conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the first-born among many brethren; and whom He predestined, these He also called; and whom He called, these He also justified; and whom He justified, these He also glorified. Romans 8:28-30
Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling, and to make you stand in the presence of His glory blameless with great joy, to the only God our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion and authority, before all time and now and forever. Amen. Jude 24-25
A lot of the verses I pray directly over Ella...because these are promises that He will keep, even if we see them fulfilled on the other side in Heaven. I have no doubt that God loves me and love Ella and has our lives designed for a reason...these verses help me so much when I doubt who He is or why I believe that He is good. These are just an example of the scripture that all 12 couples learned and committed to memory and their lives...so here is the start of the pictures of a small reward for our hard work:
