It's so nice to meet you!
Get to know Kay...

Week Twenty-One – 2023 DFMD Scripture Meditation Challenge

Beauty
Comments(116)
November 5, 2023
Scripture Meditation & Memory at DFMD 2023

Happy Sunday! I’m grateful that so many women in our Dressed for My Day community are continuing to memorize and meditate on God’s Word faithfully, even as we enter into November. We’re on our 21st scripture. Can you believe it? At the end of the year you will have 24 scripture passages tucked into your heart and etched onto your mind. And God will use that powerfully in your life from here on out.

Scripture Meditation and Memory
Photo credit: James Harms (in Acadia National Park)

This morning I was sitting in my morning room reading through Psalm 119 and trying to decide on a scripture or two or three to add to my album for these next two weeks. I have been reading ever so slowly through this long Psalm recently in my daily Bible readings, and I’ve loved it. So I had already decided to add a few verses from it to my album, but I was struggling to narrow my choice down.

About that time James walked in and asked what I was up to. I explained I was trying to select a memory/meditation passage for the next two weeks and asked if he had a suggestion, but I didn’t mention to him that I was considering Psalm 119. Without missing a beat, he immediately suggested Psalm 119:15-16. Uncanny. So that settled it. I wrote Psalm 119:15-16 on my index card and added it to my album.

Scripture Meditation and Memory

Fast forward to a few hours later when I was sitting in our worship service. James always gives us the scriptures ahead of time for his sermon in an email. I always just copy and paste them into a notes document so I can take my sermon notes there. As I pasted the scriptures from his sermon on Judges 17 into my document, I noticed that the challenge for the week (he always give us a challenge at the end of the sermon) was to memorize Psalm 119:15-16. Ha! That explained why he had quickly responded to my question as he did. He was already going to assign them to us all.

But I’m happy to focus on these scriptures for the next couple of weeks. As I’ve been reading through the words of Psalm 119 a few verses at a time, their message has rung true in my heart. Nothing will anchor us like the Word of God. It is indeed a lamp to my feet and a light for my path (vs. 105). It revives me, gives me understanding, enlarges my heart, gives me discernment and knowledge, comforts me and makes me wiser than my enemies.

In these days of uncertainty and constant change, God’s Word is my delight. Oh, how grateful I am for His Word.

I look forward to hearing about your scripture selections, too. But before I go, I’d also like to share with you my husband’s recent podcast about the land of Israel. I think you may find it helpful in these current times. James has a doctorate of ministry, 30 years of experience as a pastor and over 10 years of experience teaching Bible history at the university level. He’s an excellent Bible expositor. You’ll find his podcast HERE.

Spread the love
xoxo, Kay
Join the Conversation

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

116 thoughts on “Week Twenty-One – 2023 DFMD Scripture Meditation Challenge

  1. My verses this time are from Matthew 6:19-21(NIV)
    “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”

  2. I also love the scripture 119: 15-16. words to live by in these troubled times. My pastor has been teaching on how to understand what, is out purpose of life. the past 3 weeks , Of course , he put us on this world to know Him. Jesus. My verse is John 1:12 But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name. NASB

    1. Beth , I listened to James’ podcast yesterday and rally enjoyed it. Thank you for giving us the opportunity to listen to this.

  3. Hello from WV. Hope all are doing well. Kay, thanks for sharing James’s podcast; I look forward to listening to it. My scripture selection is:

    “For once you were full of darkness, but now you have light from the Lord. So live as people of light! For this light within you produces only what is good and right and true.” -Ephesians 5:8-9

  4. My verse is Colossians 2:8 NKJV
    Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world and not according to Christ.

  5. Because you know the testing of your faith produces perseverance. James 1:3

    Continuing in my James chapter 1 memorization. I love your verses Kay. And I will check out your husband’s podcast. My husband is part Jewish and so we have been following this closely.

  6. “Praise be to the Lord God, the God of Israel, who alone does marvelous deeds. Praise be to his glorious name forever; may the whole earth be filled with his glory. Amen and Amen.”
    ‭‭Psalms‬ ‭72‬:‭18‬-‭19‬ ‭NIV‬‬

  7. But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength.
    They will soar on wings like eagles they will run and not grow weary,
    they will walk and not be faint.

    Isaiah 40:31

  8. Joining you…
    I will meditate on Your precepts
    And regard Your ways.
    I shall delight in Your statutes;
    I will not forget Your word.
    Psalm 119:15-16 NASB

  9. Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. Matthew 7:1-2

  10. Wait for the Lord; Be strong and let your heart take courage: Yes, wait for the Lord. Psalms 27:14 NIV

  11. Listened to your husband’s podcast about Israel and thought it was so good. Thank you for sharing his podcast to all that wish to listen to it. Look forward to the 2nd part. God bless.

  12. Hi ladies,

    I’m choosing to memorize Proverbs 3: 5-6

    Trust in the Lord with all your heart. Do not depend on your own understanding. Seek His will in all you do, and He will show you which path to take.

    Thanks for the link to James’ podcast.

  13. I was feeling very harvesty-autumnal, but I was’t ready to go with a gratitude passage just yet.

    Blessed is the man that trusteth in the LORD, and whose hope the LORD is. For he shall be as a tree planted by the waters, and that spreadeth out her roots by the river, and shall not see when heat cometh, but her leaf shall be green; and shall not be careful in the year of drought, neither shall cease from yielding fruit. Jeremiah 17:7-8 KJV

  14. My birthday is in November and of course Thanksgiving. It’s my favorite month. I’ve chosen verses from Psalm 100:1,2. (1)Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth.
    (2)Worship the Lord with gladness; come before him with joyful songs. (NIV)

  15. I too will join in your verse choice. Ps.119:15-16NIV
    I meditate on your precepts and consider your ways. I delight in your decrees; I will not neglect your word.

  16. I lost my husband yesterday morning after knowing him for nearly 40 years and married for 35 to parkinson’s, dementia and organ failure. I haven’t been able to watch the news or anything related to Israel because my anxiety is too high.

    He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their words. Psalm 147:3

    1. I’m so very sorry to hear the news about your husband Beth. Trust that God will give you the strength and grace you need and please know that I’ll be keeping you in my thoughts and prayers. Sending you love and hugs. Frani 🙏💕

    2. Oh my goodness, Beth. I am so very sorry. It must be so hard. Bless you. I will be praying for you. And I know the good Lord will walk you tenderly and patiently through this valley. Cling to Him and trust Him to heal your heart in time. Please know that we care for you.

    3. Beth I’m so very sorry to hear about the loss of your husband. The right words are hard to find to comfort you but I will be praying for you and knowing that God will be with you.

    4. So, so sorry to hear this, Beth. My heart aches for you. Will be memorizing the same verse and will remember you in prayer each time.

    5. I am so sorry Beth. Been there. I lost my husband 11 years ago after being married for 30 years. The pain is always there, but it does get better. I think of him every day. I did get remarried 5 years ago, time goes on and Jesus heals all wounds. My prayers are with you.

    6. My heart aches for you and your loss. I will be praying for you. You are right to stay away from the news. May the scripture you have memorized this year be a comfort to you.

    7. Beth, I am so sorry to hear about this. Praying for you.🙏
      “The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid;.””
      ‭‭Deuteronomy‬ ‭31‬:‭8‬ ‭NIV‬‬

    8. Beth, I am so sorry and I will carry you in my prayers. I will pray Ps 147.3 daily with you in my heart. Sending a hug and loving sympathetic thoughts. Jane

    9. Beth, I am so very sorry for your loss. May you feel God’s presence and strength. Keeping you and your family in my prayers.

  17. Psalm 18:6 In my distress I called upon the Lord; to my God I cried for help. From his temple He heard my voice, and my cry to him reached His ears.

  18. 1 Corinthians 13:13 NLT – Three things will last forever—faith, hope, and love—and the greatest of these is love.

    Seems like the world is lacking all three of these, and love most of all.

  19. Hi Kay, Hope you are enjoying the Fall weather in your area! It has been wondered in Texas to have cooler temperatures! Today, I chose to go with the scripture you did. Have a great week!!

    Psalm 119:15-16. KJV 21

    15 I will meditate in thy precepts, and have respect unto thy ways.
    16 I will delight myself in thy statutes: I will not forget thy word.

  20. My Bible Scripture for this week has been so good for me over the years when I feel like I have not done well in something or just to keep on with my faith in Christ regardless of how things may look at this moment…
    Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Philippians 3: 12-14 (ESV)

  21. I think Psalm 119:15-16 is an excellent choice.

    I will meditate on your precepts and fix my eyes on your ways.
    I will delight in your statutes; I will not forget your word.

  22. ESV Psalm 119: 17-18
    Deal bountifully with your servant, that I may live and keep your word,
    Open my eyes, tht I may behold wonderous things out of your law

  23. Deuteronomy 31:6 (NKJV)

    “Be strong and of good courage,
    Do not fear nor be afraid of them;
    For the Lord your God,
    He is the One who goes with you.
    He will not leave you nor forsake you. “

  24. “And the Lord will guide you continually
    And satisfy your desires in scorched places
    And make your bones strong.
    And you shall be like a watered garden
    Like a spring of water whose waters do not fail.
    Isaiah 58:11

  25. Cast your burden on the Lord, And He shall sustain you;
    He shall never permit the righteous to be moved.

    Psalm 55:22 NKJV

  26. Hello Kay and Ladies, My choice for the next two weeks is Ephesians 6:12

    For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places.

  27. See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God;and so we are. The reason why the world does not know us is that it did not know him.
    1 John 3:1.

  28. Matthew 11:28-29 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.

  29. I am choosing your verse again, Kay. In so many situations, I need to remember God’s word and decisions are so much easier to make. I will also listen to your husband’s podcast. The reaction in this country to the war in Israel makes my heart hurt.

  30. Hope everyone has had an enjoyable weekend!

    “You are the light of the world—-like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden.” Matthew 5:14

  31. My scripture selection is Matthew 5:14-16
    You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden.Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on a stand and it gives light to everyone in the house.In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven. (NIV)

  32. “Do not let any unwholesome thoughts come out of your mouths,
    but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs,
    that it may benefit those who listen.”

    –Ephesians 4:49 (NIV)

    (On a side note, Please all… Continue to Pray for Israel. It is so disturbing to see the protests in favor of Hamas (terrorists!) and calling for the death of Jews. This happening in our own country is beyond comprehension. It is Satan’s hand at work and we need to defeat Satan!)

  33. But now, O Jacob, listen to the Lord who created you. O Israel, the one who formed you says, “Do not be afraid, for I have ransomed you. I have called you by name; you are mine. When you go through deep waters, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown. When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you.’”-Isaiah 43:1-2 (NLT)

  34. I am going to continue on with the 23rd Psalm… verses 3-4 this time. “He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for His name’s sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.”

  35. 8 At that time the Lord set apart the tribe of Levi to carry the ark of the covenant of the Lord, to stand before the Lord to minister and to pronounce blessings in his name, as they still do today.

    We are to do 3 things as people of faith: carry the presence of God wherever we go; stand before the Lord to minister to Him; and pronounce blessings in His name.

  36. Psalm 62:1-2 (NIV)

    My soul finds rest in God alone; my salvation comes from him. He alone is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will never be shaken.

  37. Psalm 27:1, 4 (RSV Second Catholic Edition, New Adventure Bible)
    The Lord is my light and salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?
    One thing I have asked for of the Lord, that I will seek after, that I may dwell in the house of the lord, all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord, and to inquire in his temple.

  38. I listened to the podcast – it is excellent! I think I have to listen again cause there is so much there. I have been distressed over the support for Hamas and the hate for Israel. Happy to hear that you support Israel. Will listen next week too. I might suggest we listen to this at Bible study tomorrow night rather than our regular lesson. Thank you for this podcast!

  39. John 3.16
    For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.

  40. Hello Ladies,
    My verse is one I read in Kay’s Blessed for My Day blog several weeks ago. I want to strive to please God and this will help. Have a wonderful week!

    May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O my Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer. Psalm 19:4

  41. Hi, my name is Ulrike, and I live in Germany. Kay, I love your blog and your videos! They are eye-openers in so many ways, not least those “Blessed for my day” verses. What a pity that I “stumbled” into DFMD only two weeks ago. So I hope, you’ll be doing something like this challenge in 2024, too.
    I the meantime I just want to join you and share, which verses are dear to me at the moment. They are from Ps. 146:1-5
    “Praise the Lord, my soul … I will sing praise to God as long as I live … Blessed are those whose help is the God of Jacob, whose hope is in the Lord their God.”

  42. I’ve been thinking all year that I ought to learn Psalm 23 properly in the NIV. I grew up with hearing it in the KJV, reworded in hymns etc. I’ll start with the first three verses.

    The LORD is my shepherd, I shall lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Ps 23:1-3 NIV

    Someone once paraphrased v3 as ‘He helps me do what honours him the most’. I really like that. I don’t know where I read it but the words stuck!

  43. Linda from Georgia
    Psalms 139:23 Search me, O God, and know my heart; Try me, and know my anxieties; and see if there is any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.

  44. II Timothy 3:16 “All Scripture is God-breathed, and profitable for instruction, for reproof and conviction of sin, for correction of error and discipline in obedience and for training in righteousness – in thought, purpose, and action.”

  45. Kay, I can’t wait to listen to James’ podcast. Thank you so much for sharing that with us.

    My verse for this week. Matthew 11:28-29 (NIV) “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.

  46. “And he has made of one blood every nation of men to dwell on all the face of the earth, and has determined their pre appointed times, and the boundaries of their dwelling. Acts 17:26 (NKJV)

  47. What a Wonderful moment for you Kay while you were pondering your verses and James had the perfect one for you to memorise , a very special moment ❤️.

    First of all before I type in my Scripture for next two weeks I would just like to Thank All of the Ladies who prayed for my brother and the beautiful comments . My brother is now out of hospital they have treated his blood clot successfully , he just now has some rehabilitation to do which will take a couple of month, I told my brother about about the prayers and messages and he was very humbled as I was , so Thank you Lovely Ladies and Kay for having this Beautiful Scripture Spot💞
    My Scripture for this week is :
    12 Jesus spoke to the people once more and said “I am the Light of the World. If you follow me , you won’t have to walk in darkness, because you will have the Light that leads to Life”.

  48. I just heard it said by someone that love is more powerful than having power! i would like to continue with 1 Cor 13:
    7 It (love) bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. 8 Love never ends. But for prophecies, they will come to an end; as for tongues, they will cease; as for knowledge, it will come to an end.

  49. For All Saints Sunday:

    “For at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light.”
    Ephesians 5:8

  50. I had my family over yesterday so I am late posting. I will do the next part of the passage I am memorizing. “Therefore my heart is glad and my glory rejoiceth: my flesh also shall rest in hope.” Ps. 16

    Wow! The photo (I assume James took it) is amazing! My husband like photography also! He has a degree in Biblical Literature. He is also a great speaker, he travels and speaks in churches in Mexico (he was a missionary kid). Lots of similarities. Small world! I will definitely listen to the podcast. I am extremely interested in what is going on and trying to figure out if prophecies are being fulfilled. Come Lord Jesus!

  51. Hi Kay I have just listened to James podcast , I really enjoyed it and it has given me a better understanding. Thank you I am looking forward to hearing the 2nd part . Also the photograph you used today that James took is beautiful Xx

  52. I didn’t post my scripture last week because I needed to go back and dwell on some of the verses I had previously memorized. This time, I am going with Galatians 2:20. Oswald Chambers had a devotional that really challenges me to consider if I have, indeed, allowed myself to be crucified with Christ…

    I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me.

  53. Psalms 112:7. They will have no fear of bad news,their hearts are steadfast,trusting in the Lord. (NIV)

  54. James 3:13
    Who is wise and understanding among y? Let him show it by his deeds done in humility that comes from wisdom.

  55. I will meditate these weeks on Psalms 119:15-16 as well. I do believe in these times I need to keep God’s Word in my heart. Thanks for this, Kay. Although I have been inconsistent, God is always speaking to me through His Word.

  56. My memory verse is in align with yours Kay.
    Isaiah 40:8 NKJV
    The grass withers, the flower fades, But the word of our God stands forever.

  57. 1Thess. 5:16-18 NIV. Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

  58. Psalm 91:4
    “He will cover you with his feathers. He will shelter you with his wings. His faithful promises are your armor and protection.”

  59. Kay, I love the pictures you share. God’s creation is beautiful!
    Like you Kay, I had several confirmations that I should memorize and meditate on the following scripture for the next two weeks.

    “Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! His faithful love endures forever.”
    ‭‭1 Chronicles‬ ‭16‬:‭34‬ ‭NLT‬‬

  60. Thank you, Kay, my verse this week is from Romans 12, the chapter on how to live, verses 11-12; “Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.” After the recent unexpected loss of my brother-in-law and in caring for my sister, I need this reminder to forge ahead, following His lead.

  61. Ephesians 1:18-19 (NASB) (18) I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened, so that you will know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, (19) and what is the boundless greatness of His power toward us who believe.

  62. Welcome one another, then, as Christ welcomed you, for the glory of God.
    Romans 15:7

    Thank you Kay for suggesting and following through with this wonderful idea. It truly is a blessing to have this year. I have never participated in anything like this, but I appreciate being able to focus strictly on scripture, choose what resonates with me, and apply it to events in my life. Blessings to you and your lovely family.

  63. My verse to share this week is Isaiah 40:29 He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.

    It has been an emotionally draining few weeks. This verse is my reminder to hand over my worries!

  64. Thank You for this group Kay, and thank you to your husband for the beautiful photo and podcast.

    A lot of anxiety all around us, so I have been praying for Peace.

    Psalm46:1. (NIV). Lord, you are my refuge and my strength, always ready to help me in times of trouble.

  65. Philippians 4:11, 13 NKJV
    “Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content…
    I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”

  66. My scripture is Psalm 13:5-6

    But I trust in your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in your salvation. I will sing to the Lord, for he has been good to me.

    No matter what our current circumstances, we can always see God’s goodness to us.

  67. My meditation verse is from Colossians 4:6 NLT

    “Let you conversation be gracious and attractive so that you will have the right response for everyone”.

  68. 19. This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but men loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. 20. For everyone practicing evil hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his deeds should be exposed. 21. But he who does the truth comes to the light, that his deeds may be clearly seen, that they have been done in God.

    John 3:19-21

  69. Lord you are my refuge and strength, always ready to help me in times of trouble. Ps 46:1

    Looking forward to listening to Jame’s podcast. Thank you for letting us know.

  70. I will meditate on Your precepts
    And regard Your ways.
    I shall delight in Your statutes;
    I will not forget Your word.
    ~ Psalm 119:15-16 (NASB)

  71. Hi Kay,
    My scripture for this time is :
    Colossians 3:16
    “Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts.”

  72. Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us,
    to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen
    Ephesians 3:20-21 (NIV)

  73. Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth … but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven … for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

    From Matthew 6:19-21

  74. I know I am very late here, sorry! But I’ll be doing Jeremiah 24:7
    7 I will give them a heart to know that I am the LORD, and they shall be my people and I will be their God, for they shall return to me with their whole heart.

  75. I’m a little late to the party! I’ve listened to both of James’ recent podcasts and found them very helpful and informative. I am also happy to report that my husband is done with chemo and his cancer is gone!! Praise The Lord! Thanks you all who prayed for him:)

    “Therefore, confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another so that you may be healed. The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much.” James‬ ‭5‬:‭16‬ ‭LSB‬‬

  76. He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart. Psalm 91:3, 4

  77. Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people. Remember that the Lord will give you an inheritance as your reward, and that the Master you are serving is ChrisT. Col. 3:23-24 NLT

  78. “Dear children, let’s not merely say that we love each other; let us show the truth by our actions.”
    ‭‭1 John‬ ‭3‬:‭18‬ ‭NLT‬‬

  79. I can’t believe I almost forgot to leave my verse for the weeks here! Needing to be more deliberate in what I do each day, I’ve been meditating on:

    Psalms 90:12 HCSB

    Teach us to number our days carefully,
    that we may develop wisdom in our hearts.

  80. I love being outside in nature and witnessing and enjoying seeing all Gods creations, this psalm spoke to me.

    Psalm 19:1
    The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands.

  81. My verse is from Josua 1,8:
    Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.
    Love Monika

@dressed_4_my_day