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Posted by Lisa Lewis Koster - - 3 comments

zeal·ous (adjective)  ardently active, devoted or diligent.

I also looked up ardent at dictionary.com and learned that it means having, expressive of, or characterized by intense feeling; passionate; fervent.

Z - Always be zealous for the Lord. ~ Proverbs 23:17b
 
I get a little uneasy when I see the word "always" come up in Scripture because the only thing I always am is saved by the shed blood of Jesus.  He is the One who is consistent, not me.  Yet this verse from Proverbs is saying that we should always be intensely passionate in our devotion to and service for the Lord. 

I don't know about you, but some days I'm more zealous for the Lord than others.  To be honest, just being obedient can be challenging at times.  Praise God that he understands our weaknesses and failures!  He's looking for our best efforts, understanding that perfection is something beyond us. 

It's amazing how God can transform us while we're not even looking.  What starts out as obedience can turn into zeal.  The more time I spend with God, the more diligent I become in wanting to spend time with Him.  The more I step out of my comfort zone and see God come through once again, the more excited I get to see what He will do next! 

If you're wondering why this verse has a "Z" in front of it, it's because this is our final verse in the "She Sparkles" A to Z Scripture Memory Challenge.

Photo courtesy of "She Sparkles"

I have been so blessed by learning these verses - I want you to be blessed too!  I've retained the verses I've learned because of the alphabet prompts that remind me what comes next.  

Won't you join us?  If you've just found me, why not make memorizing these verses your goal for the coming year?  You could print out the list below, pin this post on Pinterest, or save it in your "favorites."  A-Z versepacks - a set of business cards with a verse printed on each - may still be available.  Contact Darlene at darlenedykstra@yahoo.com.

Lisa



A - As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord. Joshua 24:15b

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

C – Create in me a pure heart, O God and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Psalm 51:10

DDevote yourself to prayer, being watchful and thankful. Colossians 4:2

EEvery good and perfect gift is from above James 1:17

F – For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, love, and of self-discipline. 2 Timothy 1:7

G – God is our refuge and strength, an ever present help in trouble. Psalm 46:1

H – How awesome is the Lord Most High, the great King over all the earth. Psalm 47:2

I – It is for freedom that Christ has set us free! Galatians 5:1

J – Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” John 14:6

K – Keep your tongue from evil and your lips from speaking lies. Psalm 34:13

L - Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength. Mark 12:30

M – May Your unfailing love be my comfort. Psalm 119:76

NNothing is too hard for God. Jeremiah 32:17b

O – O LORD, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth! Psalm 8:1

PPut on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. Ephesians 6:11

Q - In quietness and trust is your strength. Isaiah 30:15b

R - Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. Exodus 20:8

S - Set your mind on things above, not on earthly things. Colossians 3:2

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

U - Understanding is a fountain of life to those who have it. Proverbs 16:22
V - Victory rests with the Lord. Proverbs 21:31b

W - We Love because He first loved us. 1 John 4:19

X - Exalt the Lord our God, worship at His footstool; He is holy. Psalm 99.5

 

3 Responses so far.

  1. Faith says:

    Excellent!! I often lack the zeal too.....and praise Him and thank Him for His mercy, grace and constant patience when I am less zealous in my passion for Him. Yet...I cannot imagine getting through life with out Him!! thanks for this post.....I am going to copy the verses and show my daughters! Happy New Year!!

  2. What a great way to memorize Scripture! And thanks for the reminder to be zealous for the Lord. It is an effort on our part, but achievable or the Lord wouldn't have commands us to do so.

  3. I love this "game" - very clever, Lisa. Great for adults & kiddos!

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