The ‘Secret Sauce’ of Mentoring
It’s God . . . speaking into the lives of His children through Scriptures we memorize and the books we read to amplify and explain them.
I wanted to share the Scripture verses that have meant the most to me over these years of mentoring. Each has a ‘keyword’ to help me ‘pull it up’ in the situation I’m facing and allow God to speak to me. Here goes, in alphabetical order by keyword. The translations are all over the map; the keywords are mine . . .
Ambassadors – “We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God.” (2 Corinthians 5:20)
Brother in need – “But whoever has the world’s goods, and sees his brother in need and closes his heart against him, how does the love of God abide in him?” (1 John 3:17)
Character – “In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:16)
Condemnation – “Therefore, there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” (Romans 8:1)
Contentment – “I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength.” (Philippians 4: 11-13)
Decision-making – “Let the peace of Christ rule in our hearts, since as members of one body, you were called to peace, and be thankful.” (Colossians 3:15)
Decisiveness – “Simply let your ‘yes’ be ‘yes’, and your ‘no’, ‘no’; anything beyond this comes from the evil one.” (Matthew 5:37)
Discipleship – “Then Jesus said to His disciples, ‘If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.’” (Matthew 16:24)
Fatherhood – “Fathers, do not exasperate your children, so that they will not lose heart.” (Colossians 3:21)
Fear – “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” (2 Timothy 1:7)
Faith – “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.” (Galatians 2:20)
Fruit – “But the fruit of the spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self control; against such things, there is no law.” (Galatians 5:22-23)
Gentleness and Humility – “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.” (Matthew 11: 29)
Honor your wife – “You husbands likewise live with your wives in an understanding way, as with a weaker vessel, since she is a woman; and grant her honor as a fellow heir of the grace of life, so that your prayers are not hindered.” (1 Peter 3:7)
Least of these – “He will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.’” (Matthew 25:45)
Light – “In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:16)
Listening to God – “My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow Me.” (John 10:27)
Motives – “All the ways of a man are clean in his own sight, but the Lord weighs the motives.” (Proverbs 16:2)
Outcomes – “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.” (Romans 8:28)
Peace – “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” (John 14:27)
Prayer – “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6)
Priorities – “But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you as well.” (Matthew 6:33)
Renewing your mind – “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.” (Romans 12:2)
Servant leadership – “The greatest among you will be your servant.” (Matthew 23:11)
Selflessness – “Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave Himself up for her.” (Ephesians 5:23)
Spiritual warfare – “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” (Ephesians 6:12)
Talk – “Do not let any unwholesome talk 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 4:29)
Teaching your children – “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul, and with all your strength. These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home, and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.” (Deuteronomy 6:5-7)
Time – “Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil.” (Ephesians 5:15-16)
Thought life – “For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he.” (Proverbs 23:7)
Wisdom – “By wisdom a house is built, and by understanding it is established; and by knowledge the rooms are filled with all precious and pleasant riches.” (Proverbs 24:3-4)
Work – “Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men,…it is the Lord Christ whom you serve.” (Colossians 3:23)
I dare you to print and memorize these verses. By keyword. Every single one. If you want to drop some and add your own, or make up a different ‘keyword,’ have at it. You’ll be amazed at how often God will bring His words to mind just when you need them.
Question: Will you commit God’s word to memory? Do you want His wisdom bad enough to work for it? Comment here.
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Responses (1)
This is extraordinary. Thank you for sharing these scripture verses with me. I will commit to memorizing them. Any tips for memorization would be appreciated.