We’re off and running, Sweet Things! And 11,000 strong!!! Oh, how I pray that God will grant us the divine favor and indwelling power to keep it up month after month and finish 2013 in the multiple thousands. What joy He and we would have! For now, we take it step by step, one verse at a time. Don’t get caught up wondering how in the world you’re going to memorize 24 verses when you’re having a hard time memorizing the first one. That will sink your Scripture memory boat for sure.
I make you this promise based on my experience and the experience of many others: the more you memorize, the more you’ll get the hang of it. I was going to say that the more you memorize, the easier it gets but it’s not easy and that’s part of what makes it such a victory to celebrate with Jesus. I do believe I can tell you with confidence, however, that your tenth verse will very likely be easier to memorize than your first one. By that time, you’ve quit letting your nay-whining old nature tell you that you can’t do it and you shouldn’t have even tried. A big part of the battle in the first month is simply telling that self-destructive echo in our heads to shut its mouth. It’s replacing “I knew I couldn’t do it” with “Oh, yes I can. I can do all things through Christ.”
Persevere! Let’s not be quitters! God would rather us make it to the end of the year still stumbling over some words than throwing our hands up and quitting at the first imperfect recitation. Even if we don’t get our verses down perfectly, the pursuit itself is the very art of meditation. Nothing about it is a waste of time. Just think of how it helps to break the mental loop of rehearsed offenses. We’re going to be fixated on something. That’s how our minds often work. But we get to choose what.
So, right now say verse 1 out loud the very best you can.
Tremendous job. Now, let’s add our second one to it.
I totally love my verse this time around! It came up in my Scripture reading during my quiet time early Sunday morning. Here it goes:
Beth, Houston. All your children shall be taught by the LORD, and great shall be the peace of your children.” Isaiah 54:13 ESV
Isn’t that fabulous? I’m choosing this verse specifically so that I can turn it into intercessory prayer. Mind you, I’m not “claiming” it like I’d be apt to do with a promise more clearly obvious under the New Covenant. I’m reluctant to claim the fulfillment of a promise made straight to Israel for myself or people in my world unless I know that we have a coinciding New Covenant promise. I’d have to see consistency to pray it as one fervently counting on it. Isaiah 54:13 carries obvious elements that are very consistent with the promises of Christ to us. He promised that the Holy Spirit will teach us all things and He blatantly gave us His peace but where I’m asking God to do an Isaiah 54:13 work in my family is the emphasis on ALL my children. I want every single one of them to be students of Christ Jesus, to love His Word and His ways with a passion beyond the natural realm, and for His peace to be great upon them and contagious. If you’ll look in the Scripture’s context in Isaiah 54, especially in verses 11-17, you’ll see that V.13 is within the promises God made specifically to Israel and scheduled for fulfillment in a time yet to come. So, no, I’m not claiming it, so to speak, BUT, I am indeed asking for it. That’s fair game.
God is not obligated to say yes to promises like those in Isaiah 54 this side of His Kingdom’s full revelation but, as I persevere in prayer and faith, He will indeed hear me and I believe be pleased that I had the boldness to pray it. He is not blessed by our small, vision-bare petitions anyway. I’ve thought for a long time that God would rather hear His children voice outrageously large prayers of faith even if He has to say no on occasion than hear our pale, timid, tepid requests for things He’s already given us anyway. For instance, if we belong to Him in Christ, He is indeed going to “bless us” and “keep us.” So, I’m adding Isaiah 54:13 to my spiral and planning to reword it often into a request. I’m going to take the risk that He may indeed perform generational miracles with a family tree sprouted from the soil of disease and brokenness. Make us oaks of righteousness, Lord, for the display of Your splendor. (Isaiah 61:3)
This I know for sure: we often have not because we ask not. (James 4:2)
I love something else about Isaiah 54:13. I love that the word translated peace in English is the word “shalom” in Hebrew. The Hebrew word blows the doors off of our usual concept of peace. When I ask God for great peace to be upon my children, I have no interest in a trance-like state of passionless nirvana. I want God’s brand of peace: lively, vivacious. Here’s what the Theological Wordbook of the Old Testament has to say about it:
“The general meaning behind the root š-l-m is of completion and fulfillment—of entering into a state of wholeness and unity, a restored relationship.”
It means to be intact, healthy, sound. It means wellness of soul. It conveys the idea of God prospering His child. He describes His peace like a river: moving and running. His peace is no pond. I read the verse first out of The NET Bible that sits open on my desk at home. Isaiah 54:13 is worded this way on its pages: “All your children will be followers of the LORD, and your children will enjoy great prosperity.” Right that moment I jotted the verse down in my journal and, under it, asked the Lord (with enough zeal to imprint it on the next page) to prosper my children and their children and their children and their children in the way that really matters: grant them lives that bear much fruit – I said MUCH FRUIT –Â for THIS is to our Father’s great glory. May they blatantly show themselves to be Christ’s disciples. (That’s John 15:8 and, if you haven’t memorized it yet, it is a must! Prioritize it early on in your year if God causes it to leap off the page with you.)Â With all my heart, I want God to use this lineage He is redeeming to prosper His Kingdom.
So I am really fired up about my verse for our next two weeks and hope to still be saying it and praying it for the next generations of this family line when I’m about to see Jesus. If you don’t already have a verse selected, you are welcome to share it and make it your own with Jesus. Choose any verse that He’s using to speak to you right now. Remember, that’s what will make it stick to your ribs. It needs to mean something to you!
Hit it, Girls! Remember! Only your names, cities, verses, references, and translations! You are stellar, Sisters. I love you so much.
Edited to add: Information on how to download your Android or iPhone application!
I know many of you have been asking if we are going to have an app this year for your smart phones, and we have both good news and bad news. The good news is YES, we ARE! We have created an app for both Android and iPhones. The bad news is, the Android app is ready for you, but if you would be so patient with us, we’ll have the iPhone app ready for you in about five or six days. Does that sound good?
So, excuse me while I get technical for just a minute!
For those of you that still have the old application on your phone (and this goes for both Android and iPhone users), you would most likely have received a notification about the availability of this new one, but if not, and you are currently using an android, simply click here to download the app. (This link is for Android users only.) Android users, if you’re having issues with this link (and it’s currently working fine on this end), you can search “Living Proof Ministries – Scripture Memory Team – 2013” in your phone under applications. (I have very little knowledge about Android phones, so forgive me if my wording is wrong.)
When the iPhone app is ready, I’ll update this post for those of you who would like to download it with all the instructions you’ll need. However, I do know upfront you’ll be able to find the app in the iTunes store via your phone or computer.
Once you have the application, it is very user friendly. You’ll be notified the 1st and 15th of every month with the new blog post that will land in your application (you will only be notified if you have turned on notifications for this specific app), you can share the post, and then you can also store your memory work in there. It will also act like your spiral. You may want to use both your spiral and the app to have on hand in case you lose one or the other!
I hope that helps! Doesn’t this make it so much more fun?
Tags: Scripture Memory 2013
Amanda Werneburg Blanchard, OK
Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgements and how inscrutable his ways! Romans 11:33 (ESV)
Sue- Mineola, Tx
A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back to back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple braided cord cannot be easily broken. Ecclesiastes 4:12 NLT
Lanny, Inverness
For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God has prepared in advance for us to do.
Ephesians 2:10 (NIV)
Jenn, SW Ontario (Canada)
“Jesus looked at them and said, ‘With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.'”
– Matthew 19:26 (NIV)
Tammy, Monroe,Ga.
Because of Your name, Yahweh, forgive my sin, for it is great.
Psalm 25:11 HCSB
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9 NKJV
Holli, Corona, California “All your children shall be taught by the LORD, and great shall be the peace of your children.” Isaiah 54:13 ESV
Holly; Ramona, CA;
“Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power within us, to Him be the glory in the church, and in Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever. Amen.” Ephesians 3:20-21 NASB
Nikki. McGregor, Texas. “Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.” Ephesians 4:2, NIV
Anita- Gardner, Kansas
Make sure that your character is free from the love of money, being content with what you have; for He Himself has said, ” I will never leave you, nor will I forsake you,”
Hebrews 13:5 (NASB)
Karla – Cedarburg, WI
“These things happened to them as examples and were written down as warnings for us, on whom the fulfillment of the ages has come. So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don’t fall! No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.” 1 Corinthians 10:11-13 NIV
Margaret
Escalon, CA
Psalm 40:1-3 NIV
I waited patiently for the Lord; he turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand. He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear and put their trust in the Lord.
Pauline, Kearney, NE
He will not allow your foot to be moved;
He who keeps you will not slumber.
Behold, He who keeps Israel
Shall neither slumber nor sleep.
Psalm 121:3-4 NKJV
Maria J. Lopez-Sanchez | West Palm Beach | James 3:18 | NIV
Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness.
Katharine Lee, Jonesboro, AR
“Since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful and worship God acceptable with reverence and awe. For our God is a consuming fire.” Heb 12:28-29
A cheerful look brings joy to the heart, and good news gives health to the bones. Prov 15:30, NIV
Laura
Boone, NC
For the word of God is quick,and powerful, and sharper than any two edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
Hebrews 4:12 KJV
Jennifer, Otisville MI
Why spend money on what is not bread, and your labor on what does not satisfy? Listen, listen to me, and eat what is good, and your soul will delight in the richest of fare. ISA 55:2 NIV
Rhonda J, Normal, IL
“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 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 your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:4-7 NIV 1984
Kim Felix- Corona, CA
And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.
Romans 12:2 NASB
Diana Anderson, Greenville, KY Ephesians 3:14 When I think of all this, I fall to my knees and pray to the Father,[e] 15 the Creator of everything in heaven and on earth.[f] 16 I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources he will empower you with inner strength through his Spirit. 17 Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him. Your roots will grow down into God’s love and keep you strong. 18 And may you have the power to understand, as all God’s people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love is. 19 May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God.
20 Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think. New Living Translation
Lakeisha, Mays Landing, NJ,
Look to The Lord and His strength; seek his face always.
Psalm 105:4
Karen, Houston TX
“But you, Lord, are a shield around me, my glory, the One who lifts my head high.”
Psalm 3:3 (NIV)
Talia
Cincinnati, Ohio
Jesus told them, “This is the only work God wants from you: Believe in the One he has sent.”
John 6:29 NLT
Xan
Cullman,AL
“If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.”
II Chron. 7:14 (NIV)
Christy~ Whiteland,IN.
“Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed for I am your God. I will strengthen you, yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10 NKJV
Stormy, Lynchburg, VA
Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 NIV
Wendy Acworth, Ga
Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life. Proverbs 4:23 NIV
Megan, Austin TX
Philippians 4:13 NIV
I can do all this through him who gives me strength.
Ashleigh from Arab-Jeremiah 17:7-8 NRSV
Blessed are those who trust in The Lord, whose trust is The Lord. They shall be like a tree planted by water, spreading out its roots by the stream. It shall not fear when heat comes and its leaves shall stay green; in the year of the drought it is not anxious and it does not cease to bear fruit.
Courtney from Duluth, GA
Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.
Romans 12:12 NIV
“Look at the ships also: though they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are guided by a very small rudder wherever the will of the pilot directs.” James 3:4 ESV
Kim
Dickinson, ND
Michele – Minneapolis, MN
Rejoice always, pray constantly. 1 Thess 5:16-17 HCSB
Lisa, Wylie,TX
Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way, into him who is the head, into Christ.
Ephesians 4:15 ESV
Tracy
Andice, TX
“The Lord is my strength and my song,
and He has become my salvation.”
Psalm 118:14 NKJV
Tiffany, Tyler, TX
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 NIV
Cyndi, Centreville, VA
My Father is glorified by this, that you bear much fruit, and so prove to be My disciples.
John 15:8 (NASB)
Ebony – Philadelphia, PA
“Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.”
Hebrews 11:1 NIV
Morgan- Hattiesburg, MS
Yahweh your God is among you, a warrior who saves. He will rejoice over you with gladness. He will bring your quietness with His love. He will delight in you with shouts of joy. Zephaniah 3:17 (HCSB)
Holly N. from Amarillo, TX: “For just as the body without the spirit is dead, so also faith without works is dead.” James 2:26 NASB
This is the day the Lord has made; let us REJOICE and be glad in it. Psalm 118:24
Saskatoon,SK. Canada
Andrea, Pottstown
Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.
For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened. Matthew 7:7-8 NIV
Bridget – Lagos, Nigeria
“..But among the Israelites not a dog will bark at any person or animal. Then you will know that the Lord makes a distinction between Egypt and Israel”
Exodus 11:7 (NKJV)
Erin from Dumas; Isaiah 61:1-4 NASB
The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me,
Because the Lord has anointed me
To bring good news to the afflicted;
He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted,
To proclaim liberty to captives
And freedom to prisoners;
2 To proclaim the favorable year of the Lord
And the day of vengeance of our God;
To comfort all who mourn,
3 To grant those who mourn in Zion,
Giving them a garland instead of ashes,
The oil of gladness instead of mourning,
The mantle of praise instead of a spirit of fainting.
So they will be called oaks of righteousness,
The planting of the Lord, that He may be glorified.
4 Then they will rebuild the ancient ruins,
They will raise up the former devastations;
And they will repair the ruined cities,
The desolations of many generations.
Kayla, Morgantown, WV
Precious treasure and oil are in the dwelling of a wise person, but a foolish man consumes them.
Proverbs 21:20 HCSB
Glenna, Cumberland House, Sk, Canada
“I will refuse to look at anything vile and vulgar. I hate all who deal crookedly. I will have nothing to do with them.
PSALM 101:3 NLT
Karlys, La Place, LA
Let not steadfast love and faithfulness forsake you;
bind them around your neck;
write them on the tablet of your heart.
Proverbs 3:3 ESV
Amanda & Anna Louise, Memphis, TN
Be careful to live properly among your unbelieving neighbors. Then even if they accuse you of doing wrong, they will see your honorable behavior, and they will give honor to God when he judges the world. 1 Peter 2:12 NLT
Sarah from Portales, NM
Psalm 1:1-3
“Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seats of scoffers; but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on His law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers.”
Teri Schultz, Aledo, TX
And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together … but encouraging one another … Hebrews 10:24-25 NIV