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.Ā 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,Ā 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 Å”-l-m is of completion and fulfillmentāof 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 –Ā 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.)Ā 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 ā Scripture Memory Team ā 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
Kristin, Rockwall : 2 Peter 3:9 The LORD is not slow in keeping His promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentence. NIV
Karen, Dover, NH
For the eyes of the Lord range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him. II Chron. 16:9 (NIV)
Julie, Goodyear, AZ: “Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.” James 1:4-5 NIV
Karen, Grandview, TX
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”
Philippians 4:6 (NIV)
jami
Shelby, NC
Psalm 23:4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. KJV
Holly S
Hansville, WA
“But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ.
Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus
my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I
may win Christ.”
Philippians 3: 7-8. KJ
Brooke, Birmingham, AL
… but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night. Psalm 1:2, ESV
Melissa Ball from North East, MD
Rest in God alone, my soul,
for my hope comes from Him.
He alone is my rock and my salvation,
my stronghold; I will not be shaken.
Psalm 62:5,6 HCSB
Laura, Southaven, MS
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 4:12-13 NIV
Laura, Little Rock, AR. ” 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 84)
Ginger, Arlington TX
“When you pass through the waters, I will be with you;
and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you.
When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned;
the flames will not set you ablaze. For I am the LORD, your God,
the Holy One of Israel, your Savior;
I give Egypt for your ransom, Cush and Seba in your stead.
Since you are precious and honored in my sight,
and because I love you, I will give men in exchange for you,
and people in exchange for your life.” Isaiah 43:2-4
Joan Anderson, Dousman, WI:
In the multitude of my anxieties within me,
Your comforts delight my soul.
Psalm 94:19 NKJV
Chere from Milner, GA
And not only that, but we also glory in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope. Now hope does not disappoint because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.
Romans 5:3-5
Brooke from Ladson, SC
So be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid and do not panic before them. For the Lord your God will personally go ahead of you. He will neither fail you nor abandon you. ~ Deuteronomy 31:6, NLT
Carol in Richardson, TX
“Do not judge, or you too will be judged.”
Matthew 7:1 NIV
Linda – Boulder CO
The LORD will guide you always; he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail. Isaiah 58:11 NIV
Prov 1:33 KJV. But whoso hearketh unto me shall dwell safety and shall be quiet from fear of evil.
Jamie Lee Roanoke VA
“Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.”
Luke 6:38 NIV
Megan Perdue
Goodlettsville, TN
“Many are the plans in a man’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.”
-Proverbs 19:21 (NIV)
Mary Verett, Fort Dix, nj
Revelation 4:11
“You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, since you created all things, and because of your will they existed and were created!”
Kelly, Fort Smith, AR John 15:5 “I am the vine, you are the branches. The one who remains in Me and I in him produces much fruit, because you can do nothing without Me.” HCSB
“For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword,it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit,joint and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.” Hebrews 4:12
Kelly from Houston, TX.
This verse was very dear to me during our fertility treatments – I am very blessed.
” And she made a vow, saying, āLord Almighty, if you will only look on your servantās misery and remember me, and not forget your servant but give her a son, then I will give him to the Lord for all the days of his life, and no razor will ever be used on his head.ā
1 Samuel 1:11(NIV)
Marissa in Seattle, WA
This I declare of the LORD: He alone is my refuge, my place of safety; he is my God, and I am trusting him.
Psalm 91:2 NLT
Kellie from Castroville, Texas
Whoever pursues righteousness and unfailing love will find life, righteousness, and honor. Proverbs 21:21 NLT
Tangila, Pearland TX
So humble yourselves under the mighty power of God, and at the right time he will lift you up in honor. Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you. (1 Peter 5:6, 7 NLT)
Sarah Sykes, Arkadelphia, AR
Job 19:26 NIV
And after my skin has been destroyed, yet in my flesh I will see God;
Katie Fields, Kannapolis, NC
āCome 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. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.ā Matthew 11:28-30 NIV
Janet, Austin, Texas, “Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come”.2 Corinthians 5:17 NASB
Jennifer, Cullman, AL
Instead of your shame, you will receive a double portion, and instead of disgrace, you will rejoice in your inheritance. And so you will inherit a double portion in your land, and everlasting joy will be yours. Isaiah 61:7 NIV
Michele from west palm beach:
“Do not love this world nor the things it offers you, for when you love the world, you do not have the love of the Father in you. For the world offers only a craving for physical pleasure, a craving for everything we see, and pride in our achievements and possessions. These are not from the Father, but are from this world. And this world is fading away, along with everything that people crave. But anyone who does what pleases God will live forever.” (1 John 2:15-17 NLT)
Lisa, Wichita, Ks. Psalm 143:8 NIV
Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love,for I have put my trust in you. show me the way I should go for to you I lift up my soul.
Cait, Hamilton, ON, Canada
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.ā Joshua 1:9 ESV
Maria
Louisville, KY
Philippians 4:8-9 NASB
Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things. The things you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.
Story City, IA
“Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the spirit through the bond of peace.” Ephesians 4:2-3
Karin Smith – Mt. Lebanon, PA
“For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my motherās womb.
I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.”
Psalm 139: 13-14 NIV
Cindy from Mt. Pleasant, SC
Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.
Phil. 4:5
Lora from Silver Spring, MD
āFor I know the plans I have for you,ā declares the Lord, āplans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.ā Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV)
Nicole in Leonard, Texas.
Come, children, listen to me; I will teach you the fear of the Lord. Who is the man who delights in life, loving a long life to enjoy what is good?
Psalm 34:11-12 HCSB
I lift my eyes unto the hills, where does my help come from,
it comes from the Lord the Maker of heaven and earth.
Psalm121:1 NIV
Susan R, Chapel Hill, NC
Brandy from Tipp City, Ohio. “For nothing is impossible with God.” Luke 1:37 NIV
Kim, Victoria, TX “that my heart may sing your praises and not be silent. Lord my God, I will praise You forever” Psalms 30:12 NIV
Stephanie Solomon from Morgantown, WV.
When Christ who is your life appears, then you will also appear with Him in glory.
Colossians 3:4 ESV
Peg, Naperville, IL
“I am God Almighty; walk before Me faithfully and be blameless.” Genesis 17:1 (NIV)
Kristen, Round Roxk, Tx.
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 NIV
Angela, Oklahoma City. Isaiah 58:2 NLT
Yet they act so pious! They come to the Temple every day and seem delighted to learn all about Me. They act like a righteous nation that would never abandon the laws of its God. They ask Me to take action on their behalf, pretending they want to be near Me.
If this verse looks like a drag to memorize, it is part of a whole: my goal is all of Isaiah 58 in 7 months.
Jennifer from El Dorado, AR
For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.
Ephesians 2:10 NIV
Courtney De La Rosa
Dallas, TX
Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. “Test me in this,” says The Lord Almighty,”and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that you will not have room enough for it.”
Malachi 3:10 NIV
Pam, Green, Ohio Then my soul will rejoice in the LORD, exulting in his salvation. Ps. 35:9 ESV
pamela t., Fairmont, NC
Mark 10:29-30 (ESV)
Jesus said, “Truly, I say to you, there is no one who has left house or brothers or sisters, or mother or father or children or lands, for my sake and for the gospel, who will not receive a hundredfold now in this time, houses and brothers and sisters and mothers and children and lands, with persecutions, and in the age to come eternal life.”