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 ĆĄ-l-m is of completion and fulfillmentâof 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 â Scripture Memory Team â 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
Christy from Hahira, memorizing Psalms 86:11 (NRSV)
Teach me your way, O Lord, that I may walk in your truth; give me an undivided heart to revere your name.
This is one of my memory verses this month too! Great verse!
Alison, Bourne England ‘God is not a man, that he should lie, nor a son of man, that he should change his mind. Does he speak and not act? Does he promise and not fulfil?’ Numbers 23:19 NIV
Janet
Bemus Point, NY
Numbers 23:19 (NET)
God is not a man, that he should lie,
nor a human being, that he should change his mind.
Has he said, and will he not do it?
Or has he spoken, and will he not make it happen?
And in French:
Nombres 23:19 (SG21)
Dieu n’est pas un homme pour mentir, ni le fils d’un homme pour revenir sur sa dĂ©cision. Ce qu’il a dit, ne le fera-t-il pas? Ce qu’il a dĂ©clarĂ©, ne l’accomplira-t-il pas?
Tamara Ward, Alexandria, Virginia
âI have chosen the way of faithfulness;
I have set my heart on your lawsâ
Psalm 119:39 (NIV)
It was for freedom that Christ set us free; therefore keep standing firm and do not be subject again to a yoke of slavery.
Galatians 5:1 NAS
I’m definitely going to use this verse next!
Lorna, Statesville NC
âDo everything without complaining or arguing, So that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe.â Philippians 2:14,15 NIV
“It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.” Galatians 5:1 (NIV)
Robyn Wright
Washington, IN
Elizabeth Ann Dains, Houston, Texas “In the morning, Lord, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait expectantly.” Psalm 5:3 NIV
Great verse. I love the idea of waiting expectantly.
psalm 90:12 esv
teach us to number our days that we may gain a heart of wisdom
Philippians 1:6 ESV
And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.
Madge, Marietta, GA
If we have been united with him like this in his death, we will certainly also be united with him in his resurrection. For we know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin – because anyone who has died has been freed from sin. ROM 6.5-7 niv84
Annette, Houston, TX
His mercy flows in wave after wave
on those who are in awe before him.
~Luke 1:50, The Message, ESV
The Message, sorry…
Nicole from Selden, NY –
“Deep calls to deep
in the roar of your waterfalls;
all your waves and breakers
have swept over me.
By day the Lord directs his love,
all night His song is with me –
a prayer to the God of my life.”
-Psalm 42:7-8 (NIV)
Ephesians 1:18 I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints-
Tracey Knight ~ Arkadelphia AR
âMartha, Martha…you are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.â Luke 10:41-42 NIV84
Debbie Kilgallin, Rochester MN
James 5:19-20 NIV
My dear brothers and sisters, if someone among you wanders away from the truth and is brought back, you can be sure that whoever brings the sinner back will save that person from death and bring about the forgiveness of many sins.
Natalie Curp-Blue Springs, MO
For the LORD your God is living among you. He is a mighty savior. He will take delight in you with gladness. With his love, he will calm all your fears. He will rejoice over you with joyful songs. Zephaniah 3:17 NLT
Indianapolis, IN
‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ The second is this: âLove your neighbor as yourself.â There is no commandment greater than these. (Mark 12:30, 31 NIV84)
Laurie O, Milton, GA
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied. Matthew 5:6, ESV
Alissa, Spring, TX:
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Romans 15:13 NIV
Christina Fort Worth
Wait for the Lord;
be strong and courageous.
Wait for the Lord.
Psalm 27:14 HCSB
Jennifer in Winston-Salem, NC-
But for me it is good to be near God; I have made the Lord God my refuge, that I may tell of all your works. Psalms 73:28 ESV
I did that as first verse. It’s a strong verse.
Same here! It was my first verse.
Tara
Sherwood
Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.
Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God. Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
Matthew 5:7-12 (ESV)
Kim Vest, St. Louis
But now thus says the Lord, he who created you , Kim (o Jacob), he who formed you, Kim (O Israel) Fear not for I have redeemed you, I have called you by name, you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you. For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior. Isaiah 43:1-3a ESV
Donna
Eldorado, Texas
Philippians 4:6-7 (NIV-84)
(6)Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. (7)And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
Ashley, Grand Junction, CO
Don’t be concerned about the outward beauty of fancy hairstyles, expensive jewelry, or beautiful clothes. You should clothe yourselves instead with the beauty that comes from within, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is so precious to God.
1 Peter 3:3-4, NLT
Sheri. Morrisville, MO.
For what we preach is not ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesusâ sake. For God, who said, âLet light shine out of darkness,â made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of Godâs glory displayed in the face of Christ. 2 Corinthians 4:5-6 NIV
This is absolutely beautiful!
Tamara Ward, Alexandria, Virginia
âI have chosen the way of faithfulness;
I have set my heart on your lawsâ
Psalm 119:30 (NIV) Revised verse
Laura ~ Plainfield, IN
For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.
2 Timothy 1:7 NLT
Joyce, Wahpeton ND Ephesians 4:29 NIV
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.
Connie
Pine Level, NC
For I am the Lord, your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear, I will help you.
Isaiah 41:13 NIV
Reeder
Auburn, AL
By His mighty power at work within us, He is able to accomplish infinitely more than we would ever dare to ask or hope.
Eph. 3:20 NLT
Tshaka, Fort Knox; May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing to you, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.
Psalm 19:14 NLT
Lindsey from Iowa City, Iowa.
You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore. Psalm 16:11 ESV
Karen from Leeds, AL
I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. John 15:5 NIV
Psalm 139:2 NKJV
You know my sitting down and my rising up; You understand my thought afar off.
Margaret Coeur d’ Alene, Idaho
1 I will extol the Lord at all times;
his praise will always be on my lips.
Psalm 34:1 NIV
Mary Watkins
West Memphis, AR
“Neither this man nor his parents sinned,” said Jesus, “but this happened so that the work of God might be displayed in his life.”
âJohn 9:3
But those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles. They shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint. Isaiah 40:31 NKJV
Tina, Zalma – For nothing is impossible with God. Luke 1:37 (NIV)
Melanie, Armuchee, GA
“You crown the year with your bounty; your wagon tracks overflow with abundance.” Psalm 65:11 (ESV)
Laura, Townsend, MA
For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him.
Philippians 2:13 NLT
Leann R, Atlanta GA
If we are faithless, He remains faithful, for He can not deny who He is.
2 Tim. 2:13
Jane, Milton, GA Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or
imagine according to His power 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 NIV
Lyn Steriti
Littleton NH
For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and marrow and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.
Heb. 4:12 ESV
APP FOR IPHONE/IPOD PLEASE!
Butler, OH
The fear of human opinion disables; trusting in God protects you from that. Proverbs 29:25 MSG
Thank you for this verse! It speaks to me!
Michelle, from Chesapeake, VA
Be bold and strong!
Banish fear and doubt!
For remember, the Lord your God is with you wherever you go!
Joshua 1:9 (NIV)
Sarah, Christina and Esther May: Wenatchee, WA
We all stumble in many ways. If anyone is never at fault in what he says, he is a perfect man, able to keep his whole body in check.
James 3:2 NIV
Hilary, Columbus, GA
“All your children shall be taught by the Lord, and great shall be the peace of your children.”
Isaiah 54:13 ESV
DeeDee, Tallahassee, FL â “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 you will delight in the richest of fare.” Isaiah 55:2 NIV
Mary, Brookfield, CT
I wait for the Lord, my whole being waits, and in his word I put my hope.
Psalm 130:5 NIV