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
Kristin from Greenwood, IN. “I will sing to the Lord, for he has been good to me.” Psalm 13:6
Tabitha, Milan, MI. “Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.” Ephesians 4:2 NIV
Kerry Jo, Keller, “Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy–meditate on these things.” Phil. 4:8 NKJV
Rene – York, PA: “You hem me in – behind and before; you have laid your hand upon me. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too lofty for me to attain. Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? Psalms 139:5-7 NIV84
Beverly from Clarksville, TN “Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD.” Psalm 27:14 NIV
Kathy, Jonesboro, AR
“No, O people, the Lord has told you what is good, and this is what he requires of you: to do what is right, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.” Micah 6:8 NLT
Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future.’ NIV
“Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such as word as is good for edification according to the need of the moment, so that it may give grace to those who hear.” Ephesians 4:29
Stephanie R. Cypress Tx- “therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.” 2 Corinthians 4: 16-17 NIV
Megan, Houston, TX “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.” Philippians 4:8 NASB
Bernadette, Huntsville, AL
…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, and his incomparably great power for us who believe. – Ephesians 1:18-19 NIV
Kim Beechem, Center, TX
“Yes, Lord, walking in the way of your laws, we wait for you;
your name and renown are the desire of our hearts. My soul yearns for you in the night; in the morning my spirit longs for you.” Isaiah 26:8-9a (NIV)
Kristel from Russellville, AR
The LORD is wonderfully good to those who wait for him and seek him. Lamentations 3:25 NLT
Joy, Fayette, AL
This is what the Lord says—
your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel:
“I am the Lord your God,
who teaches you what is best for you,
who directs you in the way you should go.
If only you had paid attention to my commands,
your peace would have been like a river,
your well-being like the waves of the sea.”
Isaiah 48:17-18 (NIV)
Diana, East Peoria, IL
For if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord
And believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.
Romans 10:9 NLT
Traci from San Antonio
But the angel said to them “do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people” luke 2:10 NIV
Trinna, Covington, “Continue praying, keeping alert, and always thanking God.” Colossians 4:2 NCV
Kathy from Chandler, OK “But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!” Matthew 14:30 (NIV)
Anne from Hot Springs, AR:
You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. (Deuteronomy 6:5 ESV)
Janet George, Tulsa.
“Worthy are You, our Lord and our God, to receive glory and honor and power; for You created all things, and because of Your will they existed, and were created.” Rev4:11, NASB
Memory Verse #2
Philippians 4:6-7
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your heart and your minds in Christ Jesus. NIV
Toni, Argyle, TX
Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. Lamentations 3:22-23
Karen Todd
Beech Island, SC
“But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and ALL these things shall be added to you” Matthew 6:33 NKJV
Danielle, Birmingham, AL
Exodus 14:14 (NIV) “The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.”
Bambi-Houston
Let me hear in the morning of your steadfast love,
for in you I trust.
Make me know the way I should go,
for to you I lift up my soul.
Psalm 143:8 ESV
Kay-Sheridan:
All your children shall be taught by the LORD and great shall be the peace of your children. Isaiah 54:13 ESV
Lichelle Austin
Is 22:22NIV I will place on his shoulder the key to the house of David, what he opens no one can shut, and he shuts no one can open.
Laurie from Syracuse:
How Blessed are those whose way is blameless, who walk in the law of the LORD. How blessed are those who observe His testimonies, who seek Him with all their heart. They also do no unrighteousness; They walk in His ways.
Psalm 119:1-3
Adrienne
Jasper, TN
“The Lord is my rock, my fortress, and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge. He is the shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.”
Psalm 18:2 NIV
Peggy, Corpus Christi TX
For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes…
Romans 1:16 ESV
Rebecca
Owasso OK
“Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, BECAUSE HE CARES FOR YOU.”
1 Peter 5: 6-7 ESV (shouting that last part!)
LOL, yes!
Diane from Largo, Fl
Psalm 65:11 You crown the year with your bounty and your carts overflow in abundance. (NIV ’84)
Raynell, Spring Texas, and be not 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.James 12:2 (NASB)
Dawn from Clinton, PA:
Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. 1 Thess. 5:18, ESV
Jen from Yuba City, Ca…”But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things!” (Galatians 5:22, 23 NLT)
Meg Ebba, New Hampshire
Romans 8:38-39 ESV
“For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 8:38-39
Stacy Carmel,IN No distrust made him waver concerning the promise of God but he grew strong in his faith as he gave glory to God, fully convinced that God was able to do what He had promised! Romans 4:20-21 ESV
Elizabeth, Castle Rock, CO.
“Yet the Lord longs to be gracious to you; therefore he will rise up to show you compassion. For the LORD is a God of justice. Blessed are all who wait for him!”
Isaiah 30:18, NIV
Nicole, Sturgis, MS:
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.”
Galations 5:22-23 NASB
Susan, Jonesboro, Arkansas
Now the mind of the flesh [which is sense and reason without the Holy Spirit] is death [death that comprises all the miseries arising from sin, both here and hereafter]. But the mind of the [Holy] Spirit is life and [soul] peace [both now and forever]. Romans 8:6 Amp
A good word indeed, Susan!
Marla-Washington
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
Tonia Booker in Meridian, Idaho using the Holman Christian Standard translation…
2 Timothy 4:5 But as for you, keep a clear head about everything,
endure hardship,
do the work of an evangelist,
fulfill your ministry.
Gina, Mississippi
Indeed, we have received grace after grace from His fullness. John 1:16 NIV
Terry, East Peoria, IL
Are any of you suffering hardships? You should pray.
Are any of you happy? You should sing praises.
James 5:13 NLT
Kay from Deer Park, TX
Isaiah 54:13(NIV)
13 All your children will be taught by the Lord,
and great will be their peace.
Karen from Westminster, MD
All scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness. II Timothy 3:16 NIV
Jesslyn – Frisco, TX
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (NIV)
Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
Sherry
Mill Creek, IN
“For I know the plans I have for you declares the Lord,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future. NIV Jeremiah 29:11
Vanessa, Montgomery,AL
“For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”
Ephesians 2:10 NIV
Liz, Jacksonville
2 Thessalonians 3:3 (NLV)
But the Lord is faithful. He will give you strength and keep you safe from the devil.