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
Grace, mercy and peace from God the Father and from Jesus Christ, the Father’s son will be with us in truth and love.
NIV 2 John 1:3
This verse is awesome but looooong!
“You shall not show partiality in judgement, you shall hear the small as well as the great. You shall not be afraid inthe presence of anyman for the judgement is the Lords. Any case that is too hard for you, bring it to me and I will hear it says the Lord”.
Deuteronomy 1:17
Allison H, Chicago IL
no weapon forged against you will prevail,
and you will refute every tongue that accuses you.
This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord,
and this is their vindication from me,”
declares the Lord.
Isaiah 54:17 NIV
“If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me.” — Jeremiah 29:13 NLT
Jennifer from Springfield, MO
“If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me.” — Jeremiah 29:13 NLT
Kristie- Cypress, TX: Against all hope, Abraham in hope believed and so became the father of many nations, just as it had been said to him, “So shall your offspring be.” Rom 4:18, NIV
Maya, Plano, Tx
Matthew 6:10 Niv -your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.
Krista from York, PA. Philippians 4:6,7 NIV
“Do not be anxious in 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 guards your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus”.
Pam Mendoza, Cypress, CA
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.
Matthew 5:6 (NIV)
Aileen Hunter, London, ON
“No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.”
1 Corinthians 10:13
But be ye doers of the word and not hearers only,decieving your own selves kjv
Christy from Waco, TX
Bless the LORD, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy name! Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits. Psalm 103: 1-2
Alexia Gossett
Champaign, IL 61821
The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, and he who wins souls is wise.
Proverbs 11:30 NIV
Maurina from Lake Charles Malachi 3:16 NIV “then those who feared The Lord spoke to one another and The Lord listened and heard them. A book of remembrance was written in His presence concerning those who feared The Lord and honored His name'”
Proverbs 3:5-6 AMP
Lean on, trust in, and be confident in the Lord with all your heart and mind and do not rely on your own insight or understanding. In all your ways know, recognize and acknowledge Him, and He will direct and make straight and plain your paths.
He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the hearts of men; yet they cannot fathom what God has done from beginning to end.
Ecclesiastes 3:11 NIV
Oh snap yall I forgot to capitalize the Me at the end! So sorry and Idk how to edit the darn thing
Abilene, KS
James 4:11-12
11 Brothers, do not slander one another. Anyone who speaks against his brother or judges him speaks against the law and judges it. When you judge the law, you are not keeping it, but sitting in judgment on it. 12 There is only one Lawgiver and Judge, the one who is able to save and destroy. But you—who are you to judge your neighbor? (NIV)
Ft Lauderdale, FL
“Turn my eyes from worthless things, and give me life through your Word.”
Psalm 119:37 NLT
Mary, Rancho Mirage, CA
I am counting on the Lord; yes, I am counting on him, I have put my hope in his word.
Psalms 130:5, NLT
Robin, Tracy CA
Yet he did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, (Romans 4:20 NIV)
Keri Penaherrera, Toms River, NJ
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
Lacey
Morgantown, WV
“For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.” Ephesians 2:10 (ESV)
Nicole-Houston
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
Philippians 4:6 NIV
Do not let your heart be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me. John 14:1
Katie Kennemer
Broken Arrow, OK
So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.
Galatians 5:16 (NIV)
Ruthann in Ontario, Canada
Micah 6:8 {NIV}
He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you?
To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly[a] with your God.
Cindy, Charlotte, TN,
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. Philippians 4:6 ESV.
Erin from Charlotte, NC
Romans 12:9-13
Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality.
Mandy from columbia,sc psalm 71:1-2 (kjv) “In thee, O Lord, do i out my trust:let me never be out to confusion. Deliver me in thy righteousness, and cause me to eacape: inckine thine ear unto me, and save me “
Sheila from Phenix City, AL
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Philippians 4:8 NIV
Deonne Marshall TX
Now to him who is able to do more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work in us. Ephesians 3:20 NIV
Claire, Washington, DC
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. – Romans 8:28, NIV
Liz in Costa Mesa
All your children will be taught by the Lord, and great will be their peace.
IS 54:13 NIV
Erin, Lolo, MT
The end of a matter is better than its beginning, and patience is better than pride. Ecclesiastes 7:8 NIV
Amy from Rogers, Arkansas
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.
Hebrews 12:1 NIV
Let your conversation be gracious and effective so that you will have the right answer for everyone. Col. 4:6 NLT
Gardendale, AL
For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds. (2 Corinthians 10:4 ESV)
Modesto, CA
Though we walk in the flesh,, we do not war according to the flesh,
For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh,
But divinely powerful for the destruction of fortresses .
We are destroying speculations and every lofty thing raised up
Against the knowledge of God,
And we are taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ
2 Corinthians 10:3-5
NAS
Amy – Oswego, NY
Psalm 19:14 (NASB)
Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, my rock and my Redeemer.
Julie, Fort Worth
“And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding wil guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Phillipians 4:7 NIV84
Ashley from Branson, CO. (ESV) Daniel 10:12 “Then he said to me, ‘Fear Not, Daniel, for from the first day that you set your heart to understand and humbled yourself before your God, your words have been heard, and I have come because of your words.'”
Bobbie from Washougal, WA
Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.
Romans 12:2 ESV
Hollie
Mount Vernon, OH
“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 hope and a future.”
Jeremiah 29:11, NIV
Bonnie from Price,Texas: “He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. All these things are gone forever.” Revelations 21:4
Pam in Alexander City, Al …Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous fall. Psalm 55:22 NIV84
Hamburg, AR
Let all that I am praise the Lord;with my whole heart, I will praise his holy name. Let all that I am praise the Lord;may I never forget the good things he does for me. He forgives all my sinsand heals all my diseases. He redeems me from deathand crowns me with love and tender mercies. He fills my life with good things.My youth is renewed like the eagle’s!
Psalm 103:1-5
NLT
Heather G. Fredericksburg, VA
The Lord will fight for you: you need only to be still.
Exodus 14:14 NIV
Kimberly-Kearney, Missouri
Matthew 27: 24-27-Therefore everyone who hears these words of Mine and acts on them may be compared to a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain fell and the floods came and the winds blew and slammed against that house and yet it did not fall for it had been founded on the rock. Everyone who hears these words of Mine and does not act on them will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand. The rain fell and te floods came and the winds blew and slammed against that house and it fell and great was it’s fall. (NASB)
Leah from Nashville, TN
The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole body, sets the whole course of one’s life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell. (James 3:6 NIV)
Alisha- Little Rock, Ar
Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. Colossians 3:2-3 NIV