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
Allison from Midland, TX
“For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.” Romans 15:4 NIV
Eva in Wichita, KS
All your sons will be taught by the Lord, and great will be your children’s peace.
Isaiah 54:13 NIV
Addison, Jackson, TN
Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O LORD,
my rock and my redeemer
Psalm 19:14 ESV
Mitzi in Long Beach, CA
Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:6-7, NAS
They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the LORD for the display of his splendor. Isaiah 61:3 NIV
Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what Godās will is ā his good, pleasing and perfect will. Romans 12:2 (NIV)
Pam Knight from La Ceiba, Honduras
May He grant you out of the rich treasury of His glory to be strengthened and reinforced with mighty power in the inner man by the [Holy] Spirit [Himself indwelling you
innermost being and personality.]
May Christ through your faith [actually] dwell (settle down abide, make His permanent home) in your hearts! May you be rooted deep in love and founded securely on love,
Ephesians 3:16-17 AMP
Lee’s Summit, MO
James 2:19,NCV āYou believe that there is one God. You do well. Even the demons believeāand tremble!ā
And they came to him, and awoke him, saying, Master, master, we perish. Then he arose, and rebuked the wind and the raging of the water: and they ceased, and there was a calm. Luke 8:24 NKJ. Debbie Fairbanks, Alaska
Ally McGehee, Houston
“Lord, You light my lamp; my God illuminates my darkness. With You I can attack a barrier, and with my God I can leap over a wall.”
Psalm 18:28-29 HCSB
Diana and Linnea (age 10)
Waconia, MN
“Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God. Therefore put away all filthiness and rampant wickedness and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls.”
James 1:19-21 ESV
Clinton, Ky.
Colossians 4:6 ” Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.” NIV
Suzie, Frisco, TX
Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is Godās will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (NIV)
Frisco, TX, Psalm 23:3-4 “He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness For His nameās sake. 4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.” NKJV
John 14:17
Amplified
I assure you, most solemnly I tell you, if any one steadfastly believes in Me, he will himself [herself] be able to do the things that I do; and he [she] will do even greater things than these, because I go to the Father.
Note-not a feminist statement, just personalizing God’s Word to me.
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
Danika Curlee, Tulare, CA
“Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ,”
Romans 5:1 NIV
Karen from Jacksonville,FL
Fear not for I am with you, be not dismayed for I am your God. I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10 ESV
Dawn, Pottsville, Arkansas…So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10, NIV
Nicole from Norman, OK
Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours. Mark 11:24 (NIV)
Stacy D Nevada, Iowa
āCommit everything you do to the Lord. Trust him, and He will help youā¦ Be still in the presence of the Lord, and wait patiently for Him to act.ā Psalm 37:4-5
Jennifer, Granby, CO
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self control. Against such things there is no law. Gal 5:22-23 NIV
Beth S. Coon Rapids, MN
He brought me out into a spacious place;
he rescued me because he delighted in me.
2 Samuel 22:20 NIV
Jean from Brandon, FL “Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.” 1 Corinthians 15:58.
Michelle, Walland, TN
Give thanks in all circumstances for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thess 5:18 (NIV)
Calhoun, GA
Delight thyself also in The Lord; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.
Psalms37:4 King James
1Thessalonians 2-3
We give thanks to God always for all of you, remembering you in our prayers, unceasingly calling to mind your work of faith and labor of love and endurance in hope of our Lord Jesus Christ before our God and Father.
Jean – Franklinton, NC
So letās not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we donāt give up.
Galatians 6:9 NLT
Delight yourself in the Lord, and He will give you the desires and secret petitions of your heart.
Psalm 37:4 AMP
(Thought I would start with an easy one since it is my first time!)
You must worship no other gods, for the LORD, whose name is Jealous, is a God who is jealous about his relationship with you.
Exodus 34:14 NLT
Carolyn
Oceanside Ca
Danielle, OKC, OK, Psalm 74:16-17 The day is yours, and yours also the night; you established the sun and moon. It was you who set all the boundaries of the earth;
you made both summer and winter. NIV
Jamie, Mobile, Al,
“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.”
Joshua 1:9, ESV
Moreover David was greatly distressed because the people spoke of stoning him, for all the people were embittered, each one because of his sons and his daughters. But David strengthened himself in the Lord his God.
1 Samuel 30:6 nas
Michayila, tx
when Your Words came, I ate them; they were my JOY and my hearts delight for I bear your name, O LORD GOD ALMIGHTY. Jer 15:16 NIV
Suzann Benson
Kingwood WV
Clyde, TX 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. Ephesians 3:18 NLT
Golden, CO
Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.
Hebrews 13:8
Sharon Cofran, Houston, TX
Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking in anything.
James 1:4 NIV
Stacie, Sumner, WA
For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth,visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities-all things were created through him and for him.
Colossians 1:16 ESV
All your children shall be taught by the LORD, and great shall be the peace of your children.ā Isaiah 54:13 ESV
Jeanette, Fair Oaks Ranch, TX
“I led them with cords of human kindness, with ties of love. To them I was like one who lifts a little child to the cheek, and I bent down to feed them.” Hosea 11:4 NIV
Lydia from Nampa, Idaho
“Let the morning being 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.” Psalm 143:8 (NIV84)
Katie, Medford, NJ
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
Mamie from Bloomington, IL
But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for Godās own possession, so that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; for you once were not a people, but now you are the people of God; you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.
1 Peter 2:9-10
NASB
Mary, Shreveport, LA
And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more with knowledge and all discernment. Philippians 1:9. ESV
Lara Frisco Texas
Psalm 60:30 I will praise the name of God with song and magnify Him with thanksgiving. Psalm 60:30
Cara, Tampa, Fl
Psalm 63:1 God you are my God; I eagerly seek you.
I thirst for you; my body faints for You in a land that is dry, desolate, and without water. HCSB
Toni Reno
Jay, Ok
Psalm 121:1&2 (NIV)
I lift my eyes to the hills-where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth.
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful. John 14:27 NASB
Katie, Duluth MN
I am sure that your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life and I will live in the house of the Lord forever. Psalm 23:6 NIrV
Proverbs 8:1-3 NIV84
“Does not wisdom call out? Does not understanding raise her voice? On the heights along the way, where the paths meet, she takes her stand; beside the gates leading into the city, at the entrances, she cries aloud:”
Mikelan OPKS