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 – 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.) 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
Lisa, Seward, Alaska; If a man due, shall he live again? All the days of my appointed time will I wait, till my change come. Job 14:14 KJV
Hayley- Corpus Christi, Tx
“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 God’s will is- his good, pleasing, and perfect will.”
Romans 12:2 (NIV)
Sharon, Spokane, “For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yolk of slavery.” Galatians 5:1 ESV
Kathy Carenza,New Port Richey Florida
Ephesians 4:2-3 ESV
with all humility and gentleness,with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
Lesli Morrow, Mansfield,Tx
The Lord your God is with you,he is mighty to save
He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you
with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing.
Zep 3:17,(NIV)
Abby from Van Alstyne, TX
The Lord your God in your midst, The Mighty One, will save; He will rejoice over you with gladness, He will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing.” (Zephaniah 3:17 NKJV)
Madelin, Thousand Oaks, CA
Joshua 1:9 ESV
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 where ever you go.
Week 1 I can do everything through him who gives me strength. Phil. 4:13
Week 2 Why are you fearful O you of little faith. Mathew 8:26
Bec from Sydney, Australia
Philippians 4:6 NIV84
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”
Kathy, Aiea, HI
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 NIV84
Kay from Modesto, CA: Many are the plans in a man’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails. Proverbs 19:21 (NIV)
Melody from Kansas City, MO
“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”
Pphilippians 4:13. NIV
Lori ~ Boardman, Ohio
He said to her, “Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace and be freed from your suffering.”
Mark 5:34 NIV
Ashley, Pottsville, AR
John 3:16
For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. KJV
“Because you are my help, I sing in the shadow of your wings”
Psalm 63:7 NIV
Mandy, Mansfield, TX: God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them. (Hebrews 6:10 NIV) *Because I need to remind myself daily to love EVERYONE.
Debbie, Alice, Texas
For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.
Eph. 2:10 NIV
Rachel ~ Nashville, TN
This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples. John 15:8 (NIV)
Fran, Altadena, CA
His mother said to the servants, “Whatever he says to you, do it.”
John 2:5 NKJV
Deborah ~ Nashville, TN
This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples. ~ John 15:8 (NIV)
Heather Smith
Visalia, CA
She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come.
Proverbs 31:25 NIV
1st day of chemo, age 38…39 in 9 days.
Susan – Calgary, Canada – And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Now the dwelling of God is with men, and he will live with them.* They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God.* He will wipe every tear from their eyes.* There will be no more death* or mourning or crying or pain,* for the old order of things has passed away.”*. Revelation 21:3-4
Kathleen; Tallahassee, FL:
“Your words were found and I ate them,
And Your words became for me a joy and the delight
of my heart;
For I have been called by Your name,
O Lord God of hosts.”
Jeremiah 15:16 NASB
Kelly P from Concord, NC
Delight yourself in the Lord,and he will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him, and he will act.
Psalm 37:4-5, ESV
Billie, Hot Springs, SD
Psalms 119:14 KJV
I have rejoiced in the way of thy testimonies, as much as in all riches.
Lisa – Burbank, CA
“I desire to do your will, O my God; your law is within my heart.” Psalm 40:8, NIV
Moreen, Sydney, Australia
As you therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith, as you have been taught, abounding in it with thanksgiving. (Colossians 2:6, 7 NKJV)
Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value.
Proverbs 31:11 NIV
Lorain, Rathdrum, ID
Becky, Placerville
Ephesians 1:11 NLT
Furthermore, because we are united with Christ, we have received an inheritance from God, for he chose us in advance and he makes everything work out according to his plan.
And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding,will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus
Philippians 4:7 NIV
Karen, Houston, TX
Kristin A. in Renton, WA
“You crown the year with Your bounty, and Your carts overflow with abundance.” -Psalm 65:11 ESV
Meredith, Cardiff-by-the-Sea, CA
Proverbs 15:33 (MSG)
Fear-of-God is a school in skilled living–first you learn humility, then you experience glory.
Shannon from San Diego. John 15:4 NLT ” Remain in me and
I will remain in you. A branch cannot produce fruit if it is severed
from the vine, and you cannot be fruitful unless you remain in me”
Sammie; Flagstaff, AZ “For she does not know that it was I who gave her the grain, the new wine and the oil, and lavished on her silver and gold, which they used for Baal.” Hosea 2:8 NASB
*** “5-In my anguish I cried to the Lord,
and he answered by setting me free.
6- The Lord is with me; I will not be afraid.
What can man do to me? ***
PSALM 118: 5-6 NIV
Erin Port Orchard,WA
Molly – Santa Paula, CA
The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of His hands. Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they reveal knowledge. Psalm 19:1-2
Kathy, Grants Pass Oregon
He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God. MICAH 6:8
Sharla Robertson, Granbury, TX
As often as possible, Jesus withdrew to out-of-the-way places for prayer. Luke 5:16 MSG
NIV
Cindy L., Madison, AL
Beth, I am using yours. Thank you for the reminder and for the app!!!
All your children shall be taught by the LORD, and great shall be the peace of your children. Isaiah 54:13 (ESV)
“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
Mindy Stewart Kimberly, AL.
“a time to be born, and a time to die. A time to plant and a time to uproot”. Ecclesiates 3:2 NIV
I know Ephraim, and Israel is not hidden from Me; for now, O Ephraim, you commit harlotry, Israel is defiled.
Hosea 5:3 NKJV
Julie Payne, Muskogee, OK
Truly I tell you, if anyone says to this mountain, ‘Go, throw yourself into the sea,’ and does not doubt in their heart but believes that what they say will happen, it will be done for them. (Mark 11:23 NIV)
Linda Westport Wa.
so that he may establish your hearts blameless in holiness before our God and Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all his saints.
1 Thessalonians 3:13
Morgan, Muscle Shoals, AL
“Therefore, prepare your minds for action; be self-controlled; set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed. As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: ‘Be holy, because I am holy.’l
1 Peter 1:13-16 NIV
Lori Behrens
Granbury, Tx
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might.
Ephesians 6:10 (NASB)
Stacy from Hinckley, England
Don’t worry about anything, but in all your prayers ask God for what you need, always asking him with a thankful heart.
Philippians 4v6 GNT
Christi/Clinton, Utah-“As a shepherd looks after his scattered flock when he is with them, so will I look after my sheep. I will rescue them from all the places where they were scattered on a day of clouds and darkness.” Ezekiel 34:12 NIV
Cindy Sisters Or
For God has not given us a spirt fear but of power and love and discipline
2 Timothy 1:7. NAS