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
Lynn, Lake Villa, IL
The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.
John 10:10 NIV84
Psalm 118:6 ESV
The Lord is on my side; I will not fear. What can man do to me?
Hartford Iowa
James 1:1-4 ESV
1 James a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ. To the twelve tribes in the Dispersion: Greetings
2 Count it all joy my brothers, when you meet trails of various kinds,
3 for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.
4 And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.
Verna, Bolivar, MO:
For I, the Lord your God, will hold your right hand, Saying to you, ‘Fear not, I will help you.’ (Isaiah 41:13 NKJV)
Hannah from Mt. Holly, NC
Hebrews 1:3 (ESV)- “He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of His nature, and He upholds the universe by the word of His power. After making purification for sins, He sat down at the right hand of the majesty on high.”
Gail in Pitkin, Louisiana
Isaiah 40:8-“The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the Word of God endures forever.” NIV
Holly, Monroe, Michigan
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 NIV
Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
Alison in Lithia, FL
A gentle answer turns away wrath,but a harsh word stirs up anger. Proverbs 15:1
Jill. Toronto, Ontario
Those who trust in The Lord are like Mount Zion, which cannot be shaken but endures forever.
Psalm 125:1 N!V
Joyce from Okeechobee says But those that wait on The Lord shall renew their strength. They shall mount up on wings like eagles. They shall run and not grow weary. They shall walk and not faint. NKJV
James 1:2-4 NIV
Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.
Melissa Crutchfield
Bologna, Italy
“Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.”
Hebrews 4:14-16 ESV
Frances, Wilson NC “all your children shall be taught by the LORD, and great shall be the peace of your children. Isaiah 54:13 NKJV
Lisa in Blue Ridge VA
Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you saying’ “This is the way; walk in it.”
Isaiah 30:21
You will seek me and find me when you search for me with all your heart. Jeremiah 29:13
Martha from Springfield, Tennessee
The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me; because the LORD hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound.
Isaiah 61:1 KJV (starting Breaking Free–again!)
Chrystal in Lexington, KY
Humble yourselves, therefore under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him for he cares for you.
1 Peter 5:6-7 NIV
Claudia, Brunswick, Ga.
Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.
Colossians 4:6 NIV
Allison Moldenhauer, Huntsville, TX, James 1:7-12 NIV84
7 That man should not think he will receive anything from the Lord; 8 he is a double-minded man, unstable in all he does.
9 The brother in humble circumstances ought to take pride in his high position. 10 But the one who is rich should take pride in his low position, because he will pass away like a wild flower. 11 For the sun rises with scorching heat and withers the plant; its blossom falls and its beauty is destroyed. In the same way, the rich man will fade away even while he goes about his business.
12 Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.
Beth – Mt. Carmel, IL
“But now that you have been set free from sin & have become slaves to God, the benefit you reap leads to holiness, & the result is eternal life.” Rpmans 6:22 NIV84
Becky Wang,Ohio
Calmness can lay great errors to rest.
Ecclesiastes 10:4, NIV
Niki Carroll, Shelby, NC: “If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose.” Phil. 2:1-2 (NIV)
Chandel, in Chiang Rai Thailand.
Ps. 5:11 NIV But let all who take refuge in you be glad; let them ever sing for joy. Spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may rejoice in you.
… my heart wants the Thai people to know of Jesus.
Savannah, Bossier City
Isaiah 45:5
I am the Lord, and there is no God but me. I will strengthen you though you do not know me.
HCSB
Stacey from Boulder, Colorado
God paid a great price for you. So use your body to honor God.
1Corinthians 6:20 CEV
Vicki TeBeest in Burton, MI
Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind.
James 1:4-6 NIV
Olivia, West Sussex, UK. “Rejoice in the Lord always. I say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about 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 guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus”. Philippians 4 v 4-7.NIV
Shirleen, Greenville, SC
Ephesians 2:10 (NKJV)
For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.
Marilyn from Arlington, Texas
For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:38-39 (NIV)
Psalm 9:1 NCV
I will praise you,Lord, with all my heart. I will tell all the miracles you have done. I will be happy because of you. God, Most High, I will sing praises to your name.
Judy, Russellville, Arkansas
So whatever you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.
I Corinthians 10:31 NLT
Kim C from Franklinton, Louisiana
John 15:5 ESV
I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.
amy
arlington, texas
“yes, lord, walking in the way of your laws, we wait for you; your name and renown are the desire of our hearts.” isaiah 26:8
Katie, Seminole Tx, Isaiah 61:10, niv
I delight greatly in The Lord; my sourl rejoices in my God. For he has clothed me with garments of salvation and arrayed me in a robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom adorns his head like a priest, and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels.
Lamentation 2:19(NIV)Pour out your heart like water before the face of the Lord:lift up your hands toward Him for the life of your children.
Susan. Decatur, IL. Psalm 109:30 NIV. With my mouth I will greatly extol the LORD; in the great throng of worshipers I will praise Him.
Nena Jackson, Charleston, SC “You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God. 2 Corinthians 9:11 (NIV)
Tiffany from Summerville, SC
Luke 16:11 NIV
So if you have not been trustworthy in handling worldly wealth, who will trust you with true riches?
from Livingston, TN
“All your children shall be taught by the LORD, and great shall be the peace of your children.” Isaiah 54:13 ESV
Megan Heintz,Gladwin, MI
Come, let us tell of the Lord’s greatness; let us exhale his name together. I prayed to The Lord and he answered me. He freed me from all my fears. Psalm 34:3-4 NLT
Marcia from Chesapeake, Va
“Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life” Prov 4:23 NLT
Nashville, TN
“Death and life are in the power of the tongue, And those who love it will eat its fruit.”
Proverbs 18: 21 NKJV
Phyllis, Wake Forest, NC Colossians 3:23 Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters,NIV
“Sanctify them by the truth; Your word is truth. As you sent Me into the world, I have sent them into the world.”
John 17:17-18
Casey Carter in Auburn, AL
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”
Crystal City, Manitoba, Canada
–the life was made manifest, and we have seen it, and testify to it and proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and was made manifest to us–1John1:2 ESV
Diane
Corbin
Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. (Romans 8:26 ESV)
Linda, Johnstown, PA.
“Don’t be afraid, Daniel,” he said to me, “for from the first day that you purposed to understand and to humble yourself before your God, your prayers were heard. I have come because of your prayers. ”
Daniel 10:12, HCSB
Elizabeth
Falls Church, VA
Therefore my dear friends, continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you, to will and to act according to his good purpose.”
Philippians 2:12-13 NIV
Charlotte, Seymour, Texas “All your children shall be taught by the LORD, and great shall be the peace of your children.” Isaiah 54:13 ESV