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.ย 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,ย 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 ลก-l-m is of completion and fulfillmentโof 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 –ย 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.)ย 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 โ Scripture Memory Team โ 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
Hillary, Spartanburg: “Though your sins are like scarlet, I will make them as white as snow. Though they are red like crimson, I will make them as white as wool.” Isaiah 1:18 NLT
“Live a life of love, just as Christ loved us.” Ephesians 5:2 NIV
Alyssa
Homerville, GA
James 3:17 ESV
“But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere.”
“For God alone, O my soul, wait in silence, for my hope is from him. He only is my rock and my salvation; my fortress; I shall not be shaken.”
Psalm 62:5-6 ESV
“Salt is good, but if it loses it’s saltiness, how can it be made salty again? 35 It is fit neither for the soil nor for the manure pile; it is thrown out.”
Luke 14:34-35 NIV red letter
Mika S. from Dallas, Texas: “Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil; cling to what is good.” Romans 12:9 (NASB)
Jacquie – Lenoir City, TN
“Unless the Lord builds the house, its builders labor in vain. Unless the Lord watches over the city, the watchmen stand guard in vain.” Psalm 127:1
Katie Swaney (McDonough, GA) “The words of the reckless pierce like swords, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.” (Proverbs 12:18 NIV)
I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End, says the Lord, who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty. Revelation 1:8
Karen Wilson, Chandler, AZ
I can do everything through Him who gives me strength.
Philippians 4:7 NIV
Ashlie, Yukon, OK “But if you remain in me and my words remain in you, you may ask for anything you want, and it will be granted.” John 15:7 NLT
Sarah
Wausau, WI
I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me and I in Him, he bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing.
John 15:5 NAS
Sharon from North Africa:
23 ุญูููุซู ุฅููู ุงูุฌูู ููุนู ุฃุฎุทูุฃููุงุ ููููู ู ุนุงุฌูุฒููู ุนููู ุจููููุบู ู ูููุงุณู ู ูุฌุฏู ุงูููู.
ERV Arabic Bible
Romans 3:23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. NET
Tanya Applegate, Englewood, OH
“Sovereign Lord, you have made the heavens and the earth by your great power and outstretched arm. Nothing is too hard for you.”
Jeremiah 32:17 (NIV)
Proverbs 9:9 Instruct a wise man and he will be wiser still; teach a righteous man and he will add to his learning.
Melanie in Amherst, MA
There is no one holy like the Lord,
Indeed, there is no one besides You,
Nor is there any rock like our God.
I Samuel 2:2 (NASB)
Lisa, Kansas City MO, Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Philippians 2:3 NIV
“May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O Lord, my Rock and My Reedeemer.” NIV – Psalm 19:14
Rochester, MN
Therefore, as Godโs chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Col. 3:12 (NIV84)
Cheryl, Augusta Ks, Luke 1:45 Blessed is she who has believed that what the Lord has said to her will be accomplished. Luke 1:45 NIV
Hebrews 6:11-12 Nasv
11) And we desire that each one of you show the same diligence, so as to realize the full assurance if hope until the end , 12) so that you will not be sluggish, but imitators of those who through faith and patience inherit the promises.
Pam from Hotchkiss, CO
To resue us from the hand of our enemies and to enable us to serve him without fear, in holiness and righteousness before Him all our days. -Luke 1:74-75 NIV
Cathi, Morristown TN
Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. (Ephesians 6:13-15 NIV84)
Christie, Gadsden, AL Phillippians 4:6 NIV Philippians 4:6 NIV
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
But now, this is what the Lord says he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel “Fear not, for I have redeemed you: I have summoned you by name, you are mine.”
Isaiah 43:1 NIV
Caron, The Woodlands. “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh work stirs up anger.” Proverbs 15:1 (NIV)
Michaela, Gadsden , AL Philippians 4:6 NIV Philippians 4:6 NIV
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
Jane, Cuba, Missouri
All your sons will be taught by the Lord, and great will be your children’s peace. Isaiah 54:13 NIV
Matthew 11:28 – Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.” NLT
Amanda b, oklahoma city
Come to me all who labor and are heavy laden and overburdened and I will cause you to rest. (I will ease and relieve and refresh your soul) matthew 11:28 amp
From Chesterfield, VA
“She selects wool and flax and works with eager hands. She is like merchant ships, bringing her food from afar. She gets up while it is still night; she provides food for her family and portions for her female servants.”
– Proverbs 31:13-15 (NIV)
Kay, Hamburg, AR [Things are hidden temporarily only as a means to revelation.] For there is nothing hidden except to be revealed, nor is anything [temporarily] kept secret except in order that it may be made known.
Mark 4:22 Amplified
I can do all things through him who strengthens me.
Phillipians 4:13 nasb
Miranda from Lynchburg, VA
“The very hairs on your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are more valuable to God than a whole flock of sparrows.”
Matthew 10: 30-31, NLT
Ashley – Nacogdoches, TX
“If you love me, you will obey what I command.” [Jesus speaking]
– John 14:15 NIV
Amanda E from Rockwall, TX
“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)
Kristina – Jacksonville, Florida
Arise cry out in the night, as the watches of the night begin; pour out your heart like water in the presence of the Lord. Lift up your hands to Him for the lives of your children.
Lamentations 2:19 NIV
Jill from Lexington Park, MD
Joshua 1:9 (NKJV)
Have I not commanded you? Be
Strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.
Teri S., Gadsden, AL
But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Matthew 6:33 NIV
Barbara, Beaumont, Texas: “Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.” Heb 11:1 NIV
Judy – Maple Valley, WA.
” O God, you are my God, earnestly I will seek you. My inner self thirsts for you in a dry and weary land where no water is. I have looked upon you in the sanctuary to see your Power and Glory. Your loving kindness is better than life.” Psalms 63: 1-3 (NIV)
Sue in Grapevine, TX
Psalm 51:12-13 (ESV)
Restore to me the joy of your salvation,
and uphold me with a willing spirit.
Then I will teach transgressors your ways,
and sinners will return to you.
Michelle, Joppa, MD
~Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourself with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.~ Colossians 3:12 (NIV)
Isaiah 54:13 ESV
All your children shall be taught by the LORD and great shall be the peace of your children.
Sheri
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Speak and act as those who are going to be judged by the law that gives freedom, because judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment.
James 2:12-13 NIV
Dare to make that difference, take that next step, follow that dream because all things are possible with God.
Mark 10:27
His devine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of Him.
2nd Peter 1:3
Verse 2 –
2 Corintians 5:7
We live by faith not by sight
Anne Boschma, Phoenix, All your children shall be taught by the LORD, and great shall be the peace of your children.โ Isaiah 54:13 ESV
Jamie, Phoenix, AZ
Ephesians 6:16 NLT
“In every battle you will need faith as your shield to stop the fiery arrows aimed at you by Satan.”
Marianne, Saegertown,PA
“Jesus looked at them and said,’With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”
Matthew 19:26 NIV