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
Angie, Saltillo, MS…”For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.” Matthew 23:12 NIV
Tracy from Simpsonville, SC
“But, forget all that- it is nothing compared to what I am going to do. For I am about to do something new. See, I have already begun! Do you not see it? I will make a pathway through the wilderness. I will create rivers in the dry wasteland.”
Isaiah 43:18-19 NLT
Ola from Woodbridge, Va
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)
Rhonda from Westport, KY
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. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you.
Jeremiah 29:11-12 NIV
Lynn from Alpharetta, GA
So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth; It shall not return to Me void, But it shall accomplish what I please, And it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it. Isaiah 55:11 (NKJV)
You crown the year with your bounty, your wagon tracks overflow with abundance
Ps 65:11 (ESV)
Lisa Pritchett
Hiram,GA
“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
She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue. Prov. 31:26 (ESV)
Angela -Monroe, WA
All your sons will be taught by the LORD, and great will be your children’s peace.
Isaiah 54:13
April from Midland, TX
Brothers and Sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. Phil. 3:13-14 NIV
Tracy in Brush Creek, TN
Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For everything in the world – the cravings of sinful man, the lust of his eyes and the boasting of what he has and does – comes not from the Father but from the world.
1 John 2:15-16 NIV 1984
Tracy McCutchan
Allison Park PA
Peace I leave with you, my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your heart be troubled and do not be afraid.
John 14:27 NIV
Romans 15:4 ( NIV)
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.
Danielle from Evansville, IN
Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, “Never will I leave you, never will I forsake you.”
Hebrews 13:5 (NIV)
Rhonda from Morristown, TN
Guide me in Your truth and teach me, for You are the God of my salvation; I wait for You all day long
Psalm 25:5
He says, “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” Psalm 45:10 NIV
Lynne from Gainesville, VA
Philippians 1:6 Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ: KJV
Pam from Woodbridge, UK
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 29v11 NIV
Liv, NYC
Isaiah 54:1, NLT
“Sing, O childless woman, you who have never given birth! Break into loud and joyful song, O Jerusalem, you have have never been in labor. For the desolate woman now has more children than the woman who lives with her husband,” says the LORD.
Elsa Virginia “Then the LORD your God will bring you to the land which your fathers possessed, and you shall possess it. He will prosper you and multiply you more than your fathers.” Deuteronomy 30:5 NKJV
Kim, Colorado Springs
Philippians 4:19 NIV
And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.
Vicki from Easley, SC
Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. NIV
Good and upright is the LORD; therefore He instructs sinners in His ways. He guides the humble in what is right and teaches them His way. Ps. 25:8,9 NIV
Heidi from Anchorage, AK
Psalm 68:11 AMP
“The Lord gives the word [of power]; the women who bear and publish [the news] are a great host.
Tamara, Huntington Beach, Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.
1 Peter 5:7 NIV
Gwen from Coweta, Oklahoma
They will come and shout for joy on the heights of Zion; they will rejoice in the bounty of the Lord — the grain, the new wine and the oil, the young of the flocks and herds. They will be like a well-watered garden, and they will sorrow no more. Jeremiah 31:12 NIV84
As water reflects the face, so one’s life reflects the heart. Proverbs 27:19 NIV
Jan Austin – Charlotte, NC “Let be and be still, and know (recognize and understand) that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations! I will be exalted in the earth!” Psalm 46:10 Amplified Version
Susan, Canton, Mi
Jesus replied, If anyone loves me, he will obey my teaching. My Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him. John 14:23 NIV
Jennifer, Denver, CO
“When I said, “My foot is slipping,”
your unfailing love, Lord, supported me.
When anxiety was great within me,
your consolation brought me joy.”
Psalm 94:18-19 NIV
Jan
Monroe, LA
Live a life filled with love for others, following the example of Christ,who loved you and gave himself as a sacrifice to take away your sins. And God was pleased, because that sacrifice was like sweet perfume to Him.
Ephesians 5:2
Bainbridge, Georgia
Like newborn babies crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation, now that you have tasted that the Lord is good. 1 Peter 2:2-3
Alison P.
McComb, MS
“My heart is confident in you, O God; my heart is confident. No wonder I can sing your praises!”
Psalm 57:7 (NLT)
for you are a people holy to the Lord your God. Out of all the peoples on the face of the earth, the Lord has chosen you to be his treasured possession. (Deuteronomy 14:2 NIV)
Anne, Simpsonville, SC
Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour. Stand firm against him, and be strong in your faith.
1 Peter 5:8-9a NLT
Melody
Kenosha
Deuteronomy 7:9 NIV
“Know therefore that the Lord your God is God; he is the faithful God keeping his covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who love him and keep his commands.”
Marci, Kent
Proverbs 14:16-17
The wise will watch their steps and avoid evil; fools are headstrong and reckless. The hotheaded do things they’ll later regret; the coldhearted get the cold shoulder. (Message)
Happy is the one whose help is the God of Jacob, whose hope is in the LORD his God… Ps 146:5 HCSB
Jenifer in Frisco, Texas
“I will seek out the lost, bring back the strays, bind up the wounded and strengthen the weak.”
Ez. 34:16a. CEB
Camille from Bothell, WA
Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. ~1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 NIV84
Kimberli Fondren from Cottondale, AL
For this reason I endure all things for the sake of thosse who are chosen, so that they also may obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus.
2 Timothy 2:10 NASB
Libby from Springfield, Missouri
Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. I say to myself, “The Lord is my portion; therefore I will wait for him.” Lamentations 3:22-24, NIV
Jenny, Littleton, CO
Galatians 6:9
And let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we shall reap if we do not grow weary.
Lord, you will do everything you have planned for me.
Lord, your faithful love continues forever.
You have done so much for us. Don’t stop now.
Psalm 138:8 NIrV
Jill Clem – Sioux City, Iowa
“For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power,love and self-discipline” 2 Timothy 1:7 NLT
Deborah, Burlington NC
“Fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfect of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God”
Hebrews 12: 2 NASB
Faith/Waynesburg KY-
“Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, yes, I will help you. I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10 (nkjv)
Johnna, Bulverde, TX
Galatians 6:10 (NIV, 1984)
Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.
Jenny, St Charles, IL
John 15:8 NIV84
This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.
Then He brought us out from there, that He might bring us in, to give us the land of which He swore to our fathers.
Deuteronomy 6:23