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
Krystina Wise, Lee’s Summit, MO
Proverbs 30:33; 29:11 (NIV)
For as churning cream produces butter, and as twisting the nose produces blood, so stirring up anger produces strife. Fools give full vent to their rage, but the wise bring calm in the end.
Rebekah
Lexington Park, MD
“For this reason I kneel before the Father, from whom his whole family in heaven and on earth derives its name”
Ephesians 3:14-15 NIV 84
Andrea, Burleson, TX. “As for God, his way is perfect; the word of the Lord is flawless. He is a shield for all who take refuge in him.” Psalm 18:30 NIV
Crystal Scoggin, Blue Ridge, Texas
1 Peter 4:8-9
8 Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins.
9 Show hospitality to one another without grumbling.
ESV
Alli Johnson, Beaufort
Through You we will push back our adversaries; Through Your name we will trample down those who rise up against us.
Psalm 44:5 NASB
Joan from Carter Lake, IA
The Lord is my light and my salvation— whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life— of whom shall I be afraid? (Psalms 27:1 NIV84)
Frances, Orange,TX
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” Philippians 4:6 NIV84
Janet, Richland, Ms
I am afflicted and needy; hurry to me, God.
You are my help and my deliverer; Lord, do not delay.
Psalm 70:5 HCSB
“Blessed are those who mourn for they shall be comforted.”
–Matthew 5:4 (NIV)
Holly from Missouri City, Texas
Lisa, Andalusia
Jeremiah 32:27 God’s Word Translation, The Names of God Bible
“I am YAHWEH ELOHIM of all humanity. Nothing is too hard for Me.”
Dorinda, O’Fallon. “My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit’s power, so that your faith might not rest on human wisdom, but on God’s power.” 1 Corinthians 2:4-5 NIV
Maryann Cold Lake Alberta Canada
The one who calls you is faithful, and he will do it.
1 Thess. 5:24(NIV)
Dawn, South Bend, Indiana: “Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.” Proverbs 16:3 NIV
Amanda, Fort Benning, GA
“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer + supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be known to God. And the peace of God which surpasses all comprehension will guard your hearts + minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things. The things you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.” Philippians 4:6-9 NASB
Brooke, Houston, “Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the diving nature, having escaped the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.” 2 Peter 1:4
“Set a guard over my mouth, Lord; keep watch over the door of my lips.” Psalm 141:3 NIV
God wants the combination of his steady, constant calling and warm, personal counsel in scripture to come to characterize us, keeping us alert for whatever he will do next. (Romans 15:5 Message)
Katherine, Baltimore. “The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” Lamentations 3:22-23 ESV
Deborah, Markham, VA
“Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”
-Philippians 1:6 (NIV)
Kayla, Oklahoma “But above all pursue His kingdom and righteousness and all these things will be given to you as well.” Matthew 6:33
Kathy, Austin, Texas “Your children will be taught by the Lord and Great will be the peace of your children” ESV
Pat, Hilliard, OH “Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men.” Colossians 3:23 (NASB)
Jennifer V. Lake Worth, FL
The grass withers and the flowers fade, but the word of our God stands forever.” (Isaiah 40:8 NLT)
Alison, Kansas
“This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.”
John 15:8
NIV
April, Boerne, TX
1 John 5:15 The Message
And if we are confident that he’s listening, we know that what we’ve asked for is as good as ours!
denise
asheville, nc
Continuing Psalm 103:
Psalm 103:3-5 (AMPL)
Who forgives [every one of] all your iniquities, Who heals [each one of] all your diseases, Who redeems your life from the pit and corruption, Who beautifies, dignifies, and crowns you with loving-kindness and tender mercy; Who satisfies your mouth [your necessity and desire at your personal age and situation] with good so that your youth, renewed, is like the eagle’s [strong, overcoming, soaring]!
Jill, Searcy “We proclaim Him, admonishing every man and teaching every man with all wisdom, so that we may present every man complete in Christ.” Colossians 1:28 NASB
I am interested in starting the scripture memory verses but not sure where to submit my verse. Also, would like a spiral notebook but not sure where to purchase. Thanks for your help.
Jean, you just put it where & how you just commented. You can get the spirals from lproof.org..look for link..
Anne, Minneapolis, But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. Matt. 6:20-21, NIV
Elizabeth Meagher, Mecahanicsville, VA
The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord makes his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.
Numbers 6:24-26, NIV
Christina, Nashville
Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. Philippians 1:6 NIV
For God has not given us a spirit of timidity, but of power, and love, and discipline. II Timothy 1:7. NASB
Stacey DeYoung
Psalm 23:1 (NLT)
The Lord is my shepherd;
I have all that I need.
Susan, Oak Ridge
This day I call the heavens and the earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live and that you may love the Lord your God, listen to his voice and hold fast to him. For the Lord is life, and he will give you many years in the Land he swore to give to your fathers Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.
Deuteronomy 30: 19-20
NRSV
Romanos 3:23 pues todos han pecado y están privados de la gloria de Dios (NVI)
Ann Kelley
San Antonio, TX
Isaiah 54: 13 NIV
All your sons will be taught by the Lord, and great will be your childrens’ peace.
Ephesians 3:20-21 NIV
Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us, to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever! Amen.
Kim from Amarillo, TX, “Don’t be proud. Put yourselves under God’s mighty hand. Then He will honor you at the right time. Turn all your worries over to Him. He cares about you.” 1 Peter 5:6-7 NIRV
Carmen; Loveland, OH
For though we live in this world, we do not wage war as the world does. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of this world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.
2 Corinthians 10:3-5. NIV
Stacy, Birmingham, AL. Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places – Ephesians 1:3 (ESV)
Shawn, Safety Harbor
” And the peace of God, which surpasses every though will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus” Philippians 4:7 (HCSB)
Jenny, Milwaukee, “Turn away my eyes from looking at worthless things, And revive me in Your way.” Psalm 119:37 (NKJV)
Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.
Ephesians 3:20-21 NIV
Duvall, WA
Katie, Mount Dora, FL
She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life.
Proverbs 31:12 (NIV)
Don’t panic.(Don’t freak out.) I’m with you. Theres no need to fear for I’m your God. I’ll give you strength. I’ll HELP you. I’ll hold you steady, keep a firm grip on you. — Isaiah 41:10 MSG (Paretheticals and all caps are added for my benefit.)
Valerie, Taylors, SC Philippians 4:9 HCSB
Do what you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, and the God of peace will be with you.
Would like to join this Scripture Memory Team. How do I get started.
p.s. Took the challenge to memorize The Book of James when we studied James last semester in our Joy Sisters Bible Study. Thought at 65 I would not be able to. God gave me miraculous grace to memorize all 5 chapters in just 2 months time. It can be done! Still recite it to myself a couple times a month to keep it fresh in my memory.
Rebecca, Houston. The Lord is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him. Lamentation 3:25, NIV
Ally, Searcy “Remain in me, and I will remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.” John 15:4 NIV84
Shelley
Frisco, TX
I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your
works are wonderful, I know that full well.
Psalm 139:14 NIV