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.Ā 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,Ā 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 Å”-l-m is of completion and fulfillmentāof 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 –Ā 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.)Ā 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 ā Scripture Memory Team ā 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
Iwona, Spokane Valley, WA
Philippians 4:8
New Living Translation (NLT)
“And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.”
Laura – Auburn, AL
Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me. Then I will teach transgressors your ways, so that sinners will turn back to you.
Psalm 51:10-13 NIV
I cant seem to find my verse so im gonna do it again š
Dawnya, Corpus Christi, Texas: Be not afraid or dismayed… for the battle is not yours, but God’s.
2 Chronicles 20:15
My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth. He will not let your foot slip – he who watches over you will not slumber. The Lord will keep you from all harm – he will watch over your life; the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore. Psalm 121 2-3, 7-8 NIV
Sheri, Naples, Italy
Finally brethren (sistren!), 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. Phil 4:8 NASB
“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.” Zephaniah 3:17 NIV84
Forgot to say I am from Rollingstone MN
Missy, Madison, AL
John 14:1NIV84
Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, trust also in me.
Debbie Kerr
White Lake, Mi
Truly he is my rock and my salvation;
he is my fortress, I will not be shaken. (Psalm 62:6 NIV)
Romans 4:20-21 Robbie NIV
Yet he did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthen in his faith and gave glory to God, being fully persuaded that God has the power to do what he promised.
Kelly Bullock, Clarksville, TN, Matt 11:28-30 NLT
Then Jesus said” “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.”
Daranda C., Clayton, North Carolina. 2 Corinthians 12:9 Amplified, “But He said to me, My grace (My favor and loving-kindness and mercy) is enough for you [sufficient against any danger and enables you to bear the trouble manfully]; for My strength and power are made perfect (fulfilled and completed) and [a]show themselves most effective in [your] weakness. Therefore, I will all the more gladly glory in my weaknesses and infirmities, that the strength and power of Christ (the Messiah) may rest (yes, may [b]pitch a tent over and dwell) upon me!”
Shaunthea, Anderson, IN
Don’t pretend to love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good. Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other.
Romans 12:9-10 NLT
MaryD, Charlotte.
Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life. Proverbs 4:23 ESV
Mark 11:24 (NIV)
Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.
Heather J.
Macclenny, FL
Tracy S. from Wheeling, WV
“Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.” Ephesians 3:20-21 (NKJV)
Sarah, Dallas “But as for me, I will always have hope; I will praise You more and more.” psalm 71:14 NIV
Anna, Sulphur Louisiana
Blessed are the poor in spirit for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. Blessed are the meek,nor they shall inherit the earth. Matthew 5:3-5 ESV
Give thanks
in all circumstances,
for this is God’s will for you
in Jesus Christ.
1 Thes.5:18 (NIV)
Mel, Springdale, AR
Don’t worry about anything; instead pray about everything. Tell God What you need and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceed anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus. Phillipians 4:6,7 NLT
Carrie-Allenton
For sin will have no dominion over you, since you are not under the law but grace. Romans 6:14 ESV
Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable – if anything is excellent or praiseworthy, think on these things. – Phillipians 4:7-9 (NIV)
Claire, Bangkok, She is clothed with strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future. – Proverbs 31:25 NLT
Rejoice always,pray continually,give thanks in all circumstances; for this is Godās will for you in Christ Jesus.
1 Thessalonians 5: 16-18 NIV
Muskogee, OK
Because of the Lord’s great love for us we
are not consumed, for His compassions
never fail. They are new every morning,
great is Your faithfulness.
Lamentations 3: 22-23 NIV
Barbara, Fredericksburg,VA
I seek you with all my heart; do not let me stray from your commands. Psalms 119:10 NIV
Tamela Ward, Piedmont, SC: Believe in The Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved. Acts 16:31
Kim
McPherson, KS
All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God [fn] may be complete, equipped for every good work.
2 Timothy 3:16-17 ESV
John 10:27 NIV
“My sheep listen to my voice. I know them and they follow me.”
Molly from Pierce, NE “The Lord will fight for you, and you shall hold your peace and remain at rest.” Exodus 14:14 AMP
Heather, Auburn, AL
“Fear not, for I am with you. Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10
Shelly
Tucson, AZ
Philippians 4:13
I can do all this through him who gives me strength.
NIV
Erin May
Grant, AL
Psalm 119:133 ( NIV)
“Direct my footsteps according to your word; let no sin rule over me.”
Rachel, Jackson, TN
Deut 6:4-5,NIV
“Hear O Israel; the LORD our God, the LORD is one. Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.”
Stephanie and daughter Adeline, TX
Therefore as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourslelves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Colossians 3:12 NIV
Kristi, Lubbock, TX
“All your children shall be taught by the LORD, and great shall be the peace of your children.ā Isaiah 54:13 ESV
Mindy from Sherrills Ford, NC
Ephesians 3:17-21 NIV “And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power ,together with the all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge that you will be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.
Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than we can ask or imagine, according to the 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.”
Point out anything in me that offends you, and lead me along the path of everlasting life. Psalms 139:24 NIV
Shelly, Peachtree City, GA
“I am crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” Galatians 2:20
I forgot to type this on the 15th. Better late than never.
Gina Webster, Houston, TX
“casting down Imaginations and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ. 2 Co 10:5 (KJV)
Beautiful Idea…I just can’t figure out how to join !!!! š
Holly! Just leave a comment with your verse on each of the SSMT posts, and you’re in. Super easy!
k.joy, Lancaster, PA
“My gracious favor is all you need. My power works best in your weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weakness, so that the power of Christ can work through me. Since I know it is all for Christ’s good, I am quite content with my weakness’s and with insults, hardships, persecutions and calamities. For when I am weak then I am strong.
2 Cor. 12:9-10 (NLT)
For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. – John 3:16
Sarah
West Valley City UT
So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness. Colossians 2:6-8
Amy Dean, Jacksonville, FL
We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. Romans 5:3-4 (NLT)
Allison Little, Tulsa, OK
“Only conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or remain absent, I will hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel…” Philippians 1:27 NASB
Tiffany, Mobeetie, TX – You are my hiding place; you shall preserve me from trouble; you shall surround me with songs of deliverance. Psalm 32:7 (NKJV)
Joy from Friendsville, TN
Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work in us, to him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever! Ephesians 3:20-21
Tuscaloosa, AL
Psalm 65:11
You crown the year with a bountiful harvest; even the hard pathways overflow with abundance.
NLT
Kim from Olathe, KS
For because of our faith, he has brought us into this place of highest privelege where we now stand, and we can confidently and joyfully look forward to actually becoming all that God has had in mind for us to be.
Romans 5:2 (Living Bible)
Lindsey from Temecula, CA
“the faith and love that spring from the hope stored up for you in heaven and about which you have already heard in the true message of the gospel 6 that has come to you. In the same way, the gospel is bearing fruit and growing throughout the whole worldājust as it has been doing among you since the day you heard it and truly understood Godās grace.”
-Colossians 1:5-6 (NIV)