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
Cindi-Orange, Tx
The Lord frustrates the plans of the nations & thwarts all their schemes. But the Lord’s plans stand firm forever; His intentions can never be shaken.
Psalm 33:10-11
Virginia, Irving, Tx
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. (II Corinthians 5:17 NKJV)
You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. ESV, Jeremiah 29:13
Jeani Webster Texas
2 Timothy 1:7 ( NLT)
For God did not give us a spirit of timidity but a sprit of love and of power and self discipline.
Meg- Toronto, ON
I have not hidden your deliverance in my heart; I have spoken of your faithfulness and salvation. Psalm 40:10 ESV
Consider it pure joy my brothers whenever you face trails of many kinds, because the testing of your faith produces perseverance. James 1: 2-3 NIV
Mary Nelle in Youngstown, Ohio. Week Two of Experiencing God: “Some trust in chariots, and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God.” Psalm 20:7 NIV
Megan S.–Kansas City, KS
Ephesians 1:4-5 NIV
For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love he predestined us to be adopted as his sons throught Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will.
Lori in Rogers, AR
Now all glory to God, who is able, through His mighty power at work
within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think.
Ephesians 3:20 (NLT)
Juliana. Pineville, LA.
What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin so that grace may abound? Rom.6:1. NKJV.
Kathy
Lincoln, NE
12 Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. 13 You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.
Jeremiah 29: 12-13
NIV
Karla from Sheboygan, WI
Hoping to memorize Colossians this year!
1 Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and Timothy our brother, 2 To the saints and faithful brothers at Colossae: Grace to you and peace from God our Father.
3 We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you, 4 since we have heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love that you have for all the saints, 5(a) because of the hope laid up for you in heaven.
Colossians 1:1-5a (ESV)
The Lord has done great things for us; we are glad. Psalm 126:3 (NASB)
Hilary
Centerville, Oh.
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
John 16:33
NIV
Kathryn Stoker, Aurora CO
Rom 15:2 NASB
Each of us is to please his neighbor for his good, to his edification.
Carol, Fredericksburg, VA
I have chosen the same verse as my 2nd graders are memorizing in Sunday School in relation to God being our refuge:
“The name of the LORD is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe.” Proverbs 18:10
Lori-Anne, Exeter, CA. All your children shall be taught by the LORD, and great shall be the peace of your children.” Isaiah 54:13 ESV
Tonya Parker, Adel, Georgia. Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, my [firm, impenetrable] Rock and my Redeemer. Psalm 19:14 AMP
Jamie
Oklahoma City, OK
For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.
2 Corinthians 4:17
NIV
Terri, San Antonio
He must become greater, I must become less.
John 3:30
NIV
Kristi, Albuquerque, NM
Romans 1:1-2
Paul, a bond-servant of Christ Jesus, called as an apostle, set apart for the Gospel of God, which He promised beforehand through the prophets in the holy Scriptures.
Chrissy, Carthage, MO All your children shall be taught by the LORD, and great shall be the peace of your children.” Isaiah 54:13 ESV
Maddie, Jordan, MN
“Let us know; let us press on to know the Lord; His going out is as sure as the dawn; He will come to us as showers, as the spring rains that water the earth.” -Hosea 6:3 (ESV)
Stephanie Albritton
Nottingham, England
Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. (Philippians 4:8 KJV)
Atlanta, Ga
“How great is your goodness,
which you have stored up
for those who fear you,
which you bestow in the sight of men
on those who take refuge in you” Psalm 31:19 NIV
Pam in New Orleans
“The LORD is my Strength and my Song, and He has become my Salvation; this is my God, and I will praise Him, my father’s God, and I will exalt Him.” Exodus 15:2 (NET)
Anna (currently in Brooklyn, NYC)
1 Thessalonians 2:8 NLT
“We loved you SO MUCH that we shared NOT ONLY God’s Goods News, but OUR OWN lives, TOO!”
Rhonda – Jackson, MO – O my God, I trust in thee: let me not be ashamed, let not mine enemies triumph over me. (Psalms 25:2 KJV)
Port Neches, Texas
“Gently instruct those who oppose the truth. Perhaps God will change those people’s hearts, and they will learn the truth. Then they will come to their senses and escape from the devil’s trap. For they have been held captive by him to do whatever he wants.” 2 Timothy 2:25-26 (NLT)
Fishers IN
Do not be anxious about anything,but in every situation, by prayer and petition,with thanksgiving, present your requesrts to God, and the peace of God which transends all understanding will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Phillipians 4:6-7 NIV
For God has not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love and of a sound mind.
2 Timothy 1:7
Freeland, MI
Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms. 1 Peter 4:10 NIV
Buffalo, NY
For God hath not given me a spirit of fear; but of power and of love and of a sound mind.
2 Timothy 1:7 KJV
Joyce, Syracuse,NY . ” For we are God’s workmanship, created in
Christ Jesus to do good works, which God has prepared in advance for us to do.”
Ephesians 2:10 NIV
Millen, GA
Is. 61:1 AMP
The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me, because the Lord has anointed and qualified me to preach the Gospel of good tidings to the meek, the poor, and afflicted; He has sent me to bind up and heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the [physical and spiritual] captives and the opening of the prison and of the eyes to those who are bound
“For this light momentary affliction is preparing us for an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient but the things that are unseen are eternal.” 2 Corinthians 4:17-18.
Donna, Fort Wayne, IN
Now to Hin who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us, to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus, to all generations forever and ever. Amen.
Ephesians 3:20, 21 (NASB)
Rachel, Rochester, NY: “Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God.” 1 John 4:7 (NIV)
Katie OKC, OK
“In all your ways submit to Him and He will make your paths straight. ” Prov 3:6 NIV
Gail, Ft. Worth, TX
I delight to do your will, O my God;
Your law is within my heart.
Ps 40:8
Leeanna, Knoxville TN
Psalm 51:10 (ESV)
“Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.”
Laurel, Rochester: “They who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint.” ESV
Kalika, Rochester: “They who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint.” ESV
Rebecca
Carrollton, TX
You will be accepted if you do what is right. But if you refuse to do what is right, then watch out! Sin is crouchingat the door, eager to control you. But you must subdue it and be its master. – Genesis 4:7 NLT
Stephanie Lloyd, Lititz, PA
Psalm 32:8 NLT
The Lord says, “I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you.”
Grace Lloyd, age 5
Ephesians 6:1 NLT
“Children, obey your parents because you belong to The Lord, for this is the right thing to do.”
Mary Margaret – Franklin, TN
“Do not let your adorning be external—the braiding of hair and the putting on of gold jewelry, or the clothing you wear – but let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God’s sight is very precious.” 1 Peter 3:3-4 – ESV
Kelly Goodman – Taylorville, IL
Proverbs 3:5-6 (NIV)
5 Trust the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding
6 In all your ways submit to him and he will make your paths straight.
Angie, Macon, MS
Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord. Psalm 27:14, NIV
Mandy
Waco, TX
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
Matthew 11:28-30 (NIV)
Amy – St. Leonard, MD – You crown the year with Your bounty, and Your carts overflow with abundance. Psalm 65:11. NIV