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
For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. Eph 2:10 NIV
Linda from Winston-Salem, NC
“I wait for the Lord, my soul waits, and
in His word I put my hope.”
Psalm 130:5 (NIV)
Rhonda, Plain City, OH
“Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.” Colossians 3:15 (NIV)
Suzi N, Bristow VA
Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.
Hebrews 13:8. NKJV
Clay County, Texas
“Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us”. Ephesians 3:20 (ESV)
Hana, Gold Coast, Australia….
‘But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world and we can take nothing out of it.’
1 Tim 6:6+7 (NIV)
Dena K, Columbus, OH
“For God is not unjust. He will not forget how hard you have worked for him and how you have shown your love to him by caring for other believers, as you still do.” (Hebrews 6:10 NLT)
Terra, Cameron
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)
Kristy – Cleveland, oh. Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for The Lord, not for men. Colossians 3:23 NIV
Lauren from Decatur, TX
“Jesus replied: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all yourt mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. Ane the second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself.””
(Matthew 22:37-39 NIV)
Jessica Neill, Scottsdale, Arizona, Romans 15:13 esv
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.”
Melanie Ceynar – Houston, TX- “Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfector of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” Hebrews 12:2 NIV
Bretta, Melissa Tx “Rescue me from my enemies, O Lord,
for I hide myself in you.” Psalm 143:9 NIV84
Romans 4:16b, 21-22 Abraham, who is father of us all,being fully assured that what He had promised was able also to perform, therefore also it was credited to him as righteousness.
Mandy, Dallas – 2 Cor. 4:17 (NIV)
“For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.”
Jaimee, madisonville. In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace (Ephesians 1:7 NIV)
Crystal: Ontario, Canada “The Lord will guide me always, He will satisfy my needs in a sun-scorched land and he will strengthen my frame. I will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail.” Isaiah 58:11 NIV
“Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for
you.” 1Peter 5:7 NIV
Laurie in Kingston On Canada.
Doing Beth’s James Bible study…so:
James 1:2 & 3 NIV: Consider it pure joy my brothers and sisters whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perserverance.
Teresa, Spokane WA
Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you;
he will never let the righteous be shaken. ~ Psalm 55:22(NIV)
Shelly, Lakewood California
Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18(NIV)
Francesca, Melbourne, Australia, “I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.” Psalm 119:11 NIV
sandy, Spicewood Proverbs 4:18 esv “But the path of the righteous is like the light of the dawn, which shines brighter and brighter till full day.”
Melanie, Chattanooga, Tn
James 3:17 NIV
But the wisdom from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial, and sincere.
Ah Lord God! Behold, Thou hast made the heavens and the earth by Thy great power and Thine outstretched arm! Nothing is too difficult for Thee. Jeremiah 32:17
Sam, Hanscom AFB, MA
Is anyone among you in trouble? Let them pray. Is anyone happy? Let them sing songs of praise.
James 5:13, NIV
Kelly from Crawfordsville
But I trust in your unfailing love;
my heart rejoices in your salvation. I will sing the Lord’s praise,
for he has been good to me. (Psalm 13:5, 6 NIV)
Nicole from Parrish, FL You have said, “Seek my face.” My heart says to you, “Your face, Lord, do I seek.” Psalm 27:8 (ESV)
Dawn: Moncks Corner,SC All your children shall be taught by the Lord, and great shall be the peace of your children. Psalm 54:13
Sacha, Midland, TX
Isaiah 30:21 (ESV)
“And your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying “This is the way, walk in it,” when you turn to the right or when you turn to the left.”
Glenda, Harrison, AR, “I have loved you even as the Father has loved me. Remain in my love.” John 15:9 NLT.
Andrea Zimmerman, Prospect Park, PA
“It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yolk of slavery.” Galations 5:1, NIV
Livia
Wick, Scotland
“But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumphal procession in Christ and through us spreads everywhere the fragrance of the knowledge of him.”
2 Corinthians 2:14
NIV84
Denise, Hernando Beach, FL
Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue, but with actions and in truth. IJohn 3:18 NIV
Hannah McDuffie Spring Hill Tn
2 Corinthians 12:9 KJV
And he said unto me, my grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength
Is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory
In my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
Marie, Easley, SC
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.
Joshua 1:9 NKJ
Beth..LaVernia, Tx…Isaiah 54:13 (the Net)
All your children will be followers of The Lord, and your children will enjoy great prosperity.
My salvation and my honor come from God alone. He is my refuge, a rock, where no enemy can reach me. Psalm 62:7
Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need. Hegrews 4:16 NIV
Raines, Albany, GA: Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need. Hebrews 4:16 NIV
Kerri, Lakeland FL “He brought me up also out of the horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my goings.” Psalms 40:2 KJV
LuAnn Port Huron, MI 1 Timothy 1:16 NLT But God had mercy on me so that Christ Jesus could use me as a prime example of his great patience with even the worst sinners. Then others will realize that they, too, can believe in him and receive eternal life.
Katie, Flowery Branch, Ga
The message of the cross is foolish to those who are headed for destruction! But those who are being saved know it is the very power of God.
1 Cor 1:18
Ann, Brainerd, Minnesota
“Take delight in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart.” Psalm 37:4 NIV
Liz Taylor, Washington DC
Psalm 147:3 HCSB
He heals the broken hearted and binds up their wounds.
Sandy, Lexington, KY
“For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.”
2 Corinthians 4:17 (NIV)
Karon, Gainesville. “Whatever you do work at it with all your heart as working for the Lord not men.” Colossians 3:23 NIV
Sandy:Amarillo, TX
When the dead rise, they will neither marry nor be given in marriage; they will be like the angels in heaven.
Sorry, forgot…
Mark 12:25 NIV
Janet in Amarillo, TX
Psalms 16:11 (NET)
You lead me in the path of life; I experience absolute joy in your presence; you always give me sheer delight.