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
Lindsey, Dallas, TX
“Now all glory to God, who is able, through His mighty power at work within us, to accomplish more than we might ask or think.” Ephesians 3:20 NLT
Hi Second verse –
Philippians 4:6 (part of 4:4-9)
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. NIV
Luain, Amarillo, TX
For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.
2 Corinthians 4:17 NIV
Heidi, Victoria, BC
“I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. If anyone does not remain in me, he is like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you. This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.”
John 15:5-8 NIV
Psalm 119:11 I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.
“My prayer is that light will flood your hearts and that you will understand the hope that was given to you when God chose you. Then you will discover the glorious blessings that will be yours together with all of God’s people.” Ephesians 1:18. CEV
Laura, League City, Texas:
“You are the light of the world- like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden.” Matthew 5:14 NLT
You crown the year with your bounty,and your carts overflow with abundance.Ps. 65:12 NIV
Judy- Taylors, SC You crown the year with your bounty, and your carts overflow with abundance. (Psalm 65:11 TNIV)
Jinga, West Palm Beach, FL
And the peace of GOD, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:7 NIV
You love him even though you have never seen him. Though you do not see him now, you trust him; and you rejoice with a glorious, inexpressible joy. The reward for trusting him will be the salvation of your souls. (1 Peter 1:8, 9 NLT)
Allyson, League City TX
John 1:4-5 ESV
In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.
Heidi~Lindale, Tx
Proverbs 2:6 NIV
“For the Lord gives wisdom, and from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.”
Anne, Plymouth MI
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 perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. James 1:2-4 NIV
but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary,they will walk and not be faint.
Isa. 40:31
Glenda from Sheridan, Arkansas
“Don’t fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns. Before you know it, a sense of God’s wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down. It’s wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the center of your life.”
Phil. 4:6-7 Msg
Natalie- Austin , Tx
So watch yourselves”if a man/brother sins rebuke him and if he repents forgive him”
Luke 17:3 NIV
Beth Aldrich Cary, NC
Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters! Let every person be quick to listen, slow to speak, slow to anger. For human anger does not accomplish God’s righteousness.
James 1:19-20 (NET)
Joan from Michigan
sorry I’m late….had that miserable flu….
“Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name; you are mine.” Isaiah 43:1 NIV
Elaine, Hazelwood, MO Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13 NKJV
Jay, Oklahoma
“For He will give His angels orders concerning you,
to protect you in all your ways.” Psalm 91:11 HCSB
“But he brought us out from there to bring us in and give us the land that he promised on oath to our forefathers. ” NIV Deuteronomy 6:23- yes I am in the Law of Love!
Debra
Dallas, GA
May the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart be pleasing in your sight,
O LORD, my Rock, and my Redeemer.
Psalm 19:14 (NIV)
Jennifer Olmstead
Janesville, WI
Philippians 4:6 NIV1984
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
Joanna K
Salinas, CA
But 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.
Isaiah 40:31 ESV)
Tenda from Bellevue WA
“The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.”
Psalm 18:2 (NIV)
Mary Ellen, Trenton, “Many are the plans in a man’s heart, but it’s the Lord’s purpose that prevails.” Proverbs 19:21 NIV84
Worry can rob you of happiness, but kind words will cheer you up. Proverbs 12:25 GNT
Lori, Ooltewah
Tami
Upland, Ca
First of all, you should know this: no prophesy of Scripture comes from one’s own interpretation, because no prophesy ever came by the will of man; instead, moved by the Holy Spirit, men spoke from God.
2 Peter 1:20 (HCSB)
Jennifer Kelley
Whitewright, TX
Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, and constant in prayer. Romans 12:12 NIV
Jennifer,Knoxville “The Lord is my strength and my song He has become my salvation.” Psalm 118:14 NKJV
KIM EARLY-EDMOND OKLAHOMA
ABOVE ALL ELSE GAURD YOUR HEART, FOR EVERYTHING YOU DO FLOWS FROM IT
PROVERBS 4:23 NLT
KRYSTIN LAND-EDMOND OKLAHOMA
ABOVE ALL ELSE GAURD YOUR HEART, FOR EVERYTHING YOU DO FLOWS FROM IT
PROVERBS 4:23 NLT
ASHLEIGH O’NEAL-EDMOND OKLAHOMA
ABOVE ALL ELSE GAURD YOUR HEART, FOR EVERYTHING YOU DO FLOWS FROM IT
PROVERBS 4:23 NLT
Betty, Loma Linda
The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked, who can know it? Jer 17:9 KJV
Estela – Burbank “Come to me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest.” 
Matthew 11:28 NASB
Pam Waite, Bradenton, FL
“Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name; you are mine.” Isaiah 43:1 NIV
Skylar – Burbank
“Do not be wise in your own eyes;
fear the Lord and shun evil.” Proverbs 3:7 (NIV)
Audree
Sandwich, il
We also pray that you will be strengthened with all his glorious power so you will have all the endurance and patience you need. May you be filled with joy, (Colossians 1:11 NLT)
Isaiah 41:13
New International Version (NIV)
13 For I am the Lord your God
who takes hold of your right hand
and says to you, Do not fear;
I will help you.
liz gladstone or
Tami, DS, LA
Psalm 34:7 NIV
The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear him, and he delivers them.
Why pay money for something that will not nourish you? Why spend your hard-earned money on something that will not satisfy? Listen carefull to me and eat what is nourishing! Enjoy fine food!
Isaiah 55:2 NET
Pam Rowell
Round Rock< TX
Reckless words pierce like a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.
Proverbs 12:18 NIV
ivy
Dallas, TX
Paige, from Brownfield, Tx
11 For the LORD God is a sun and shield; the LORD bestows favor and honor. No good thing does he withhold from those who walk uprightly.
Psalm 84:11 ESV
Kathleen L, Trinity
LORD, you have assigned me my portion and cup;
You have made my lot secure.
Psalms 16:5 NIV
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
Lynn – Lynchburg , VA
The Lord is my rock, my fortress, and my savior; my God is my rock, in whom I find protection.
He is my shield, the power that saves me, and my place of safety.
Ps 18:2 NLT
Then I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, “Whom shall I send, and who will go for Us?” Then I said, “Here am I. Send me!” Isaish 6:8 NASB
Janet Shepherd, Big Horn, WY
Avayd Ann, KS City, KS “I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise and watch over you.” PS 32:8 NLT
Sarah- Gulf Shores, AL
Rejoice in our confident hope. Be patient in trouble and keep on praying.
Romans 12:12 NLT