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
Meredith, Prairie Village, KS – 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: 32-33 NIV
Tammy
Spartanburg SC
Isaiah 54:13esv
All your children shall be taught by The Lord, and great shall be the peace of your children.
Jovin, Houston TX – “Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls.” ~ Jeremiah 6:16a
1Corinthians 10:31 Therefore, whatever you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do to the glory of God. NKJv
Jennifer, Sherwood, AR- Look to The Lord and his strength, seek his face always. Psalm 105:4
Kristin from Nashville, Phil 4:6-7 “do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guide your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
Candace, Narvon, PA – Romans 8:26-27 NIV – In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints in accordance with God’s will.
Karon from Canton, NC
He will redeem my soul in peace from the battle which against me, For they are many who strive with me.
Psalm 55:18 NASB
Janet, Vancouver, BC: If you, O Lord, kept a record of sins, O Lord, who could stand? But with you there is forgiveness, therefore you are feared. I wait for the Lord, my soul waits, and in his word I put my hope.
Psalm 130:3-5 NIV
Julie
Mt. Pleasant, TX
All your children shall be taught by The Lord, and great shall be the peace of your children.” ESV
Hannah S.
Mount Pleasant, TX
Yet to all who did receive Him, to those who believed in His name, He gave the right to become children of God. John 1:12 NIV
Norrell
Prattville, AL
CEB
Ephesians 4:29-32
Don’t let any foul words come out of your mouth. Only say what is helpful when it is needed for building up the community so that it benefits those who hear what you say. Don’t make the Spirit of God unhappy. You were sealed by him for the day of redemption. Put aside all bitterness, losing your temper, anger, shouting, slander, along with all other evil. Be kind, compassionate, and forgiving to each other, in the same way God forgave you in Christ.
Pamela from Olathe, KS
“The Lord is gracious and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.” Psalm 145:8, ESV
Philippians 4:8
King James Version (KJV)
8 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.
Carrie Wiley, McKinney, TX. “give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” 1 Thessalonians 5:18, ESV.
Karen from Redmond
I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go;
I will counsel you and watch over you. Psalm 32:8 NIV
Psalms 32:7, “You are my hiding place; You will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance.” NIV
Shiela from Salem, Oregon. He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds. Psalm 147:3 NIV
Leah:Tulare, CA , Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength. Love your neighbor as yourself, there is no commandment greater than these. Mark 12:30-31 NIV
Sarah, Sydney, Australia.
But Jesus told him, “Anyone who puts a hand to the plow and then looks back is not fit for the Kingdom of God.” (Luke 9:62 NLT)
Dina haynie,fla
For you have not received a spirit of slavery leading to fear again,but you have received a spirit of adoption as sons by which we cry out abba father.
Romans 8:15 (nasb)
Diane, Commerce Twp.,MI Romans 12:10 NLT
Love each other with genuine affection and take delight in honoring each other.
Beth, London, England: “Out of my distress I called on the Lord ; the Lord answered me and set me free. The Lord is on my side; I will not fear. What can man do to me?” (Psalm 118:5-6 ESV)
Psalm 62:1 (ESV) For God alone my soul waits in silence; from Him comes my salvation.
Mary- Seminole, Fl
See to it that no one misses the grace of God so that no bitter root grows up to defile many.
Hebrews 12:15 ESV
Maureen, Acton, MA.
“Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O LORD, my rock and my redeemer.” Psalm 19:14 ESV
Rachel, Morganton, NC
“I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you.” Psalm 32:8 NIV
Elyshia from Lakeland, FL
“Don’t become so well-adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without even thinking. Instead, fix your attention on God. You’ll be changed from the inside out. Readily recognize what He wants from you, and quickly respond to it. Unlike the culture around you, always dragging you down to its level of immaturity, God brings out the best of you, develops well-formed maturity in you. ” Romans 1:2 (The Message)
The Lord is my strength and song, and He is become my salvation: he is my God, and I will prepare him an habitation; my Father’s God, and I will exalt him.
Exodus 15:2
Sara Sandra, Garden City KS: This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples. (John 15:8 NIV)
Sara Sanders, I mean 🙂
Darla, Sealy, TX “Everyon who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved”. Romans 10:13 NIV
Shelley, Pisgah Forest, NC
Proverbs 2:6 NIV
“For the Lord gives wisdom, and from his mouth come knowledge and understanding”
Gaye from Houston – “Be happy (in your faith) and rejoice and be glad-hearted continually – always.” 1Thessalonians 5:16 Amp
Jesse, Wartburg,TN – Jesus said to him,”If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes.” Mark 9:23 NKJV
“the one on the throne said to me, it is finished. I am the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give free water from the spring of the water of life to anyone who is thirsty. Those who win the victory will receive this and I will be their God and they I’ll be my children.” Rev 21:6-7
Inez Barnes
Hamburg, AR
Philippians 4:7 Message
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.
Sorry for the late entry 🙂
John 15:3-5, NKJV
You are already clean because of the word which I have spoken to you. 4 Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me.
5 “I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing. 6 If anyone does not abide in Me, he is cast out as a branch and is withered; and they gather them and throw them into the fire, and they are burned
Jan, Winnipeg, Manitoba “Your wealth has rotted, and moths have eaten your clothes.” (NIV James 5:2)
In Him also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestined according to the purpose of Him who works all things according to the counsel of His will, (Ephesians 1:11 NKJV)
Shanna – Knoxville, TN – The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick, who can understand it? I the Lord search the heart and test the mind to give each man according to his ways, according to the fruit of his deeds. Jeremiah 17:9-10 (ESV)
Romans 12:9 Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. NIV
Wendy
Wilson NC
Phil. 4:6-7 (NIV) Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
How can they preach unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!” Romans 10:15 NIV
Ola Mae, Cedar Park TX. Do not let any wholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Ephesians 4:29-30 NIV
Christina from Waukee, Iowa: “Who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God.” John 1:13 ESV
Deb, Pelzer, SC
Genesis 15:1 b (NIV): “…Do not be afraid, Abram. I am Your shield, your very great reward.”
Littleton, CO
Revelations 3:8 NIV
See, I have opened a door that no one can close. I know you have little strength, yet you have kept my word and not despised my name.
Paula, Statesville NC- “One thing God has spoken, two things have I heard: that you, O God, are strong, and that you, O Lord are loving. Surely you will reward each person according to what he has done.” Psalm 62:11-12 NIV
Sarah S., McKinney, TX
Psalm 34:7 HCSB
“The Angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear Him, and rescues them.”
Christie.Graham, WA. “For to me to live is Christ and to die is gain.” Philip. 1:21 NASB
“Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory.” Colossians 3:1-4 NIV