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
Kathryn, West Palm Beach, “Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds,” James 1:2 NIV
Joan, Wichita, “Consider it pure joy brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds.” James 1:2 NIV84
Brandee from White House, TN
Ephesians 4:1b-2, The Voice
Live a life that is worthy of the calling He has graciously extended to you. Be humble. Be gentle. Be patient. Tolerate one another in an atmosphere thick with love.
mariel, wake forest
i sought the lord and he answered me and delivered me from all my fears. those who look to him are radiant, and their faces shall never be ashamed.
psalm 34:4-5 esv
Cheryl, Titusville
“May you be praised, Lord God of our father Israel, from eternity to eternity. Yours, Lord, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the splendor and the majesty, for everything in the heavens and the earth belong to You. Yours, Lord. is the kingdom, and You are exalted as head over all. Riches and honor come from You, and You are the ruler of everything. Power and might are in Your hand, and it is in Your hand to make great and give strength to all. Now therefore, our God, we give You thanks and praise Your glorious name. ” 1 Chronicles 29: 10b-13, HCSB
The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much. James 5:16 NLT
Bonnie, Schuylkill Haven, PA
Psalm 56:8 Living Bible
You have seen me tossing and turning through the night.
You have collected all my tears and preserved them in Your bottle! You have recorded every one in Your book.
Thanks for this verse, Bonnie. It speaks to me right now. Also, I am from Shamokin!
Romans 2:13 For it is not those who hear the law who are righteous in Gods sight, but it is those who obey the law who will be declared righteous.”
Angie – Orlando, FL
“Reckless words pierce like a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.” Prov. 12:18 (NIV)
Patty, Talbott, Tn.
“Look to the Lord and His strength; seek His face always.”
Psalm 105:4 NIV
Mollyanne from Athens, GA
“You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar.”
Psalm 139:2 NIV
Sara Sioux City, Iowa
For there is not a word on my tongue, but behold, O LORD, You know it altogether. You have hedged me behind and before, and laid Your hand upon me. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; It is high, I cannot attain it.
Psalm 139:4-6 NKJV
Kristin from Suwanee, GA
This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.
John 15.8 NIV
Mollie Thomas, Fairhope, AL
3 We know that we have come to know him if we obey his commands. 4 The man who says, “I know him,” but does not do what he commands is a liar, and the truth is not in him. 5 But if anyone obeys his word, God’s love is truly made complete in him. This is how we know we are in him: 6 Whoever claims to live in him must walk as Jesus did.
1 John 2:3-6
New International Version 1984 (NIV1984)
Sandra, Torrance California
For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. Luke 12:34 NET
Natalia, Castle Pines Colorado. “Do not let any unwholesome talk come our of your mouth, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen” Ephesians 4:29 (NIV)
Heather, Edmonton, Alberta
{This verse jumped off the page and smacked me upside the head!!}
All your children shall be taught by the LORD, and great shall be the peace of your children.” Isaiah 54:13 ESV
Jane W., Charlotte, NC
If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given him. But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That man should not think he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all he does. James 1:5-8 NIV
Jennifer, OKC, Mark 9:24 NIV
“Come to me, all you who labor and are heavy laden and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28 NKJV
Kathy Howe
Lexington, KY
Laurie, Gibsonville, NC
You came near when I called You, and You said “Do not fear.”
You, Lord, took up my case; You redeemed my life.
Lamentations 3:57 & 58
NIV
Trish West Linn, Oregon
” Blessed is the Man who perserveres under trial because when he has stood the test, He will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him”.
James 1:12 NIV
Gena – Rowlett, TX
“Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone. ” Col. 4:6 NIV
Alicia, Okc
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.
Colossians 3:1-2 (NIV)
Pam, Hendersonville, NC
Psalm 85:10-“Mercy and truth are met together; righteousness and peace have kissed each other.” KJV
Angela, Shelbyville, IN
“8 This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.” John 15:8 (NIV1984)
Nikki
Littleton, CO
1Timothy 6:11
“But as for you, O man of God, flee these things. Pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, and gentleness.” ESV
Salisbury, MD
Hebrews 10:23 NIV
Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for He who promised is faithful.
Tracy Baker, Kountze
Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart Be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, my rock and myRedeemer. Psalm 19:14 NASB
Michele, Anderson, SC
Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved. Acts 4:12 NIV
Freida, Chatham, LA “Praise the Lord, my soul, and forget not all his benefits.” Psalm 103:2 NIV
Linde, Dallas
Joshua 1:9
New Living Translation (NLT)
This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”
Dawn in Monett, MO
Psalm 66:19-20 NIV
But God has surely listened and heard my voice in prayer. Praise be to God, who has not rejected my prayer or withheld his love from me!
Wendy Amarillo, TX
A good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and an evil man brings evil things out the evil stored up in his heart. For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of.
Luke 6:45 NIV
Stepanie, Hamburg. “Jesus answered,” It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’ Matthew 4:4
Marina, Kansas City
“but whoever keeps his word, in him truly the love of God is perfected. By this we may know that we are in him:”
(1 John 2:5 ESV)
For He chose us in Him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in His sight.
Ephesians 1:4 (ESV)
Therefore judge nothing before the appointed time; wait till the Lord comes. He will bring to light what is hidden in the darkness and will expose the motives of men’s hearts. At that time each will receive his praise from God.
I Corinthians 4:5 NIV
“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 about such things.”- Phil. 4:8 | NIV
Jourdan, West Africa, ESV:
“Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory” 1 Peter 1:8
Kerri from Columbus, Georgia “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” Romans 12:2 ESV
Mindy from Austin, “Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning;great is your faithfulness.” Lamentations 3:22-23 NIV
Christy from Middletown, Maryland: “He will feed his flock like a shepherd. He will carry the lambs in his arms, holding them close to his heart. He will gently lead the mother sheep with their young.” Isaiah 40:11 NLTse
Sandi, Drayden, MD, “The Lord is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble. Those who know your name trust in you, for you, Lord, have never forsaken those who seek you.” Psalm 9:9-10, NIV.
Tabitha, Raleigh, NC – “For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.” Galatians 5:1 (ESV)
Need desperately to internalize this one!
Debbie
Fairbanks, AK
He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. Colossians 1:17 NIV
Amy from Indpls IN – I sought the Lord, and He answered me, and delivered me from all my fears. Psalm 34:4 NASB
Michelle from Norman, OK “Whoever has my commands and keeps them is the one who loves me. The one who loves me will be loved by my Father and I too will love them and show myself to them”. John 14:21 NIV
Amy from North Yarmouth, ME
“Be still, and know that I am God;
I will be exalted among the nations,
I will be exalted in the earth.”
Psalm 46:10 (NIV)
Ashley from Amarillo, TX…
“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.”
Phil. 4:6-7 (NIV)