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
And, Kathy, acknowledge the God of your father
and serve Him with wholehearted devotion
and a willing mind, for the LORD searches
every heart and understands the motive
behind the thoughts. 1Chronicles28:9
Kelley – Cordova, AL
Moses answered the people, “Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the Lord will bring you today. The Egyptians you see today you will never see again. The Lord will fight for you; you need only be still.” Exodus 14:13-14
Cherese from Sumter, SC
take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the is the evil thereof.
Matthew 6:34 KJV
Jennifer, Lewisville TX
Hebrews 11:6
Without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.
Kelley, La Verne. Psalm 94:11 The Lord knows the thoughts of man, that they are futile. NKJV
(HCSB) Hebrews 4:1
“For the word of God is living and effective and sharper than any double- edged sword, penetrating as far as the separation of soul spirit, joints and marrow. It is able to judge the ideas and thoughts of the heart.”
…. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you,. Matthew 6:32b-33 (NKJ) (Nancy, Whitehall, LA)
Debbie – Hookstown, PA
The LORD is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in Him.
Nahum 1:7
Be still and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in all the earth! The Lord of hosts is with us; The God of Jacob is our fortress. Psalm 46:10 ESV
I tell you the truth if anyone says to this mountain Go throw yourself into the sea, and does not doubt in his heart but believes that what he says will happen it will be done for him. Mark 11 23.
Mountain Home, Arkansas
Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love. Eph 4:2 NLT
Karen from Naples, FL
10 God, create a clean heart for me
and renew a steadfast spirit within me.
11 Do not banish me from Your presence
or take Your Holy Spirit from me.
12 Restore the joy of Your salvation to me,
and give me a willing spirit.
13 Then I will teach the rebellious Your ways,
and sinners will return to You.
Jessica, Fort Collins. All your children shall be taught by the LORD, and great shall be the peace of your children.” Isaiah 54:13 ESV
Kourtney Cooper from Bryan, TX
And we know that in all things God works for teh good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28 NIV
Tricia, Dublin, Ohio
Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.
James 4:7, NIV
A friend loves at all times. Proverbs 17:17 NIV
Quita from Trenton, Tx
Ps.103:1 KJV
Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy name.
Ashley from Jacksonville:
JOSHUA 1:9 NIV84
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”
AMEN.
Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight and the sin that clings so closely, and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus the pioneer and perfecter of our faith, who for the sake of the joy that was set before him endured the cross, disregarding its shame, and has taken his seat at the right hand of the throne of God.
Hebrews 12:1-2 NRSV
Becky, Waddell, AZ
 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.
Is 40:31 (NIV)
But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.
Acts 1:8 NIV
Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne and to the lamb. Revelation 7 10 NIV
Whitney
Powellville, MD
“Search me God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.”
Psalm 139:23-24. NIV
Those who live only to satisfy their own sinful nature will harvest decay and death from that sinful nature. But those who live to please the Spirit will harvest everlasting life from the Spirit. So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up. (Galatians 6:8, 9 NLT)
Romans 8:31-32 NLT
“What shall we say about such wonderful things as these? If God is for us, who can ever be against us? Since He did not even spare His own Son but gave him up for us all, won’t He also give us everything else?”
Debbie from Westerville, OH
All my longings lie open before you, O Lord; my sighing is not hidden from you. Psalm 38:9
Melissa
Georgetown Tx
Psalms1:3 KJV “And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water,that bringth forth fruit in his season:his leaf shall not wither;and whatever he does shall prosper.”
Beth, Johnstown, OH
And I will give you a new heart, and I will put a new spirit in you. I will take out your stony, stubborn heart and give you a tender, responsive heart.
Ezekiel 36:26 NLT
Chesney, Chicago. “As for the holy people who are in the land, they are the noble ones in whom is all my delight. The sorrows of those who take another god for themselves multiply; I will not pour out their drink offerings of blood, and I will not speak their names with my lips. LORD, You are my portion and my cup of blessing; You hold my future. The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; indeed, I have a beautiful inheritance. I will praise the LORD who counsels me-evan at night my conscience instructs me. I keep the LORD in mind always. Because He is at my right hand, I will not be shaken. Therefore my heart is glad, and my spirit rejoices; my body also rests securely.” Psalm 16:3-9, Holman Christian Standard Bible.
Kristina – Duluth, MN. “But be sure to fear The Lord and serve him faithfully with all your heart; consider what great things he has done for you.” 1 Samuel 12:24 NIV
Brenda, Greenville
Daniel 2:20 NIV
Praise be to the name of God forever and ever: Wisdom and power are his
Nicole from Manitoba
Romans 8:1 NET
There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.
Sandie ~ Mechanicsville, VA
“Pleasant words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the bones.”
Proverbs 16:24 NKJV
Arielle
Clever, MO
“And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.” 1 Peter 5:10 (ESV)
But God demonstrates His love for us, in that while we were all sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:8 The Net Bible
DeeDee Tahoka, Tx
Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for The Lord, not for men
Colossians 3:23 NIV
Lorna Beth
Minneapolis, MN
Psalm 13:3-7 (NIV 84)
Look on me and answer, O Lord my God. Give light to my eyes, or I will sleep in death; my enemy will say “I have overcome him,” and my foes will rejoice when I fall. But I trust in your unfailing love, my heart rejoices in your salvation. I will sing to the Lord, for he has been good to me.
Gloria Droke
Cordova, TN
My sheep listen to My voice; I know them and they follow me.
I give them eternal life and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand. John 10:27-28
NIV
Isaiah 26:12 NIV
Lord, you establish peace for us; all that we have accomplished, you have done for us.
Marcy Larance Amarillo Tx
“Rejoice always,pray continually,give thanks
in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for
you in Christ Jesus.”
1 Thess 5:16-18
Commit to the Lord whatever you do and he will establish your plans.
Proverbs 16:3 NIV
Ann Marie, Grand Rapids, MN
A fool gives full vent to her anger but a wise woman keeps herself under control.
Prov 29:11, NET
Amy, Haskell. “Be joyful always; pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 NIV84
Monica, Nampa, Id. “Give thanks to the God of gods. His love endures forever.” Ps 136:2 NLT
Licia in Clarksville, TN
Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.
James 4:8
Elizabeth, Easley, SC. “Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful.” Hebrews 10:23 NIV
Vera
Tremont, Illinois:
Colossians 1:17
He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together. NIV
Because Your lovingkindness is better than life, my lips will praise You. Psalms 63:3
Kari
Burlington WA
“The LORD will fulfill his purpose for me, your Love, O LORD endures forever — do not abandon the works of your hands.” Psalm 138:8 NIV