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
Taffy
Pinopolis, SC
“Do not copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.”
Romans 12:2
I know how to abased and I know to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungary, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Phil 4:12-13
Lyss, Ankeny Iowa
Let us not be weary in well doing, for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. Gal 6:9
He will not fear bad news; his heart is confident, trusting in the LORD. Psalm 112:7,HCSB
Kristen from Burbank, CA
“You are my witnesses”, declares the Lord, “and my servant whom I have chosen, so that you may know and believe me.
Isaiah 43:10 NIV
JamieB
Corbin,ky
Psalm 34:4 NIV I sought The Lord, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears.
Mary, Broken Arrow OK
Let the redeemed of the LORD say so. Whom He has redeemed from the hand of the enemy. Psalm 107:2 NKJV
Angie from Houston, TX
“Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”
Matthew 11:28-30
Mardi Bakersfield, CA
“For as high as the heavens are above the earth,
so great is his love for those who fear him;
as far as the east is from the west
so far has he removed our
transgressions from us.”
Psalm 103:11-12 NIV
Heidi Bennett, Round Rock, TX
Oh how I love your teachings! I talk about them all the time!
Psalm 119:97 easy to understand version
Megan from Eldridge, Iowa John 10:10 The thief comes only in order to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance to the full, till it overflows. John 10:10 AMP
Karen from Tuscaloosa, AL
Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. – James 1:4 NIV
Mae, Brisbane Australia
But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues in it—not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it—they will be blessed in what they do. (James 1:25 NIV)
“It is for freedom that Christ has set us free.
“Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery. “GALATIANS 5:1, NIV
Wausa, NE
Listen to my voice in the morning, LORD. Each morning I bring my requests to You and wait expectantly.
Psalms 5:3 NLT
Debbie in Birmingham, AL – 2 Chronicles 16:9 ESV “For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth to give strong support to those whose heart is blameless toward him.”
Sherrie-Sammamish WA
The commands of the Lord are radiant, giving light to the eyes.
Psalm 19:8 NIV
“For the mountains may be removed, and the hills make shake, but my lovingkindness will not be removed from you. And my covenant of peace will not be shaken says the Lord who has compassion on you.” Isaiah 54:10
Gretchen, Burns, TN.
Come, let us shout joyfully to the LORD, shout triumphantly to the rock of our salvation!
“Make straight paths for your feet, so that what is lame may not be dislocated but healed.”
(Hebrews12:13)
Arminda from Salt Lake City, Utah
For the Lord your God walks in the midst of your camp, to deliver you and give your enemies over to you; therefore, your camp shall be holy, that He may see no unclean thing among you and turn away from you.
Deut. 23:14 NKJV
Chatsworth, Georgia
“Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable and it keeps no record of being wronged.” 1 Corinthians 13:4-5 NLT
Kate DeWys
Zeeland, Michigan
“Jesus replied, ‘Love The Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: love your neighbor as yourself. All the law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”
Matthew 22 vs. 37-40 TNIV
Faye, Birmingham, AL
Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed for I am your
God. I will strengthen you, yes I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
Isaiah 41:10 NKJV
Tai
Kensington, MD
For God did not give us a Spirit of fear but of power and love and self-control.
2 Timothy 1:7
New English Translation
Psalm 92:1-2 it is good to praise The Lord and make music to your name O Most High. To declare your steadfast love in the morning and your faithfulness by night. (ESV)
Carrie from Highlands Ranch, CO
For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. Psalm 139:13&14
Candice Crespo Covington,LA
Restore unto me the joy of Your salvation
Ps. 51:12 NKJV
Jude 21 staying right at the center of God’s love, keeping your arms open and outstretched, ready for the mercy of our Master, Jesus Christ. This is the unending life, the real life! (MSG)
Cindy, Wausau, WI
Jude 21 staying right at the center of God’s love, keeping your arms open and outstretched, ready for the mercy of our Master, Jesus Christ. This is the unending life, the real life! (MSG)
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 NIV
Cindy (Houston) “All your sons will be taught by the LORD, and great will be your children’s peace.” Isaiah 54:13 NIV
Adairsville, Georgia. What time I am afraid I will trust in you. PSalms 56:3 KJV
Alicia, Ft. Wayne, IN –We can make our plans, but The Lord determines our steps. Proverbs 16:9
Be joyful always; pray continually; and give thanks in all circumstance, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thes 5:16-18
That no flesh should glory in his presence. (1 Corinthians 1:29 KJV)That no flesh should glory in his presence. (1 Corinthians 1:29 KJV) Diane Hudson. Murfreesboro Tn
Emma, Adelaide, South Australia
“So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in Him, rooted and built up in Him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.”
Colossians 2:6-7 NIV
Chasity from Raleigh, NC
Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations…teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age. Matt 28:19, 20. NAS
Kerre,Chattanooga,TN. Do you not say, “Four months and then the harvest”? I tell you, open your eyes and look at the fields! They are ripe for harvest. John 4:35 NIV
Romans 5:1 NLT
Therefore, since we have been made right in God’s sight by faith, we have peace with God because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us.
Jean H. Naples, Fl.
Hebrews 4:12 NIV
For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.
Proverbs 3:5&6 (NCV)
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and don’t depend on your own understanding. Remember the Lord in all you do, and He will give you success.
Megan from Louisville, KY
“Let us acknowledge the Lord; let us press on the acknowledge him. As surely as the sun rises, he will appear; he will come us us like the winter rains, like the spring rains that water the earth.”- Hosea 6:3 NIV
nancy, camilla, ga “The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the spirit is life and peace.” Romans 8:6 niv
Lisa~Liberty
In You, O Lord, I put my trust;
Let me never be ashamed;
Deliver me in Your righteousness.
Bow down Your ear to me,
Deliver me speedily;
Be my rock of refuge,
A fortress of defense to save me.
Ps.31:1-2 NKJ
Psalm 25:1-3 NIV
In You, Lord my God, I put my trust. I trust in You, do not let me be put to shame or let my enemies triumph over me. No one who hopes in you will ever be put to shame but shame will come on those who are treacherous without cause.
Aimee Saskatchewan, Canada.
The lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer my god my rock in whom I take refuge my shield and the horn of my salvation my stronghold
Psalm 18:2 nasb
Lee from West MI
“For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form, and you have been given fullness in Christ, who is the head over every power and authority.” Col. 2:9-10 NIV
Carissa Metzger. Silver Lake, IN. Stretch out your hand with healing power; may miraculous signs and wonders be done through the name of your holy servant Jesus. Acts 4:30 NLT
Amy from Johns Creek, GA. But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. John 14:26 NIV