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
You crown the year with you bounty and your carts overflow with abundance. Psalm 65:11 NIV
Hope Ekholm , Redding, CA
“Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my rock and redeemer.”
-Psalm 19:14 ESV
Shannon H, Indiana
Be joyful always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus
1 Thes. 5:16-18
Tricia Moore
Cincinnati, OH
Acts 13:41 NIV
I am doing a work in your days. A work that you will never believe, even if someone were to explain it to you.
Wendy, Sedalia MO
Know therefore that the Lord your God is God; he is the faithful God, keeping his covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who love him and keep his commandments.
-Deuteronomy 7:9 (NIV)
Praying that prayer too. Michele (also from Sedalia, MO.)
Tara, Dawsonville, GA
I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shall go: I will guide thee with mine eye.
Psalm 33:8 KJV
Hannah McDuffie spring hill tn
Joshua 1:9 NIV
Be strong and courageous, do not be terrified, do not be discouraged for the Lprd your God is with you wherever you go.
Rachel, Murfreesboro, TN
“Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me. Your rod and your staff, they comfort me.” Psalm 23:4 ESV
Allecia–Brownsburg, IN “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10 NIV
Dianna
Moneta, Va.
But those who wait on 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
NKJV
Linda from Mishawaka,In says
Therefore,if anyone is in Christ,he is a new creation,old things have passes away; behold, all things become new. 2 Cor. 5:17 NKJV
Jackie G. from Missouri
Proverbs 3:5-6
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight. NIV
Kim
Tennessee
Psalm 1:2-3
New International Version (NIV)
2 but whose delight is in the law of the Lord,
and who meditates on his law day and night.
3 That person is like a tree planted by streams of water,
which yields its fruit in season
and whose leaf does not wither—
whatever they do prospers.
Angela S, Tulsa, OK
In this way, you do not have faith in Christ because of the wisdom of men. You have faith in Christ because of the power of God.
1 Corinthians 2:5 (NLV)
“The Lord detest lying lips, but he delights in men who are truthful.”
-Proverbs 12:22 NIV
Jackie Marietta, GA “If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him.
Luke 11:13 NKJV
Crevolyn
Gainesville, Georgia
“He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.”
Psalm 147:3
NIV
Kelli – Gadsden,AL
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him,who have been called according to His purpose. Romans 8:28 NIV
Monroe, LA
Commit your way to the Lord; trust in Him and He will do this: He will make your righteousness shine like the dawn, the justice of your cause like the noonday sun. Psalm 37:5-6 NIV84
Amy, St. Augustine, FL
“For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God.” Romans 8:14 NIV
Annie L., Ipswich, MA
“Now to him who is able to immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.”
Eph 3:20-21 NIV
This is what The Lord says-
for I have created you O Jacob;
for I have formed you O Isreal;
I have redeemed you, I have summoned
you by name; you are mine.
Isaiah 43:1
Linda from Birmingham, AL
“‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.'”
Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV)
“May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing to you, O Lord, my Rock and MY Redeemer. NLT Psalm 19:14
Caitlin, Marion, Kentucky
Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need and thank Him for all He has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.
Phillipians 4:6-7 NLT
Charlotte Kiel,Tomball, TX.
You crown the year with Your goodness, And your paths drip with abundance. Psalm 65:11 NKJV
Becca, Oceanside, CA. 1 Corinthians 13:13 NIV
“And now these three remain: faith, hope, and love. Â But the greatest of these is love.”
Angela from Warsaw, IN
Give thanks to The Lord, for He is good, His love endures forever. 1 Chronicles 16:34 (NIV)
Melissa, living in Gruitrode,Belgium.
The word of God is not imprisoned. 2 Timothy 2:9b NJKV
Stephanie – Columbus, OH
For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to everyone that believes, to the jew first and also to the Greek.
Rom 1:16 KJV
Behold, I stand at the door and knock; if anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and will dine with him and he with Me. Rev. 3:20 (NAS)
Cristina from Covington, LA: The Lord will fight for you; you need only be still
Exodus 14:14 NIV
Tricia
St. Louis
Isaiah 6:9–NIV
“Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?”
And I said, “Here am I. Send me!”
This week the words from the beautiful hymn “Here I am Lord” moved me so deeply as I do the work to put my complete faith in God and try to live more for others than myself. “Here I am Lord, Is it I Lord? I have heard you calling in the night. I will go Lord, if you lead me, I will hold your people in my heart.”
Cindy from Clute, TX. – “Vindicate the weak and fatherless; do justice to the afflicted and destitute.” James 1:19-20
Jill, Winter Haven,FL
Isaiah 55:9 “For just as the heavens are higher than the eath, so are my ways higher than yours, and my thoughts than yours.”
The Living Bible
Cheryl, Houston
He will have no fear of bad news, his heart is steadfast, trusting in the LORD!
Psalm 112:7 NIV
Hannah. Dayton,OH. “So then, since we have a great High Priest who has entered Heave, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to what we believe. This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for He faced all of the same testing we do, yet He did not sin. So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive His mercy and we will find grace to help us when we need it most.” Hebrews 4:14-16 New Living Translation
Fran – Forth Worth, Texas
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by paryer 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.”
Philiiopians 4:6-7 NIV
Lamentations 3:22 (NIV)
“Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail.”
michelle Hamburg,Pa
Wait for the Lord;be strongand take heart and wait for the Lord.
Nare, London UK: Though it linger, wait for
it; it will certainly come and will not delay. (Habakkuk 2:3 NIV)
Connie, Pleasanton, CA-
I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and so, somehow, to attain to the resurrection from the dead. Philippians 3:10, 11 NIV84)
Stacey, Columbus, MS
He must increase, but I must decrease. (John 3:30 KJV)
Rachel Alarid
Magnolia, TX
Matthew 6:27 ESV
And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life?
Brandy McCombs. Jay. OK. Guide me in Your truth and teach me; For You are God my savior and my hope is in You all day long. Psalm 25:5NIV
Kim, Frankenmuth, MI: “I know that my redeemer lives, and in that in the end He will stand on the earth.” -Job 19:25 NIV
Stacey P., Houston, TX
“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted,and he saves those whose spirits have been crushed.” Psalm 34:18 NCV
“Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, “This is the way; walk in it.” Isaiah 30:21
Great is the Lord and most worthy of praise, his greatness no one can fathom.
Psalm 145:3 NIV
Kendra ~ Enid,Ok
And He said, “My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.” (Exodus 33:14 NKJV)