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
Alice, Platte City,
For we walk by faith, not by sight. 2Cor. 5:7 NKJV
“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)
Jennifer from Garner, NC
But this I call to mind, and therefore I have hope: (22) The steadfast love of The Lord never ceases; His mercies never come to an end; Lamentations 3:21-22 ESV
Emily Pain, West Palm Beach, Fl
Forget the former things and do not dwell on the past. See I am doing a new thing! News springs rising up, do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams I. The wasteland. -Isaiah 43:18-19
Michelle, Russellville ~ Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value. Proverbs 31:11 NIV
Chanda Fort Wayne, IN
I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand.
John 10:28 NIV
Raven, Atlanta, Ga
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.
John 14:27 NIV
Kathy French,Austin, Texas
“Find rest, O my soul, in God alone; my hope comes from Him. He alone is my rock and my salvation; He is my fortress, I will not be shaken. My salvation and my honor depend on God; He is my mighty rock, my refuge. Trust in Him at all times, O people; pour out your hearts to Him, for God is our refuge.” Psalm 62:5-8 NIV
He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he restores my soul. Psalm 23:2 Psalm 23:2
Ruth, Lubbock, TX
“And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of The Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.” Colossians 3:17 ESV
Isaiah 54:13 NLT
I will teach all your children, and they will enjoy great peace.
Amy Jones, Jackson, TN
“Always be joyful. Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus. Do not stifle the Holy Spirit. Do not scoff at prophecies, but test everything that is said. Hold on to what is good. Stay away from every kind of evil.”
I Thess 5:16-22 (NLT)
Andrea, East Earl, PA
So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, what is unseen is eternal. NIV 2 Cor. 4:18
Brandi, Fayetteville, NC
“For we walk by faith, not by sight.”
—2 Corinthians 5:7 nkjv
Christa Caruso, Ambler Pa
Finallly brothers, 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. Philippians 4:8 NIV
Sarah, Independence, Ky. “Now listen you rich people, weep and wail because of the misery that is coming upon you. Your wealth has rotted, and your moths have eaten your clothes.” James 5:1-2 NIV 84
“Judge not, that you be not judged. For with the judgment you pronounce you will be judged, and with the measure you use it will be measured to you. (Matthew 7:1, 2 ESV)
Nicki, Diriamba, Nicaragua
Detente, y considera las maravillas de Dios. Job 37:14 RV1960
Jamie from Staunton, IL
“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for the shall be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.”
-Matthew 5:3-5 (ESV)
Sharon Lititz, PA
Isaiah 41:13 NIV
For I am the Lord, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you.
Beth – Oak Grove, La.
“For the life was manifested, and we have seen it and bear witness, and show unto you that eternal life, which was with the Father and was manifested unto us”
1 John 1:2 – kjv
Oops-forgot to post! Thanks!
Rose, in Dallas:
But let all who take refuge in you rejoice; let them ever sing for joy, and spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may exult in you. For you bless the righteous, O LORD; you cover him with favor as with a shield.
Psalm 5:11,12
Sara
Highland Village, TX
Jeremiah 29:11
For I know the plans that I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope.
NASB
Julie, Marion
Psalm 46:10
NIV
Be still and know that I Am God; I will be exalted among the nataions: I will be exalted in the earth
ESV, Philippians 4:13
I can do all things through him who strengthens me.
Allison, Broken Arrow, OK
“The Lord will fight for you, you need only to be still.”
Exodus 14:14 NIV
Sharon, Cypress, TX
Let your eyes look straight ahead, fix your gaze directly before you. Proverbs 4:25 NIV
“For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love he predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will – to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves.” Ephesians 1:4-5
Deborah Boston, MA
Philippians 4:13{ESV}
I can do all things through Him (Christ)who strengthens me.
Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry James 1:19 NIV
O Lord, you alone are my hope. I’ve trusted you, O Lord, from childhood. Psalm 71:5
I Peter 1:4 “and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil, or fade–kept in heaven for you.”
Nancy,Boardman,Ohio
Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. I Thessalonians 5:18 NIV
Romans 8:28-31
28 we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who[n] have been called according to his purpose. 29For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. 30And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified. 31What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?
Ronna K – Deer Park TX “Rejoice in The Lord always. I will say it again, rejoice.” Phil 4:4 NIV
Psalm 52:10 create on me a clean heart O God, and renew a right spirit within me. NKJV
Lidiya – Melbourne, Australia,
Psalm 71:2 NIV – Rescue me and deliver me in your righteousness; turn your ear to me and save me.
What shall we say about such wonderful things as these? If God is for us, who can ever be against us? (Romans 8:31 NLT)
Megan from Columbia
“I am with you and will watch over you wherever you go, and I will bring you back to this land. I will not leave you until I have done what I have promised you.” Genesis 28:15 NIV
Ellen
St Augustine, FL
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
I tried to post on Feb 1, but did not show on the list, so i am reposting.
Caroline
Waco, TX
Therefore as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.
Colossians 3:12 (NIV)
Jenna
Waco, TX
For the Scriptures say, ‘He will order his angels to protect and guard you.’
Luke 4:10 (NLT)
Carrie, Cypress, Texas
Jeremiah 29:11
New International Version (NIV)
11 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
Pam, Dublin, VA
Whoever finds his [lower] life will lose it [the higher life], and whoever loses his [lower] life on My account will find it [the higher life].
Matthew 10:39 (Amplified)
Natalie from Midland, TX
May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleaseing in your sight, O Lord my Rock and my Redeemer.
Psalm 19:14 NIV
Marietta from Raleigh, NC
“The Lord gives strength to is people; The Lord blesses his people with peace” Psalm 29:11 NIV
Marti, Libertyville, IL
“For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight.” Eph.1:4 (NIV)
Jessica, Show Low, AZ
“Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the LORD’s purpose that prevails.” Proverbs 19:21
“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” Romans 12:2 NIV
Ephesians 2:8-9 (NIV)
For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God–not by works, so that no one can boast.