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 – 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.) 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
Proverbs 4:23 above all else guard your heart for our of it flows the wellspring of life.
Lorraine,Ontario,Canada
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness.”
Gelatians 5:22 NIV
Lori from Riverside: “For I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:13 (NLT)
Round Rock, TX “Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth.” 1 John 3:18 (ESV)
Sherry, Murray, KY
I will teach all your children, and they will enjoy great peace.
Isaiah 54:13 NLT
Lori, Richmond, VA
“Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.” Hebrews 4:16 NIV
He will have no fear of bad news, his heart is steadfast, trusting in the Lord. NIV Psalms 112:7
Monica, Okinawa
Micah 7:18 (GNBDK)
There is no other god like you, O Lord ; you forgive the sins of your people who have survived. You do not stay angry for ever, but you take pleasure in showing us your constant love.
Achara, Jacksonville “This resurrection life you received from God is not a timid, grave-tending life. It’s adventurously expectant, greeting God with a child-like “What’s next Papa?” Romans 8:15 MSG
Kim from Georgetown, KY
Psalm 52:9 NKJV
I will praise you forever,
Because you have done it;
And in the presence of Your saints
I will wait on your name, for it is good.
“Those who answer a matter before they hear it, it is folly and shame to him.”
~Proverbs 18:13 NKJV
Tonya B Daphne AL “For out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks” Matthew 12:34b NIV
But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified. 1 Corinthians 9:27
Sue
Psalm 145:3
Great is the Lord and most worthy of praise
His greatness no one can fathom.
Psalm 145:4
NIV84
Columbia, MO
I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ.
Ephesians 3:16-17
NIV
Rejoice always, pray continually, continue in the work of the Lord. For this is my good and perfect will for you. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (NIV)
1 John 2:6
Whoever claims to live in him must walk as Jesus did.
Katie, Nottingham UK.
‘And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together.’ Colossians 1:17
Christina – Edgewood, KY
Psalm 32:8 ESV
I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go, I will counsel you with my eye upon you.
Joy S, Springfield (OH)
Col 1:5-8
5 the faith and love that spring from the hope that is stored up for you in heaven and that you have already heard about in the word of truth, the gospel
6 that has come to you. All over the world this gospel is bearing fruit and growing, just as it has been doing among you since the day you heard it and understood God’s grace in all its truth.
7 You learned it from Epaphras, our dear fellow servant, who is a faithful minister of Christ on our behalf,
8 and who also told us of your love in the Spirit.
Rachel A; Lander, WY
“Delight yourself in The Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart.”
Psalm 37:4
Hellena, Pittsburgh, pa
‘ This I know for sure: we often have not because we ask not. ‘ (James 4:2) (NLT)
To me this really hits home. I tend to rely on myself, and not lean on Jesus FIRST. If I do not ask Him for what I need from Him and tell Him what I am thankful for. How do I expect for Him to listen and BLESS me with it??
Tammy from Fort Myers, Florida: Proverbs 1:7 HCSB “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction.”
Kathy
Carrollton, Al
Psalm 51:1 NIV
Create in me a pure heart o God and renew a steadfast spirit in me.
Jo Marie
Oregon
Isaiah 55:6
Seek The Lord while He can be found
Call upon Him while He is near
Erin, Charlotte, NC
Hebrews 12:2,3 NIV “Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.
Kim from Redlands, CA
Phillipians 4:8 NIV
Finally 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.
Timothy 1:15
Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance- Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners-of who I am the worst
NIV
Tara from Fort Worth, Texas
What I tell you now in the darkness, shout abroad when daybreak comes. What I whisper in your ears, shout from the housetops for all to hear! – Matthew 10:27
NLT
‘I prayed to the Lord and he answered me, freeing me from all my fears.’ Psalm 34:4
Jennifer from Texas
James 1:12 NIV
Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life The Lord promises to those who love him.
Suzanne from Hoover, AL
James 1:19 – 20 (NIV)
Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry, for man’s anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires.
Christin Carroll from Olive Branch
This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. 1 John 4:10 NIV
Kody from Charlotte, NC
“Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine. When you ass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through the fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you”
Isaiah 43:1-2
Karen from Indianapolis: Isaiah 59:21 “As for me this is my covenant with them,” says the Lord. “My Spirit, who is on you, and my words that I have put in your mouth, will not depart from your mouth or from the mouths of your children or from the mouths of their descendants from this time on and forever,” says the Lord.
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 minds in Christ Jesus. Phil. 4:6-7, NIV
Laura from Green Cove Springs, FL
When the LORD restored the fortunes of Zion, we were like those who dream. Then our mouth was filled with laughter, and our tongue with shouts of joy; then they said among the nations, “The LORD has done great things for them.” The LORD has done great things for us; we are glad.
Psalm 126: 1-3
Marilyn from Missouri: The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. Psalm 23:1 NKJV
Kristen Canton, Mi. “May the God of hope fill you with all jog and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Romans 15:13 NIV
Kristen Canton, Mi. “We always thank God, the father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you.” Colossians 1:3 NIV
Lori from Vivian, LA
The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
Psalm 23:1 NKJV
“I will give them singleness of heart and action, so that they will always fear me for their own good and the good of their children after them.” Jer 32:39/NIV
Felicia from Port St. Lucie FL
Create in me a clean heart O God; and renew a right spirit within me. Psalms 51:10 KJV
Suzanne.Loveland CO,I pray for them. I am not praying for the world, but for those you have given Me, for they are Yours. John 17:9 NIV
Proverbs 8:35. (NASB)-For he who finds me finds life and obtains favor from The Lord.
Rhondelle, Galsveston.
All your sons will be taught by thevLord, and great will be your children ‘s peace.
Isiah 54:13 NIV
For God so loved the world that He gave his one and only begotten son. That whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.
JOHN 3:16. Life Application NIV
Look to the Lord and his strength; seek his face always.
Psalm 105:4 NIV
Kristi,Bartlesville: “You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in You.” Isaiah 26:3 (NIV)
Casey, San Antonio. “All your children shall be taught by the LORD, and great shall be the peace of your children.” Isaiah 54:13 ESV