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
Lauren, Washington DC
Philippians 4:6-7
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, 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 your minds in Christ Jesus. “
A kindhearted woman gains respect, but ruthless men gain only wealth. Proverbs 11:16
A kindhearted woman gains respect, but ruthless men gain only wealth. Proverbs 11:16 NIV
Tanya, Kokomo, IN
“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.” Jer. 29:11 (NIV)
Marti, Libertyville, IL “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.” Jeremiah 29:11
Albuquerque, New Mexico
Psalm 46:1
“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” KJV
MEGAN Colorado Springs, CO
JOHN 16:33
I have told you these things,so that in Me you may have peace. In this world you wilk have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the
world.
Thank you Jesus!
That’s out of the NIV
Pamela Rock Island IL
John 15:7-8
If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wush and it will be given to you. 8 This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruitshowing yourselves to be my disciples.
Morgan – Bolivar, MO
“For the word of God is living and powerful and sharper than a two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.”
Hebrews 4:12 NKJV
Emmy Saman Houston, TX
Luke 1:45 NIV
Blessed is she who has believed that what the LORD has said to her will be accomplished!
“The troubles of my heart have multiplied; free me from my anguish.
Look upon my affliction and my distress and take away all my sins.”
Psalm 25:17-18
Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest. Joshua 1:9 KJV
Cookie Cawthon
Anderson, SC
Prov 16:9 (NIV84) – In His heart a man plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps.
Heather, Greenfield, IN
I am the vine, you are the branches. Whoever remains in me and I in him will bear much fruit, because without me you can do nothing.
John 15:5, The New American Bible
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace,patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self control. Against such things there is no law.
Galatians 5:22-23 NIV
Amanda, Fort Worth, TX
The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?
Psalm 27:1 (ESV)
Psalm 33:21-22 “In him our hearts rejoice, for we trust in his holy name. May your unfailing love rest upon us, O Lord, even as we put our hope in you.” (NIV)
“But as He which has called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; because it is written, ‘Be ye holy as I am holy’ ” 1 Peter 1:15-16 KJV
Matt. 6:33
Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself.
from Berea, KY
Everything is permissible – but not everything is beneficial. Everything is permissible – but not everything is constructive.
1 Corinthians 23:10
But the path of the [uncomprimisingly] just and righteous is like the light of dawn, that shines more and more (brighter and clearer)
until [it reaches its full strength and glory in] the perfect day [to be prepared] Proverbs 4:18(Amplified)
Psalm 34:2 My soul shall make her boast in the LORD: the humble shall hear thereof, and be glad.
Kendra ~ Enid, OK
Isaiah 40:31 NIV
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.
Sue, Kalamazoo, “But when the archangel Michael, contending with the devil, was disputing about the body of Moses, he did not presume to pronounce a blasphemous judgment, but said, “The Lord rebuke you,” Jude 1:9 ESV
Nancy Beda, Boardman, Ohio
He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God. Micah 6:8 NIV
Eugene Oregon
Turn to me and be gracious to me, for I am alone and afflicted. The distresses of heart increase; bring me out of my sufferings.
Psalm 25:16-17
Amy, The Woodlands, TX ” But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name,He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you.” John 14:26 ESV
For the person who keeps all of the laws except one is as guilty as a person who has broken all of God’s laws.
James 2:10 NLT
For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.
Ephesians 2:10 NLT
Michelle Killebrew, Edmond OK, Joshua 1:9 Be strong and courageous, do not be afraid for The Lord thy God with with you wherever you go.
Jennifer Shuler – White, GA
Psalm 70:5—
I am poor/afflicted and needy. O God, come quickly to me. You are my help and my deliverer. O LORD, do not delay! Psalm 70:5 NIV & NASB
(I started memorizing this on Jan 15th)
Shawn from Indianapolis I lift up my eyes to the mountains where does my help come from ? It comes from the Lord the maker of heaven and earth Psalm 121:1-2. NIV
Lori – Petal, MS
He opened His mouth and began to teach them, saying,”
Matthew 5:2 NAS
Laura , Nederland , Texas
Be kind and compassionate to one another,forgiving each other just as Christ God forgave you. Ephesians 4:32 NIV 84
Alisa, Ocala, FL
2 Corinthians 10:4 NIV
The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds.
Sharon from Disputanta, Va. For I know the plans I have for you, declares The Lord, plans to prosper you, plans to give you a hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11 NIV
It is written, “hesaid to them, my house will be called a house of prayer, but are making it a den of robbers.”
Matt 21:13 – NIV
Koren, Fredericksburg, VA
“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”
Jeremiah 29:11 NIV
Yet I am always with you; you hold me by my right hand. (Psalms 73:23 NIV84)
“We love because he first loved us.”
-1 John 4:19
Proverbs 22:7 NIV
The rich rules over the poor, and the borrower is the slave of the lender.
Dee -Ohio
But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God. (Luke 1:30 NIV)
Muskogee, OK
Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.
1 Corinthians 13:7, NLT
Karen K. in Houston, TX – and in the middle of the lampstands I saw one like a son of man, clothed in a robe reaching to the feet, and girded across His chest with a golden sash. Rev 1:13 NASB
(Love) bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.
1 Corinthians 13:7
Psalm 25:4&5 NAS Show me Your ways,O LORD; Teach me Your paths. Lead me in your truth and teach me, For You are the God of my Salvation, On You I wait all the day.
Becca Christian, Bakersfield, CA, “The Spirit God gave us does not make you timid BUT gives you power, love, and self-discipline”. 2 Timothy 1:7
“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, make your requests known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” NKJ
The verses posted on February 18 were from Philippians 4:6&7
“Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removced says the Lord who has compassion on you.”
Isaiah 54:10
Caitlin from Madison, MS:
Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.
Matthew 5:8 ESV