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
Blessed are you, o Israel! Who is like you? A people saved by The Lord? He is your shield and your helper and your glorious sword. Your enemies will cower before you, and you will trample down their high places.
Deuteronomy 33:29
Fairborn, Oh
Linda Jewell, Sedona, AZ
Isaiah 35:3-4 NIV
3 Strengthen the feeble hands,
steady the knes that give way;
4 say to those with fearful hearts,
“Be strong, do not fear;
your God will come,
He will come with vengeance;
with divine retribution
He will come to save you.
Micayla, Chatsworth, Georgia
13 You will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart.
Jeremiah 29:13 NASB
Fairfield, TX
And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of The Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.
Colossians 3:17 NKJV
“I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.” Galatians 2:20 NKJV
Rebecca, Palatka “For the eyes of the Lord move to and fro throughout the Earth that He may strongly support those whose heart is completely His.” 2 Chronicles 16:9a (NASB)
Courtney, Gainesville, GA
Colossians 2:6-7 ESV
Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving.
Diane, Mesa: And my God shall supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19 NASB
But store up for yourselves treasure in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal.
For where your treasure is, thee your heart will be also.
Faye from Calgary
All your children shall be taught by the Lord, and great shall be the peace of your children. (Isaiah 54:13 ESV)
The blessings of the Lord brings wealth, and He adds no trouble to it. Proverbs 10:22 NIV
Jordan from Fort Wayne, IN
Psalm 46:10 NIV ’84
“Be still and know that I am God.”
Cheryl Frerichs
from Kankakee, IL
27 Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world. James 1:27 KJV
“Create in me a clean heart, O God and renew a right spirit within me” Psalms 51:10 (NIV)
This verse has been my favorite for years! Love it and know it in my soul!
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
Jamie from Mason,OH
Eph 3:19
and to know this love that surpasses knowledge – that you may be filled to the measure of all the fulness of God
NIV
Julene from Cowiche–Psalm 139:1-3 NIV
O Lord, you have searched me and you know me. You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar. You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways.
Proverbs 17:27 (NAS)
He who restrains his words has knowledge, and he who has a cool spirit is a man of understanding.
Kendra ~ Enid, OK
Psalm 46:10 (NIV)
10 He says, “Be still, and know that I am God;
    I will be exalted among the nations,
    I will be exalted in the earth.”
Ps 40:8 (NLT)
I take joy in doing your will, my God, for your instructions are written on my heart.
Ps. 9:10 NIV
Those who know Your Name will trust in You. For You, Lord, have never forskaen those who seek You.
Muskogee, OK
Great is his faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each morning. Lamentations 3:23 NLT
Vicky
Lewisville, TX
In all your ways acknowledge Him and He shall durect your path.
NIV
Proverbs 3:6
Carol, westmont, nj
Jeremiah 29:11 NLT
For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord. They are plans for good and not disaster, to give you a future and a hope.
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. Philippians 4:2 NIV
Stacey Chambers, Van Buren, AR “Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.” James 1:2-3
Ali Roeschley in Chandler Arizona
Consider it pure joy, brothers and sisters, when you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete-not lacking anything. James 1.2-4 (NIV)
My Father is glorified by this, that you bear much fruit and become my disciples. -John 15:8 NRSV
Tina, Hayden, ID
You shall love the LORD your GOD with all your heart, all your soul, and with all your might. -Deuteronomy 6:7 ESV
Lorraine,Ontario,Canada
The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are
God’s children. Romans 8:16-17 NIV
Fremont, MI
Let every created thing give praise to the Lord, for he issued his command, and they came into being.
-Psalm 148:5 NLT
Bea, Logandale
but exhort one another daily, while it is called “Today,” lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin. (Hebrews 3:13 NKJV)
“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.”
(Matthew5:6 ESV)
Erica from Madisonville, KY. Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers. Psalm 1:1 NIV
Waukee, Iowa
Psalm1:3 NIV He is like a tree by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers,
Richmond, KY
Remember not the sins of my youth and my rebellious ways; according to your love remember me, for you are good, O Lord. Psalm 25:7 NIV
Whitney Harrington from Dowagiac, Mi. “The LORD will fight foe you; you need only be still” Exodus 14:14 NIV
Fort Worth, TX.
Trust in the Lord with all your heartÂ
and lean not on your own understanding;
Proverbs 3:5 NIV
Julie from Lincoln Ca
Psalm 50:15
Call upon me in the day of trouble. I will deliver you and you will honor me.
NIV
Fort Wayne, IN
You have lived on earth in luxury and self-indulgence. You have fattened yourselves in the day of slaughter. You have condemned and murdered innocent men who were not opposing you. James 5:5-6 NIV ’84
Elgin, TX
Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.
1 Peter 5:7 NIV
Kim, Richmond, TX, “the people I formed for myself that they may proclaim my praise.” NIV, Is 43:21
” It is good to wait quietly for the Salvation of the LORD.” Lamentations 3:26
Victoria, BC, Canada
1 Peter 1:23 (KJV)
“Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth forever.
NAS Psalm 27:14 Wait for the LORD,
Be strong, and let your heart take courage;
Yes, wait for the LORD
I posted the wrong verse above, April 1, 15 verse is Jeremiah 23:23 & 24 Am I a God near at hand, “says the LORD, and not a God afar off?
Can anyone hide himself in secret places, so I shall not see him? says the LORD. Do I no fill heaven and earth? says the LORD.
Bev Lee from Alberta, Canada
Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. Romans 12:2 ESV
Suzette from Fredericksburg, Texas for March 15th
so that you may become blameless and pure children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like the stars in the universe. Philippians 2:15 NIV
Suzette from Fredericksburg, Texas for April 1
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
Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed for His compassions never fail. (Lamentations 3:22) NIV
All have sinned and come short of the glory of God. Romans 3:23
Lisa, Downsville LA
“No one has ever gone into heaven except the one who came from heaven—the Son of Man.” John 3:13, NIV