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
Fairborn, OH
Therefore as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.
Colossians 3:12
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.
Sara,Plymouth,IN
The Spirit and the bride say,”Come!”‘ And let him who hears say,”Come!” Whoever is thirsty, let him come; and whoever wishes, let him take the free gift of the water of life.
Revelation 22:17 (NIV)
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that had been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.
John 1:1-5 NIV
John 10:9a
I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved.
Heb 11:6 (NAS)
And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him.
Know this, my beloved brothers, let everyone be quick to hear, slow to speak, and slow to anger, for the anger of man does not produce the rightousness of God. James 1:19 ESV
kaci from norman, ok
Lauren; Orlando, FL
“He says, ‘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, NIV
Call to me, and I will answer you. Jeremiah 33:3 NIV
“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
“They who wait upon 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 grow faint.”
Isaiah 40:31
Dana, Kannapolis NC
This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.
John15:8 NIV
Danielle-Richmond, Texas “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
Now to him who is able to do 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
Ephesians 3:20&21 NIV
Laura
Cairns (Australia)
Do not conform any longer 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 Gods will is – His good, pleasing and perfect will.
Romans 12:2
NIV
Jennifer Helton Lawson – Dover, Arkansas
Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things. (Philippians 4:8 NKJV)
Bailey W. from Southaven, MS
“I have taken an oath and confirmed it, that I will follow your righteous laws.”
Psalm 119:106, NIV
“Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” (1 Thessalonians 5:18, ESV)
Meghan, Sisters, OR
:and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.:
Eph 5:2 NIV
Emily from Ooltewah, TN
I will lie down and sleep in peace for you alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety. Psalm 4:8 (NIV)
Kinsey
Tulsa Ok
But Whoever loves God is known by God.
1 Corinthians 8:3 NIV
Thank you, I have just been looking for information approximately this subject for ages and yours is the best I have found out so far. However, what about the conclusion? Are you certain in regards to the source?|What i do not realize is in truth how you’re now not actually much more well-liked than you might be now. You’re so intelligent.
Nashville,TN
Romans 8:37 We are more than conquerors through him who loved us. NIV
Lorraine,Ontario,Canada
Lorraine,Ontario,Canada
He restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Psalm 23:3
Micki. Prairie Village,KS
I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task The Lord Jesus has given me-the task of testifying to the gospel of God’s grace. Acts 20:24 (NIV)
Florence, MS
1 Peter 2:9 KJV
“For ye are a chosen generation, a royal preisthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should show forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darknesss into his marvelous light:
Shasta, Enterprise, AL
“All your sons shall be taught by the Lord, and great shall be the peace of your children” Isaiah 54:13 NAB
I pray for this … for myself and my children.
Wanda
Hiram, GA
Philippians 2:3-4
NASB
3 – Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves;
4 – do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others.
1 Corinthians 1:30 NLT
God has united you with Christ Jesus. For our benefit, God made Him to be wisdom itself. Christ made us right with God; He made us pure and holy, and He freed us from sin.
All Scripture is God breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. 2 Timothy 3:16-17
Meghan, from Houston, Texas. “As for God, His way is perfect: The Lord’s word is flawless; He shields all who take refuge in Him.” Psalm 18:30 NIV
Your ears will hear a word behind you, this is the way, walk in it, whenever you turn to the right or to the left.
Isaiah 30:21 NS
Lindsay from Tampa, Florida
this is my command – be strong and courageous! do not be afraid or discouraged. for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.
Joshua 1:9, NLT
pattilou from afton, VA
I well remember them, and my soul is downcast within me. Lamentations 3:20 NIV84
Kim Smith, Littlestown PA. For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. John 3:16 NKJV
Do not conform any longer 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 Gods will is – His good, pleasing and perfect will.
Romans 12:2
NIV
We must learn to do away with the ways of the world and our flesh and renew our minds in Gods word so we can live his will for us.
“Through the LORD’s mercies we are not consumed, Because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness.” “The LORD is my portion,” says my soul, “Therefore I hope in Him!” Lamentations 3:22-24 NKJV
Unable to enter my verses for April 1-15…so here they are now.
“But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.” 1 Corinthians 15:57&58 NKJV
NAS II Peter 1:3
His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue.
Victoria, BC, Canada
1 Corinthians 10:17 (KJV)
“For we, being many are one bread, and one body: for we are all partakers of that one bread.”
JAN 15
Psalm 13:5 NIV
But I trust in your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in your salvation.
Debbie ~ Alice, TX
One who has unreliable friends soon comes to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.
Proverbs 18:24 NIV
Darlene from C’ville, VA
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; In all thy ways acknowledge Him and He shall direct your paths.”
Prov. 3: 5-6 NIV
Melissa from Tomball, Tx
Psalm 62:5 Let all that I am wait quietly before God, for my hope is in him.
Connie from Hendersonville TN “The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.” (Mark 12:31 NIV)
“For we live by faith, not by sight.” 2 Corinthians 5:7
Show me your ways, O Lord, teach me your paths; guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my savior, and my is in you all day long. Psalm 25:4-5 NIV
I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
your works are wonderful,
I know that full well.
~Psalm 139;14
The grass withers, the flowers fades, but the Word of our God will stand forever.
Isaiah 40:8