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
Phil 1:6 (NAS)
For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus.
Michelle De Leon from San Antonio, TX
Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.
(Proverbs 16:24 NIV)
Becky & Rachel from Vineland say
Stand firm and you will win life.
Luke 21:19
And having chosen them, he called them to come to him. And having called them, he gave them right standing with himself. And having given them right standing, he gave them his glory. Romans 8:30 NLT
Karen Buchanan, Dover, Arkansas KJV II Peter 1:4 “By which are given to us exceedingly great and precious promises, that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.”
Amy Adams
Middletown, DE
I Corinthians 15:33 (NIV) – Do not be misled: “Bad company corrupts good character.”
Mark 9:23 niv
“If you can?”, said Jesus. EVERYTHING is possible for him who believes!!!
Angela. Williamsport,PA. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18. Be joyful always;pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. NIV
All your children shall be taught by the Lord and great shall be the peace of your children. (Isaiah :54:13) nkjv San Bernardino Ca. 11:10 pm
Marla, Winston-Salem, NC
Now if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives to all generously and without criticizing, and it will be given to him. But let him ask in faith without doubting. For the doubter is like the surging sea, driven and tossed by the wind.
James 1:5-6. HCSB
I look up toward the mountains.
Where can I find help?
My help comes from the Lord,
The maker of heaven and earth.
Psalm 121:1-2
God’s Word for Girls
Alice, Hull, TX
He has shown you, O mortal, 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
Heidi ~ Oak harbor, WA
I sought the Lord and he answered me and delivered me from ALL my fears.
Those who look to him are
RADIANT
and their faces will never be ashamed.
Ps. 34:4-5 ESV
Laura
Auburn, AL
Joel 2:25
I will restore to you the years that the swarming locust has eaten. ESV
Wanda
Hiram, GA
Psalm 119:38
NASB
Establish Your word to Your servant,
As that which produces reverence for You.
In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that your faith of greater worth than gold which perishes even though refined by fire, may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. 1 Peter 1:6-7
Sarah Reaves. South Boston , va Isaiah:58:11. The Lord will guide you always, he will satisfy your needs in a sun scorched land, and strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a stream whose waters never fail.
Jadee Carins
Gold Coast, Australia
‘Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.’ Psalm 139:23, 24 NIV
Lord, remind me how brief my time on earth will be. Remind me that my days are numbered, and that my life is fleeing away. My life is not longer than the width of my hand. An entire lifetime is just a moment to you; human existence is but a breath.
Lord, remind me how brief my time on earth will be. Remind me that my days are numbered, and that my life is fleeing away. My life is not longer than the width of my hand. An entire lifetime is just a moment to you; human existence is but a breath. Psalm 39:4-5 NLT
Commit everything you do to The Lord. Trust him, and he will help you. Psalm 37:5 NLT
Kelly S.
Raleigh, NC
“The one who calls you is faithful and he will do it.” 1 Thessalonians 5:24 (NIV)
“Now thanks be to God who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and through us diffuses the fragrance of His knowledge in every place. For we are to God the fragrance of Christ among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing.” 2 Corinthians 2:14&15 NKJV
All the flowers now blooming brought these verses to my mind.
Submit yourselves for the LORD’s sake to every authority instituted among me: whether to the king, as the supreme authority…1 Peter 1:13
NIV
Romans 10:16 (KJV)
“So then it is not of him that willeth, nor of him that runneth, but of God that sheweth mercy.”
Romans 15:17 NLT So it is right for me to be enthusiastic about all Christ Jesus has done through me in my service to God. I dare not boast of anything else.
Romans 6:6-7 For we know that our old self was crucified with Him so that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin because anyone who has died has been freed from sin.
Philippians 2:3– Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves
I can do everything through Christ who strengthens me.
Philippians 4:13
Ruby, NC
Then he opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures. Luke 24:45 (NIV)
Ann, Morelia, Mexico “Bless the Lord, O my soul and forget not all his benefits – who forgives all your sins, and heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit and crowns with everlasting love and compassion.” Psalm 103:2-4 RSV
“He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful.” John 15:2
Angie Edwards
Severance, CO
Ephesians 2:8
“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith-and this, not from yourself, it is the gift of God” (NIV)
Carole, Richmond, VA
This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing you are my disciples. John 15:8 (NIV84)
If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.
James1:5 NIV
Gina Tompkins, Tulsa OK My command is this: love each other as I have loved you. John 15:11,12 NIV
Katie Decatur, IL
Do everything without complaining or arguing – Phil 2:14 NIV
Whoever has my commands and keeps them is the one who loves me. The one who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love them and show myself to them.
John 14:21
“I will restore to you the years the locusts have eaten” Joel 2:25
“For we are God’s masterpiece . He has created us anew in Jesus Christ so we can do the things He has planned for us long ago.” Ephesians 2:10
Lindsay Garlington-Bend, Oregon
“If you show special attention the man wearing fine clothes and say “Here’s a good seat for you” but say to the poor man “You stand there” or “Sit on the floor by feet”; Have you not discriminated among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts.”
James 2:3-4 (NIV)
Sarah Vint
Ames, IA
Teach me your way, O Lord, that I may walk in your truth; unite my heart to fear your name. –Psalm 86:11
Laura R., Gonzales, LA
“so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love” Eph. 3:17 NIV
Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. James 3:13
Psalms 68:9 (KJV)
“Thou, O God, didst send a plentiful rain, whereby thouh didst confirm thine inheritance, when it was weary.”
Christ dies for our sins According to the Scriptures. And that he was buried, and that He rose again the third day, according to the Scriptures. 1 Corinthians 15:3-4 NKJV
Rose Marie
Pflugerville TX
For we live by faith and not by sight.
2 Corinthians 5:7 NIV
Wanda
Hiram, GA
8 – But now you also, put them all aside: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and abusive speech from your mouth.
9 – Do not lie to one another, since you laid aside the old self with its evil practices,
10 – and who have put on the new self who is being renewed to a true knowledge according to the image of the One who created him –
Colossians 3:8-10
NASB
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. Ephesians 3:20 NIV
Ephesians 4:29-30 NIV
Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.
lafayette oregon
Barbara in Tomball, TX:
“All your sons will be taught by the LORD, and great will be your children’s peace.” Isaiah 54:13 (NIV)
Psalm 130:5 NIV
I wait for the LORD, my soul waits, and in his word I put my hope.
Kendall. Atlanta. Be strong and courageous; don’t be terrified or afraid…For it is the Lord [my] God who goes with [me]; He will not leave [me] nor forsake [me]. Deut. 31:6. HCSB