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
Kandi from Tallahassee, Florida
Psalm 143:8 NIV
Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go, for to you I entrust my life.
Sally from Muskogee
They will be called oaks of righteousness
a planting of the Lord for the display of his splendor
Is. 61:3 NIV
Meleah, Baltimore
I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life 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 (ESV)
Lacey R., Hayden, CO
A fool takes no pleasure in understanding, but only in expressing his opinion. – Proverbs 18:2 ESV
Cory Anna, Atlanta “Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think.”
-Ephesians 3:20 NLT
Barbie; Powell, Ohio: “Looks aren’t everything. Don’t be impressed with his(her) looks and stature. I’ve already eliminated him(her). God judges persons differently than humans do. Men and women look at the face; God looks into the heart.”
1 Samuel 16:7
Julie- Cincinnati, OH- “Sensible people control their temper; they earn respect by overlooking wrongs.” Proverbs 19:11- NLT
Jill, Fort Ashby, WV
I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth. 3 John 1:4 ESV
And let us not be weary in well doing; for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.
Galatians 6:9
Mom has cancer/rebellious daughter
Denise from Frisco, Tx
Psalm 19:14, NLT
May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing to you, O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.
Meridian, MS
Psalm 126:5 NIV
‘Those who sow in tears will reap with songs of joy. He who goes out weeping carrying seed to sow, will return with songs of joy carrying sheaves with him’
Jennifer from Livingston, TN: “To Him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by His blood and made us a kingdom, priests to His God and Father, to Him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.” Revelation 1:5-6 ESV
Tabaitha Kaye, Katy Tx: “He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God.” Micah 6:8 ESV
“Can a mother forget the baby at her breast and have no compassion on the child she has borne? Though she may forget, I will not forget you! See, I have engraved you on the palm of my hands; your walls are ever before me.” Isaiah 49:15-16 NIV
April Jones, Springfield, IL
“If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone,” Romans 12:18, NIV
Catherine, Monahans, Texas: “So then, dear brothers and sisters, be firm! Do not be moved! Always be outstanding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.” I Corinthians 15:58 NET
Nancy, St. Petersburg FL,
being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience and joy
Colossians 1:11 NIV
Deb, Littleton, Co: My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials
James 1:2 NKJV
John 15:5 I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. (NIV)
Debbie, Folly Beach SC: I myself am convinced, my brothers and sisters, that you yourselves are full of goodness, filled with knowledge and competent to instruct one another. Romans 15:14 NIV
Those who love Thy law have great peace, and nothing causes them to stumble. Psalm 118:164
All your children shall be taught by the LORD, and great shall be the peace of your children.” Isaiah 54:13 ESV
Kerrigan from Sacramento, CA “Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with all of you.” -2 Thessalonians 3:16 (NIV)
Lisa, Leesburg, FL
“Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.” ~ Colossians 4:2 NIV
“For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God.” Ephesioans 2:8
“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith–and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God.” Ephesians 2:8 NIV
He lifted me out of the slimy pit; out of the mire and mud. He set my feet upon a rock and gave me a firm place to stand. (Psalm 40:2 NIV)
Pam, Chiangmai, Thailand – Ps. 36:7 NLT
How precious is your unfailing love, O God!
All humanity finds shelter in the shadow of your wings.
Stephanie Roanoke, Va
Look to the Lord and his strength; seek his face always 1 Chronicles 16:11 NIV
Melissa, Augusta, GA, Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth. 2 Timothy 2:15, NIV
Kelly, Tacoma, WA “Because he holds fast to Me in love, I will deliver him, I will protect him, because he knows My name.” Psalm 91:14 ESV
Courtney, Houma, LA
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us,
Hebrews 12:1, TNIV
Grace Young Chandler,OK
Romans 16:20
The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet.
May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.
NLT
Caty, Stockbridge, GA: “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me;” ~Matthew 11:28-29a
Melanie – St. Augustine
For I am the Lord your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you. Isa 41:13 NIV
Wendy
Fort Walton Beach, Fl
Phil 4:6 (NIV)
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
Lindsey Pilgreen – Kingwood, TX
My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry -James 1:19 NIV
Terri, Ferris, TX
“Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed in Him, “If you abide in my word you are my disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free.”
John 8:31,32 NKJV
Ande S, Corryton, Tn
And let us not be weary in well doing; for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.
KJV Galations 6:9
mom with cancer/rebellious daughter
Kathleen from Auburn, AL
“Yes, Lord, walking in the way of your laws, we wait for you; your name and renown are the desire of our hearts.” Isaiah 26:8 (NIV)
Lombard, IL
The heavens are telling of the glory of God; and their expanse is declaring the work of His hands. Ps 19:1 NASB
Dawn, Cochran
But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh. Galations 5:16 NASB
Barbara, Bedford, TX “And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
Phillipians 4:7 NIV
Kiki – West Palm Beach, FL
Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:6, 7 NLT)
Lindsey, Jenks, OK
“I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.” ~Galatians 2:20 NLT
Amanda C
Derby, KS
Romans 12:2 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.
Sharon, Arlington, TX
“Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.”
Ephesians 4:2 (NIV)
Kelly from Cape Girardeau, MO
Don’t worry about anything, but in everything, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses every thought, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:6-7 HCSB
Christen Juhnke from Walla Walla, WA
Matthew 6: 33 (NIV84)
But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.
Betty Murphrey, Wendell, NC
Psalm 84:1-2 NIV84
How lovely is your dwelling place, O Lord Almighty!
My soul yearns, even faints, for the courts of the Lord;
My heart and my flesh cry out for the living God.
Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other.
Galatians 5:25-26