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
Linda, Sanbornville, NH For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus. Romans 3:23-24 NIV,
For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. Matthew 6:21 NIV
Diana–San Patricio, TX. “For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.” Matthew 6:14 (NKJV)
Karen from Kingsport Tn
“It is good to give thanks to the Lord,
And to sing praises to Your name, O Most
High;
To declare your lovingkindess in the morning,
And Your faithfulness every night.”
Ps. 92:1-2 New King James
So much to be thankful for!!!!
Lindsey
Gulfport, MS
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, 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 minds in Christ Jesus.”
Phil. 4:6-7 (NIV)
Kristin, Aurora, CO:
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 NIV
Leigh Ann
Gallatin, TN
But to you who are listening, I say: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.
Luke 6:27-28 NIV
Stephanie
Auburn, AL
“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.” (Philippians 4:6-7; NIV)
Cheryl; Redlands, CA
“He who was seated on the throne said, ‘I am making everything new!’ Then he said, ‘Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.’ ” Revelation 21:5 (NIV)
Kerry from Houston, TX:
“Whom do I have in heaven but You?
And I desire nothing on earth but You.
My flesh and my heart may fail,
but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.”
Psalm 73:25-26, HCSB
Holly Barrett, Charlotte NC
“Because he loves me, says the Lord, “I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name.” Psalm 91:14 NIV
Tanya, Killen, Alabama
James 3:2 (ESV)
For we all stumble in many ways. And if anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle his whole body.
Denise from Indianapolis, IN – “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
“If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing.” I Cor. 13: 2 NIV
Nancy, Livermore, CA For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is your life, is revealed then you also will be revealed with Him in glory. Colossians 3:3-4 NASB
Jenny, Littleton, CO
Matthew 6:19-20 NIV “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. 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, there your heart will be also.”
Matthew 6:24 (NIV)
“No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.”
Dori
Meridian, ID
Philippians 4:6
Be anxious for nothing,
but in everything by prayer and supplication,
with thanksgiving,
let your requests be made known to God.
NKJV
Fort Lewis, WA
But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be glory both now and forever! Amen. (2 Peter 3:18 NIV)
Amy, Colonial Heights, VA “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid, do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you whoever you go.” Joshua 1:9, NIV
Jill from Houma, LA:
“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.” Philippians 2:3-4 NIV.
Amanda – Daphne, AL
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.
Eph 3:20 NIV84
My dear brothers, take note of this:Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.
James 1:19 NIV
Amanda, Montgomery, Alabama, Isaiah 54:13, All your children will be taught by The Lord, and great will be their peace. (NIV)
Donna, Parker, CO
That if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that
God raised him from the dead you will be saved. Romans 10:9. NASB
Sabrina – LPM/ Houston, Texas
You crown the year with your bounty,
and your carts overflow with abundance.
Psalm 65:11 NIV
Gail Morris
Fort Worth TX
“The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places;
surely I have a delightful inheritance.” Ps. 16:6 (NIV)
Kaia Chamberlain
Duluth, MN
All my longings lie open before you, O Lord; My sighing is not hidden from you.
Psalm 38:9 (NIV)
Sandy, Portland,Tn
Heb 13:20,21 – “may the God of peace, …, equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.” NIV
Amy from Fountain, CO:
“With my whole heart I seek you; let me not wander from your commandments! I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.”
Psalm 119:10-11 (ESV)
Peoria,AZ
“and the peace of God, which transcends all understanding will guard your heart and mind in Christ Jesus.” Phil. 4:7
Elaine Farmer from Dayton, Ohio
Faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.
Hebrews 11:1 (NIV)
Kathy, Bluffton, SC
1 Corinthians 2:9 NKJV
No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love him.
Carol, Farmers Branch, TX:
“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” Psalm 46:1 KJV
Sharon, Hulbert, OK
“For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart.” Hebrews 4:12 NAS
Jennifer, Huntsville: “Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love.” – Ephesians 4:2, New Living Translation
Deb, Becker, MN After this, the word of the Lord came to Abram in a vision: “Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your very great reward.” Gen 15:1 NIV
Canton/Mount Vernon, Ohio
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
Traci from Evansdale, IA “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9 NIV
Kathy Burrus, Hendersonville, TN
See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the basic principles of this world rather than on Christ.
Colossians 2:8 NIV
Lake Jackson, Texas
Open my eyes that I may contemplate wonderful things from your instruction.
Psalm 199:18 HCSB
James 5:8. NIV. You too, be patient, and stand firm, because the Lord’s coming is near
St. Louis (forgot to put this)
Linda Gammon, Blue Springs, MO
Psalm 121:1-4 ESV
“1. I lift up my eyes to the hills,
From where does my help come?
2. My help comes from the Lord,
who made heaven and earth.
3. He will not let your foot be moved;
he who keeps you will not slumber.
4. Behold, he who keeps Israel
will neither slumber nor sleep.”
Chelsey, Troy, MI
I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. Ephesians 4:1-3 esv
Nancy, Lakewood,CO Psalm 105:4 NIV
“Look to the LORD and His strength; seek His face always.”
Dimy, Griffin, GA: “you whom I have upheld since you were conceived, and have carried since your birth. Even to your old age and gray hairs I am He, I am He Who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you.”~Isaiah 46:3b~4 (NIV)
Melissa, Kapolei, HI: “Finally, bretheren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.” Philippians 4:8, KJV
Brenda, Georgetown, KY
Colossians 3:12 NIV
Threfore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility gentleness and patience.
Caitlin, McKinney, TX
“The same goes for you wives: Be good wives to your husbands, responsive to their needs.” 1 Peter 3:1, The Message
Kristina, Huntsville, Al: “She is clothed with strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future.” Proverbs 31:25 NLT