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
Michelle, Houston “But as for me, I will always hope; I will praise you more and more. My mouth will tell of your righteousness, of your salvation all day long. Though I know not its measure.” Psalm 17:14-15 NIV 1984
“But our citizenship is in Heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ.” Phillipians 3:20 (NIV)
Karen, Livermore, CA. Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him, and he will act. Psalm 37:5 (NRSV)
Hi Karen,
I just wanted to say “hello”! I live in Livermore, too!
Michelle
Becky Callon from Yelm,WA
“We have not received the spirit of the world but the Spirit who is from God, that we may understand what God has freely given us.” 1 Corinthians 2:12 NIV
Kayla Siler, Edmond, OK.
So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most. Hebrews 4:16 (HCSB)
The verse is not HCSB…It is actually NLT. Sorry about that.
Isiah 26:3, GNT
You Lord, give perfect peace for those who keep their purpose firm and put their trust in you.
Amy, Feeding Hills, MA:
The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me, because the Lord has anointed me to bring good news to the poor; He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound; ~ Isaiah 61:1 (ESV)
Anne, Shelby Township,Michigan
All your children shall be taught by the LORD and great shall be the peace of your children.
Isaiah 54:13 ESV
Stephanie from Greenville, KY
For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but the power of love and of a sound mind. 2 Timothy 1:7 NKJV
Molly, Olathe, KS
And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent. – Col. 1:18 ESV
Glennell, Buda, Tx.
Isaiah 55:11(NASB)
So will My word be which goes forth from My mouth;
It will not return to Me empty,
Without accomplishing what I desire,
And without succeeding in the matter for which I sent it.
Sue Bailey, Bellingham,Washington
Galations 2:20 NIV
I have been crucified with Christ,it is no longer I who live, but Christ 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.
“For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels or demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
Romans 8:38-39 NIV
Jenny, Houston “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
Cami, Oklahoma City. Let the peace of Christ keep you in tune with each other, in step with each other. None of this going off and doing your own thing. And cultivate thankfulness.
Colossians 3:15 (Message)
Mindy Seekford Gloster, La
Behold,I have refined thee,but not with silver; I have chosen thee in the furnace of
affliction. Isa 48:10 KJV
“Fix these words of mine in your hearts and minds…” Deut. 11:18 (NIV)
Ashley – Houston
This is the day the Lord has made, Let us rejoice and be glad! Psalm 118:24
Pammie from Barstow, CA “7 Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. 8 Come near to God and he will come near to you.” James 4:7-8a NIV
Cierra, Birmingham, AL. Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding, in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.
Proverbs 3:5-6 (NIV)
Debbie from Lawrenceville, GA Ephesians 3:19 May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God. NLT
Corley in Conway, AR:
“For you will keep in perfect peace her whose mind is steadfast, because she trusts in you.”
Isaiah 26.3, NIV (and because my word for the year is ‘steadfast.’
Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed,for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning. Great is your faithfulness! Lamentations 3:22-23 Debbie – Las Cruces, N.M.
Pam
Early, Tx.
(38) “And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from His love. Death can’t and life can’t. The angels can’t and the demons can’t. Our fears for today, our worries about tomorrow, and even the powers of hell can’t keep God’s love away. (39) Whether we are high above the sky or in the deepest ocean, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 8:38-39 (New Living Translation)
Psalm 30:2 NIV
O Lord my God, I cried out to you for help and you healed me.
Then Jesus said “Did I not tell you that if you believed you would see the glory of God?”
John 11:40
Life App NIV
Kathy, Natalia
Deuteronomy 11:1
Therefore you shall love the lord your God and keep His charge, His statues, His judgements, and His commandments always.
Lacey from Grand Rapids, MI
(a continuation of my verses from last time)
“He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers.” Psalm 1:3 ESV
Jeanine, Toronto, “Listen carefully to my words. Don’t lose sight of them. Let them penetrate deep into your heart, for they bring life to those who find them, and health to their whole body.” Proverbs 4:20b-22 NLT
Jeremiah 29:11 (NKJ)
For I know the thoughts that I think toward you says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.
Shelly, Tampa, FL
They will wage war against the Lamb, but the Lamb will triumph over them because he is Lord of lords and King of kings – and with him will be his called, chosen and faithful followers.
Revelation 17:14 NIV
Amy, Milton, WA
“Whom have I in heaven but you, And there is nothing on earth that I desire but you; my flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.”
PS. 73:25-26, ESV
Pamela, Wilmington NC – “Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland”. Isaiah 43: 18-19 (NIV)
Hayley from Ava, MO
1 Peter 5:6-7 NIV
Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.
Janet from Odessa, TX
“I will be with you when you pass through the waters, and when you pass through the rivers, they will not overwhelm you. You will not be scorched when you walk through the fire, and the flame will not burn you. For I Yahweh your God, the Holy One of Israel, and your Savior.” Isaiah 43: 2-3a HCSB
Tara Chatham, Powder Springs, GA
” For our light and momentary troubles are acheiving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.” 2 Cor 4:17
Jennifer
Lexington, KY
Proverbs 31:11, CEB
“Her husband entrusts his heart to her, and with her he will have all he needs.”
Ginger from Phoenix, AZ
“My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, for man’s anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires. Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you.” James 1:19-21, NIV 1984
Rejoice in The Lord always. Again I say rejoice! Let everyone see your gentleness. The Lord is near.
Philippians 4:4,5 NET
Ila, Weatherford TX
All your children shall be taught by the Lord, and great shall be the peace of your children.” Is 54:13 ESV
(Thanks Beth!)
Shannon, Starkville, MS
You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore. Psalms 16:11 ESV
Dear Beth, I am currently taking your James, mercy triumphs class. We just watched DVD 6. I want to thank you for the laughs. Our husbands must be very similar; his comments about a singing contestant saying if you only believe, and your husband saying look I’m a board Ora rocket. All fun aside, thank you for being God’s instrument and good luck to the girls or should I say ladies following in your footsteps. Your sister in Christ, Deborah
Webb City, MO
We are destroying speculations and every lofty thing raised up against the knowledge of God, and we are taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ.
2 Corinthians 10:5 NASB
Erika — Valley Springs, SD
“Then he taught me, “Take hold of my words with all your heart; keep my commands, and you will live. Get wisdom, get understanding; do not forget my words or turn away from them. Do not forsake wisdom, and she will protect you; love her, and she will watch over you.”
Proverbs 4:4-6, NIV
“Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.”
Romans 12:12 (ESV)
Eugene, OR
Valerie
Evart, Michigan
The Lord will guide you continually, giving you water when you are dry and restoring your strength. You will be like a well-watered garden, like an ever-flowing spring. Isaiah 58:11 NLT
Susan from Denver, Colorado
Psalm 30:2
O , Lord my God, I cried out to you for help and you healed me.
Janet Port Orange,FL “Then David danced with all his might before the Lord.” (2Samuel 6:14) NCV
This is to remind me to give thanks and celebrate the Lord!
Linda S,
McCalla, AL
“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied. Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.
Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”
Matthew 5:6-10 ESV
Brittany, Houston
“Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.”
Proverbs 4:23 NIV