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.Ā 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,Ā 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 Å”-l-m is of completion and fulfillmentāof 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 –Ā 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.)Ā 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 ā Scripture Memory Team ā 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
Julie, hanford, ca Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. Hebrews 10:24 NLT
Ashley from Huddleston, VA – “So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in him, 7 rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.” Colossians 2:6-7 NIV
Lynn from Leonardtown, MD
“Delight yourself in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord, trust in Him, and He will act.” ESV Psalms 37:4-5
So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus. And because you belong to him, the power of the life-giving Spirit has freed you from the power of sin that leads to death. Romans 8:1-2 NLT
Vicki
Longview, WA
DeAnn Salina, Ks “Even if Godly people fall down seven times, they always get up.” Proverbs 2:16 (a) NIRV
Anita, Purcellville, VA
He made known his ways to Moses,
his deeds to the people of Israel:
The Lord is compassionate and gracious,
slow to anger, abounding in love.
Psalm 103:7-8 NIV84
Angela, Houston, Psalms 37:4-5 (ESV) Delight yourself I The Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to The Lord; trust in Him, and He will act.
Rachel
Chattanooga, TN
Donāt be selfish; donāt try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. Philippians 2:3 NLT
“We do not want you to become lazy, but to imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised.”
Heb. 6:12
Kristie Nanes, Clearfield, UT, Colossians 3:1, NASB
So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on
a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience;
oops..that should’ve said, Colossians 3:12 š
Angie
Purcellville, VA
The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit, A broken and contrite heart – These, O God, You will not despise. Psalm 51:17 (NKJV)
Teri Wimberly, Troup, TX
For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. Matthew 6:21 NIV
Sarah from Branson, MO
“The Lord sat as King at the flood;
Yes, the Lord sits as King forever.
The Lord will give strength to His people;
The Lord will bless His people with peace.” Psalms 29:10-11 NASB
Nitsa, Eugene, OR.
“You crown the year with Your bounty, and Your carts overflow with abundance.” Psalm 65:11 NIV
I also like the imagery from the NAS : “And Your paths drip with fatness.”
You are my hiding place,you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs if deliverance. Psalm 32:7 NIV
Peg Buchanan. Beechmont. Kentucky
I have seen and I testify that this is Gods Chosen One.
John 1-34
Life Application
NIV
Cyndi,Syracuse NY
Jeremiah 29:11 NIV
“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.”
Leslie, Apple Valley, MN
Phil 4:8
And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right and pure and lovely and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.
Proverbs 3:5-6 NLT
Trust in the LORD with all your heart;
do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do,
and he will show you which path to take.
They are like trees planted along a riverbank, with roots that reach deep into the water. Such trees are not bothered by the heat or worried by long months of drought. Their leaves stay green, and they never stop producing fruit. (Jeremiah 17:8 NLT)
Lisa – Frisco Tx – Matthew 6:27 – NLT
Can all your worries add a single moment to your life?
Summer in Steamboat Springs, CO
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
Philippians 4:6, NIV
Kelley, Olive Branch Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers, but whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night. Psalm 1:1-2 NIV
Suzanne
Tenaha,Tx
For the Lord gives wisdom,
and from his mouth come knowledge and understanding. Proverbs 2:6 (NIV)
Susie, Columbus, Ohio
I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength. Philippians 4:13 NIV
Karen Payne, Hartselle, AL
1 Corinthians 13:2 (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 have not love, I am nothing.”
Marcia, Portland, OR
The Lord established his throne in the heavens, and His sovereignty rules over all. Psalm 103:19 ASB
candifer, sd: “yes, everything else is worthless when compared with the infinite value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. for his sake i have discarded everything else, counting it all as garbage, so that i could gain Christ and become one with him.” (Philippians 3:8, NLT)
Crystal in Warren, PA
Psalm 116:7 (NIV 84)
Be at rest once more, O my soul,
for the Lord has been good to you.
Jacqui, lemoore, ca. God who gets invited to dinner at your place how do we get on your gues list walk straight act right tell the truth don’t hurt your friend don’t blame your neighbor despise the dispicable. Psalms 15:1-4 MSG
Jennifer – Tulsa, OK
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Phil 4:6-7 ESV
Nancy Miller
Greenville Ky
Jan 15 2013
You’ll be changed from the inside out. God brings the best out of you develops well formed maturity in you. Romans 12:2 MSG
Judy, Fairmont, MN
Jeremiah 31:3b
…I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with unfailing kindness. NIV
Michele Simmons, Vancouver, WA
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, NIV84
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.
Ephesians 4:29, NIV
Heather from Frisco, Texas
Dawn
Mt. Olive, NC
“I will sing the Lord’s praises, for He has been good to me”
Psalm 13:6
NIV
Be blessed:)
Stacie, Merced: “Those who know your name will trust in you, for you, LORD, have never forsaken those who seek you.” Psalm 9:10, NIV
Cindy, Tu cson, AZ
Psalm 4:8 (NLT)
In peace I will lay down and sleep, for You alone, O Lord, will keep me safe.
Dawn Welch, Canton, GA
The Lord your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you; in his love he will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing.
Zephaniah 3:17 NIV
“Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will help you; I will hold onto you with my righteous right hand” Isaiah 41:10 (HCSB)
Pat, Littlefield, Tx…….” Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.”
Mark 11:24 NIV
Jackie, Santa Rosa, CA
For the LORD is the great God,
and the great King above all gods.
In His hands are the depths of the earth,
and the mountain peaks belong to Him.
The sea is His,
for He made it and His hands formed the dry land.
Psalm 95:3-5, NIV
Snohomish, WA
As you learn more and more how God works, you will learn how to do your work. We pray that youāll have the strength to stick it out over the long haulānot the grim strength of gritting your teeth but the glory-strength God gives. It is strength that endures the unendurable and spills over into joy, thanking the Father who makes us strong enough to take part in everything bright and beautiful that he has for us.
Colossians 1:11-12 MSG
Sarah from Woodsboro, MD
Psalm 94:19 NIV When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought me joy.
Sherry, Easley, SC
Gal 2:20 NLT
My old self has been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. So I live in this earthly body by trusting in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.
Kim, Clevedon, UK Mark 10 v45 NIV “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.
Ephesians 4:32 NIV
Karoletha in Longview, TX
The Lord is righteous in everything He does; He is filled with kindness.
Psalm 145:17 NLT
Jane from Lubbock, Texas: Jesus said to them,”I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” John 14:6 NKJV
Beth from St. Louis MO
II Thess 1:10-12 When He comes to be glorified in His saints on that day, and to be marveled at among all who have believed, for our testimony to you was believed. To this end also we pray for you always that our God will count you worthy of your calling, and fulfill every desire for goodness and the work of faith with power so that the name of our Lord Jesus will be glorified in you, and You in Him according to the grace of our God and THE Lord Jesus Christ. (NASB)