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
Emily
Indianapolis, IN
No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it
1Cor 10:13
NIV
Molly
Brooklyn, MI
“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves.”
Philippians 2:3 NIV
Alyson; Longmont, CO
If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. (Galatians 5:25 KJV)
Merredith, Champaign “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.” John 14:27. ESV
Monica from Newbury Park:All your children shall be taught by the LORD, and great shall be the peace of your children.” Isaiah 54:13 ESV
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
Brenda- California
I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being,
Ephesians 3:16 NIV
Mary from Hartville OH:
For the mighty One has done great things for me – and holy is His name. (Luke 1:49 NIV)
Melanie, Greenbrier,Tn
My heart bursts its banks,
spilling beauty and goodness.
I pour it out in a poem to the king,
shaping the river into words:
Psalm 45:1 (msg)
Amy – Custer,SD
For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light.
Ephesians 5:8 (NIV)
Jacie from Amarillo, TX
“Praise the Lord! Give thanks to the Lord for He is good; His loved endures forever.” Ps 106:1 NIV
Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the Word of truth. 2 Tm 2:15 KJV
Fairbanks, AK –
“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?”
Psalms 27:1 NIV
Michelle W. Boynton Beach, FL
For since the beginning of the world
Men have not heard nor perceived by the ear,
Nor has the eye seen any God besides You,
Who acts for the one who waits for Him. Isaiah 64:4 (NKJV)
Megan, Bloomington. “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.” Colossians 3:23 NIV
Allison from Rancho Cucamonga, CA:
“When you said, ‘Seek My face,’
My heart said to You, ‘Your face,
LORD, I will seek.'”
Psalm 27:8 NKJV
Sarah, Tacoma WA
I love the Lord for he heard my voice; he heard me cry for mercy. Because he turned his ear to me, I will call on him as long as I live.
Psalm 116:1-2 (NIV)
Kelli, The Woodlands, TX
“Resist him, steadfast in your faith, for you know that your brothers and sisters in all the world are undergoing the same kinds of suffering. And after you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, support, strengthen, and establish you. To him be the power forever and ever. Amen.” 1 Peter 5:911 (NRSV)
Jill, Springdale, AR
Micah 6:8, NASV
He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, to love kindess, and to walk humbly with your God.
Sheryl, PA
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.
Isa. 46:4 NIV
Deena from Amarillo, TX
“Therefore put on the full armor of God so that when the day of evil comes you may be able to stand your ground.” Eph 6:13a NIV
Kim, E. Granby, CT:
“Yes I call this to mind and therefore I have hope: 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 3:21-23
Mary Beth from Athens
But what things were gain to me, these i have counted as loss for Christ. yet indeed I also count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things and count them asrubbish, that I may gain Christ.
Philippians 3:7-8
NKJV
Andrea
Montgomery IN
May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer.
Psalm 19:14 NIV
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust Him,so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13 NIV
Jill Vandalia MO
Sandra S. Tolson from Winchester, KY
Finally, brethren, 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
Joan (Coppell, TX): Look to the Lord and his strength; seek his face always. Psalm 105:4 NIV — The mind of sinful man is death, but the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace. Romans 8:6 NIV
Vickie in Wichita, KS
Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you your heart’s desires. Commit everything you do to the Lord. Trust him, and he will help you. Psalms 37:4-5 (NLT)
Kendra W. – Dallas, TX
“How foolish! Can’t you see that faith without good deeds is useless?”
James 2:20
NLT
Christy from Omaha
“For the LORD grants wisdom! From his mouth come knowledge and understanding. He grants a treasure of common sense to the honest. He is a shield to those who walk with integrity.” Proverbs 2:6-7 NLT
Look to the Lord and His strength; seek His face always. Psalm 105:4 NIV
Janet, Grand Prairie, TX “Whoever loves money never has money enough, whoever loves wealth is never satisfied with his income. This too is meaningless.” Ecclesiastes 5:10 NIV
Michelle, Watkinsville
“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 (NIV)
Melissa Durham
Johnson City, TN
“Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 NIV
Patti, Phoenix AZ 2 Corinthians 13:14 [NLT]
May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.
Margaret, The Villages, FL
Whatever happens, give thanks, because it is God’s will in Christ Jesus that you do this.
1 Thessalonians 5:18 GWT
KK from Burleson, TX
“Oh that we might know the Lord! Let us press on to know Him! Then He will respond to us as surely as the arrival of dawn or the coming of the rains in early spring.” Hosea 6:3, NLT
Lisa Pack, Charleston, WV
I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which He has called you, the riches of His glorious inheritance in the saints, and His incomparably great power for us who believe. Ephesians 1:18-19a (NIV)
Lindsey, Richmond, TX
Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires. James 1:19-20 NIV
Shea Koone IL
Romans 12:12 (NIV)
Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.
Allyson from Raleigh, NC
Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust in me.
John 14:1 NLT
Proverbs 3:5-6 “Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge HIM and HE will make straight your paths.” NKJV
My verse is from the New KingJames Version Ecc.3;2
A time to be born and a time to die a time to plant and a time to pluck what is planted… see you on the first of Feb… blessings to all ouida
Lisa
York, PA
But the LORD said to Samuel, “Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The LORD does not look at the things that man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.”
1 Samuel 16:7 NIV
Jane from Calgary, Alberta: “Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and that you are not your own?” – 1 Corinthians 6:19 (NASB)
Shelly Wilson, Fort Worth, TX
Matthew 5:8 (MSG) – You’re blessed when you get your inside world – your mind and heart – put right. Then you can see God in the outside world.
Kristie from Kansas City. Proverbs 12:18. NET
Speaking recklessly is like the thrusts of a sword, but the words of the wise bring healing.
Romans 8:38-39 (NIV)
For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor 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.
Bethany from Boerne, TX
And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect will of God. Romans 12:2 KJV
Jane, Houston TX
Deuteronomy 6:5 (NIV)
Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.