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 – 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.) 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
Susan, New York City. Psalm 34:2 ” My sould makes its boast in the LORD; let the humble hear and be glad.” ESV
Sandra Cooley from Simpson. I truly want to acknowledge God in all things. Proverbs 3:5-6 The Everyday Bible
Ashlee Cribb, Roswell, GA – “For we speak as messengers approved by God to speak the Good News. Our purpose is to please God, not people. He alone examines the motives of our hearts.” 1 Thessalonians 2:4, NLT
Sandi Starnes from Morristown, Tennessee
“God doesn’t come and go. God lasts. He’s creator of all you can see or imagine. He doesn’t get tired out, doesn’t pause to catch His breath. And He knows everything, inside and out.”
Isaiah 40:28 (MSG)
Dana Qualls, Avon Indiana:
Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. Romans 12:2 (ESV)
Sarah W, Blairsville, GA. NIV. “For there is a proper time and procedure for every matter, though a person may be weighted down by misery.” Ecc 8:6
Lindy – Scott, LA
Joshua 1:9 – Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go. (NIV84)
Elizabeth, Broomfield, 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)
Stephanie, Lynchburg, VA 🙂
“At the time I have decided, my words will come true.
You can trust what I say about the future.
It may take a long time, but keep on waiting – it will happen!”
-Habakkuk 2:3, CEV
Shannon Davis: Mt. Olive, Al
Ephesians 3:20-21 NIV
20 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, 21 to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.
Romans 8:29 (NIV-’84)
For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers.
Margie
Hilton Head Island, SC
Jenn, Washington, DC. “But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it.” 1 Timothy 6:6-7 NIV
Leslie, Elkhart, IN
2 Timothy 1:7 For God hath not given us the spirit of fear, but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. KJV
Missy, Atascadero Calif, “I would have despaired unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the Lord
In the land of the living. Wait for the Lord; Be strong and let your heart take courage; Yes, wait for the Lord.” (psalm 27:13, NASB)
Tracey from Shawnee, Kansas
Exodus 15:13 (NET)
By your loyal love you will lead the people you have redeemed; you will guide them by your strength to your holy dwelling place.
Dawn, Raleigh, NC, 1 Corinthians 10:31, NKJV “Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.”
Tempa Babington, Palm Bay, Florida, Colossians 3:17
“And, whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” NIV
Ganise, Ottawa ON, CANADA :
‘for it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy.”’ 1 Peter 1:16 (NIV)
‘If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.’ James 5:1 (NIV)
Oups, forgive me, please. The last verse is from James 1:5
Thanks.
Amy from Pineville LA “Though the fig tree does not bud and there is no fruit on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, yet I will triumph in Yahweh; I will rejoice in the God of my salvation! Yahweh my Lord is my strength; He makes my feet like those of a deer and enables me to walk on mountain heights!” (Habakkuk 3:17-19 HCSB)
Wendy G from Anderson IN
“Let me hear of your unfailing love each morning, for I am trusting you. Show me where to walk, for I give myself to you.”
Psalm 143:8 NLT
Colleen, Cape Town, South Africa
You crown the year with a bountiful harvest;
even the hard pathways overflow with abundance.
Psalm 65:11 NET
This was one of my verses from last Scripture memory but this translation really struck me. Blessings also come out of the difficulties we face.How awesome is our God! (Sorry Beth, had to share that!)
Katie Brown
Greenfield, IN
However, I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me – the task of testifying to the gospel of God’s grace.
Acts 20:24 NIV84
Ruth Hency from Oran,MO Ican do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me Philippians 4:13 KJV
Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.
Romans 5:1
Trechell, Spring.
So get rid of all evil and all deceit and hypocrisy and envy and all slander. And yearn like newborn infants for pure, spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up salvation.
1 Peter 2:1-2 (NET)
Gurnee, IL. “I will boast only in the LORD; let all who are discouraged take heart.” Ps 24:2 NLT
Jennifer, Shelbyville, KY – I took you from the ends of the earth, from its farthest corners I called you. I said, ‘You are my servant’; I have chosen you and have not rejected you. 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 41:9,10 NIV
Deb, Loveland, CO – “Praise the LORD! Oh, give thanks to the LORD for He is good! For His mercy endures forever.” Psalm 106:1 (NKJ)
Linda Gregory
Belton
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 your minds in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:6-7. NIV
Laura H, O’Fallon, MO; “Yet to all who received Hi,, to those who believed in His name, He gave the right to become children of God.” John 1:12
Rachel Ravellette, Lafayette, Ind: “You have multiplied, O LORD my God, your wondrous deeds and your thoughts toward us; none can compare with you! I will proclaim and tell of them, yet they are more than can be told… I delight to do your will, O my God; your law is within my heart.” – Psalm 40:5,8 ESV
Abilene, TX
Proverbs 15:1-2 (NIV84)
A gentle answer turns away wrath,
but a harsh word stirs up anger.
The tongue of the wise commends knowledge,
but the mouth of the fool gushes folly.
“But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called Today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness.” Hebrews 3:13
Shannon, Columbia, SC. “You crown the year with your bounty,and your carts overflow with abundance.” Psalm 65:11 (NIV) Blessed by this verse in webcast.
Altalynn from Indiana
I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go;
I will counsel you and watch over you.
Psalm 32:8 NIV
Kristi, Lenoir City,TN
Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart.
Psalm 37:4 NIV 1984
Audrey, Ohio
Psalm 44:3-4 TNIV
It was not by their sword that they won the land, nor did their arm bring them victory; it was Your right hand, Your arm, and the light of Your face, for You loved them. You are my King and my God, who decrees victories for Jacob.
Katie Cannon, Harrisonburg, VA. “One thing have I asked of the LORD, that will I seek after: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the LORD and to inquire in his temple.” Psalm 27:4 (ESV).
Dawn, Orland Park,IL, “Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.” Colossians 3:2 (NIV)
Piper
Hickory, NC
Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Galatians 6:9 niv
Jeanette from Springfield, OH:
“So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.” 2 Corinthians 4:18 (NIV 1984)
Berni, Albuquerque
“Teach me to do what pleases You,
for you are my God.
May your kind presence lead me
into a level land.” Psalm 143:10NET
Stephanie, Fredericksburg, VA
“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
Jeri, Lynchburg, VA. but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles, they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. NIV 84
Gretchen, Thousand Oaks, CA
“Pursue peace with everyone, and holiness, for without it no one will see the Lord. See to it that no one comes short of the grace of God, that no one be like a bitter root springing up and causing trouble, and through him many become defiled.”
Hebrews 12:14-15 NET
Becky Vineland
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.
Proberbs 3:5-6 NIV
Madeline from Flagstaff, AZ: “Be sober; be vigilant, because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.” — 1 Peter 5:8, NKJV
Billie. Scottsdale
“Put away from you false and dishonest speech, and willful and contrary talk put far from you.” Proverbs 4:24 (Amp)
Adele from Matthews, NC :”Joseph called the name of the firstborn Manasseh:’For God has made me forget all my toil and all my father’s house.’ And the name of the second he called Ephraim:’For God has caused me to be fruiful in the land of my affliction.'” GEN 41:51-52, NKJV
I am one person but with two emails. My verse 1 was under 1 email and my verse is under another. What now? I could.post a an alternate verse one under verse one to correct things. The good Lord knows, I need all the Scripture I can get.
Chelsea, Canton, GA
Hebrews 10:19-22 NASB
“Therefore, brethren, since we have confidence to enter the holy place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way which He inaugurated for us through the veil, that is, His flesh, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled clean from and evil conscience and our bodies washed with pour water.”
Love it! So visual that I got chills.