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
Margaret Ann, Pacific Junction, IA:
Jesus refusal was curk: “Beat it Satan!” He backed His rebuke with a third quotation from Deuteronomy: “Worship the Lord your God and only Him. Serve Him with absolute single-heartedness.”
Matthew 4:10 The Message
Janette from Grand Junction, Co
John 15:8 (NIV)
This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.
Donna, Mobile, AL Philippians 4:8NIV Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable-if anything is excellent or praiseworthy-think about such things.
Sara-Slidell, LA::
“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.” Philippians 4:6-7,ESV
Katie, Atlanta.
“I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.”
John 15:5 (NIV)
Michaela, Overland Park, KS.
When you produce much fruit, you are my true disciples. This brings great glory to my Father. John 15: 8 (NLT)
Ditto – Isaiah 54:13 NIV, “All your children shall be taught by the Lord and great shall be the peaceof your children.” Pray it boldly.
Lori, Waxhaw NC
Romans 15:13 (NIV)
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Nicole, TN
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. ”
Galatians 5:22-23
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 (NIV)
Search me, oh God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offense in me, and lead me in the way everlasting. Psalm 139:23-24, NIV84
Fairbanks, Alaska
1 Peter 1:22
“Now that you have purified yourselves by obeying the truth so that you have sicere loved for each other, love one another deeply, from the heart.”
Jessie- Rossville, GA
If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you. By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be my disciples.As my Father loved me, I also have loved you; abide in My love.
John 15:7-9 NKJV
For God so loved the world that he gave his only son so that whoever believes in HIM should not perish but have everlasting life.
John 3:16 (NLT)
Portsmouth OH.
Psalm 40:8 NIV
“I desire to do your will, Oh my God; your law is within my heart.”
Emily, Battle Creek, MI. James 3:17-18 NIV. But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure, then peaceloving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness.
Rochet
Kennesaw, GA
Let us come near to God with a sincere heart and a sure faith, because we have been made free from a guilty conscience, and our bodies have been washed with pure water.
Hebrews 10:22 NCV
Susan from Cary NC Psalm 1:2 But his delight is in the law of The Lord, and on His law he meditates day and night. NIV
Heather
Birmingham, AL
ESV
John 15:8 By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples.
Ft. Worth, Texas
John 15:8
By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples.
Heather
Springfield, VA
My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father’s hand. I and the Father are one.
John 10:27-30 (NIV)
Tammy from Pottsboro,TX
Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility,gentleness and patience. Colossians 3:12 NIV
Carol, Colorado Springs. John 10:25-27 (NIV)
I did tell you but you do not believe. The miracles I do in my Father’s name speak for me, but you do not believe because you are not my sheep. My sheep listen to my voice, I know them, and they follow me.
We are almost the same! I am just above you and doing John 10:27-30
Michele, Waco, Tx
Isaiah 54:13 TNIV
All your children will be taught by the Lord, and great will be their peace.
Amber from Manor, Texas: She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks. Proverbs 31:17 NIV
Linda R. Springfield, MO May He grant you your heart’s desire and fulfill all your plans. Psalms 20:4 Living Bible
Dearborn Heights, MI
Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. ~Phillipians 3:13-14.
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 hand. Isaiah 41:10 NIV
Carolyn, Terrace Bc Canada
John 14:27 (NIV)
Peace I leave with you: My peace I give you,
I do not give to you as the world gives.
Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.
Melody Faith, Knoxville, TN
“Now I am about to go the way of all the earth. You know with all your heart and soul that not one of all the good promises the Lord your God gave you has failed. Every promise has been fulfilled; not one has failed” Joshua 23:14 NIV
Patty B, Marysville, OH
But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander. I Peter 3:15-16 (NIV)
Kelly Watson (Greer, SC)
‎”But the goal of our instruction is love from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith.” -1 Tim. 1:5 (NASB)
Taylor Buelke, LIttleton, CO
James 3:18 (NIV)
Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness.
Angela, Salt Rock, WV
Matthew 28: 19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit,
NET
Therefore, I urge you brothers, in view of God’s mercy to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God — this is your spiritual act of worship.
Do not conform any longer to the patterns of this world but be transformed. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is – His good, pleasing and perfect will.”
Romans 12:-1-2
Jenna, Kansas City
Bridget, Moore, OK
Romans 12:12 (HCSB)
Rejoice in hope; be patient in affliction; be persistent in prayer
Candace
Jefferson City, TN
Philippians 4:4-7, NIV
Rejoice in The Lord always, I will say it again: rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all, The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, make your requests known to God. And the peace of God, which transcends Ll understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
You crown the year with Your bounty, and Your carts overflow with abundance. Psalm 65:11 NIV
Trina Rodgers
Midland, Texas
John 14:27 The Voice Bible (TVB)
My peace is the legacy I leave to you. I do not give gifts like those of this world. Do not let your hearts be troubled or fearful.
Philippians 2:29 “Receive him therefore in the Lord with all gladness, and hold such men in esteem (NIV)
Eden Prairie, MN- 24 Aimee
Therefore, humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon him,for he cares for you.
— 1 Peter 5:6-7
Connie
Fulton, KY
Psalm 33:8 NIV
I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you and watch over you.
Mercedes, Seattle.
2 Corinthians 10:5 We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. (NIV)
Rachel from Sedley, Virginia: “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God.” Ephesians 2:8, ESV
Julie, Honolulu
…” and make straight paths for your feet, so that what is lame may not be dislocated, but RATHER be HEALED.” Hebrews 12:13 (emphasis mine) NKJV
Katelyn Chalker
Highland , CA
Isaiah 54:10 though the mountains be shaken abd the hills be removed, yet my unfailing Love for you will NOT be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed, says tge Lord, who has compassion on you! NIV
Naomi Stephens
Waynesboro, MS
“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.” Philippians 4:8 NLT
Kristina Gallarzo in Phoenix
She gets up while it is still dark; she provides food for her family and portions for her servant girls.
Proverbs 31:15 NIV
Krystal from Irving, Texas
For what the law was powerless to do because it was weakened by the flesh,God did by sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh to be a sin offering. And so he condemned sin in the flesh,in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fully met in us, who do not live according to the flesh but according to the Spirit. Romans 8:3-4 (NIV)
Terri, from Plano “Look to The Lord and His strength, seek His face always” Psalm 105:4 NIV