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
Martha Goyet, Virginia Beach, VA. “Don’t hide your light! Let it shine for all; let your good deeds glow for all to see so that they will praise your heavenly Father.” Matthew 5:16 The Living Bible.
Lori, Concordia, Kansas:
So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in Him, rooted and built up in Him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness. Colossians 2:6-7, NIV 1984
Emily Furda, Johnstown PA. Hebrews 10:35 NIV “So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded.”
Becky, Conway, AR
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not rely on your own undersranding.” Proverbs 3:5 HCSB
Jen Turner, Katy, TX
“Instead, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight.” 1 Peter 3:4 NIV
Kristi, Austin, TX
Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, “This is the way; walk in it.”
Isaiah 30:21
Rebecca
Sevierville, TN
The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, But a wise man is he who listens to counsel.
Proverbs 12:15 NASB
Anne, Marion, Indiana; “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” 2 Timothy 1:7 NKJV
Marietta, GA
New Living Translation:
Psalm 130:5
“I am counting on the Lord; yes, I am counting on Him. I have put my hope in His word.”
Christa ( Greeneville, TN.) Be still and know that I am God. Psalm 46:10 ESV
Lindsay, San Diego, CA
“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.”
philippians 4:8 niv
Jamie, Brentwood, Tn
” I have swept away your sins like a cloud. I have scattered your offenses like the morning mist. Oh, return to me, for I have paid the price to set you free. ”
-Isaiah 44:22 (NLT)
Rosalye
Vicksburg, MS
If we are faithless, He will remain faithful, for He cannot disown Himself.
2 Tim. 2:13
NIV
Luann, Grand Junction CO
Galatians 1:10 NIV1984
“Am I now trying to win the approval of men, or of God? Or am I trying to please men?(A) If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a servant of Christ.”
oops… forgot NIV
Christy Evans, Carol Stream, IL
Colossians 3:12-13
Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. 13 Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.
***I missed week one, I hope it’s not too late to join?
Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and Courageous. Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.
-Joshua 1:8-9
Brandy, Cross Anchor SC
But when the Holy Spirit controls our lives, he will produce this kind of fruit in us; love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Here there is no conflict with the law.
Galations 5:22 (NLT)
Punky Tolson
Dallas, TX
The Sovereign Lord has given me the capacity to be His spokesman, so that I may know how to help the weary. He wakes me up every morning; He makes me alert so I can listen attentively as disciples do.
Isaiah 50:4 (NET)
Anita
Amarillo
I am a chosen person, , part of a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to You,
God, that I may declare the praises of You who called me out of darkness into your wonderful light. 1 Peter 2: 9. NIV
Kelly – Houston, TX
“So thank God for His marvelous love, for His miracle mercy to the children He loves.” Psalm 107:8 (MSG)
Courtney Head, Little Rock AR
Philippians 4:4-8 NIV “Rejoice in The Lord always. I say it again: rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord us near. 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. Finally, brothers whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable– if anything is excellent or praise worthy–think about such things.”
Linda, Olympia WA “Or do you despise the riches of His goodness, forebearance and longsuffering, not knowing that the goodness of God leads you to repentance? Romans 2:4
Psalm 91:11
For He will give His angels order concerning you, to protect you in all you ways
to open their eyes and turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, so that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me. Acts 26:18
Miriam from Olympia, WA
“You can settle among us; the land is open to you. Live in it, trade in it, and acquire property in it.” Genesis 34:10
Missy in Jim Falls, WI
Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
1 Thess 5:16-18 NIV
Heather, Tallahassee
Like a city whose walls are broken down is a man who lacks self-control. Proverbs 25:28 NIV
Sheila, Bethesda, MD.
Be earnest and unwearied and steadfast in your prayer [life], being [both] alert and intent in [your praying] with thanksgiving.
Colossians 4:2 (AMP)
Beth from LaGrange, GA
Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, be honour and glory forever and ever. Amen.
1 Timothy 1:17 KJV
Ruth, Pikeville, TN — But now, this is what the LORD says—He who created you, O Jacob, He who formed you, O Israel—”Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine.” Isaiah 43:1 NIV.
Olda, Huntsville, AL
“Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose trust is the Lord. He is like a tree planted by water, that sends out its roots by the stream, and does not fear when heat comes, for its leaves remain green, and is not anxious in the year of drought, for it does not cease to bear fruit.” Jeremiah 17:7,8 (ESV)
Tracy, Medicine Lodge, Kansas
Isaiah 59:21 NLT
21 “And this is my covenant with them,” says the LORD. “My Spirit will not leave them, and neither will these words I have given you. They will be on your lips and on the lips of your children and your children’s children forever. I, the LORD, have spoken!
Becky P, Lynchburg, VA
But his delight is in the law of The Lord, and in His law he meditates day and night.
He will be like a tree firmly planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in its season and its leaf does not wither; and in whatever he does, he prospers.
Psalms 1:2-3. NASB
So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.
1 Corinthians 10:31 NIV
Angela: York, Ne
Romans 12:10 “Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves. NIV
Kim from Prosper, TX
Eph. 3:20 Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us, to Him be the glory…
Anna – Little Elm, TX
Restore to me the joy of Your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.
Psalm 51:12 (NIV84)
Kat, Albany, NY
He answered, ” Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind, and Love your neighbor as yourself.”
Luke 10:27 NIV
Bobbi Simpsonville SC
For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us.
Romans 8:18 ESV
Natalie; Leesburg, GA; “Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” Hebrews 12:2 (NIV)
Vickie C, Baytown, TX
Teach me Your way, O Lord, that I may walk and live in Your truth; direct and unite my heart (solely, reverently) to fear and honor Your name. Psalm 86:11 AMP
Carla SantAngelo, Lorida, FL
So Let us consider how we may Spur one another on toward
LOVE and Good Deeds. NIV But I really LOVE how the Message words it “See How INVENTIVE we can be in Spurring each other on in Love and helping out”! Hebrews 10:24
Alicia, New Market, AL. “This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.” John 15:8 (NIV)
Linda, Bartelso, IL — Based on the gift each one has received, use it to serve others, as good managers of the varied grace of God. 1Peter 4:10 (HCSB)
Rebecca – Arkadelphia, AR
“O Israel, hope in the Lord! For with the Lord there is steadfast love, and with him is plentiful redemption.” Psalm 130: 7 (ESV)
Jeremiah 17:7-8
But blessed are those who trust in the Lord and have made the Lord their hope and confidence.
Alyssa, Tom Bean, TX
Proverbs 21:20 (NIV)
“In the house of the wise are stores of choice food and oil, but a foolish man devours all he has.”
“But the Lord is faithful. He will establish you and guard you against the evil one.” 2 Thessalonians 3:3 ESV
Susan from Springfield, VA
Psalm 23, New American Standard
1 The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want.
2 He makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside quiet waters,
3 He restores my soul;
He guides me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake.
4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil,
for You are with me;
Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.
5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies;
You have anointed my head with oil;
My cup overflows.
6 Surely goodness and lovingkindness will follow me all the days of my life,
And I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
Barb~StCloud MN~Hosea 6:6 (NIV) For I desire mercy, not sacrifice, and acknowledgment of God rather than burnt offerings.