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
Melanie Dorsett Fort Worth “Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters.” Matthew 12:30 TNIV
Jennie Vatoseow, Seattle,
For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Romans 8:38-39 (NASB)
Deborah, Chandler
Mathew 11:28
Come to me all who are weary and burdened and I will give you rest. NIV
Summer, Clearwater, FL. “The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” Lamentations 3:22-23 ESV
Ryann, New Market, AL. “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present in trouble.” Psalm 46:1 (NIV)
Briana Armstrong, Greenville, SC
Isaiah 40: 31 (NIV)
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.
Lynette, Nashville, TN
He is your constant source of stability; he abundantly provides safety and great wisdom; he gives all this to those who fear him. Isaiah 33:6 NET
Angela, San Diego
Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.
Proverbs 3:5 NIV
Mary Collier, Virginia Beach, VA
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.”
Cyndi – sultan, WA.
You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you. Isaiah 26:3
Karen: NYC
Turn your ear to me,
come quickly to my rescue;
be my rock of refuge,
a strong fortress to save me.
Psalm 31:2 (NIV84)
2 Chronicles 16:9a
For the eyes of the LORD range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to Him.
NIV
Shelly
Gordon, Texas
Big Rapids, Mi
Psalm 139:14 I will give thanks to Thee, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; wonderful are Thy works, and my soul knows it very well. NASB
“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.” Jeremiah 29:11. NIV
Neeley from Auburn, AL
James 3:2- NIV
“We all stumble in many ways. If anyone is never at fault in what he says, he is a perfect man, able to keep his whole body in check.”
Sandy E. from Kansas City, Missouri: 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. Romans 15:13 NIV
Nancy Engberg, Minneapolis
Therefore, prepare your minds for action; be self-controlled; set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed.
1 Peter 1:13 NIV
Judy in Ft Worth, TX
Gal 5:25 Let us not become conceited, or provoke one another, or be jealous of one another. NIV
Debbie – Fort Thomas, Kentucky
I sought the Lord, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears. Those who look to him are radiant; their faces are never covered with shame.
Psalm 34:4-5 NIV
Misty Ansted, Midlothian, TX
“Know therefore today, and take it to heart, that the LORD, He is God in heaven above and on earth below; there is no other.” Deut. 4:39 NASB
Jana, Wilmington, Ohio
1 Timothy 1:7 (NIV)
For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.
Dayna Tirado, Bedford, VA “Do not be agitated by evildoers; do not envy those who do wrong. For they wither quickly like grass and wilt like tender green plants. Trust in the LORD and do what is good; dwell in the land and live securely. Take delight in the LORD, and He will give you your heart’s desires.” Psalms 37:1-4 HCSB
Christy~ Coeur d’Alene, ID
“Find rest, O my soul, in God alone; my hope comes from him.” ~Psalm 62:5 NIV
Angie W. from Liberty, Missouri: Come to me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Matthew 11:28 NIV84
Tess, Japan.
Galatians 5:22-23 “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.” ESV
Proverbs 4:7 (NIV)
Wisdom is supreme;therfore get wisdom. Though it cost all you have get understanding.
“And then He told me, My grace is enough; it’s all you need. My strength comes into its own in your weakness. Once I heard that, I was glad to let it happen. I quit focusing on the handicap and began appreciating the gift. It was a case of Christ’s strength moving in on my weakness.” 2 Cor 12:9 The Message.
Jazmin Horne
Tempe, AZ
Sandra, Rock Hill, SC
The Lord will fight for you; you need only be still.
Exodus 14:14 NIV
Katie Melton from Loganville, GA
“We destroy every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ”
2 Corinthians 10:5 ESV
Elaine Wenning, Nampa, ID
Isaiah 54:13 (ESV)
All your children shall be taught by the Lord, and great shall be the peace of your children.
Lela
Livonia,MI
But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father who is unseen.Then your Father who sees what is unseen will reward you.
Matthew 6:6 NIV
“We also pray that you will be strengthened with all his glorious power so you will have all the endurance and patience you need. May you be filled with joy.”
Colossians 1:11 (NLT)
Sue
St. Louis
Ephesians 1:4 (NASB)
just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we would be holy and blameless before Him.
Tonya from Quantico, VA
But He said to me, “my grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast of my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.” 2 Corinthians 12:9 NIV
Micah 6:8 NASB
“He has told you, O man, what is good; And what does the Lord require of you. But to do justice, to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?”
Joshua 1:9 NIV
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.
Dedra@dfw
Julie DeWitt, MI
I rise before dawn and cry for help; I have put my hope in your word. Psalm 119:147 NIV
Esther from Jonesborough TN
All your children shall be taught by the LORD, and great shall be the peace of your children. Isaiah 54:13 (ESV). (yes, I ‘borrowed’ this one…So good!)
Laura, Jefferson, ME
Psalm 25:3
“Indeed, none who wait for you shall be put to shame;
they shall be ashamed who are wantonly treacherous.”
ESV
Heather, Hot Springs, AR, Psalm 25:2, Amp
O my God, I trust, lean on, rely on, and am confident in You. Let me not be put to shame or my hope in You be disappointed; let not my enemies triumph over me.
Annette, Lee’s Summit, MO
Colossians 1:9, NIV — For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you and asking God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding.
Rebecca R. from Raleigh, NC. “The LORD will keep you from all harm – he will watch over your life. The LORD will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.” Psalm 121:7-8 NIV
Christy, Summerton, SC
“Everything you do or say should be done to obey Jesus your Lord. And in all you do, give thanks to God the Father through Jesus”.
Colossians 2:17 NIV
Lamentations 3:21-23 NIV
21 Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope:
22 Because of the Lord ‘s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail.
23 They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.
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)
Tori
Franklin, TN.
Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shifting shadow. – James 1:17 (NASB)
Consider it all joy, my brethren,when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have it’s perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. James 1:2-4 NASB
Kelli Swisher Beavercreek, OH
You crown the year with your bounty; your wagon tracks overflow with abundance.
Psalm 65:11 (ESV)
Sharron, Hartselle, Al.
Therefore, we do not lose heart, though outwardly we are wasting away but inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen but what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary but what is unseen if eternal!
II Corinthians 4:16-18
Amber Wooten, Warsaw, IN
Isaiah 45:15-16 (NIV84)
“Can a mother forget the baby at her breast and have no compassion on the child she has borne? Though she may forget, I will not forget you! See I have engraved you on the palm of my hands, you walls are ever before me.”