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
Trudi from Columbus Texas
“Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord, and turn away from evil. It will bring healing and refreshment…” – Proverbs 3:7-8
NIV
Indiana
Philippians 4:4 NIV
Rejoice in the Lord always.
I will say it again: Rejoice!
Christa , Memphis TN
Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:6, 7 NLT)
Carol Spenst, Little Rock, AR
Romans 8:6-8 NASB
For the mind set on the flesh is death, because the mind set on the flesh is hostile toward God; for it does not subject itself to the law of God, for it is not even able to do so, and those who are in the flesh cannot please God.
Amanda, Fairbanks, AK
Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. Colossians 4:2 NIV
Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. 1Peter 5:7
Stephanie, Madison Maine “…if anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross and follow Me.” Matt 16:24 NKJV
Gina Neece from Huntsville, AL. Isaiah 45:5-6 NIV I am the Lord, and there is no other, apart from me there is no God. I will strengthen you, though you have not acknowledged me, so that from the rising of the sun to the place of its setting people may know there is none besides me. I am the Lord, and there is no other.
Amy, Everet WA
Proverbs 31:25-26 (NLT)
She is clothed with strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future. When she speaks, her words are wise, and she gives instructions with kindness.
Richelle, Kingston:
I love you, O LORD, my strength. Psalm 18:1 (NIV)
Alesha
Charlotte, NC
For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are–yet was without sin. Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need. Hebrews 4:15-16 NIV
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.
Romans 15:13 (ESV)
Sarah Mosley Atlanta, GA
Romans 12:12 (NIV)
“Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.”
Brenda, Nashville “You will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart.” Jer 29:13 NIV
Stacey Swan, Springfield Mo – May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope. Romans 15:13 ESV
Philippines 4:12-13 NIV
I know what it is to be in need and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength.
Kari, Colorado Springs, CO
For he says, “In the time of my favor I heard you, and in the day of salvation I helped you.” I tell you, now is the time of God’s favor, now is the day of salvation.
2 Cor. 6:2 NIV
Lacey – Cypress, TX
Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe as you hold out the word of life. Phil 2:14-16 (NIV)
Tawni, Sweet Home, OR
Psalm 32:8(NIV)
I will instruct you & show you the way to go;with My eye on you, I will give counsel.
Sherry Trawick from Salisbury,NC
“Don’t worry about anything, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done.” Philippians 4:6 NLT
Becky – Cynthiana, KY
Joshua 1:9
HCSB – Haven’t I command you: be strong and courageous?
Do not be afraid or discouraged for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.
Dayna Poppen, West Monroe, LA, Blessed is the man whose strength is in You, whose heart is set on pilgrimage. As they pass through the Valley of Baca, they make it a spring; the rain also covers it with pools. They go from strength to strength; each one appears before God in Zion. Psalm 84:5-7
Kesley from Rome, GA
This was on the front of the SMT Spiral and it’s a staple in our Celebrate Recovery curriculum!
“Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.” James 5:16 NIV
Vicki C., Indianapolis, IN
Isaiah 58:11 NIV
The Lord will guide you always; he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail.
Ashleigh, Mobile, Alabama
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.”
Romans 15:13 (ESV)
jenny; white hall, ar
“God, i’ve heard what our ancestors say about You, and i’m stopped in my tracks, down on my knees. do among us what You did among them. work among us as You worked among them. and as You bring judgment, as You surely must, remember mercy.” habakkuk 3:2 (msg)
Vicki Corpus Christi, Tx
Psalm 26:3 For your grace is there before my eyes,
and I live my life by your truth.
Complete Jewish Bible (CJB)
Kristi, Riverside,CA
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.
Joshua 1:9 NIV
So now finish doing it as well, so that your readiness in desiring it
may be matched by your completing it out of what you have.
2 Corinthians 8:11 ESV
Jess, Grand Forks ND
Isaiah 43:2, NLT
When you go through deep waters, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown. When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you.
Chantel, Watson, LA. This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples. John 15:8, NIV
Rosemary,Forney, The same was in the beginning with God. John 1:2 KJV.
Mandy Newburgh,IN
The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.
Exodus 14:14 NIV
Bev from Barberton, Ohio
But you, O Lord, are a shield about me, my glory, and the lifter of my head. Psalms 3:3 ESV
Praise His Name!!!!
Beth from Warminster
“Anyone whom you forgive, I also forgive. Indeed, what I have forgiven, if I have forgiven anything, has been for your sake in the presence of Christ,”
2 Corinthians 2:10 (ESV)
Diane, Wedgefield, SC
For the revelation awaits an appointed time; it speaks of the end and will not prove false. Though it linger, wait for it;
it will certainly come and will not delay. Habakkuk 2:3 (NIV 1984)
Lori Kirkham Trenton Tx
Isaiah 43:15 NIV
Iam the lord, your holy one, Israel’s creator, your KING!!!!
Maggie, Naperville IL
“If they had been thinking of the country they had left, they would have had opportunity to return.” Hebrews 11:15
Tampa, Florida
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. Ephesians 3:20 NIV
Beth, Story City,IA
“He did not waver at the promise of God through unbelief, but was strengthened in faith, giving glory to God, and being fully convinced that what He had promised He was also able to perform.”
Romans 4:20-21, NKJ
Denise
Valley, AL
Behold, I am sending you out as sheep in the midst of wolves, so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves. Matthew 10:16 ESV
Anita, Big River, Saskatchewan
1Thessalonians 5:23,24 NIV (1984)
May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. The one who calls you is faithful and he will do it.
Beth, St. Louis
“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the Devil’s schemes.” NIV
Cindy ~ Bridge City, TX
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 your paths straight. ~ Proverbs 3:5-6(NASB)
Linda
Ft. Collins, CO
“This is to my father’s glory,
that you bear much fruit,
showing yourselves to be my disciples.”
John 15:8 NIV
Rosi Lovell
Hopkinsville, KY
Matthew 17:20 NIV
“Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there’, and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.
Tiffany, ATL
Search me. O God and know my heart! Try me me and know my thoughts! And see if there be any grievous ways in me, and lead me in the way of everlasting. Ps. 139:23-24 ESV
Charlsie from Austin, TX: “And whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through him to God the father.” Colossians 3:17 NLT
Summerville SC
Isaiah 44:6
This is what The Lord says- Israel’s King and Redeemer, The Lord almighty: I Am the first and I Am the last. Apart from me there is no God.
Isaiah 44:6. NIV
“Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life.” Proverbs 4″23 NIV