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
Letha Mahan, Mountain Home, Arkansas.
Lord, I have heard of your fame;
I stand in awe of your deeds, Lord.
Renew them in our day,
in our time make them known;
in wrath remember mercy. Habakkuk 3:2 TNIV
Amy Roeters, Fairport NY
I will give thanks to you, Lord, with all my heart;
I will tell of all your wonderful deeds.
Psalm 9:1 NIV
Kelsey Chute, Damariscotta, Maine.
“Do not judge, and you will not be judged ; and do not condemn, and you will not be condemned ; pardon, and you will be pardoned.” Luke 6:37 NAS
Gill Lancaster UK
All your children shall be taught by The Lord, and great shall be the peace of your children. Isaiah 54 v 13 NKJV
Eryn
Anthony, KS
Isaiah 58:11 “The LORD will guide you continually, giving you water when you are dry and restoring your strength. You will be like a well-watered garden, like an ever-flowing spring.” (NLT)
Beth
Minneapolis, MN
“All who are skilled among you are to come and make everything the LORD has commanded.”
Exodus 35:10
Kosciusko, MS
“As you come to him, a living stone rejected by men but in the sight of God chosen and precious, you yourselves like living stones are being built up as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.”
1 Peter 2:4, 5 ESV
Candy Seale of La Grange Texas
For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish, foolishness; but unto us which are saved, it is the power of God.
I Corinthians 1:18
(HCSB)
5 I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing…..8 By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples.
John 15:5 & 8 ESV
Joan B.
Greenville, KY
First thing in the morning, she dresses for work,
rolls up her sleeves, eager to get started. 🙂
Prov. 31:17 The Message
Ashlie Harrison
Clanton, AL
Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and not be afraid: for the Lord Jehovah is my strength and my song; he also is become my salvation. Isaiah 12:2 KJV
Heather, Aberdeen SD
Romans 12:12 NIV
Be Joyful in Hope,
Patient in Affliction,
Faithful in Prayer.
Janice
Concord Ca
NKJV
Isaiah 43:2
When you pass through the waters, I will be with you;
And through the rivers, they shall not overflow you.
When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, nor
Shall the flame scorch you.
Dana, Atlanta
“But collect for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth or rust destroys, and where thieves don’t break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”
Matthew 6:20-21
Terri – Houston , Texas
For God so loved the world that he gave his
one and only Son, that whoever believe in him
shall not perish but have enternal life.
John 3:16 Niv
Susan, Houston
“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 16:13 ESV
Candice C.
Ferris, TX
“Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer.” Psalm 19:14 KJV
You do not have, because you do not ask God. (James 4:2 NIV84)
from Brunswick, GA
“He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.” Psalm 91:1 NIV
Erin B.
League City, TX
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.
John 14:27 ESV
Knoxville,Iowa
Matthew 11:28-30 (ESV)
“Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowely in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”
Xenia, OH
You know when I sit down or stand up. You know my thoughts even when I’m far away.
Psalm 139:2 (NLT)
Leslie from Highlands Ranch, CO
“And whatever you ask in prayer, you will receive, if you have faith.”
Matthew 21:22 ESV
Becky, Round Rock, TX
And being confident of this, that He Who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. Phil. 1:6
my translation is NIV and I forgot to put it!
Aly, San Diego CA
2 Corinthians 10:4-5 NIV84
The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. 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.
Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior. But now he has reconciled you by Christ’s physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation.
Colossians 1:21-22 NIV
The Woodlands, TX
“The Lord replied, My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.”
Exodus 33:14 NIV
Deb, Lansdale, PA
But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore, I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses so that Christ’s power may rest on me.
2 Corinthians 12:9 NIV
MacKenzie, St Louis
For the Lord gives wisdom;
from his mouth come knowledge and understanding;
Proverbs 2:6 ESV
Linda W. from Tomball, TX “This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.” Joshua 1:8 ESV
Melissa, Denham Springs, LA “If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish and it will be given. This is for my Father’s glory that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.” John 15:7-8
Pam Williams, Olive Branch, MS
Now it is God who makes both us and you stand firm in Christ. He anointed us, set his seal of ownership on us, and put his Spirit in our hearts as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come.
2 Corinthians 1:21-22 NIV
Tiffany
Scotch Plains, NJ
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
Glenda, Maryville, TN: Do not quench the Spirit; do not despise prophetic utterances. But examine everything carefully; hold fast to that which is good; abstain from every form of evil. I Thess. 5:19-22 NASB
Kelsey Chute, Damariscotta, Maine
‎”Do not judge, and you will not be judged ; and do not condemn, and you will not be condemned ; pardon, and you will be pardoned.”
Luke 6:37 NAS
John 15:8 (NIV)
This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to by my disciples.
Kathy from Biloxi, MS.
LORD, you know the hopes of the helpless.
Surely, You will hear their cries and comfort them.
You will bring justice to the orphans and the oppressed,
so mere people can no longer terrify them.
Psalms 10:17-18 NLT
For I will (fully) satisfy the weary soul, and I will replenish every languishing and sorrowful person.
Jeremiah 31:25 AMP
Brittney E, San Angelo, TX “And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him.” Hebrews 11:6, NASB
Crystal, Livonia, Michigan
“For God has not given us (me) a spirit of fear but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.”
II Timothy 1:7 KJV
Jill from Texas
Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart as working for the Lord, not for men. Colossians 3:23
Leah, St,Thomas, Ontario Canada
It is for freedom that Christ has set you free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery. Galations 5:1 (NIV)
Lynne Chapman
Fishers, IN
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, to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever! Amen.
Ephesians 3:20-21. NIV
Tara, Eustis, Fla
Luke 1:37 NIV
For Nothing is impossible with God.
Brooke, Augusta. Blessed are they who keep his statutes and seek him with all their heart. Psalm 119:2 (NIV84)
St. Louis, MO – Be very careful, then, how you live–not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is. (Ephesians 5:15-17 NIV84)
Kathy Strader, Houston, TX
All your children will be taught by the Lord,
and great will be their peace. Isaiah 54:13 NIV
But blessed are those who trust in the LORD and have made the LORD their hope and confidence. They are like trees along a riverbank, with roots that reach deep into the water. Such trees are not bothered by the heat or worried by long months of drought. Their leaves stay green, and they never stop producing fruit. Jeremiah 17:7-8 (NLT)