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 – 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.) 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
Jennifer
Waco, TX
In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, Lord, make me dwell in safety.
Psalm 4:8
Melody Clinton, NC
Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. Romans 12:2 ESV
Amy, New Palestine, IN “You should clothe yourselves instead with the beauty that comes from within, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is so precious to God.” – 1 Peter 3:4 NLT
Ashley, Columbia, MO:
1 John 1:5 (NIV)
“This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all.”
Brittany from Brookville,OH
By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples.
John 15:8 NKJV
Jeremiah 29:11 “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 a HOPE and a future”
Cathy, Jackman, ME: “And now, Israel, what does the Lord require of you? He requires only that you fear the Lord your God, and live in a way that pleases him, and love him and serve him with all your heart and soul.” Deut 10:12 NLT
Dawn
Wausau, WI
Stealing this….
” 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)
Betty Scofield – Lees Summit Missouri
“Grace, Mercy and Peace from God the father and the Lord Jesus Christ our savior.” Titus 1:4 KJV
Debbie, Calgary Alberta. Canada
The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds [and with them] 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.
2 Corinthians 10:4,5 (NIV84)
Brenda Kelley, Taylors,SC
“Make them holy by your truth, teach them your word which is truth.” John 17:17 NLT
Ann, Cataula, GA
Genesis 18:19, King James Version–“For I know him, that he will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the LORD, to do justice and judgment; that the LORD may bring upon Abraham that which he hath spoken of him.”
Sadie; Colcord, OK
Psalm 147:10-11 (NIV)
“His pleasure is not in the strength of the horse, nor his delight in the legs of a man; the Lord delights in those who fear him, who put their hope in his unfailing love.”
Jessica, Milwaukee WI.
“Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ.” Galations 1:10, NIV
Jane in Langley, BC, Canada…”God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble.” Psalm 46:1 (NLT)
Nancy Miller
West Grove, Pa
A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.
Proverbs 15:1 NIV
Marie- Franklin, TN
Be joyful in hope,
patient in affliction,
faithful in prayer.
Romans 12:12 NIV
Amy, Springfield. “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.” Isaiah 40:31 NIV
Exodus 33:14
My Presence will go with you and I will give you rest.
Kim Rushville, Ohio “You are my witnesses,” declares the LORD and my servant whom I have chosen, that you may know and believe me and understand that I am he. Before me no god was formed, nor shall there be any after me. Isaiah 43:10 ESV
Noelle, Belfast (northern Ireland)
For I am about to do something new. See, I have already begun! Do you not see it? I will make a pathway through the wilderness. I will create rivers in the dry wasteland. (Isaiah 43:19 NLT)
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)
Pat S. Lago Vista, TX
D’Shan, Roswell, NM
“And Jesus stopped and said, “Call him.” And the called to the blind man, saying to him, “Take heart. Get up; he is calling you.”
Mark 10:49 ESV
Psalm 28:7 NLT
Michaela, Omaha, Nebraska
“For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires.” Hebrews 4:12 NLT
Wendi
Kathleen, GA
Let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God.
James 1:19-20 ESV
Elizabeth, Illinois – Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Romans 12:9 NIV
Judith, Manhattan, KS: “The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you;the LORD turn his face toward you and give you peace.” Numbers 6:24-26 NIV
Megan, from St. Louis… “If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. By this my Father is glorified, that you may bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples.” John 15:7-8 ESV
Ally, Duluth, GA
“For a day in your courts is better than a thousand elsewhere. I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of wickedness. For the Lord God is a sun and shield; the Lord bestows favor and honor. No good thing does he withhold from those who walk uprightly. O Lord of hosts, blessed is the one who trusts in you!” Psalm 84:10-12 ESV
Diana, North Attleboro
I will instruct you and show you the way to go;
with My eye on you, I will give counsel. Psalm 32:8 HCSB
Psalm 28:7 NLT
The Lord helps me, and my heart is filled with joy. I burst out in songs of thanksgiving.
Jennifer Erie, CO
“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
Eniola, Madrid, Spain
For God alone my soul waits in silence; from him comes my salvation.
Psalm 62:1 ESV
Sarah – Conroe, TX
Psalm 94:18-19 NIV
When I said, “my foot is slipping,” Your love, O Lord supported me. When anziety was great within me, your consolation brought joy to my soul.
Behold, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands, your walls are continually before me. ISAIAH 49:16, ESV
Anna Kristina, Wilmore
Jeremiah 6:16 NIV
This is what the LORD says:
“Stand at the crossroads and look;
ask for the ancient paths,
ask where the good way is,
and walk in it,
and you will find rest for your souls.”
Emily, Abu Dhabi
“I will sing to Adonai, because he gives me even more than I need.” Ps 13:6 Complete Jewish Bible
Annette, Tomball. All your children shall be taught by the LORD, and great shall be the peace of your children.” Isaiah 54:13 ESV
Psalm 5:3 NLT
“Listen to my voice in the morning, Lord. Each morning I bring my requests to you and wait expectantly.”
Karen Thiessen, Everett, WA
2 Thessalonians 3:16 NLT
Now may the Lord of peace Himself give you His peace at all times and in every situation. The Lod be with you all.
Melany, Garrison, Mo: He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God? Micah 6:8 ESV
I will sing of the LORD’s great love forever; with my mouth I will make your faithfulness known through all generations. Psalm 89:1 NIV
Linsey, Garland — Then shall thy light break forth as the morning, and thine health shall spring forth speedily: and thy righteousness shall go before thee; the glory of the Lord shall be thy rereward. Isaiah 58:8 KJV
Karen Stark
Tallahassee, FL
Come closer and listen to this. I am the Lord your God, who teaches you what is good for you and leads you along the paths you should follow. Isaiah 48:16a & 17b NLT
Gwen
Fairmont, WV
Let all that I am praise the Lord, may I never forget the good things He does for me. He forgives all my sins and heals all my diseases.
*hit submit too early =(*
Psalm 103:2-3 NLT
Patti, Fort Walton Beach, FL; “So also faith, it it does not have works, is dead being by itself. ” James 2:17 NLT
Sherry, Montgomery, Tx.
” Not that I have already obtained all of this, or have already arrived at my goal, but press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me.
Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead,
I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.”
Phillipians 3:12-14 ( NIV)
Penny
Hamburg AR
“If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer.”
Matthew 21:22 NIV
Mary Ludwig, Blue Springs, MO
“And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.”
Galatians 6:9 ESV