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
“If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind.” James 1:5-6(NIV)
Sandy, Bryan, Ohio
Jesus said to the people who believed in him, “You are truly my disciples if you remain faithful to my teachings. And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
John 8:31-32 (NLT)
Cindy, Biloxi, MS
Truly my soul finds rest in God; my salvation comes from him.
Psalm 62:1 NIV
Joan – Fredericktown, OH
NIV
John 16:24 until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive and your joy will be complete.
Galatians 6:9 NKJV
And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season, we shall reap if we do not lose heart.
Taylor, Temple, TX
Therefore, dear friends, since you already know this, be on your guard so that you may not be carried away by the error of lawless men and fall from your secure position. But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen.
2 Peter 3:17-18 NIV
Tesa
Perry, GA
My soul finds rest in God alone; my salvation comes from Him.
Psalm 62:1
Kate, Parker, CO
Psalms 37:4-5 (ESV)–>Delight yourself in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord; trust in Him, and He will act.
Sarah ~ Rockwall, TX ~FOR TO ME, TO LIVE IS CHRIST, AND TO DIE IS GAIN. Philippians 1:21 NIV
Karen, Lynnwood, WA
“But I trust in your unfailing love, I will rejoice because you have rescued me. I will sing to the Lord because he is good to me.” Psalm 13:5-6 (NLT)
Misti Gil
Rockwall, Texas
Philippians 3:8b-9 CEV “All I want is Christ and to know that I belong to him. I could not make myself acceptable to God by obeying the Law of Moses. God accepted me simply because of my faith in Christ.”
Shellie P.
Spokane, WA
If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9 (NIV)
P.S.I’ve probably memorized this in the past, but I really need it right now as I’ve caught myself beating myself up after drinking for nearly 2 years again, so I hope this isn’t cheating?
Sahar from Catharpin, VA
His disciples remembered that it is written: “Zeal for Your house will consume me.” John 2:17 NIV
Melissa
Cabot, Pa
And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are called according to his purpose.
Romans 8:28 KJV
Alison, Madison, WI
Dear friends, let us love one another for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. 1 john 4:7-8
Heather Barcroft
Shreveport, LA
“Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.” -Colossians 3:15 NIV
Lakeville, MN
Romans 12:2 NIV “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is–his good, pleasing and perfect will.”
“Yes, furthermore, I count everything as loss compared to the possession of the priceless privilege (the overwhelming preciousness, the surpassing worth, and supreme advantage) of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord….” (Philippians 3:8a AMP).
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
Sharon, Barrington
“All your children shall be taught by the Lord, and great shall be the peace of your children.” Isaiah 54:13 (ESV)
“He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.” Psalm 91:4 NIV
Melody
Myrtle Beach, SC
“Look, I’m about to do something new; even now it is coming. Do you not see it? Indeed, I will make a way in the wilderness, rivers in the desert.” Isaiah 43:19, HCSB
Jennifer Grayson
Wilmington DE
“The end of all things is near. Therefore be clear minded and self-controlled so that you can pray. Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers a multitude of sins.”
1 Peter 4:7-8 NIV
Diane Seltzer – Chesapeake, VA.
“I cling to you; your strong right hand holds me securely.”
Psalm 63:8. NLT
Jenny, Yukon, Ok
Titus 2:5 ESV “to be self-controlled, pure, working at home, kind, and submissive to their own husbands.”
Kelly Stone, South Carolina, NIV-“If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” John 8:31-32
Liz Booker, Cypress, TX. NIV
The Lord does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but The Lord looks at the heart. I Samuel 16:7
For God hath not given us the spirit of fear, but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.
2 Timothy 1:7 KJV
Toni, Kissee Mills, MO. For his anger lasts only a moment, but his favor lasts a lifetime; weeping may stay for the night but rejoicing comes in the morning. Psalm 30:5. NIV
Josie, Salem, OR
“So whether we are at home or away, we make it our aim to please Him.” 2 Corinthians 5:9 ESV
Brianna Taeuber, Frisco, Tx
Now without faith it is impossible to please God, for the one who draws near to Him must believe that He exists and rewards those who seek Him. -Hebrews 11:6 (Holman)
Leslie, Allen, TX
Create in my a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me. Psalm 51: 10-12 NIV
Kelly, Auburn, Al
You crown the year with bounty and your carts overflow with abundance. Psalm 65:11 NIV
Ouida in Trenton, TX
The Spirit Himself testifies together with our spirit that we are God’s children, also heirs – heirs of God and coheirs with Christ – seeing that we suffer with Him so that we may also be glorified with Him.
Romans 8:16-17 (HCSB)
Darlene, Nampa Idaho
You crown the year with your bounty,and your carts overflow with abundance.
Psalm 65:11 NIV
You crown the year with your bounty, and your carts overflow with abundance.
Psalm 65:11
NIV
Carrie Jones
Ontario, Canada
Psalm 19:7 (NIV)
“The law of the Lord is perfect,
reviving the soul.
The statutes of the Lord are trustworthy,
making wise the simple.”
Teri, Corpus Christi TX
An intelligent person aims at wise action,
but a fool starts off in many directions.
Proverbs 17:24 -Good News Translation (GNT)
Kelly, Harker Heights, TX
Psalms 25:12-15
Who is the man that fears the Lord? Him shall He teach in the way He chooses. He himself shall dwell in prosperity, and his descendants shall inherit the earth. The secret of the Lord is with those who fear Him, and He will show them His covenant. My eyes are ever toward the Lord, for He shall pluck my feet out of the net. NKJV
Keely from Hermann, MO: Romans 15:13 NIV: 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.
Hebrews 10:36 Patient endurance is what you need now, so you will continue to do God’s will. Then you will receive all that he has promised. hcsb
James 4:7-8
Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double minded.
Teach me to do your will for you are my God;
May your food Spirit lead me on level ground
psalm 143:10 NIV
Michelle,Bossier City
Phil 4:8 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 praiseworthy—think about such things.
NIV
Linda Ney from Gahanna, Ohio
Psalm 139: verse #2 NIV
You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my
thoughts from afar.
Valerie, Virginia Beach, VA
“Lord, I have heard of your fame;
I stand in awe of your deeds, O Lord.
Renew them in our day,
in our time make them known;
in wrath remember mercy.”
-Habakkuk 3:2 (NIV)
Stephanie, Amarillo,TX –
Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established. Proverbs 16:3 (ESV)
Amanda M., Columbus, OH – “The LORD upholds all who are falling and raises up all who are bowed down.” Psalm 145:14 ESV
Andrea Lehman, Lancaster, PA. “For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow.” James 1:3 NLT
Madison, MS
“Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.”
(James 1:27, NIV)