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
Do not judge, or you to will be judged. Matthew 7:1 NIV
Peg from Wakarusa IN, 2 Peter 1:2-3 NIV “Grace and peace be yours in abundance through the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord. His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness.”
Debra – Dahlgren, IL
Don’t be afraid, for I am with you.
Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you.
I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.
Isaiah 41:10 NLT
Gloria Haynes: Shreveport, LA
“No, O people, the Lord has told you what is good, and this is what he requires of you: to do what is right, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.” Micah 6:8 NLT
Patti, Conway Arkansas
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.
John 14:27 NIV
” And He brought us out from there, that He might bring us in and give us the land that He swore to give to our fathers.” Deuteronomy 6:23 ESV
Tim from Virgina:
“Do not be deceived; God can not be mocked. A man reaps what he sows.” Gal. 6:7 NIV
Ann, Murrells Inlet, SC
You crown the year with your bounty, and your carts overflow with abundance. Ps. 65:11 NIV
Collossians 3:13
Bear with one another and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as The Lord forgave you. (This includes forgiving yourself)
Ashley from Victorville, Ca
“Slaves, obey your earthly masters with respect and fear, with sincerity of heart, just as you would obey Christ. Obey them not only to win their favor when their eyes are on you, but like slaves of Christ, doing the will of God from your heart. Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not men.”
Ephesians 6:5-7 (NIV)
Darcy, Clermont, FL.
But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. 2 Corinthians 4:7 NIV84
Jaton Magness from Longview, TX
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 NIV
Stacey Douglas from Sicklerville, NJ
Revelation 17:14 NIV)
” They will make war against the Lamb, but the Lamb will overcome them because he is Lord of Lord and King of Kings and with him will be his called, chosen and faithful followers.”
Matthew 12: 36-37 NASB
But I tell you that every careless word that people speak, they shall give an accounting for it in the day of judgement. For by your words you will be justified and by your words you will be condemned.
Janice
Ft.Worth
Deuteronomy 31:6
Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.”
NIV
For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.
Eph. 2:10 NIV
Sherry Unruh from Warman, SK (Canada)
I raise my eyes toward the mountains. Where will my help come from? My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth. ~Psalm 121:1-2 HCSB
Lou Ann Smith from McAllen, TX
Lord, you have been our dwelling place in all generations. Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever you had formed the earth and the world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God. Psalm 90:1-2 ESV
Kellie; San Pedro Sula, Honduras
“He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” Micah 6:8 (NIV)
Jennifer, Sisters OR
Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O LORD,
my rock and my redeemer
Psalm 19:14 ESV
James 1:3 ” because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. “
Raleigh, NC
Susan, Knoxville, TN
Therefore let us be grateful for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, and thus let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe, for our God is a consuming fire. Hebrews 12:28-29 ESV
Jariza from Alburtis, Pa
2 Timothy 3:16-17 NIV
All scripture is God breathed and is useful in teaching, rebuking, correcting,
and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.
Chrissy Patterson Pomeroy, Ohio
“A word spoken at the right time is like gold apples on a silver tray.” ~ Proverbs 25:11 HCSB
Jenna from Columbia, MO.
“My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires. Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you.”
James 1: 19-21
Kim, W.Richland
I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.
John 10:10b RSV
“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:4-7 NIV
Dawn, Highlands Ranch, CO
Deuteronomy 4:35 ESV
To you it was shown, that you might know that the LORD is God; there is no other besides him.
Danielle N. – Knoxville, Iowa
“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.
“Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.
“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.
“Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
(Matthew 5:6-10 ESV)
Karen from Tacoma, WA
Proverbs 3: 5&6 NIV
Trust the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowlege Him and He will make your paths straight.
Elisabeth from McAllen Texas
Let all that I am wait quietly before God, for my hope is in Him.
Psalms 62:5 NLT
Amanda, Van Buren, AR
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him,
and he will make your paths straight.”
Proverbs 3:5-6 NIV
Cindy TX
” So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed,
for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you
With my righteous right hands.
Isaiah 41:10 NIV
17 Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.
2 Corinthians 3:17 (TNIV)
Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.
Deuteronomy 6:5 NIV
Colima, Klamath Falls, OR
Jill Bennefield from Sterling Heights, MI
I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tibulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world. ~ John 16:33 (ESV)
Priscilla Mesa, Az
I sought the LORD, and He answered me; He delivered me from all my fears. Psalm 34:4
Carolyn Orofino, idaho
Jabez, whose name commerates his mother’s labor pains, was more honorable than his brothers. He asked the God of Israel, “Please bless me and extend my territory. Let your hand be with me and guard me from harm so I will not experience pain as my mother did.” And God did just that.
1 Chron 4:9-10. The Voice Bible
Bethany Shelton – Salem OR
“For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so that we can do the good things He planned for us long ago.” EPHESIANS 2:10 NLT
Thank you, Jesus.
Piiamari – Canton, MI
3 For what the law was powerless to do because it was weakened by the flesh,God did by sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh to be a sin offering.And so he condemned sin in the flesh, 4 in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fully met in us, who do not live according to the flesh but according to the Spirit. Romans 8:3-4 NIV
Lala Ball Cooper from Ruston, LA, says:
“For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.” 1 John 2:16 KJV
Laurie Robinson, Leander, TX.
Philippians 4:8
New International Version (NIV)
8 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.
Christina Brown
Louisville, KY
I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and his incomparably great power for us who believe.
Ephesians 1:18-19a NIV
Tracy from Wichita Falls, Isaiah 41:10, “So do not fear for I am with you.; Do not be dismayed for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”. NIV
Deb Knepp in Bremen, IN
You know when I sit and when I rise; You perceive my thoughts from afar.
Psalm 139:2 NIV
Gigi Wadle from Tyler,Texas “For our present troubles are small and won’t last very long. Yet they produce for us a glory that vastly outweighs them and will last forever!” 2 Corinthians 4:17 NLT
Be careful what you say and protect your life. A careless talker destroys himself.
Proverbs 13:3 Today’s English Version
Karen Stoltzfus Lancaster, Pa
Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. (Matthew 11:28 NLT)
Deb, are you memorizing the entire Psalm 139 also? I noticed that I posted the same verse as you. I’ve always loved this Psalm, and the fact that it had 24 verses seemed perfect!
Annette in Bonaire Georgia
But the Lord is faithful who shall establish you and keep you from evil…2 Thessalonians 2:3. KJV
Crystal~Austin, AR
“Our great desire is that you will keep on loving others as long as life lasts, in order to make certain that what you hope for will come true.”
Hebrews 6:11 NLT
Midland, TX “And he said, The LORD Is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer;” 2 Samuel 22:2 KJV
Marsha C, Kannapolis, NC
“But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return, and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, for he is kind to the ungrateful and the evil. Be merciful, even as your Father is merciful.” Luke 6:35-36 ESV
Kristen, Lynchburg Proverbs 16:23-24 The heart of the wise teaches his mouth, and adds learning to his lips. Pleasant words are like a honeycomb,sweetness to the soul and health to the bones.
Andrea, Blytheville, AR
Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting. Psalms 139:23-24 KJV
Bryn, San Francisco CA
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
Lendy
Fort Worth, Texas
“May Christ dwell in your hearts through faith; and that you being rooted and grounded in love, may comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ which surpasses knowledge that you may be filled up to all the fullness of God.”
Ephesians 3:17-19 NASB
Molly, Gainesville, GA
“Men shall speak of the power of your awesome acts, and I will tell of Your greatness. They shall eagerly utter the memory of Your abundant goodness and will shout joyfully of Your righteousness.” Psalm 145:6-7 NASB