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
Sanctify them by Your Truth. Your Word is Truth.
John 17:17
NKJ
Dawn Knapp
McKinney, TX
“Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.”
Proverbs 19:21 (NIV)
Abigail from Wichita Falls:
Isaiah 41:10, “So do not fear for I am with you; do not be afraid for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” NIV
“For am I now seeking the approval of man or of God? Or am I still trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ.”
Galatians 1:10 ESV
Emily, Topeka, Kansas
Then Solomon stood before the altar of the LORD in front of the whole assembly of Israel, spread out his hands toward heaven and said: “O LORD, God of Israel, there is no God like you in heaven above or on earth below – you who keep your covenant of love with your servants who continue wholeheartedly in your way.”
1 Kings 8:22-23 (NIV)
Heather K. Mosinee, WI
And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us and we saw his glory, glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.
John 1:14 NASB
Christina, Des Moines IA
For there is not a word on my tongue,
But behold, O Lord, You know it altogether.
You have hedged me behind and before,
And laid Your hand upon me.
Such knowledge is too wonderful for me;
It is high, I cannot attain it.
Psalm 139:4-6 NKJV
Tessa from Nacogdoches TX
Psalm 103:2-4 NKJV
Bless the Lord, O my soul
And forget not all His benefits:
Who forgives all your inquities,
Who heals all your diseases,
Who redeems your life from destruction,
Who CROWNS you with lovingkindness and tender mercies,
Melanie, Nampa Idaho
Not everyone who says to me “Lord, Lord” will enter the kingdom of Heaven but only He who does the will of my Father who is in Heaven.
Matthew 7 vs 21 NIV
Terri from Winchester, VA
“This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it!”
Psalm. 118:24 (NIV)
Leslie, Kansas City, MO “You crown the year with your bounty; your wagon tracks overflow with abundance.” Psalm 65:11 (ESV)
Linda, Anderson NIV Eph. 6:19 Pray also for me, that whenever I open my mouth, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should.
Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.
Psalm 51:10 NIV
Janene in Sibley, LA
Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us
Ephesians 3:20 KJV
Tracey / Encinitas:
Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.
Psalm 119:105 NIV
Janet Long Clinton, MO
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
Philippians 4:13(NKJV)
Karla Dumal, Gulfport, MS
“Let no one seek his own, but each other’s well-being.”
I Corinthians 10:24 KJV
Mary Beth, St. Louis, MO
Romans 8:1-2(NET)
“There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the life-giving Spirit in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and death.”
Bejoyful because you have hope, Be patient when trouble comes, pray at all times.
Romans 12:12 NCV
But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues in it-not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it-they will be blessed in what they do.” James 1:25 NIV
Lauren, Wetumpka, AL
“I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are our works; my soul knows it very well.” -Psalm 139:14 (ESV)
Heather J. Temple Terrace, FL
2 Corinthians 12:10 NIV
That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
Emily, Kennebunkport. “Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love” 1John 4:8 NIV
Heidi ~ Bakersfield
“Never let loyalty and kindness leave you! Tie them around your neck as a reminder. Write them deep within your heart. Then you will find favor with both God and people, and you will earn a good reputation.”
— Proverbs 3:3-4
Heidi ~ Bakersfield
Proverbs 3:3-4 NLT
Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares for you.
1Peter 5:7 New Living Translation
Carla, Pierre, SD
Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one. Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. Deuteronomy 6:4-5 NIV
Set a guard, O LORD, over my mouth;
Keep watch over the door of my lips.
Psalm 141:3 NKJV
II Cor 9:11 You will be made rich in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God. (NIV)
Dana Nance
Blue Ridge, TX
For I will pour water on the thirsty land, and streams on the dry ground; I will pour out my Spirit on your offspring, and my blessing on your descendants. They will spring up like grass in a meadow, like poplar trees by flowing streams.
Isaiah 44:3-4 NIV
From Conway AR
Okay we woke up late this morning so I have been ponding this all day.These verse makes me so excited for the future of this world that it is hard to contain!
NLT Philippians 2 2:10 That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow; in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
Vicki
Murfreesboro, TN
Genesis 15:1 (HCSB)
“After these events, the word of the Lord came to Abram in a vision: Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield; your reward will be very great.”
Kelly
Madison, MS
“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.” 2 Corinthians 10:4-5 NIV
Amy, Summerfield, NC “My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.” Psalm 73.26 NIV
Betsy Voetberg, Zeeland, MI
“But seek ye first the kingdom of God and his righteousness;
and all these things shall be added unto you”
Matthew 6:35 KJV
Matthew 6:33 KJV
gayla, Benbrook,TX
Ps. 27:14 (GWT)- “Wait with hope for the Lord. Be strong, and let your heart be courageous. Yes, wait with hope for the Lord.”
Katharine from Royal Oak, MI
For I, the Lord your God, hold your right hand; it is I who say to you “fear not, I am the one who helps you.”
Isaiah 41:13 ESV
Eph 1:7 ESV (Review,2011)
In Him we have redemption through His blood,
the forgiveness of our trespasses,
according to the riches of His grace
Eph 1:8 ESV (new)
which He lavished upon us, in all wisdom and insight.
Sue, Saskatoon, SK, Canada:
“He has shown 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
Gina DeClue, Bolivar
“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men.” Colossians 3:23 (NIV)
Teresa, Orange City. We tear down arguments and every arrogant obstacle that is raised up against the knowledge of God and we take every thought captive to make it obey Christ. 2 Corinthians 10:5 (ESV)
For though we walk in the flesh,we are not waging war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds.
2Cor. 10:3,4 ESV
Phil 4:19 (NKJV)
And my God shall supply all your need
according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.
Sarah Millers Creek NC
The Lord your God is in your midst; he is a warrior who can deliver. He takes great delight in you; he renews you by his love; he shouts for joy over you.
Zephaniah 3:17
christina moore, Plano (TX) –
This mystery is that through the gospel the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel, members together of one body, and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus.
I became a servant of this gospel by the gift of God’s grace given me through the working of his power.
(Eph. 3:6-7, NIV1984)
Do not let your heart be troubled. Trust in God; Trust also in me. In my Father’s house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.
John 14:1-3 NIV
Boise, Idaho
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
Marla from Grapevine, TX
“Do not let your adorning be external-the braiding of hair and the putting on of gold jewelry, or the clothing you wear –
1 Peter 3:3, ESV
Jordan E., Denver, CO.
“Come near to God and he will come near to you.”
James 4:8, NIV
Carolyn Cook
St. Peters, MO
Surely he will save you from the fowler’s snare and from the deadly pestilence. He will cover you with his feathers and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.
Psalm 91:3-4 NIV84
Celeste Dillehay, Thompson’s Station, TN:
The Lord is my strength and shield. I trust him with all my heart.
Psalm 28:7 NLT