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
Sheila from Russellville, AR.
Therefore, since we have these promises, dear friends, let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God. 2 Corinthians 7:1(NIV)
Carol from Billings, MT
Proverbs 15:33 The fear of the Lord is instruction in wisdom and humility comes before honor. NIV
Sarah, from Riveride, Ca: “Come now, let us reason together,” says The Lord. “Though your sins are as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool.” Isaiah 1:18
MarySue, Wenatchee,WA
“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
Chrissy, Clemmons, NC:
For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is going to be revealed to us. Romans 8:18, HCSB
Psalm 46:1 NIV
God is our refuge and strength,
and ever present help in trouble
Erin, Murfreesboro, TN
“No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.” Hebrews 12:11
Hannah from Damascus, MD
Get yourself ready! Stand up and say to them whatever I command you. Do not be terrified by them, or I will terrify you before them. Today I have made you a fortified city, an iron pillar and a bronze wall to stand against the whole land – against the kings of Judah, its officials, its priests and the people of the land. They will fight against you but will not overcome you, for I am with you and will rescue you, declares the Lord.
Jeremiah 1:17-19 NIV
Jeremiah 29:11 NLT
“For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.”
Emily, jacksonville, fl
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything 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 .
Phil 4:6-7
NIV
Cheri Indianapolis, IN
Phillipians 4:4 Rejoice in the Lord always, I say again rejoice! NET
Jeri, Stillwater, Ok
Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.
Revelation 3:20 (KJ)
“I lift up my eyes to the hills – Where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth.”
Psalms 121:1-2 NIV
The Spirit of the Lord has come upon me because the Lord has anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor, heal the brokenhearted, proclaim liberty to the captives, opening the eyes of the blind, to proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord, comfort to all who mourn, to grant joy to those weho mourn in Zion, beauty instead of ashes, oil of joy for mourning, garment of praise for heaviness that thy may be called oaks of righteousness, the planting of the Lord that He may be glorified. (Amplified)
Natalie, Clemmons, NC
Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord. Colossians 3:20, NIV
Pettisville, OH
May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus.
Romans 15:5
Debra in Calgary, Alberta
Have you never heard? Have you never understood?
The Lord is the everlasting God, the creator of all the earth. He never grows weak or weary. No one can measure the depths of his understanding. He gives power to the weak and strength to the powerless. Even youths will become weak and tired, and young men will fall in exhaustion. But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint.
Isaiah 40:28-31 NLT
Rachel, Clemmons, NC
Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord. Colossians 3:20, NIV
“Who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion.”
Psalm 103:4, NIV
Hebrews 10:23 let us hold unswervingly to the Hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. Niv
1 Peter 1:15-16 “but as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, 16 because it is written, “Be holy, for I am holy.” NKJV
Heidi – Narvon, PA
Lead me by Your truth and teach me,
for You are the God who saves me.
All day long I put my hope in You.
Psalm 25:5 (NLT)
Hilary Chaney, Belton, TX, Psalm 55:22 (NIV)
Cast your cares on the LORD and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken.
Jessica in Sanger,TX
You, my brothers were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one another in love. The entire law is summed up in a single command:”Love your neighbor as yourself.” If you keep on biting and devouring each other, watch out or you will be destroyed by each other.
Galations 5:13-15 NIV
Joni in Bradenton,FL
1 Corinthians 13:4 NIV
Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.
Chrissy in Aurora, IL “I have told you these things so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
John 16:33 NIV
Judy
Kyle, TX
7 Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose trust is the Lord.
8 He is like a tree planted by water, that sends out its roots by the stream,
and does not fear when heat comes, for its leaves remain green,
and is not anxious in the year of drought, for it does not cease to bear fruit.
Jeremiah 17:7-8 (ESV)
Caitlin
Demopolis, AL
For the word of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved, it is the power of God. – 1 Corinthians 1:18 (NASB)
Debbie Lowrie
Keller, TX (Posting from India on a mission trip this morning!)
Those who look to Him are radiant with joy; their faces will never be ashamed.
Psalm 34:5 (HCSB)
Martha Sheppard, Grass Valley, CAlifornia – Blessed are those whose ways are blameless, who walk according to his law. Psalm 119:1
Mccown 8. Jacksonville Texas
NIV.
” since we live by the spirit let us keep in step with the spirit”
Gal 5 25
Tammy, Lakewood, CO
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.”
Jodi Perth, Australia
Psalm 130:5-6 AMP
I wait for the Lord, I expectantly wait, and in His word do I hope.
I am looking and waiting for the Lord more than watchmen for the morning, I say, more than watchmen for the morning.
Julie, Cypress TX
and the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:7 NKJV
Ashley Edwards, Dallas, Georgia
“Through Him all things were made. Without Him, nothing was made that has been made. In Him was life, and that life was that light of men. The light shines in the darkness, but the darkness has not understood it.” John 1:3-5 (NIV)
Columbus, Ohio
Matthew 15:28 Then Jesus answered her “O woman great is your faith! Be it done for you as you desire.” And her daughter was healed instantly.
Such an amazing showing of faith! God is good!
Krysta from Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
“Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 NIV
Sarah, Euharlee, Ga. Phillipians 1:27 NIV
Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the Gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will now that you stand firm in the one Spirit, striving together as one for the faith of the Gospel.
Kim, Guntersville
“Be on guard. Stand firm in the faith. Be courageous. Be strong. And do everything with love.” 1 Cor 16:13-14 NLT
The one who calls you is faithful and He will do it.
I Thessalonians 5:24 NIV
Ina from Lancaster, PA
Beverly in Des Moines
He’s already made it plain how to live, what to do, what God is looking for in men and women. It’s quite simple. Do what is fair and just to your neighbor, be compassionate and loyal in your love, and don’t take yourself too seriously, take God seriously. Micah 6:8 The Message
Junction City, KS
Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV)
“…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…”
May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing to you, O Lord my rock and my redeemer.
Ps 19:14 NLT
Gayle,Albuquerque ” All your children shall be taught by the LORD, and great shall be the peace of your children” Isaiah 54:13 ESV
Biffy in Greenwood, AR
“All the ways of the LORD are loving and faithful, for those who keep the demands of His covenant.” Psalm 25:10, NIV
“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” Hebrews 13:8
Coral, Jacksonville, Florida
Habakkuk 2:1
“I will stand my watch
And set myself on the rampart,
And watch to see what He will say to me,
And what I will answer when I am corrected.
New King James
Audrey Keys, Bristol, TN
“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
Janet in Richmond Indiana
“Arise jerusalem! (Janet) Let your light shine for all to see. For the glory of the Lord rises to shine upon you.” Isaiah 60:1
Rene’ , Edmond,OK
yet I will rejoice in the LORD! I will be joyful in the God of my salvation!
Hab. 3:18 NLT