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
Betsy, Lincoln Park, NJ
“Consequently, just as the result of one trespass was condemnation for all men, so also the result of one act of righteousness was justification that brings life for all men.” Romans 5:18 NIV
Pam; Spring, TX
This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.
John 15:8 NIV
Summer Lovell
McCurtain,OK
No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it. (1 Corinthians 10:13 NIV)
“I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God, “who is, and who was, and who is to come, the Almighty.”
Revelations 1:8
NIV
Kristen from Rockville, VA: You faithfully answer our prayers with awesome deeds, O God, our Saviour. You are the hope on everyone on earth – even those who sail on distant seas. Ps. 65:5 New Living Translation
Jana, Brenham, TX
Ephesians 1:18-19a
“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.”
Tracy
Seminole,TX
Ephesians 1:17 nkjv
“That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him.”
Ellen Miller in Montgomery, IL
“And He came and preached peace to you who were far off and peace to those who were near.”
Ephesians 2:17 ESV
Brittany Kay from Gainesville, FL:
My brothers and sisters, consider it nothing but joy when you fall into all sorts of trials, because you know that the testing of your faith produces endurance. – James 1:2-3, NET
Linda from Stanley,WI
Ps 90:17 May the favor of the Lord our God rest upon us; establish the work of our hands for us – yes establish the work of our hands. NIV
Kari Schmitt: Plano, Texas “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” Ephesians 4:32 NIV
Misty, North Charleston, SC
Then He said to them all: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me.” Luke 9:23 NIV
Kristina Foster, Gardner, KS
Romans 12:2 (ESV)
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.
Brooke from Waco, Tx
All your children shall be taught by the LORD, and great shall be the peace of your children.” Isaiah 54:13 ESV
Monica, Tampa, FL
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.
Galatians 5:22-23
Debbie- kokomo, Keep this Book of Law always on your lips; Meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. then you will be properous and successful Joshua 1:8 NIV
Sharon Lakeway,TX. Isaiah 54:13 ESV
“All your children shall be taught by the LORD, and great shall be the peace of your children.”
Michelle Gamblin – Bakersfield, CA
You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. Jeremiah 29:13 NIV
May they be brought to complete unity to let the whole world know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me John 17:23 NIV
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
Patricia from Arkansas.
“And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Phil. 4:7. NIV
Kristi Donahoe from Chesapeake, Ohio
There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus who walk not after the flesh but after the Spirit. (Romans 8:1 KJV)
Mary, Lexington Park, MD
But this I call to mind, and therefore I have hope: 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 3:21-23 ESV
being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus
Philippians 1-6. NIV
Kari
Benton AR
Karla K, Broomfield
Moses said to the people, “Do not be afraid. God has come to test you, so that the fear of God will be with you to keep you from sinning.
Exodus 20:20 NIV
Louisville, KY
ESV Philippians 4:10 I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at length you have revived your concern for me. You were indeed concerned for me, but you had no opportunity.
Jessica, Carlsbad, CA, “Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. The One who calls you is faithful and He will do it.” 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 & 24. (NIV)
Susan Stewart in Greensburg, Indiana
Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.
Hebrews 11:1 KJV
Bath, PA
“You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. And these words I command you shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children”
Deut.6:5-7a, ESV
Camille, Starkville. “Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.” Colossians 3:12 NIV
Liz Allen, Huntington WV
“Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth.” -John17:17 ESV
“Indeed, we felt we had received the sentence of death. BUT THIS HAPPENED THAT WE MIGHT NOT RELY ON OURSELVES BUT ON GOD, who raises the dead.” 2 Corinthians 1:9
Lynn from west TN
Sarah, Marietta, Ohio
Store your treasures in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal. NLT Matthew 6:20
Shelley
Springfield, MO
“Yes, LORD, walking in the way of your laws, we wait for you; your name and renown are the desire of our hearts.” Isaiah 26:8 NIV
Chris, Sugar Land, TX “This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that youo may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.” Joshua 1:8, ESV
Tammy Shaw in Fairhope, Alabama
Rejoice always, pray contnually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thess. 5:16-18 NIV
Kim Umland, Henderson, CO
In the morning, O Lord, you hear my voice ; in the morning, I lay my requests before you and wait in expectation. Psalm 5:3 NIV
Meredith Pate
Menlo Park, CA
“And blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what was spoken to her from the LORD.”
Luke 1:45 ESV
Christa, Chicago, IL.
Find rest, O my soul, in God alone; my hope come from Him. He alone is my rock and my salvation; He is my fortress, I will not be shaken. My salvation and my honor depend on God; He is my mighty rock, my refuge. Trust in Him at all times, O people; pour out your hearts to Him, for God is our refuge.
Psalm 62:5-8 (NIV1984)
Isaiah 54:13
All your sons will be taught by the LORD and great will be your children’s peace.
Heidi in Fayetteville, GA
Tonya from Campbellton, TX
Lamentations 3:22-26 KJV
22 It is of the Lord’s mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not.
23 They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.
24 The Lord is my portion, saith my soul; therefore will I hope in him.
25 The Lord is good unto them that wait for him, to the soul that seeketh him.
26 It is good that a man should both hope and quietly wait for the salvation of the Lord.
“Be silent before the Lord and wait expectantly for Him” Psalm 37:7 (HCSB)
I will give them a heart to know that I am the Lord, and they shall be my people, and I will be their God, for they shall return to me with their whole heart. Jeremiah 24:7 ESV
Kelly Aylward, Glenwood, MD, “Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.” 1 Cor. 15:58 ESV
Kaitlin -Houston, TX
25 Jesus said to her, ‘I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live,
26 and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?’
27 She said to him, ‘Yes, Lord; I believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God, who is coming into the world.’ (John 11 : 25-27 – ESV)
Sarah – Altamonte Springs, FL
“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.” Hebrews 12:1 NIV
Vickie Henderson
Russellville, Ar
James 4:6-8
HCSB
But He gives greater grace. Therefore He says, “God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble. Therefore submit to God. But resist the devil and he will flee from you. Draw near to God and He wll draw near to you. Cleanse your hands sinners and purify your hearts you double minded people.
Sara from West Plains, MO
I will lie down and sleep in peace, for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety. Psalm 4:8 NIV
Debbi ~ Littleton, CO
Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too.
Philippians 2:3-4 NLT
Kari, Grand Rapids, MI
For I am the Lord your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you.
Isaiah 41:13 NIV