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
Dense-Burlington, CT
Whenever I am afraid, I will trust in you. In God (I will praise his word), in Gid I ave put my trust; I will not fear. What can flesh do to me.?
Psalm 56:3-4 NKJV
Kelli from Bowling Green, KY
“In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, 8 which he lavished upon us, in all wisdom and insight”
Ephesians 1:7-8 ESV
The LORD delights in those who fear him, who put their hope in his unfailing love. (Psalm 147:11 NIV)
Kristi from Lee’s Summit, MO
Heal me, O Lord and I shall be healed; save me and I shall be saved for you are my praise.
Jeremiah 17:14
That is from the ESV
Taya from Lakeville, MN
“And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
Philippians 4:7 NIV
Kerry, Sheridan, Wy
Is. 60:2 Expanded Bible
“Darkness now covers the earth, thick darkness covers the nations, BUT YAHWEH DAWNS and His glory appears over you.
Holley Little-Benton, Arkansas
Proverbs 10:17 NIV-“Whoever heeds discipline shows the way to life, but whoever ignores correction leads others astray.”
Amy, Jacksonville
“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” 2 Timothy 1:7 – NKJV
Scarlett Temple in Social Circle, Ga.
“He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand.”
Psalm 40:2 NIV ’84
Rose, Clovis, Ca
NASB, Romans 10:14-15
“How then will they call on Him in whom they have not believed? How will they believe in Him whom they have not heard? And how will they hear without a preacher? How will they preach unless they are sent? Just as it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news of good things!”
Karen Barner, Concord GA James 1:12 Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.
Shawna Latham-Stephenville, Tx. 76401
Delight yourself in the Lord,
and he will give you the desires of
your heart. Psalm 37:4
Christie Chavez of Frisco, Texas
Finally, brothers & 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
Darl, Bakersfield, CA
Psalm 63:1 ESV
O God, you are my God; earnestly I seek you; my flesh faints for you, as in a land where there is no water.
Ephesians 6:13 NIV
Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.
Kristi Rogersville,TN
Melinda Moyer
Wichita, KS
1 John 2:16 NIV —
For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes not from the Father, but from the world.
Charlene Neuman, Waterloo, ON
Moses answered the people, “Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the Lord will bring you today. The Egyptians you see today you will never see again. The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.” Exodus 14:13-14, NIV
Wendy, Pendleton, IN
I will say to the LORD, “My refuge and my fortress, My God, in whom I trust!” Psalm 91:2 NASB
“He brought me up out of the pit of destruction out of the miry clay; And He set my feet upon a rock making my footsteps firm.” Psalms 40:2 (NASB)
Julie, Bangalore India, “I pray that out of His glorious riches, He may strengthen you with power through His Spirit in your inner being,” Ephesians 3:16 NIV
Marianne in Carrollton, Texas.
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)
Gerri Amarillo, TX
“Call on me in prayer and I will answer you. I will show you great and mysterious things which you still do not know about.” Jeremiah 33:3 NET
Carmela, Forney TX: Jesus looked her in the eye. “Didn’t I tell you that if you believed, you would see the glory of God?” (John 11:40 MSG)
Rome, GA
All your children shall be taught by the LORD, and great shall be the peace of your children.
Isaiah 54:13(ESV)
He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed. 1 Peter 2:24 NIV
Angelika – La Junta, CO
Sabrina Bieber; Hereford, PA
Jesus answered ,”I am The Way, The Truth and The Life, No One comes to the Father except through Me”. John 14:6 NIV
Michelle, King George VA: “You will always harvest what you plant. Those who live only to satisfy their own sinful nature will harvest decay and death from that sinful nature. But those who live to please the Spirit will harvest everlasting life from the Spirit.” Galatians 6:7-9 NLT
Stacy, Green Bay – Those who guard their lips preserve their lives, but those who speak rashly will come to ruin. Proverbs 13:3 NIV
Tammy, Lawrenceville Philippians 1:20 HCSB My eager expectation and hope is that I will not be ashamed about anything but that now as always, with all boldness, Christ will be highly honored in my body, whether by life or by death.
Michele,Huntington
For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, to give you a hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11 NIV
Rebecca from Birmingham, Alabama
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. Galatians 5:13
Elizabeth in Raleigh, NC –
Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. I Peter 5:6-7
“…even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him” Eph. 1:4 ESV
melanie hylok
edina, mn
You crown the year with your bounty,
and your carts overflow with abundance
psalm 65:11 NIV
Brandy Goggans in Buda TX
“Behold, I am the Lord, the God of all flesh; is anything too difficult for me?”
Jeremiah 32:27 NASB
Shawna Latham- Stephenville, Tx.
Delight yourself in the Lord,
and he will give you the desires
of your heart. Psalm 37:4 ESV
Bethany
Tomball, TX
“She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come.”
Proverbs 31:25 NIV
Amber Bowers
Houston, TX
There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.
1 John 4:18 NIV
Carole, Imperial, CA: “But if serving the Lord seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your forefathers served beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.” Joshua 24:15 NIV
Amy Bham AL
For God is not a God of disorder, but of peace…,
1 Cor 14:33a
NIV
Debbie C from Memphis TN
Mathew 6:34 NIV
Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough troubles of its own.
Marie Franse, Albuquerque, NM. Colossians 3:1. Since you have been raised to new life with Christ, set you sights on the realities of heaven, where Christ sits in the place of honor at God’s right hand. NLT
Connie, Tyler. But the Counselor, the Holy
spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. John 14:26 NIV
Kerry from Memphis, TN
Because your steadfast love is better than life, my lips will praise you. Psalms 63:3 (ESV)
Janet, Raleigh,N.C
Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved. Acts 4:12 NIV
Anna – Conroe, TX
Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love,
for I have put my trust in you.
Show me the way I should go,
for to you I entrust my life.
Psalm 143:8 NIV
Nicole Z, Del Norte, CO
“And this is eternal life, that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent.” John 17:3 NKJV
Bobbi Jo Wells, Montgomery, TX, “Do not conform any longer 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.” Romans 12:2 NIV
Laura
San Antonio, TX
James 1:5-8
“But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him. But he must ask in faith without any doubting, for the one who doubts is like the surf of the sea, driven and tossed by wind. For that man ought not to expect that he will receive anything from the Lord, being a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.” NASB
1 Corinthians 13:4~7 (NLT)
Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful
or proud or rude. It does not demand its own way.It is not irritable, and keeps no record of being wronged.
It does not rejoice over injustice but rejoices when truth
wins out! Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through EVERY circumstance!