LeRoy Eims on the importance of Scripture memory: "I think two of the master strokes of the devil have been to convince people he doesn't exist, and that Scripture memory is only for children. He remembers the humility of defeat when Jesus Christ, who was tempted in all points like as we are, met him with the Word of God." (What Every Christian Should Know About Growing; p. 26-27)

Tuesday, January 31, 2012

Titus 1:5

Titus 1:5 The reason I left you in Crete was that you might straighten out what was left unfinished and appoint elders in every town, as I directed you. 

Begin your day by focusing on God's Word. Review your previous verses.

Add today's verse. Say it out loud. You will be up to about forty-five seconds.

Paul is now giving his purpose for writing this letter. Ask God to give you insights.

Prop up your spiral in teh bathroom while you get ready for the day. Then take it to the kitchen.

Leave it sitting up in a place you will pass by several times a day as a reminder to review. Redeem the time!

Can you sense God disciplining your mind to focus on Him?

Give your last few moments before bed to think about your verses in Titus.

Is this becoming a habit for you already? It will soon!

 

Monday, January 30, 2012

Titus 1:4

Today is Monday so review Psalm 1 today as well!

Day 4 Verse 4
To Titus, my true son in our common faith: grace and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Saviour.

As soon as you wake up, direct your thoughts toward God's Word. Review your first three verses.

Start today's verse. Break it down phrase by phrase.

Say all four verses together.

Identify times in your day when your hands are busy but your mind is free: as you fold the laundry, empty the dishwasher, vacuum the house, boil water, wait on-hold. Push the mute button during commercials. You know how long commercials are. Don't let your mind be idle. Seize those moments for God's Word.

Think about the meaning of this verse.
What brings a familial bond? Our common faith.
Where does true grace and peace come from? God
According to this verse, who is God? Our Father
According to this verse, who is Jesus? Christ and Saviour

Are you working out on a treadmill or exercise bike? Exercise your mind, heart and soul at the same time.

Conclude your day by meditating on God's Word. How blessed you will be!

 

Saturday, January 28, 2012

TItus 1:3

Day 3 Verse 3
and at his appointed season He brought His Word to light through the preaching entrusted to me by the command of God our Saviour 

Review verses 1 and 2 as soon as you get up. Try to do this without looking, and see if you have it.

Move on to verse 3. Take it line by line. Say it with the other verses.

Can you see that even now, at God's appointed season, He is bringing His Word to light for you through Paul's teaching in the book of Titus? Thank God for all you are learning.

Verses 1 through 3 of Titus 1 will take about 25 seconds to review. Look for opportunities to squeeze it in.

Come back to God's Word at the end of the day. Thank God for this incredible gift.

Friday, January 27, 2012

Titus 1:2

Day 2 verse 2

a faith and knowledge resting on the hope of eternal life, which God, who does not lie, promised before the beginning of time, 

Begin reviewing verse 1 first thing in the morning, see if you remember it from yesterday.

Move on to verse 2, take it phrase by phrase. Say verses 1 and 2 out loud, line by line, until you have them by heart. It doesn't matter if this takes 10 or 15 times, this is normal.

Today, throughout the day, these two verses are your focus.
Think about what the verse is saying. Chew on it in your mind. Ask questions: Who, what, where, when, why and how.
Where is my faith resting? On the hope of eternal life.
Who promised this? God
When? Before the beginning of time.
What attribute of God is mentioned? He does not lie.
Wow! How sure is your faith? As sure as God Himself.

Think about this all day long. Let the richness of this truth consume your thoughts.

Thursday, January 26, 2012

Titus 1:1

Day 1 - Titus 1:1
Paul, a servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ for the faith of God's elect and the knowledge of the truth that leads to godliness-

From Janet Pope's book....
No matter what day it is, what time it is, or what your day holds, you will be spending some time getting ready for the day; showering, drying your hair, putting on your makeup, getting dressed, fixing breakfast and coffee, making school lunches. Including Scripture memory as part of your morning routine will help to make it a permanent part of your life. It's also an energizing way to start your day that will not take any extra time.

Start with the first verse. Say it out loud again and again. Move segment by segment until you think you have it - about ten or fifteen times. This one verse will take approximately eight seconds to review.

Look at it again while making breakfast. The toaster takes longer than reciting this verse.

Share it with your spouse or your kids, even if they're only two years old. They'll love it!

Prop up your index spiral on the ironing board while you iron.

Take your spiral with you in the car on the way to work or to school.

Turn the radio off and consider what the verse is saying.
Who? Paul.
How does he describe himself? A servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ.
Why is he writing? For the faith of God's elect and the knowledge of the truth.
Where does the knowledge of the truth lead? It leads to godliness.
Is this what you want? Yes.
Then go after truth. That's why we're doing this. There is so much in this one verse. Think about it. Pray about it. Let it come alive in you.

Review this one verse throughout your day. Come back to it as often as you can. Remember, it only takes eight seconds at this point.


I love the questions Janet always has about the verses themselves. It makes it easier to remember and more importantly, helps to understand and meditate on what we're memorizing. This verse sure has a lot more to say than I'd always thought from simply reading the chapter!  I usually just skimmed those introductions not even pausing to think about what they might be saying or what truths they might impart.

 

Wednesday, January 25, 2012

Long Term Memory - Review Plan

Now that we have Psalm 1 firmly fixed in our minds, we need a way to make sure we won't forget them! In her book "His Word in My Heart" Janet Pope has a great suggestion!

We're going to pick a certain day of the week (let's do Mondays!) and always review Psalm 1, every Monday. Remember, it will only take 40 seconds to do this! At the end of one year we will have reviewed the psalm at least 52 times which will move it from short term memory into long term memory and we will never forget it! (same reason we know "O Canada" for memory - we sung it so many times it's store in our long term memory)

Titus is the next project she suggests taking on - because it's an entire book, but at only 3 chapters (46 verses all together), it's pretty short. It's a letter rich in truth about practical living, which makes it a great one to start memorizing!

If you have time today, write out Titus 1 on your spiral (or whatever you're using). You can use a different colour ink for each chapter, just to make it easier to find, if you like.
 

Monday, January 23, 2012

Psalm 1 Review (Day 7)

Day "7"

Review all of Psalm 1.


Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers. 
But his delight is in the law of the Lord and on His law he meditates day and night. 
He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers. 
Not so the wicked. He is like chaff that the wind blows away. 
Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the assembly of the righteous. 
For the Lord watched over the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked will perish. 

Go over it several times, out loud.

Thank God for His faithfulness in helping you absorb His Word.

Carry your verses throughout the house, into your car, and everywhere you go.

Call a friend and bless her with these verses.

You have been meditating on God's Word day and night for seven days. How does it feel? Relish in the joy of a goal accomplished. Congratulate yourself. Your Father is well pleased.

Ask God to stir in your heart a longing for more truth.

Keep reviewing throughout your day, while you are jogging, exercising, or walking the dog.

Repeat the words again around dinnertime.

Make your final review before bed, taking time to reflect on your journey this week. Determine in your soul to stay in God's Word and truly make His Word you delight - just like the Psalm says.

Friday, January 20, 2012

Psalm 1:6 (Day 6)

Day 6:

Psalm 1:6 For the Lord watched over the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked will perish.

Give your first thoughts of the day to reviewing your five verses. Can you do it without looking?

Keep your verses on the counter where you are doing your hair and makeup.

Add today's verse. Say it out loud over and over and over.

Concentrate. Say the verses slowly and thoughtfully - meditate on what they are saying.

Keep reviewing while you make your bed and do other chores around the house. The 40 seconds for this psalm are time well spent.

Think about this final verse. The Lord Himself is watching over you! What a comforting thought.

Ask yourself the hard questions. Does this psalm call for a change in my life? Do you long to be the one who God calls blessed? Now you know how. Go after it. Don't be discouraged, you are already on your way. Ask God to help you develop good habits. Train your mind to run to God's Word, day-dreaming with His thoughts.

Practice these verses throughout your day whenever you can squeeze in 40 seconds - only 40 seconds!

Rehearse the words while feeding your animals or picking up around the house and yard.

Save the last few minutes of your day to thank God for His words of life. Go to sleep while thinking and praying about the transformation God has for you. You can do this!

Thursday, January 19, 2012

Psalm 1:5 (Day 5)

Day 5:

Psalm 1:5 Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the assembly of the righteous.

Begin reviewing your verses first thing when you alarm sounds, you've got the hang of it now.

Add verse 5 and review them all together. You're at about 35 seconds now.

Say the verses out loud, over and over.

Repeat your verses while fixing breakfast and throwing clothes in the laundry.

Share the verses with your spouse and kids, even the cat.

Review while you drive to work or to school. Turn off the radio for a few minutes so that you can think.

Meditate on what today's verse means. It is a conclusion, a summary statement. There is a day of reckoning coming. You will want to be one who is standing.

Come back to your verse during at lunch or during work breaks. Let God speak this truth to your heart. Drink in these words.

Review while cooking dinner and doing the dishes.

Take a reflective moment before bedtime and think of the joy you have brought to the Father today.

Wednesday, January 18, 2012

Psalm 1:4 (Day 4)

Day 4:


Psalm 1:4 Not so the wicked! He is like chaff that the wind blows away. 

As soon as you wake up begin reviewing your three verses.

Then add today's verse - say it several times in a row. Then review them all together - you'll be up to about 30 seconds review time.

Say these verses 10 or more times while getting ready for your day.

Think about the new verse. Say it out loud, over and over.

What is "not so" about the wicked? They do not prosper.

Why not? Because they are like chaff that the wind blows away.

What is chaff? It's the useless part of the grain that comes off during threshing.

Take your verses with you and practice them while you run errands.

Look over verses while you're waiting at the drive-through, piano lessons, soccer practice, copy machine. A lot of precious time can be redeemed while waiting.

Recite your verses to a friend. Ask your friend to check on your progress next week.

Before going to bed, review a few times. Ask and trust God to make these words a reality in your life.

Tuesday, January 17, 2012

Psalm 1:3 (Day 3)

Day 3.

How is everybody doing? Have you got v1&2 down?

Psalm 1:3 He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields it fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers. 

Start the day by reviewing the first two verses. If you reviewed them 15 or 20 times yesterday, they should come right back to you.

Your biggest block of time is probably while getting dressed. It takes me at least 30 minutes to shower, dry my hair and put on makeup and clothes. Begin your new verse (v3) while you are getting ready.

Say it phrase by phrase, line by line, moving slowly.

You don't need to do the whole thing at once - it's a long one today.

Share the verse with your spouse, your kids, or the mirror. It all works.

Think about the verse.

How is the man described?

What characterizes his life?

How is possible that whatever he does prospers?

Does this happen overnight or does it take time?

You are now about to about 25 seconds of review time. What a great way to spend 25 seconds!

Take your verses with you throughout the day and fit in as much review as you can. Household chores are not so labourous when you add Scripture: vacuuming, unloading the dishwasher, folding laundry, sweeping the front porch, taking out the garbage. These are mindless tasks. Redeem the time!

Before you go to bed, sit still, clear your mind of all distractions and review your verses. Surrender your heart and life afresh to God. Ask Him to write these words on your heart.

 Don't give up - you can do this! You are forming an amazing habit!

Monday, January 16, 2012

Psalm 1:2 (Day 2)

Day 2!

If you didn't start yesterday, don't worry about catching up, just go to yesterday's post and memorize that one. When we're done this chapter we'll review it for several days till we've got it down pat, so you'll catch up then!

Can you say verse 1 without looking at your booklet? (Or whatever you're using - use something, gotta plan and be purposeful or it won't happen!)

Psalm 1:2 But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on His law he meditates day and night. 

This one's a bit shorter and easier, thankfully. Say both verses together - repeat them over and over out loud. It only takes about 15 seconds to say it once - this doesn't take that much time!

The psalm is now telling what a blessed man does. Exactly what we're doing!

Think about the verse and the man. Notice the contrast between verses 1 and 2.

What does it mean to delight in God's law? Does this verse describe you? Do you want it to?

Take your index spiral (or notebook, or whatever) with you everywhere. Sit it on the counter when you're making breakfast, coffee and school lunches. Review while you're at a stop light in your car, while you're waiting at your hair appointment, or while you're waiting in the dentist's office. Turn off your radio and let your mind dwell on these truths.

Before you go to bed, sit still, review your verses, and make them a prayer to God.

Sunday, January 15, 2012

Psalm 1 - Day 1 - Here we go!

Here we go with Day 1!!

Psalm 1:1 Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers. 

Some tips from Janet's book....

Take this verse phrase by phrase if you need to.
Say it out loud several times (your kids or spouse can learn it without even realizing it if they hear you repeat enough times!)
It takes less than 10 seconds to say this one verse, you can fit that in just about anywhere.
Take the written out verse everywhere you go - in the kitchen, in the car, propped by the mirror as you're blow drying your hair....
Ask "Who is God calling blessed?" Here He gives examples of what NOT to do. Focus on what is being said. Evaluate your own life. Does this describe you? Ask God to give you discipline and an expectant heart as you learn these verse

Thursday, January 12, 2012

His Word in My Heart - Beginning the Journey

After reading the transcripts to a few programs by Revive our Hearts with guest Janet Pope, I have become inspired (and convicted) to begin memorizing Scripture.

It seems to be the surest way I know to get to know God better (His Word IS the revealing of everything we need to know about Him!), and as we get to know Him better to love Him more which will be demonstrated by our obedience to the very scripture we are hiding in our hearts.

One of the things I loved most about Janet's approach is the fact that she realizes that our days are full and often it seems like there just isn't time to squeeze one more thing onto our list of things to do - no matter how spiritually beneficial it may be. And she has the perfect solution - to redeem the time! There are countless activities we have to do every day that are mindless tasks (doing dishes, doing the laundry, waiting at dr's offices, etc) and we should recognize these as opportunities to redeem the time by memorizing scripture.

She suggests writing out the chapter you want to memorize, one verse on each page (using a 3x5 ringed booklet, or a memo pad, or print it off on a paper and put it in your purse, whatever works for you!), and to concentrate on memorizing and meditating on one verse every day.

So, this is our plan...

We will start with Psalm 1 (only 6 verses which have much to teach us about the purpose of scripture memorization) and then likely move on to Titus ("only" 3 chapters). After that, we can see what you all would like to take on next - maybe another Psalm, maybe another NT book.

We will memorize one verse every day (I will post the verse, and perhaps a few questions to help with meditating on the verse and figuring out the daily application we can glean from it), building on the verse we learned the day before (Day 2 you review verse 1 and memorize verse 2, Day 3 you review verse 1-2 and memorize verse 3, etc) until we have memorized the entire chapter. We will then spend a few days reviewing the entire chapter to make sure it's solid in our memory before moving on. From then on, we will also review Psalm 1 every Monday in order to get it into long term memory - just think of it - if you recite those 6 verses once a week for 52 weeks, you will never forget them again!

If you have joined us "late", realize that it's never too late! Just jump in where we are. Or go back to the beginning and start from there, whatever you prefer. Just join us - you won't regret it!

Here are the links to the articles I read (you can listen to them or read them, whichever you prefer)

Janet also has a book called His Word in My Heart which I ordered and really enjoyed reading.

How Busy People can Memorize Scripture
You can Memorize More than You Think
You Need Hunger

God bless you as you take this journey with us!