New Year - back in gear! Psalm 1 Review

Time to get this going again.

One of my excuses for not getting back into this was that the NIV 1984 edition was no longer available on my Bible apps, so it was more difficult to review.  Well, I solved that problem by creating Voice Memos on my iPhone for everything I've memorized.  With that no longer a legitimate excuse, here we go :)  And Janet Pope herself emailed me a few app suggestions that might solve the problem as well.

Speaking of Janet Pope - she has a new blog with some great inspiration for scripture memorization.  Check it out!

I am now starting to memorize in the ESV.  In all the new memorizing we do, I will include NIV and ESV options - you can feel free to memorize in any translation you choose!

We're going to take some time to review all the chapters we've memorized previously, and then continue on in James.

Today I'm reviewing Psalm 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.
2 But his delight is in the law of the Lord,
    and on his law he meditates day and night.
3 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.

4 Not so the wicked!
    They are like chaff
    that the wind blows away.
5 Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment,
    nor sinners in the assembly of the righteous.

6 For the Lord watches over the way of the righteous,
    but the way of the wicked will perish.

Tomorrow will be Psalm 23.

Psalms Review

Spend today reviewing Psalms 1, 23, 46, 121 and 139.

Tomorrow we will review 1 Corinthians 13.

New Year! Review Time. Psalm 1

Well, did I ever fall off the bandwagon.

It's a New Year which means it's a good time to get back on!

For the next week or so, we're going to begin by reviewing everything we learned this past year, and when we're done that, we will start learning new verses.

So, today is Review Day 1 and we're going to start by reviewing Psalm 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.
² But his delight is in the law of the Lord,
    and on his law he meditates day and night.
³ 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.

⁴ Not so the wicked!
    They are like chaff
    that the wind blows away.
⁵ Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment,
    nor sinners in the assembly of the righteous.

⁶ For the Lord watches over the way of the righteous,
    but the way of the wicked will perish.

Tomorrow will be Psalm 23.

Titus 1!

We`re done Titus chapter 1!!!


Encouragement from Janet....
You made it. You`ve finished an entire chapter. Wow! Don`t you feel great? Something significant is taking place in your life. You are being trained to give your free thoughts to God instead of to daydreaming. You are redeeming the time that might have been wasted. Now you are planted by streams of water, and you are drinking deeply. I`m so proud of you. Discipline comes at a price, but, oh, the rewards!

From now on we will always review Titus on Tuesdays.  We will take the next few days to review Chapter 1 in order to solidify it in our minds before moving on.  It should take about 2 minutes to review the entire chapter.  We know now that we can easily find 2 minutes here and there throughout our days!

Today is Monday - so spend the day also reviewing Psalm 1.

Tips from Janet...
While you are reviewing Titus 1, ask yourself questions that will help you summarize the content. Why was Paul writing to Titus? What type of men was Titus to look for to lead the churches? And why? What were the problems Titus was facing? What are the obvious contrasts in this chapter? These questions and others will cause you to think about the message, not just repeat the words. And most important, ask, How does God want me to apply these truths in my life?  Be still and let God speak to you. Ask Him to keep His words alive in your heart, transforming you into "one who loves what is good".

Like all habits, the discipline of memorizing Scripture will become more automatic the more we do it. Each time we redeem those idle moment we are conditioning ourselves to capture them for God.  Time is a precious commodity and we are all given the same amount of it.  But it`s up to us to manage it.  Redeeming those idle or wasted moments is the best time management skill I`ve heard of yet!

One quote I liked in her book...
Let me assure you that there will be no checklist or prize at the pearly gates for the number of verses quoted.  What matters is a life that has been transformed by the sword of God`s Word penetrating deep into our souls and making us more pliable and yielding to His will.  It matters not what is store in our minds if it is not also written on our hearts.

Titus 1:10

Today is Monday so don't forget to review Psalm 1!


Titus 1:10
For there are many rebellious people, mere talkers and deceivers, especially those of the circumcision group.

Maintain the discipline of putting God`s Word first in your day.  Review what you have learned so far.


Move on when you are ready. Today`s verse gives the reason for verse 9.


Do we find people like this today?  Yes, and we`re all vulnerable to their influence.


As you repeat this verse, cry out to God, asking Him to keep you from becoming one of them.


Share your progress with someone who would be edified. Ask that person to check up on you later.


Give the final moments of your day to God. Rehearse His Word as you drift off to sleep.


*Note - all of these tips and hints are from Janet Pope`s book His Word in my Heart.  I will start always highlighting her words in blue.  My words will be in black.

**Edited to add.  As soon as I put that disclaimer in, she stopped putting tips for the daily verses - LOL! So starting tomorrow, the tips are my own (until she starts Titus 2).

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!

 

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.
 

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.

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!

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.

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.

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!

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.

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