Where do you find time to memorize Scripture?

Where do you find time to memorize Scripture?

Listening to mp3 while commuting to work or school

3 by 5 card on mirror while brushing teeth

Ipod while exercising

Don't eat breakfast until you have reviewed

Call your memory partner each day and recite on phone

Type it to your facebook friend

Forward your scripture passage instead of other email forwards

Waiting in line at grocery, bank, doctors office

Turn off the TV or computer and just do it!

In her book "His Word in My Heart," Janet Pope says

His Word in My Heart: Memorizing Scripture for a Closer Walk with God

" I have been taking my two teenagers to the orthodontist once a month for the last four years, two years each. Instead of sitting in the waiting room listening to secular music and reading tacky magazines, I often wait outside in my car, going over my verses. You can cover a lot of territory in thirty to forty-five minutes. This is just one example that has worked for me. It wouldn't work with a three-year -old. You will find your own pockets of time as you look for them.

"Time is a precious commodity, with only twenty-four hours allotted to each one of us each day. I am not by nature an efficient time manger, but I have learned to utilize little moments here and there for God's Word. Though two-minute slots may have seemed insignificant at the time I began memorizing, they have added up to an enormous amount of Scripture memorized in ten years. I am now working on my ninety-first chapter. I do not share that to overwhelm you, but to show you that great progress comes a few minutes at a time."

Write us about where you find the time...

NEXT POST: Encouragement from Joshua One.

Scripture Memory Helps You (Part Two)

Scripture Memory Helps You (Part Two)

Are you motivated by learning how Scripture memory helps you? “Your word have I hid in my heart that I might not sin against you.” (Psalm 119:11) Memorized Scripture like Psalm 139 can frame our prayers. Memorized Scripture can be brought to mind when you are talking to others about your faith. (Mark 13:11).

Here are four more ways from Tim LaHaye’s book called How to Study the Bible for Yourself. http://www.christianbook.com/Christian/Books/product?item_no=916962&netp_id=437714&event=ESRCN&item_code=WW&view=covers

4. It speeds up the transforming process All Christians have God’s promise that we are a new creation (2 Corinthians 5:17). We experience that transformation bit by bit here on earth. Memorizing Scripture accelerates that process through the renewing of our minds (Romans 12:2). It is not enough to “take off” thoughts like envy, resentment, fear, or other though patterns that are contrary to God’s will for our minds. We must “put on” new ways of thinking. Scripture memory gives words to God’s thoughts and places them in our minds continually.

5. It helps you discover God’s will for your life Tim LaHaye writes “Sometimes you have to make instant decisions in life; there is no time to run to your Bible or notebook studies. With a backlog of scripture stored in the cells of your brain, you will find it much easier to make the right decisions.” (page 144)

6. It facilitates your other study of God’s word Again in Tim’s words “The best commentary on the Bible is the Bible itself. The more basic verses you have in your mind, the easier it is for you to understand scripture in the light of other scripture. Young Christians often spend a lot of time reading commentaries about the Bible. But after you learn Scripture you will find that commentaries will take less of your time and may be used only when confronting a difficult passage or in preparation for a public message.” (page 144)

7. It outfits you for unlimited service to God Scripture memory is a foundation upon which God can build many types of structures. Think about how God used the rabbinical training of Paul so that Paul’s writings extensively quote the Old Testament. While none of us will be writing scripture, we can influence those around us with Christian wisdom that applies not just to sermon preparation, but everyday choices about business, child-rearing, relationships, creativity and much more. People around us need God and God’s wisdom. Scripture memory is one tool that God can use to help you serve more effectively.

What benefits have you received from Scripture Memory? Write us at the blog and encourage all our readers.

NEXT TIME: Where do you find time to memorize?