Friday, April 10, 2009

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?

2 comments:

  1. There are so many benefits I can share with you~one that stands out to me is the time~about a year ago that I had to go for a MRI on my brain. I felt like I was in a small enclosed tube~which I was~and I did not think I would be able to stay in there for even 5 minutes let alone about 1 hour. Well, I started to pray to our Lord for strength. The verse that came to me was "Be still and know that I am God." It completely stopped my all my fears and I relaxed so much that I fell asleep during the MRI! The technician had to wake me up with her speaker a few times to do other procedures. I know the Lord was right there by my side helping me along. God bless, Rose

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  2. As I was saying in my comment above~The Psalms of David have helped me out the most. For encouraging others in their Christian walk and helping me be a mother and wife that would honor God and not shame Him. My favorite verse that I have used over and over again whenever I feel anxious is Psalm 46:10 "Be Still and Know that I am God." Rose

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