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?

Scripture Memory Helps You! Part One

Scripture Memory Helps You (Part One)

How is memorizing scripture going for you? Were you able to implement any of the ideas so far? Did you find a way to listen to the passage over and over with learning through hearing? We would be honored to hear from you!

Today, be encouraged that Scripture Memory combined with a soft heart towards the Holy Spirit can help you be more like Christ. Tim LaHaye wrote a 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

In it, he explains seven ways that Scripture memory can help you. Let’s dialogue about three today.

1. It will give you victory over sin. “How can a young man keep his way pure? By living according to your word… Your word have I hid in my heart that I might not sin against you” (Psalm 119:9 and 11) I believe this is true for all of us, even if we are not young men. God is willing to help us choose obedience but we need to understand what is God’s path for each of us. Scripture memory is one way of discerning God’s path. How have you lived this out?

2. It helps you overcome worry. Take a moment to read all of Psalm 139 . Notice that after affirming God’s watch care over us in verses 1-16, the writer moves on to praise God’s thoughts and then mention those who do evil. If each one of us takes time daily to affirm God’s care for us, to ask to know more of God, and to acknowledge that evil is real and affects us, I believe we would have much less about which to worry. How do we know how God is caring for us? Through memorized scripture! How do we know more of God? One way is through memorized scripture! How do we know the truth about the evil around us? Through memorized scripture. Just like the writer of the psalm, after we affirm the truth about God, then we can ask God to know our anxious thoughts. We overcome worry by following God’s leading in the way everlasting. Have you found this to be true in your life?

3. It will give you a confidence in sharing your faith. “…do worry beforehand about what to say. Just say whatever is given you at the time, for it is not you speaking, but the Holy Spirit.” (Mark 13:11) This promise is given in the context of defending your faith if arrested. But I believe the broader principle is “Saturate your mind with God’s words and the Holy Spirit will prompt you how to talk in each situation including sharing your faith.” Your thoughts?

NEXT TIME: Four more ways! It speeds up the ---- It helps you discover ------ It facilitates----- and it outfits----- Check in soon!