~By: Jonie Buckley~
"All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work." 2 Timothy 3:16-17
In order to equip ourselves to do God’s will, His Word must be sealed in our minds and saturate our hearts. Psalm 40:8 reads, “I take joy in doing your will, my God, for your instructions are written on my heart.” Through God’s powerful Word and the Holy Spirit, we are given freedom, instruction, and encouragement for every circumstance we encounter. It is the living Word of God because it does. It is active, relevant, and purposeful. Jesus is our example, as He quoted Scripture in the gospels of the New Testament. We must know it before we apply it or teach it. Memorizing Scripture allows us to recall God’s Truth so that it will resound in our hearts and become the parameter by which we measure our thoughts and actions (John 17:17). The practice of Scripture memorization reminds us of God’s powerful promises to us. It renews our minds and transforms our lives (Romans 12:2), helps us live in obedience (Joshua 1:8), and resist temptation (Matthew 4:1-11, Ephesians 6:17). Memorizing Scripture brings clarity and understanding of God’s will (John 8:31-32, John 14:21) and makes us wise (Colossians 3:16). It serves many purposes, not only for ourselves, but for others too. When we commit God’s Word to memory, we become more effective when sharing with unbelievers. Speaking His Word, rather than our own, will give more authority to the message by harnessing the power in the Word (Isaiah 55:11, Hebrews 4:12). Recalling Scripture encourages other believers (Romans 15:4, 1 Thessalonians 4:18), heals brokenness, brings healing and comfort (Psalm 119:50 AMP), strengthens our hearts, and gives peace and stability through God’s promises.
When my husband was walking through a difficult season, he told me that he needed God’s Word to literally surround him - in his car, at work, in every room of our home, anywhere he could see it and speak it. He needed the security of God’s promises from His Word. From that, the verses easily became committed to memory because he read and said them consistently. Then he was able to carry God’s promises with him everywhere he went. We have continued this practice of keeping God’s powerful Word near our daily routines, because it brings life! God has and continues to prove His faithfulness in His Word. He will always do what He says He will do.
There are several tools available for memorizing Scripture. One practice is to sing the Scripture. Music has been shown to be a powerful memory retention tool. You can find this tool by visiting Sing Scripture. I often like to memorize Scripture according to category. This enables me to recall a verse based on a topic according to my own need at the time, or the need of another, to bring encouragement and God’s truth to light. You can download and print these for free from many sites, if you simply search free printable scripture cards on the internet. Another effective step-by-step method for committing Scripture to memory can be found by clicking here. For any method you use, be sure you are writing it daily and saying the verse aloud throughout the day. Tap into the rhythm of read, write, speak, and hear the Scripture daily. Most importantly, just start and commit to this practice, trusting you will be transformed by His Word into the likeness of His Son.
"These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates." Deuteronomy 6:6-9
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