Monday, February 1, 2016

KEYS TO A BLESSED LIFE: Scripture Memorization Part 2 -Tips & Resources

Hello Readers.  Thanks for all the wonderful feedback from last week's post.  As promised, I'm back again with just a little bit more encouragement to help you get Back to the Basics of Bible reading for a blessed life!

What I have to share with you will help you get started, but by no means will do the work for you.  Scripture memorization takes discipline and practice to be successful!  So with this note of caution, let's continue with some tips I've found and some resources that just might keep you motivated:

TIPS FOR SCRIPTURE MEMORIZATION

1.  Memorize verses from a bible translation you are most familiar with. I use a variety of translations for bible study but for memorization the KJV, King James Version is my favorite because it is the bible of my youth-the one I grew up with in Sunday school and VBS where I first learned to memorize.

2.  Start with verses that have a special meaning to you or relates to what's going in your life right now!  I have special "go to" verses to keep me encouraged, or when I need to make critical decisions and even to reduce anxiety in my life.  The Spirit counsels and comforts me with them like no other!

3.  Memorize only a few verses at a time- short ones-but enough to get a sense of what God is telling you through them.  Memorize when you're at your best mentally and physically.  We all have a peak time of energy. If possible work memorization time in before your body starts cycling down.

4.  Review verses often.  What you don't repeat and/or practice you'll lose.  Use your personal learning style.  If you're an auditory learner, say it out loud or record and listen to the verses when and wherever it is safe to do so.  If you are a visual learner or a hands on (tactile kinesthetic), write the verses out on index cards.  Keep them in your purse, pocket, to review during "wait time" in your day or scheduled work breaks.

5.  Be creative.  Set verses to music using a familiar tune or make up one.  Clap your hands in a rhythmic way, or even do exercises like jump rope or jogging for an added physical benefit. If it works for you, it's working! 

6. Memorize word for word.  Accuracy is important to context and context is important for correct meaning.  Don't forget to memorize the verses' "address".  The book, chapter, and number.  Include it every time you practice.  Make a sandwich, ex:  John 3:16 (address) then For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten son...(verse) then: John 3:16 (address).

7.  Repeat!  Repeat!  Repeat! Use post-it notes, cards, etc. put on refrigerator, bathroom mirror, any and everywhere you can see and repeat!

Additionally, keep this in mind:  Make sure you are memorizing for the right reasons-spiritual ones and not just to impress others.  Pride sets in easily once you become proficient. Your purpose is for spiritual growth.  If you're only learning for sheer magnitude you're defeated already.  Besides for every scripture you learn, you're accountable to the Lord to obey!!!!

Speaking of accountability- involve a partner: friend, spouse, family member to reduce the tedium and also to share the spiritual fruit you'll be gaining! 

OTHER RESOURCES THAT MAY BE HELPFUL:

  • Memverse.com  - a free online  site with no software to  download.  Tracks your progress, memorize at your own pace, available for IPhones and IPads
  • Figure8scripturemomory.com - Based on the Psalms 119 principles with print out scripture pages and schedule.
  • Book: 100 Verses Everyone Should Know By Heart, Robert J. Morgan.  Available on Amazon for $10.64 or CBD.com for $8.99 (Notes, verse explanations, quotes and memorization tips.)


UNTIL NEXT TIME...

If you would like to leave a comment please send an email to: sisters4sisters@att.net OR  scroll to the bottom of my blog page at  http://alittlewiser63.blogspot.com  click on the  no comments by the pencil and it will change to a writing space.

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