Print out

One tool that I use to help me memorize is printing out an entire chapter of the book I'm memorizing. I like www.blueletterbible.org. I will print out the chapter and tuck it into my purse. Then I have the verses to review wherever I am. I usually review my verses when I am driving. So I especially like to keep my review sheet open on the car seat next to me as I drive so that when I stop at red lights, I can take a quick glance at it to check myself. Or I can use it to review when I am in an office waiting room.

Writing the verse helps me

If you began memorizing with us on Mother's Day, you've just completed your first week. How are you doing? Don't let the enemy discourage you if you have gotten behind. Just pick up where you left off and start in again.

I find that writing a verse out helps me to memorize. I also use the instructions offered in Dr. Davis' booklet in combination with writing. However, don't skip the suggestion to say the verse out loud. At first I felt silly and only memorized the verse in my head. However, later, when I tried to quote the verse aloud, I found that I couldn't do it! Audibly reviewing your verse is a must.

Oh, and one more thing--be sure to say the chapter and number when you practice, "1-3 I thank my God upon every remembrance of you." "1-4 Always in every prayer of mine for you all, making request with joy." "1-5 For your fellowship..." and so on. It may seem cumbersome at first, but is invaluable for a couple of reasons. First, when you get farther along in your memorization of the book, you'll find that the chapter and verse numbers help to anchor your place. Secondly, you'll need those references for later recall.

Keep checking back for encouragement and memorization tips. And while you're here, blog me a line or two. You encourage me, too, and I hope to inspire others to memorize with us. I think we all sense the magnitude of the times we are living in. My motivation for memorizing was that I wanted to be prepared for whatever may be coming prophetically speaking. One way to prepare myself is to have a wealth of the Word stored up in my heart.

Happy memorizing!

Terri

Jeremiah 15:16 Your words were found, and I ate them, And Your word was to me the joy and rejoicing of my heart; For I am called by Your name, O LORD God of hosts.

A Word About Translations

Happy Mother’s Day to all the moms on the blog. And blessings to all of you who are honoring your mother today! It’s our first day of memorizing Philippians.

Which translation is best to memorize? One person I shared with quipped that she would choose an easy translation like a children’s Bible! Of course you are free to choose whatever version you like. However, don’t cheat yourself. You will be feeding on God’s word. It’s rich and nutritious—no need for diet food! As you practice your daily verse and review previous verses you will be doing real meditation. Memorizing a trimmed down version may limit what the Holy Spirit wants to do in you. Please do not use a paraphrase such as The Living Bible or The Message. These are simply man’s opinion of what he thinks or interprets a passage to mean. I strongly recommend using a version that has stood the test of time. Check out online evaluations of versions and pray. The Holy Spirit will lead you as to which version to choose.

My personal preference is the poetical flow of the King James. I modify it slightly modernizing the “-eths”, thee’s and thou’s. If a particular word has changed in usage, I will substitute the modern meaning such as “he that letteth will let” to “he who restrains will restrain” from 2 Thessalonians 2:7. It’s not quite the New King James, although I have memorized from that version also.

If anyone is memorizing from the Amplified Version, please let me know. I want to give you a special award when we’re finished! LOL!

Happy Memorizing!--Terri

Your first day

I began by following the plan outlined by Dr. Andrew Davis in his online Scripture memory plan booklet. You can find this booklet at http://tiny.cc/vf1k5

The following is copied from his booklet. I have substituted the book of Philippians in the following quote:

Sample daily procedure: The following is an example of how someone could go about memorizing [Philippians] at the rate of one verse per day:

1) Day one: Read [Philippians] 1:1 out loud ten times, looking at each word as if photographing it with your eyes. Be sure to include the verse number. Then cover the page and recite it ten times. You’re done for the day.

2) Day two: Yesterday’s verse first!! Recite yesterday’s verse, [Philippians] 1:1 ten times, being sure to include the verse number. Look in the Bible if you need to, just to refresh your memory. Now, do your new verse.

Read [Philippians] 1:2 out loud ten times, looking at each word as if photographing it with your eyes. Be sure to include the verse number. Then cover the page and recite it ten times. You’re done for the day.

3) Day three: Yesterday’s verse first!! Recite yesterday’s verse, [Philippians] 1:2 ten times, being sure to include the verse number. Again, you should look in the Bible if you need to, just to refresh your memory. Old verses next, altogether: Recite [Philippians] 1:1-2 together once, being sure to include the verse numbers. Now, do your new verse. Read [Philippians] 1:3 out loud ten times, looking at each word as if photographing it with your eyes. Be sure to include the verse number. Then cover the page and recite it ten times. You’re done for the day.

4) Day four: Yesterday’s verse first!! Recite yesterday’s verse, Ephesians 1:3 ten times, being sure to include the verse number. Again, you should look in the Bible if you need to, just to refresh your memory. Old verses next, altogether: Recite [Philippians] 1:1-3 together once, being sure to include the verse numbers. Now, do your new verse. Read [Philippians] 1:4 out loud ten times, looking at each word as if photographing it with your eyes. Be sure to include the verse number. Then cover the page and recite it ten times. You’re done for the day.

To help me keep track, I raise one hand with five fingers up. Each time I read the verse, I put down a finger until all five fingers are down and I make a fist. Then when I read the verse the sixth time, I begin to put my fingers back up until I have finished reading ten times.

The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple. Psalms 19:7

Memorizing is very hard for me...

I was sharing about my new memorization project with some friends when one of them confessed to me that Scripture memory is very difficult for her.

I understand that. We all have different strengths. I thought about this and want to encourage you, if you identify with that problem. First of all, God magnifies His word above His name. Any and all effort we make to delight ourselves in His word is an act of faith. Without faith it is impossible to please Him. (Hebrews 11:6) So we know that when we make a sincere effort to magnify, feed upon, and focus our hearts on His word, we can be sure that this act is pleasing to God and that He will honor our endeavors.

For the very first verse, we will be reading the verse out loud ten times. Do not try to memorize it. Just read it, but don’t rush through it. Read it in a deliberate and careful manner. (To help me keep track, I raise one hand with five fingers up. Each time I read the verse, I put down a finger until all five fingers are down and I make a fist. Then when I read the verse the sixth time, I begin to put my fingers back up until I have finished reading ten times.)

I also find it helpful to write out the verse. Put it on a 3x5 card or a sticky note. Check it out throughout the day. When at all possible, read the verse out loud.

On the second day, read yesterday's verse out loud again ten times, then add the second verse. Repeat the process above saying your second verse ten times. On the third day, read yesterday's verse (1:2) ten times. Read verses one and two together, then add verse three reading it out loud ten times. Each new day read "yesterday's verse first" out loud ten times. Read all your verses together. Then add the new verse reading it aloud ten times.

You may be pleasantly surprised at how much of the verses become very familiar to you. You may find yourself memorizing phrases. Don’t let the enemy rob you from enjoying the Word of the Lord in your heart by condemning yourself for not being able to memorize. Just start and allow the Lord to bring forth the fruit.

"Thy words were found, and I did eat them; and thy word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart: for I am called by thy name, O LORD God of hosts." Jeremiah 15:16

How I began...How you can begin...

I began this Bible memory project during the summer of 2008. As I read Scripture, some verses became impressed on my heart. So I memorized them. Then in January of 2009, I came across an excellent booklet online at:

http://tiny.cc/vf1k5
Or at:
www.fbcdurham.org/FCKeditor/editor/plugins/mediamanager/get.php?id=101

I decided to begin memorizing one of the books I had read during the previous summer, 2 Thessalonians. I had already memorized nine of its verses, and by the end of March, I had completed memorizing the entire book.

The booklet is a suggested memorization plan by Dr. Andrew Davis of First Baptist Church of Durham, NC. Dr. Davis lays out a simple procedure which I found to work for me. Starting at the beginning of the book, simply memorize one verse each day. Each new day, review the verses previously memorized and add the next verse.

Dr. Davis gives practical and proven steps to help the process. It has worked for me. Once the entire book has been memorized, you commit to quoting it, in its entirety for 100 days. After 100 days have been completed, you will quote the book one time per week for the rest of your life to keep it well "hidden in your heart".

I will complete 100 days of review of 2 Thessalonians on July 5. I am currently finishing memorizing Psalm 139. The book of Philippians is next on my list. A small group of people are forming to begin memorizing on Sunday, May 10, 2009.

Will you join me? (You don't have to memorize Philippians to join me, and you don't have to start on May 10. Just jump in and start memorizing!) I would love to encourage you and be encouraged by you. Join my "list of followers". Leave a comment if you'd like.

Happy memorizing!

Terri

I've discovered a treasure

I’ve discovered a hidden treasure, and it’s profoundly affecting my life. It’s a deep, enriching wealth so simple and yet so obvious. I have begun hiding this treasure in my heart. Not in a way that’s meant to be kept a secret, rather, it is a treasure that I value so highly, I keep it tucked away where I jealously guard and protect it, so that it continues to enrich me.

I have begun a daily systematic memorization of the Bible. And not just random verses—I have begun memorizing entire books. Oh, sure, I memorized verses as a Sunday School child and even in adulthood, but what a treasure lies in holding an entire book in my heart! A new revival has begun for me. I have gained deeper insight in God’s word, and experienced Holy Spirit’s guidance into truth.

And it’s not as formidable as it sounds. In fact, I want to share this treasure hunt with you. If you’d like to learn more, continue to read on.