Made any new year's resolutions? I'm making one - only one - and I'm looking forward to getting started today.
A few years ago we encouraged Scripture memorization at Life in Christ. We provided cards with Bible verses printed on them and encouraged folks to pick them up and memorize the verse. One person told me they walk on a treadmill every morning so they taped the cards where they could see them and practice them. Another person said that working on memorizing the verses while making their commute to work helped the trip feel a bit shorter.
When we began this exercise I shared some tips for memorizing the verses. They were:
Write it down - some people find it helpful to write down several times on a piece of paper the verse being memorized. Writing down each words and connecting one thought to another makes memorization easier.
Listen up - An audio Bible is a great tool for those who memorize and learn better by hearing. Listening to the Scriptures will help you recall the verses you've already worked on.
Tape it up - I've already touched on this and, for some, this is a very helpful way of keeping those memory cards front and center, so to speak. Wherever you spend lots of time, whether it is in your car, in front of your computer or at the refrigerator, tape copies of the cards and post them in those places where you're sure to see them regularly.
Be accountable - Ask your spouse or friend to check up on you each week to make sure that you're working on your memory verses. Gentle encouragement can go a long way to making sure you're memorizing and treasuring God's Word.
Here's a verse to get started. I don't think I know anyone who hasn't memorized John 3:16. The Gospel in a nutshell, some people call it. But what about the next verse, John 3:17?
For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through Him.
Here we are reminded that Jesus' mission wasn't to be one of judgment but salvation for you and me. That's good news worth memorizing.
Are you up to making Bible memorization a new year's resolution? Give it a try! You might find that your faith in the Lord is strengthened as you make memorizing His Word a priority this year.
