When I was younger, Scripture memory was a homework assignment at my Christian school, a piece of candy in Sunday School, a special prize at VBS. As I got older, it became a chore, and as long as no one required it of me, I didn't "waste my time." It's not that I didn't love God's Word, but I didn't love it nearly enough. Thankfully, though, God is never done working on His children.
At the end of the school year, I read 1 Timothy 4:7b-8 - "Rather train yourself for godliness; for while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come." As summer was approaching, I wanted to make goals. In summers past my goals have included reading novels or exercising more. This summer, I knew God wanted me to train in godliness! I made a plan, and Scripture memory was something I added to my to-do list. I thought that I would never be able to memorize Scripture, but with the Holy Spirit and diligence, God is indeed accomplishing this in me.
My mom and I were going to memorize a passage together, but I wanted to attempt a whole book, not just a chapter. I knew if I put my mind to it, I could do it! I choose 1 John. I started last week with the first four verses. I wrote out copies and put it on my bathroom mirror, in the shower, and inside the medicine cabinet. I found these to be great places, because I can memorize while I'm washing and drying my hair, putting on make-up, and brushing my teeth. None of those things take too much though, so I can focus on memorizing the verses. I decided to take a new section every week, so now I'm on verses 5-10 of 1 John 1. Every Tuesday I say the verses to my mom. I know that this is something I can continue through the school year without cutting into homework time, because I'll still be showering and brushing my teeth!
I've found Scripture memory of such benefit, and would encourage everyone who thinks they can't do it to at least give it a try! It not only puts the Word of God in my heart, it keeps my mind from wandering while I'm in the shower or brushing my teeth. This is one way I'm seeking to "seize the day" and "redeem the time!"
Piano Literature Essay
12 years ago
Wooohoooo!!! That's GREAT!
ReplyDeleteOOoo :) When I was at CGN, we had a session on peer pressure and living in the world... and one of the points was to memorize scriptures that you could apply to your life whenever you ran into the things that you struggle with most. I've always memorized scripture, but more of the time they are like psalms or verses to comfort or something. But since that session I'm thinking about what verses speak to the things i'm working on daily. I tend to memorize my scripture at night when i'm just laying in bed doing nothing. I read a couple of verses over and over again and then shut off the light and say them over and over again to myself (good thing I have my own room lol). I think i'll put some up in my bathroom too though. I never thought of that. thanks for that idea :)
ReplyDelete"I have stored you word in my heart, that I might not sin against you." (Psalm 119:11)