The story of Ida (see “Motivation”) has already impacted
some people. Was there a message for you
in that story? Here’s what I learned
from Ida: (1) God is always with us; (2) God writes his Word on willing hearts
and keeps it there; and (3) God accomplishes his will for our lives no matter what our physical condition is!
Because of Ida’s story, some people have mentioned to me
that they also want to have God’s Word written on their hearts. As you read in “Try Something New,” Natalie
inspired me to memorize Bible verses, and I started with Isaiah 53:1-7. I now have memorized 20 verses and my goal is
to memorize one verse a week throughout 2017. I’d like to share an easy method that seems to
work well for me. Try it with a verse or
two, and see how it works for you!
Memorization tips for Bible verses:
1. Write the verses on a piece of paper. Be sure to include all the punctuation, which
will help you in the process. Keep the
lines short because you will memorize line by line.
2. Make sure you understand the meaning. Think about the verses and what they
mean. Read a Bible concordance or other
study tool, if necessary. Make sure you
have digested the meaning because it will be difficult to memorize verses that
do not make sense to you.
3. Start memorizing one line at a time. It’s not necessary to memorize an entire
verse all at once. Do it line by line,
the way you wrote it on the paper. When
you memorize one line, the next line makes sense (it usually completes a
sentence or a thought). Say the line out
loud, over and over. Dramatize it, if
that helps you. In your mind, picture
the line written on the paper (for me, this is really the key because I am a
visual person).
4. Emphasize the first few words. I have learned that the first few words in a
string of verses are the most important in the memorization process. The first few words launch you into the verse
or series of verses. If you struggle to remember
how the verse starts, the entire recitation will be a struggle. So, make it easy on yourself and make sure
you can easily remember how to start the verses. For example, I memorized Daniel 2:19-23. When reciting, I loudly emphasize the first
few words to make sure I can comfortably flow into the rest of the verses
(e.g., “DURING THE NIGHT,” the mystery was revealed to Daniel in a vision…). I simply remember “DURING THE NIGHT,” and the
rest flows naturally.
5. Memorize the verse numbers. Don’t try to memorize four or five verses as one
long passage. Separate the verses and
remember them by verse number. This
approach really helps because it is easier to remember shorter verses. Then, add the verses together to make a long
passage. This way, you have kept each
verse short and memorable. I can recite the
verses of Daniel 2:19-23 forward and backward because I memorized each verse
with the number, not one long passage of five verses with no break in between
the verses.
6. Practice, practice, practice! While you’re getting ready for work, driving
the car, cleaning the house, and getting ready for bed at night, say the line
out loud or silently. With dedicated
repetition, the line will eventually get written in your brain and on your heart.
7. When you’re ready, add the next line, and the
next! Include the memorized lines
with new lines, repeating them out loud.
Sometimes, the next verses flow so well that you can memorize an entire
verse in one sitting, or sometimes two!
I have discovered that the more I memorize, the easier and faster it
gets, and I do not need extra time in the day to do it!
8. Finally, keep a small file box of the verses. If you want to remember the verses for a
lifetime (this is the ultimate goal!), write the memorized verses on 3x5 cards and file them in a box or
folder. I bought a small expandable
folder that has 12 tabbed pockets and I labeled the pockets by month. I am keeping track of all the verses I
memorize in 2017, month by month.
As you memorize, you will find your own method that works
for you. During your Bible reading, you
may come across verses that you want to memorize, and you will have a system in
place. That’s what happened when I came
across these verses in the book of Ezekiel, written here from memory:
Ezekiel 36:25-27 (NLT):
25- Then
I will sprinkle clean water on you,
and you will be clean.
Your filth will be washed away,
and you will no longer worship idols.
26- And I will give you a new heart,
and I will put a new spirit in you.
I will take out your stony, stubborn heart
and give you a tender, responsive heart.
27- And I will put MY SPIRIT in you so that
you will follow my decrees and be careful
to obey my regulations.
(Emphasis added.)
Devotion
I have hidden your
Word in my heart that I might not sin against you. Psalm 119:11
When your words came,
I ate them; they were my joy and my heart’s delight, for I bear your name, LORD
God Almighty. Jeremiah 15:16
Prayer:
Lord, I want your Word
written on my heart. I want to consume your
Word so that it will stay in my heart forever!
Thank you for the people who have inspired me and set an example for me,
and thank you for showing me that I can memorize. I pray that others will be inspired to try it
and see that they can memorize, as well.
Thank you for your Word! In
Jesus’ name, Amen.
© 2017 Linda Lijewski
