In Our Hearts

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