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| NEWSLETTER ARTICLES |
How to Make Scripture Stick
by Charles R. Swindoll
I know of no other single practice in the Christian life more rewarding, practically speaking, than memorizing Scripture. That’s right. No other single discipline is more useful and rewarding than this. No other single exercise pays greater spiritual dividends! Your prayer life will be strengthened. Your witnessing will be sharper and much more effective. Your counseling will be in demand. Your attitudes and outlook will begin to change. Your mind will become alert and observant. Your confidence and assurance will be enhanced. Your faith will be solidified.
God’s Word is filled with exhortations to implant His truth in our hearts. David says that a young man can keep his life pure by treasuring God’s Word in his heart (Psalm 37:31; 119:9 –11). Solomon refers to this in Proverbs 4:4:
“Let your heart hold fast my words;
Keep my commandments and live.”
The words hold fast come from a single Hebrew term, meaning “to grasp, seize, lay hold of.” Scripture memory gives you a firm grasp of the Word — and allows the Word to get a firm grasp of you! Solomon also mentions writing the Word “on the tablet of your heart” (Proverbs 7:3) and having Scriptures kept within you so “they may be ready on your lips” (22:18).
Now, I know you’ve been challenged to do this before. But is it happening? Perhaps you have procrastinated because you have mental blocks against it. Maybe you tried, but you either did not see the value or could not get beyond the method that was demanded. I understand.
That’s why we have designed a Scripture memory program that is different. Scripture for Practical Christian Living is just that — it’s practical! Based on our popular audio series and Bible Companion, Practical Christian Living, the 40 verses we have carefully selected highlight the basic beliefs and behaviors of the Christian life. Memorizing and applying these verses will strengthen your life of faith.
Here are some practical tips I have found helpful for use in learning these verses, as well as other verses you may discover on your own:
1. Choose a time when your mind is free from outside distractions . . . perhaps soon after getting up in the morning.
2. Learn the reference by repeating it every time you say the verse(s). Numbers are more difficult to remember than words.
3. Try to memorize three verses (or one paragraph) of Scripture that you like.
4. Read each verse through several times —both in a whisper and aloud. Hearing yourself say the words helps cement them into your mind.
5. Write out the verses you chose on a blank card and post it on your bathroom mirror. Read these verses (aloud) each time your eye catches a glimpse of the card.
6. Break the passage into its natural phrases. Learn the reference and then the first phrase. Then repeat the reference and first phrase as you go to the second phrase. Continue adding phrases one by one.
7. Learn a little bit perfectly rather than a great deal poorly. Do not go on to the next verse until you can say the previous one(s) perfectly, without a glance at your Bible.
8. Review the verse(s) immediately after you have gone through this process. Twenty to 30 minutes later, repeat what you’ve memorized. Before the day has ended, firmly fix the verse(s) in your mind by going over it 15 to 20 times. (You can do this as you drive or do your job.)
9. Use the verse(s) orally as soon as possible. After all, the purpose of Scripture memory is a practical one, not academic. Use the verses in conversation, in correspondence, in teaching, in counseling, in everyday opportunities. Relate what you’ve learned to your daily situation. You’ll be thrilled with the results.
10. Once you’ve learned your verses, ask a friend who knows how to do calligraphy (fancy writing) to pen them for you. If you have the money, have the piece framed to mark this important event in your life: the day you learned an entire passage of God’s Word.
Are you ready to start investing in something guaranteed to return spiritual dividends? Are you ready to strengthen your prayer life and sharpen your witness? If you are, open your Bible to a favorite passage or one that speaks to your need and begin committing those verses to memory. You may also choose to start memorizing Scripture by requesting this month’s featured resource for your donation titled Scripture for Practical Christian Living and by purchasing our blank cards (see attached order form). You’ll never regret the investment . . . eternal returns are guaranteed. |
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