DISCIPLINES OF DISCIPLESHIP

SCRIPTURE MEMORIZATION

Luke 6:45 teaches us how it’s essential to have good things in our heart in order to produce good results in our lives. The best and most profitable thing we can have in our hearts is God’s Word.  When we memorize Scriptures not only does God’s Word resides in us, but we begin to pray, live and act more in alignment with the Kingdom of God.  This allows God’s blessings to begin to flow into and through our lives.  Scripture memorization is a must for all of Jesus’ Disciples. We need the Word living in us and flowing out of us.

How to #memorizeScripture:

Find a quiet place where you won’t be distracted.

Choose a passage of Scripture. i.e. Colossians 3:1-3

In your mind repeat the scripture address over and over until you remember it. (Colossians 3:1-3)

Once you have the address memorized begin with verse 1.
“So if you have been raised with the Messiah, seek what is above, where the Messiah is, seated at the right hand of God.”

Repeat the words in your mind phrase by phrase…
So, (repeat, repeat, repeat)
So, if you (repeat, repeat, repeat)
So, if you have been raised – repeat – repeat – repeat (until you remember it)
So, if you have been raised with Messiah – repeat – repeat – repeat (until you remember it) etc…

This can be done out loud, or just in your mind…You may have to repeat each word and word combination 20 times. That’s ok. Do whatever it takes for your mind to latch onto it.

Be patient with yourself.

Go back and recall the scripture address and the portion you’ve committed to memory:

Colossians 3:1-3 – So, if you have been raised with Messiah…once you’ve completed verse 1 add verse 2 and so on…

As you’re repeating the words to yourself in the process of committing them to memory ‘listen’ and be attentive for the Lord’s voice speaking to you. No doubt, He will be communicating deeper truths to you about the meaning of the words you are memorizing. This is one of the real benefits and blessings of memorizing scripture.

Don’t try to memorize big chunks of scripture to start with. You can use things to help you like notecards or sticky notes put in various places where you’ll see the verse during the day.

Throughout your day, as you go about your normal business try to recall the verse or portion of scripture you’ve worked on that day. If you don’t remember it don’t worry. Tomorrow you’ll be able to review it and work on it some more. Be patient with yourself and don’t forget to ask the Holy Spirit to help you. He is our wonderful helper and He wants nothing more than for you to have His Words hidden in your heart.

Having the Scriptures stored in your heart also makes it easier for the Holy Spirit to bring them to your memory just when you need them the most.  Remember, we read in Matthew 4:4, and in the entire story of Christ’s temptation in the wilderness, that Jesus fought the devil with the Word of God.  If He did it, we need to as well!

Declare this now:  Thank You God, for helping me to memorize Your Word.