On Bible Memorization

Growing up, every week at church we would receive one single Jelly Belly if we memorized a short Bible verse. I would work on that verse all week - or sometimes I would cram it all in on a single Friday night in order to be able to recite it the next day in church. Every 13 weeks, we would get a special treat if we were able to recite all of the verses from the previous 13 lessons, and I always wanted to ensure I was in on that!

After getting older and aging out of the programs, I stopped memorizing the Bible intentionally. There really was no need to now that I wasn’t getting one single Jelly Belly each week. Plus, I had a job now and could buy all the Jelly Belly treats that I wanted.

A while ago, a verse floated through my mind - funnily enough, one that I had memorized as a child:

“Your Word have I hid in my heart that I might not sin against You. ”

— Psalm 119:11, ESV

It started rolling around in my mind and I started wondering why I had stopped hiding God’s Word in my heart. As a teacher in a Christian School, I had been requiring my students to memorize Scripture as well and I realized that as a result of many verses hidden in my heart, it had been easy for me to remember what God wanted of me. And because I love Him and I want to do what He wants, knowing Scripture made it easy to do that.

So I set out to intentionally begin memorizing the promises in His Word.

Why? For just a few key reasons:

• To enhance Bible study

• To have the verses in my heart when I need them

• To keep me in check 

• To protect me from the lies of the devil and others

• To have encouragement for myself and to share that encouragement with others

How Can I Memorize Scripture?

Today, I want to share some easy steps on how to go about memorizing Scripture. I’ll also be sharing a few different strategies I’ve used and a few I know others use. Everyone has a way of doing things! I’d love it if you stuck around to the end and left a comment telling me what technique you use (or want to start using) as well!

Steps I Take

Set Quiet Time Aside

Quiet time is so important to not just memorize mechanically but to really dwell on the text. I like to memorize out loud (I need to hear it), so being alone helps me to really focus and not think so much about what the other person in the room is thinking about me.

Read and Study

I think this is pretty straight forward. I love studying out the text to help me build connections as I memorize. I find it much much easier to memorize larger chunks at a time, rather than one verse here and there. In fact, one of my first conscious memorizing endeavors was learning an entire book - chapter by chapter, of course, but by the end, I could say the entire book in one sitting. 

Repeat 

I repeat the texts out loud (see why I like to find a quiet alone spot?) to really get them into my mind. Repetition is key for me.

Listen 

I do this in a few ways. I use a Bible reading app to listen to (and quote along with) but I sometimes will record myself and listen to that as well. I mean, I’ve memorized entire radio dramas just by listening to them so many times, so why not memorize the Bible this way? This way, it’s also easy to make progress while I’m driving or exercising!

Write 

The hand to brain connection is stronger than we think. I like to write out the verses or chapters by hand. It’s a totally different way to experience Scripture! You can even dedicate a special notebook to write your verses out in if you like.

Share with a Friend

This can be taken in a few different ways. One idea is to have an accountability partner who is willing to listen to you spout off a few verses as you internalize. Another option is just finding a friend each day to talk to about what you’ve been learning as you memorize - and trust me, you WILL be learning as you memorize. 

Some Additional Strategies:

• Chunk Verses

• Use Rhythm - put the words to a certain rhythm (also good for memorizing sheet music, strangely enough)

• Use Song - put the verses to song!

• Visualize - what do you see as you hear the words?

• Write it out

• Start an accountability group or find a partner to join you

• Move while reciting - movement gets those brain cells working!

• Dramatize - act it out with voice or movement or both!

• Use a Scripture Memorization App

• Memorize Large portions

• Use flashcards if you want to memorize short verses

Whatever method you use to get God’s Word in your heart, just know it’s better off in there than collecting dust on a shelf!

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Do you memorize Scripture? Would you like to? What strategies do you use to memorize?

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On Adding Value

The other night, my husband turned to me and said the sweetest thing:

“You add value to my life.”

It really got me thinking. I’m always trying to be intentional about what I add to my life, but am I intentional about what I add to the lives of those around me?

I’d like to think that that I always try to be considerate and intentional with my interactions, but sometimes it’s easy to let our words or behaviour slip through the cracks. Today, I want to explore a few broad guidelines to keep in mind when interacting with others intentionally that will help you add value to their lives.

Consider Your Words

This may be obvious, but being careful of the words we choose is important. Do we inspire and encourage, or do we mock and tear down? Are our words too few or too many? Are we too quick to speak or accuse?

Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear. (Ephesians 4:29, ESV)

It is better to live in a desert land than with a quarrelsome and fretful woman. (Proverbs 21:19, ESV)

Whoever mocks the poor insults his Maker; he who is glad at calamity will not go unpunished.(Proverbs 17:5, ESV)

Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.

(1 Thessalonians 5:11, ESV)

Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; (James 1:19, ESV)

Even a fool who keeps silent is considered wise; when he closes his lips, he is deemed intelligent.(Proverbs 17:28, ESV)

Consider Your Actions

Think about your actions and interactions. What we DO is louder than what we SAY. How do we treat others and how might they perceive our actions? How do we act even when we don't think others are watching (by the way, someone is always watching). Do our actions stem from our hearts - or do we just "act good" without having our heart in it?

Now, therefore, thus says the Lord of hosts: Consider your ways. (Haggai 1:5, ESV)

For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks intently at his natural face in a mirror. For he looks at himself and goes away and at once forgets what he was like. But the one who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his doing. (James 1:23-25, ESV)

Consider Service

What do we do for others that can add value to their lives? It could be as simple as a smile, a hug, a cup of tea. Maybe some time together sharing that cup of tea. Do we meet greater needs too? Do we have an ear that listens, an eye that pays attention to basic needs that need to be met...simple consideration for others? We may tell someone that Jesus loves them, but do we show them Jesus' love?

What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him? If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, and one of you says to them, “Go in peace, be warmed and filled,” without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that? So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead. (James 2:14-17, ESV)

Consider Everything

What you put into your life, you’ll get [and give] out. I think I'll just let Paul finish off this one:

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. (Philippians 4:8, ESV)

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How do others add value to your life? How do you try adding value to others?

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Finding God In Your Every Season

 For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven. (Ecclesiastes 3:1, ESV)

I have had many seasons in my life. My guess is, so have you. I’m not talking Summer, Winter, Spring and Fall - though we’ve likely all experienced our share of these. My favourite thing about God is that everything He does has a purpose - down to the times of the year. We see object lessons if we look, and amazing truths can be discovered. The same could be said in each season we find ourselves in.

In the last 4 years alone, I’ve found myself in so many different ones: as unemployed, as a graduate student in a city where I knew no one, as a newlywed pastor’s wife and homemaker, as a part-time teacher’s aide, and now as a full-time teacher juggling many responsibilities. This one is extremely busy. Each season has been trying in their own way and some were even satisfying and fulfilling, but in every one of them, I’ve come to learn that true contentment that comes only from the Lord. I have also learned that even though it is difficult at times to see, God is in every season.

Each differs and some seasons last longer than others, but one thing remains constant; the love of God and the fact that we need Him. How amazing that God wants to be near us in everything we go through!

In seasons of closeness with God, delight in Him and savour His presence (see Psalm 37:4).

In seasons of doubt and drought, remember the delight you found in God’s presence, and cling to Him (see Psalm 77:11).

In seasons of busy-ness, find quiet times to be restored. Remember that your life exists not without the Creator (see Isaiah 40:28).

In seasons of God-gifted love, remember that God is Love, and we can only love the way He loves when we love Him with our whole heart (see 1 John 4:8).

In seasons of hunger, remember that Jesus is the bread of life (see John 6:35).

In seasons of disappointment, rely not on your feelings. The heart is deceptive...who can know it (see Jeremiah 17:9)? Keep your eyes fixed on Jesus.

In seasons of uncertainty, hold fast to the promise that God is the same yesterday, today and forever (see Hebrews 13:8).

In seasons of searching, seek for the Lord (see Deuteronomy 4:29)!

In seasons of longing, remember that God is the strength of your heart (see Psalm 73:26).

In seasons of shame, remember that Christ restores (see Psalm 51).

In seasons of contentment, thank God for His many blessings, and share them with others (see Psalm 9:1)!

In seasons of discontent, remember that God will never leave you and is all that you need (See Hebrews 13:5).

In seasons of discouragement, remember that God’s grace is sufficient (see 2 Corinthians 12:9).

In seasons of confusion, remember the truth will set you free (see John 8:32).

In seasons of anxiety, remember that God has everything under control (see Matthew 6:25-34).

In seasons of joy, rejoice! This is the day the Lord has made! (see Psalm 118:24).

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What seasons are you experiencing in your life right now?

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Blessings to Ponder in the Springtime

One of my favourite things about nature is that the lessons it teaches us about God are literally endless. I’ve heard nature being called God’s second book, and I can truly see why - the more I learn about the things of nature, the more I see God’s creative hand in it, and the more I see how intentional He truly is. What an amazing Creator.

In just the Spring alone, for example, so many beautiful Bible promises come to life every day just walking outside.

When I smell the rain, I think of the blessings God wants to pour down.

Let us know; let us press on to know the Lord;

   his going out is sure as the dawn;

he will come to us as the showers,

   as the spring rains that water the earth.” (Hosea 6:3, ESV)

For I will pour water on the thirsty land,

   and streams on the dry ground;

I will pour my Spirit upon your offspring,

   and my blessing on your descendants. (Isaiah 44:3, ESV)

When I smell flowers, I think of how God takes care of me.

And why are you anxious about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin (Matthew 6:28, ESV)

When I hear the birds singing, I want to sing praises to the Creator.

Consider the ravens: they neither sow nor reap, they have neither storehouse nor barn, and yet God feeds them. Of how much more value are you than the birds! (Luke 12:28, ESV)

“Fear not, little flock, for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom (Luke 12:32, ESV)

When I see the trees growing back their leaves, I think of the blessings I am continually receiving.

And as I gave you the green plants, I give you everything. (Genesis 9:3b, ESV)

…Let the field exult, and everything in it!
Then shall all the trees of the forest sing for joy (Psalm 96:12)

When I hear the water rushing again after being frozen, I think of God’s provision for us.

You make springs gush forth in the valleys;

   they flow between the hills;

they give drink to every beast of the field;

   the wild donkeys quench their thirst. (Psalm 104 10, 11, ESV)

they shall not hunger or thirst,

   neither scorching wind nor sun shall strike them,

for he who has pity on them will lead them,

   and by springs of water will guide them. (Isaiah 49:10, ESV)

And let the one who is thirsty come; let the one who desires take the water of life without price. (Revelation 22:17b, ESV)

When I see blue skies above or the twinkling skies in the clear nights, I can’t help but praise the Lord!

The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork. (Psalm 19:1, ESV)

When I see and smell the new buds springing, I think of the newness that God wants to bring to my life too!

See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland. (Isaiah 43:19, ESV)

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What blessings do you ponder in the Springtime?

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Intentionality Spotlight: Blog Love: Embrace Purity

Today, I am excited to introduce you to one of my friends, Kayla of Embrace Purity. I met Kayla this summer and was blown away at how someone so young was so full of Jesus’ love! I hope you enjoy getting to know her in our Intentionality Spotlight segment as much as I have!

First some easy stuff: Tell us a bit about yourself. What is your work, your passions and interests?

My greatest passion is reaching out to the hurting and sharing the hope of Jesus. I’m a freelance writer who loves music, reading, and spending time with the people (and animals) I love. I’ve been homeschooled for the last 6 years and love it! My biggest goal in life is to use my gifts and talents to point others to Christ.

I love that your blog is about embracing purity in all areas of life! What is the story behind how your blog was started, and how has that changed over time? What is your goal and has that goal developed?

Writing has always been a part of me. When I was little, I often made up short stories and kept journals. Along with that, I had a real desire to make a difference in people’s lives. It wasn’t until 2016 that I realized writing could be more than simply a hobby. In fact, I could even combine writing and my desire to help others!

That year, a blogging class was being offered at my co-op. That’s when I started “Embrace Purity”. Though I didn’t know much, at the beginning, I knew I wanted to use my blog to point other young women toward Christ. Since then, I’ve had the opportunity to write articles for multiple platforms including other websites and a magazine.

I now have the opportunity to expand my ministry to both young women and young men! Later this year, I will be launching “Rescued with Purpose”, a ministry all about trusting God and getting serious about living for Him.

I definitely want to keep “Embrace Purity” up and running, so I will be transferring it to “Rescued with Purpose”, where it will have its own section. I can’t wait to see what God will do!

As a young woman, who writes for other young women, where do you get the inspiration for the topics? Is it hard, or does it come easily?

If you take a look around, it doesn’t take long to realize that there are countless young women who are struggling. Most of my inspiration comes from observing and listening. I’ve had many conversations with girls who feel alone, worthless, and burnt-out on life. I truly believe that God’s word is equipped to help us in any situation. That’s why I put time and energy into my writing!

Whenever I hit writer's’ block, I often look back to books or articles I’ve read and get more ideas!

What is one other specific area in your life you find that intentionality is absolutely critical? How do you exercise mindfulness in it?

I find that intentionality is absolutely critical when it comes to saying “yes” to God. For the longest time, I claimed to have faith, but I was still letting fear run my life. Though I knew there were certain things that the Holy Spirit wanted me to do, I often ignored it if it was outside my comfort zone.

When I decided to start saying yes to God, I realized that true joy comes from fully trusting God to keep His promises! Now, I’m able to experience the life God wants for me: one of fullness, freedom, and joy.

If you could give one piece of advice about saying "yes" to God to someone who struggles with it, what would you tell them?

Take it day by day. Sometimes, God calls us to do things that seem scary or hard. It isn’t always easy to listen when He asks us to go outside our comfort zones.

The first step is when the Holy Spirit impresses you to do something (sharing your faith, confronting a friend, overcoming a specific sin, etc), decide beforehand that you will say yes and do it, even if it’s hard.

Remember that you’re not alone in this journey. We’ve all struggled with fear, at one time or another. When you choose to start saying yes to God, your faith can only become stronger!

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Find Kayla at her blog, on Facebook, or on Instagram.

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