In 10 years, you’ll be well out of your teen years. At that time, you occasionally will look back on the summers of your teen years and find that each summer took on its own personality. You’ll find yourself saying, “That was the summer I __________.” The blank will be filled with things from “got my braces off” to “worked my first job.” So what will you remember about summer 2015? Here’s an idea. Make this the summer “when I memorized Scripture.”
The word memorize may be the last word you want to hear as you finish a school year and launch summer vacation, but it also may be the best time to create a surge in committing verses to memory. Granted, the purpose of the Bible isn’t to memorize it. Its purpose is to change us, but memorizing bite-sized portions creates a gateway for change.
These passages show us how.
The What
You may want to print the passages below or paste them into an edoc so you can mark or highlight a few things. This will help you notice more detail. As you read these passages, look for and highlight words such as think, remind, recall, recount. Also, note words referring to Scripture, whether directly or indirectly. While Philippians 4 isn’t explicitly about Scripture, Scripture does fulfill all the virtues listed and helps you obey the instruction in this passage.
“I have hidden Your Word in my heart that I might not sin against You. Praise be to You, Lord; teach me Your decrees. With my lips I recount all the laws that come from Your mouth. I rejoice in following Your statutes as one rejoices in great riches” (Ps. 119:11-14).
“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you” (Phil. 4:8-9).
“Dear friends, this is now my second letter to you. I have written both of them as reminders to stimulate you to wholesome thinking. I want you to recall the words spoken in the past by the holy prophets and the command given by our Lord and Savior through your apostles” (2 Pet. 3:1-2).
Look at the words you marked. What actions are being asked for with regard to Scripture?
Here’s a weird question: What body parts are mentioned in these verses? (Note: Most are mentioned specifically, one is implied.)
According to these verses, what are the benefits of meditation, recalling and hiding Scripture?
The So What
Maybe memorization (of anything) is not your deal. I’ll admit it’s not mine, but think about the benefits of memorizing God’s Word these passages highlight:
1. It helps you experience the peace of God.
2. Your mind will be stimulated for wholesome thinking.
3. It keeps you from sinning.
4. You see the joy in obeying God’s Word.
This is not to mention the benefit of keeping your mind sharp and engaged during the summer. Take a minute to consider each benefit above. Write down a thought or two as to how each benefit could help you personally.
Seal the Deal
The body parts you may have noticed: brain (from “think about”), lips, heart. In a way, these body parts actually can give you a method for memorizing.
1. Bring it into you mind/brain (read, meditate)
2. Speak it with your lips (reciting out loud is a great way to remember)
3. Infuse it in your heart (put the words into practice)
Methods for memorizing are many; I’ll leave it to you to find one that works for you. They key simply is to start. In fact, here are a few great passages to get you started. Theses verses are guaranteed to make your summer 2015 a summer to remember.
Psalm 139:13-18
Matthew 5:1-11
Matthew 6:25-27
Romans 12:1-2
Galatians 6:7-10
Ephesians 3:16-21
James 1:1-8
Revelation 21:3-5
