We know that the Bible is more than just an advice manual or a self-help book. It holds words of encouragement for the weary and messages of comfort for the lonely, and guidance, truth, and full instruction for our entire lives! Even more than that…God’s Word is alive with power that transforms.
I can’t emphasize enough the power of memorizing God’s Word. It is a discipline that Jesus Himself practiced. He quoted from the Old Testament nearly 180 times in the New Testament! Just as Jesus used God’s Word to fend off the attacks of Satan! “It is written, man shall not live by bread alone, but by every Word that proceeds out of the mouth of God.” (Mat 4:4) So likewise, we must be able to use the same weapon. The devil doesn’t usually give you time to “look up” the verses you’re looking for.
We have prepared for you a “Memo Book” taken from “The Handbook for a Disciple of Jesus” with all the most powerful verses that we as disciples do well to know by heart. These scriptures are the backbone of our faith and we should ALL make an effort to COMMIT them to memory.
Bible memorization is of utmost importance in the Christian life. In fact, memorizing Scripture is perhaps the single most crucial element to spiritual growth and victory. It’ll provide a foundation and a framework that will strengthen you throughout your walk with the Lord. And the earlier we start, the better.
The reason why it’s so life-changing is because the Word of God is literally “God-breathed” thru the Holy Spirit. “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: that the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.” (2Tim 3:16-17) When we fill our minds with His Words by memorizing Scripture, we avail ourselves of the most powerful spiritual tool there is.
No other single exercise pays greater spiritual dividends! When we memorize the Word of God, several things happen:
- All the elements in the believer’s armor in the battle for our souls and spiritual survival are defensive except ONE. The “sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God.” “Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God.” (Eph 6:13, 17)
- Temptation is everywhere. Hiding God’s Word in our hearts gives us the wisdom and strength to find the way out and flee. “Thy Word have I hid in my heart, that I might not sin against Thee.” (Ps 119:11)
- Rom 12:2 exhorts us to “renew” our minds so that we are no longer influenced by the thinking that conforms us to this world. The only way to renew the mind is to FILL it with Scripture. “And be not conformed to this world: but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.”
- The Word of God is “living and active”, meaning that it has supernatural power to mold us into Christ-likeness when we meditate upon it, and there is no better way to meditate on the Word than to have it in our minds and memories. “For the Word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” (Heb 4:12)
- It fuels our witness. The Word of God is an incorruptible seed and when you use it while witnessing, it “cuts to the heart” with powerful and irrefutable truth. “And always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear.” (Heb 4:12) “But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asks you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear.” (1Pt 3:15)
- It will fill your minds with things above. “Whatever is true or honorable or right or pure, lovely, admirable, and excellent things.” (Phil 4:8) “Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.” (2 Peter 1:3-4)
- It will allow you to encourage fellow believers. “A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in a setting of silver.” (Prov 25:11) God has this incredible way of bringing Scripture to mind at the very moment we need it most. “Encourage one another with these Words.” (1 Thes 4:18)
- It will draw you closer to God. There is no better way to know Him than to know His Word. “Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can you, except you abide in Me.” (Jn 15:4,5)
- It will allow you to find great delight in His Word, and to carry it with you always, keeping your hearts in tune with His. “How sweet are His words!” (Ps 119:103)
Your prayer life will be strengthened. Your witnessing will be sharper and much more effective. Your attitude and outlook will begin to change. Your mind will become alert and observant. It’ll strengthen righteous living. Your confidence and assurance will be enhanced. Your faith will be solidified.
There are many different ways to memorize. One of the best, is to pair up a Scripture to a tune, or a song. You can look up online different ways and choose one that you’ll like. Here are some basic tips that will get you started. (BTW, Always memorize from the same Bible version.)
Tips on memorization:
- Set aside 15 minutes, first thing in the morning.
- Read it out loud three times first.
- Meditate on the passage. Reflect on each word, each sentence, and invite the Spirit to imprint it upon your heart.
- Keep on repeating, say it often.
- Review them before falling asleep.
You’re welcome to DOWNLOAD the “Memo Book” HERE. It’s FREE.
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As a parent, you’d do well to encourage Scripture memorization with your children. Here are some practical ways of memorizing with children.
https://encouragingmomsathome.com/scripture-memory-techniques-ways-to-make-it-happen
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God also commands us to MEMORIZE Scripture through the following SCRIPTURES:
“This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do all that is written in it.” Joshua 1:8
“You shall therefore lay up these words of mine in your heart and in your soul, and you shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes.” Deuteronomy 11:18
“I will delight in Your statutes; I will not forget your Word.” Psalm 11
“But He answered, ‘It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every Word that comes from the mouth of God.'” Matthew 4:4
“Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one! You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength. And these Words which I command you today shall be in your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up.” Deuteronomy 6:4-6
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