I am terrible at remembering details. And for most of my life as a believer, I could not recall Scripture verses no matter how I tried, where they were or what they said. I’d go looking for a passage and the ‘address’ would escape me. I’d mumble, “It’s in the Bible….well, it’s in the Old Testament. No, New Testament. Well, it’s in the Bible.”
Or something like that.
It bothered me that my brain lacked what I needed to memorize Scripture.
All of that changed in February of 2009 when I visited a friend’s Bible Study. I had a super Holy Ghost touch that went right through me, Spirit Soul and Body. (For those of you who want to stop reading now, I totally understand if it makes you uncomfortable.)
But it’s true—I had a live encounter with the power of God that cleaned me out, healed me and set my mind free. I don’t know how else to say it. (You can read more about it here.) Since that healing touch from God I remember stuff; and happily I remember where things are in the Bible. I am pretty amazed.
I knew God’s word was my daily bread but for 40 some years I couldn’t keep it in my system. Now I’m excited about feasting daily on the manna God has for me.
My discovery?
I joined an online group called Do Not Depart via their website and Facebook. The group is led by the encouraging and inspirational Lisa Burgess, a loosely organized 300 + member group that is centered on one thing—soaking in God’s Word.
Not to be perfect about it. ‘Cause we are So Not….trust me, we’ve talked about this as we write our success stories or our “I am so behind, I wanna give up” posts.
We’re not participating to prove how smart we are. ‘Cause we are So Not. (see above).
It is because I know (we know) that if even one little seed of God’s LIVING WORD
stays and grows in my Spirit that when I need that seed,
watered over time, I’ll be able to ‘pick’ the fruit of it
when I need it the most.
We finished memorizing Isaiah 55 a few weeks ago and our Summer challenge is John Chapter 15, The ‘Abide’ chapter. The Vine and Branches chapter. The one with the verses you probably already have heard a hundred times or more.
One way of memorizing that works for me is to print out the verses on little cards, put them on a key ring and read them out loud while I ride my stationery bike in the morning. I learn best while I’m moving…..maybe that’d work for you.
One way of memorizing that works for me is to print out the verses on little cards, put them on a key ring and read them out loud while I ride my stationery bike in the morning. I learn best while I’m moving…..maybe that’d work for you.
I’d encourage you to join us. There are only 27 verses—we’re reviewing two per week—and we’re starting Week Two today (June 9th). It’s not too late.
(p.s. I just checked the Facebook page–there are 415 members!)
Everything’s easier in Community–join us?
You can sign up here.
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Think you can’t do it? Life too busy? Need more encouragement?
Read my (irl) friend Christy Krispin’s take on the importance of being in God’s Word–
her blog post is called ‘Baby Powder on my Bible.’
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Linking with the New (but not really) Community
at Soli Deo Gloria Sisterhood. Join us!
~~~~~~~~
Think you can’t do it? Life too busy? Need more encouragement?
Read my (irl) friend Christy Krispin’s take on the importance of being in God’s Word–
her blog post is called ‘Baby Powder on my Bible.’
~~~~~~~~
Linking with the New (but not really) Community
at Soli Deo Gloria Sisterhood. Join us!
Sounds amazing!! I love writing a verse on an index card and carrying it around with me until I know it.
I also love Biblegateway because I transverse numbers all.the.time.
I love how God can change us instantly to be more like Him!!
Looking forward to knowing you more through SDG. 🙂
Memorizing has gotten a bit harder as I age. I can see how encouraging it would be do do it with others. I love this chapter. And how refreshing that it's not about being perfect!
Sounds like a wonderful community! So nice to meet you through SDG!
Sounds like a great way to do it together.
Fondly,
Glenda
Oh, Emily, the Father is just so glad that we even TRY to fall in His direction–looking to Him to feed us. Thanks for reading!
This is really motivational for me. I keep trying to memorize scripture and joined an online community to do just that this year and it was great for a while and then I just forgot about it! Details are not my strong suit and memorizing has always been hard for me but I know God wants His word in my heart…praying he'll break through 🙂
Visiting from SDG
Wow, Jody. I continue to be blessed walking alongside truth-seeking believers like you. I'm so glad you're part of our Hide His Word community.
I love you sharing that we don't do this to get it perfect or to prove how smart we are, but because we want God to keep planting seeds in us and develop it into fruit. Such a beautiful truth to perfectly match our John 15 verses!