I did not follow my own advice. When I decided to memorize the book of Romans, I knew it would be a several-year marathon. But I didn’t want to have to wait years to get to chapter 8, so I decided to start the book on the back half, chapters 8-16. My rationale was that right now I didn’t need more doctrine—I just needed a kick in the pants to live the doctrine I … 
Are you feeling a bit weary? Me too. I have no pressing hardships to complain about. My routine has changed very little (I’ve always had a home office). But I’m having trouble focusing. I’m easily distracted—sometimes for hours. My mind keeps drifting to an unsettled place—questions with no answers, hypotheticals that seem unthinkable, no place to run or hide. I remind myself of the truth that I teach others: you cannot erase negative thoughts—you must replace them. And … 
Inspiration drives many of us to memorize Scripture, but equally important, the practical aspects need to be in place, so that we keep at it for the long haul. With jam-packed lives, running from one event to the next, how do we keep room in our schedules for memorizing and reviewing? I saw an illustration this morning. I live in a neighborhood filled with townhouses, apartments, and patio homes with no backyards. … 
“How in the world do you remember all that Scripture?” A common question with a simple answer. I review! The human brain doesn’t store everything it comes across. When information is important and you want to remember it, you tell your brain to store it by reviewing the information over and over. Things as simple as learning the days of the week, to more complicated concepts like chemistry symbols, all require memorizing and … 
Have you noticed in the last few days, posts in the blogosphere warnings against making New Year’s Resolutions? “They are a guilt-inducing manipulation of over-achievers that end up leaving you discouraged and unmotivated.” OK, I get what they’re saying. But, in the spirit of balance, may I offer you my take on resolutions? I support New Year’s resolutions for these 5 reasons: • Resolutions identify what we are striving for in the Christian life. … |