Welcome to our online community. Come and converse with others who memorize the Bible. Who might that include, you wonder. A soon-to-be prisoner in a communist cell? A clandestine missionary in hostile territory? A social recluse, with musty curtains drawn and hours unscheduled? Surely not the savvy, equipped with a Bible App.
We memorize the Bible for the same reason others store away lines from poems and songs, movies and speeches. Shakespeare devotees still thrive in the 21st century. We borrow the beauty and strength found in someone else’s words, and take ownership –mantras we wish we could have said. We walk with Robert Frost in The Road Not Taken. We taste the bitterness of another in, I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings. Patriotism wells up as we pledge allegiance to the flag. Beach Boys’ lyrics take us back to a carefree place and time. Memorized lines connect us to those who penned them. They take abstract longings and give them a stage. Words wound. And heal. For better or worse, whether true or false, what we memorize becomes part of us.
I memorize the Bible likewise. The Book of Books connects me to the Author of all. His Word rescues me from my world and ushers me into his. As he unveils his thoughts and unfolds his plan, I embrace him for who he is, and slowly let go of who I want him to be. In time, my watered soil responds to the One who loved me first. I recite aloud the Sermon on the Mount and with each line conviction builds. I choose the narrow road and reject the one that glitters. Living words linger in my mind and filter out the chatter.
When goblins swallow me up, and phantoms rob my sleep, I run to Psalm 27. Light dispels the darkness and calms my fluttered heart. The words of David become my words of worship, as I repeat them back to God.
Why do we memorize the Bible? Because it takes us where we cannot go ourselves— to pinnacles of joy, and depths of knowing God. To truth revealed, and mysteries concealed. Come and join us. You’ll find a new blog post every Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Let me know the topics you’d like to cover and the questions you’d like answered.
I love memorizing God’s word also… There is no better way to capture my thoughts: Phil 4:8 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. Scripture helps me combat the enemy’s attempt at making me anxious or fearful. My mind cannot be void of thoughts–it is impossible to not think about anything-it must be filled with something! I love to fill it with the word of God!
Elizabeth, You are right—the brain will focus on something so we may as well think God’s thoughts. That’s a huge benefit for me in memorizing throughout the day. Let’s keep encouraging one another. Janet
You are so right, Janet – memorized words do connect us to those who penned them. Whether it’s a song or poem or the Bible, someone is behind the words. We really are discovering the authors more than we are just humming the tune or reciting verses. How exciting to think that I can discover more about my Creator by connecting my mind to His words!
Hi Richie, I heard an old hymn on the radio this morning. It took me back many years to a season of growth and joy. It was another example of the power of the words we memorize.Truth transforms! Janet
As you stated below: “Memorized lines connect us to those who penned them.” Plus, as you know – we who recited scripture also connect the person who is listening to God’s word too. Cute little story: The other day I was given my son a life lesson about how small things can cause big changes. In my conversation, I quoted the verse from James to demonstrate the point (he did not know it was from James at the time)… “take ships for an example, even though they are so large and can be driven by strong winds, they are steered by a very small rudder wherever the pilot needs to go.” Then later on he realized that I used my memorization of scripture to pen God’s Word on his heart. He chuckled and also valued those words even more.
Hi Tammy, What a privilege to share God’s Word with your son—practical, living words that penetrate deep. And a precious memory for both of you.
I am so excited to see that you are starting a blog community! This is fantastic! I loved your book and it started me memorizing. I was really surprised how it really was not only easier to memorize a verse a day but how much it really helped me learn to meditate on the Scriptures. I am still new to the journey but I know God is really using this in my life. Anyways, super happy that you have made a place where we can come and be encouraged! Thank you!
Elizabeth, Welcome! I knew there were people out there like you, because of the emails i have received over the years. Please join us when you can, and let me know any topics or questions you’d like addressed. This is going to be fun for all of us.
Yes, I actually had emailed you earlier this year! 🙂 I definitely will be reading MWF! I have a question I have been wondering- do you like to memorize from the same book you are studying or is it better to be memorizing from a different area in the Bible than what you are currently studying?
Elizabeth, You can actually do it either way. I used to memorize something different than what I was studying. But now I like to study the book at the same time I am memorizing it. There are benefits either way so try it one way and then try it the other way and see which you prefer.
Ok- thanks Janet! I will try both and see which is a better “fit” 🙂
I guess you could say that I’m a Bible memory drop-out (from many years ago). And, I come to this group reluctantly and with great trepidation–not because the desire is not there, but because I’m afraid I’ll fizzle out. Please pray for me. I have God’s Word in my heart, but it is mostly principles and paraphrases from years of Bible study. I want to go deeper in my understanding of God and in my relationship with Him by memorizing entire books. This is an added layer to knowing God I think. We’ll see!
Teresa, You are definitely not alone. When I first started memorizing I only told one friend and my husband. I too was afraid I’d get halfway through and then quit. I think everyone feels that way at first. My recommendation is to start with something very short, like Psalm 1, or another short psalm. It can be done in a few days and that builds up your confidence for another psalm. After you have done 4 psalms you feel confident that you could take on a longer passage, even a chapter. Longer passages are not more difficult than memorizing one verse —it just takes longer. Stick your big toe into the deep end and then dive in!
Thanks, Janet! Glad to know I’m not alone! I was going to start with Colossians, but I see the wisdom in building confidence. Psalm 1 sounds perfect!
Janet,
You’re a ROCK STAR! Welcome to the blogging world! This is such a great use of the internet.
Paige, Glad you checked it out. Keep coming and I’ll make sure to write substantive posts that meet your needs. We are all needy souls here pointing each other to the water of life.
I am very excited about your blog and looking forward to being encouraged each week in meditating on God’s Word. I love what you said about memorizing the Bible taking us to a place we cannot go – to pinnacles of joy and the depths of knowing God. SO TRUE!! I would not understand this without experiencing it myself. I am encouraged today and press on toward knowing personally the God of the universe. “Now this is eternal life: that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent.” John 17:3
Susan, I too am excited and believe that God is in this. Since our purpose is to grow together to know and love him more, he will bring the thirsty and those who are ready to give it a try. Thank you dear friend for all your encouragement.
I love that Janet has started this website. I teach her book “His Word Hidden In My Heart” at Lockhart prison. We are blessed to be inspired by her words and her commitment to our Lord and Savior, Jeaus Chrost. We are memorizing the Sermon on the Mount and Janet came and recited it for us last April.
Hi DeLynn, You are having an incredible ministry with those precious ladies. God’s Word is transforming their hearts and making them freer than they have ever been. I’d love to come back again and bring some friends who will also be moved by what God is doing there at Lockhart.
Psalm 119:11 “Your word have I hid in my heart, that I might not sin against you.” Truly is amazing how the Lord is helping me hide His Word in my heart whereby He is putting a fortress around my thinking, helping me to take my thoughts captive – I feel like I am at a higher level of standing alert with my thoughts since memorizing scriptures, Praise the LORD! Thank you Janet so much for your encouragement and book which have been an instrument in the Lord’s Hand in igniting a flame in my heart to memorize books of the Bible without being intimidated but instead trusting in the LORD to work in me what He asks me to do in Psalm 119:11. Also, I’ve noticed since memorizing more of God’s Word that He has given me more clarity in my thinking and decision making. The LORD truly desires to transform our thinking and set us free from the lies of the world, flesh, devil! Glory to God who sets the captives free indeed, amen!
Psalm 104:1
Praise the LORD, my soul. LORD my God, you are very great; you are clothed with splendor and majesty.
Chris, I am so proud of you, and more than that I’m so thrilled for you that God is taking you deeper. There is no limit on what God wants to do in and through our lives.
I find myself talking about prayer a lot and then thinking I did it. For the past few months, I’ve really started sitting with God and talking to Him in prayer, but the one thing I feel that’s missing is scripture. I want to be able to speak God’s Word back to Him and FIGHT satan with it! I’m really excited for this blog and for the posts to come!
Hi Lindsay, One of the greatest benefits of Scripture memory is prayer. That is actually my topic for the blog next Monday so stay tuned. It took me many years to really feel adequate in my prayer life.
I can’t wait!!