Share-Your-Story Friday. Tony from MI

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A dear friend of mine sent me a video on Facebook. While viewing the video, I was in simple awe and amazement at what I was seeing. This woman was reciting the first chapter of the book of Ruth. She wasn’t reading it—she was actually reciting it. I wanted so badly to learn how she learned to do it, so after some searching, I was able to find her blog, and e-mailed her. I asked her to give me her recipe for how she learned to do it. She graciously sent me a copy of a book she had published about just exactly how she learned to memorize scripture and what a blessing it was to and for her.

Bear in mind that I am NOT an avid reader. So when I explain that I read her whole book in about three hours, that is an incredible feat for me. After I devoured the book, in the process, I also memorized Psalm 1. Since that time, I have successfully memorized Romans 8, and chapters 1 & 2 (I’m SLOWLY working at memorizing entire book of Romans). And just recently, I memorized Psalm 139 with my pastor.

For me, memorizing scripture is extremely bitter-sweet. I become very frustrated with myself during the actual memorization process, but feel overjoyed when it finally comes to light for me. As the saying goes, “I am a work in progress.” Especially when it comes to accepting my own limitations.

Comically enough, even though I have successfully memorized four chapters (with God’s grace) “my own way” I just recently discovered that if I slow it down a bit, push myself to be patient, and merely concentrate on one to two verses a day, the memorization part actually comes quicker.

I also have the ability to both read and write very small. Although I do use index cards, I discovered writing a verse or two on either masking tape, or a plastic band-aid helps me with quick reference for the day’s verse.

Another thing that I just recently discovered, if I silently recite perhaps a chapter to myself, I help myself while out hunting. So I can be watching for my game, as well as looking at the Lord.

I have no aspirations of needing to publicly recite the above noted scripture, but hopefully, I will get to the point where I will be able to state them effortlessly if the situation should ever present itself.

9 comments to Share-Your-Story Friday. Tony from MI

  • sheila payne

    I love the Friday testimonies. So encouraging. One thing that memorizing scriptures gives me hope in is my words. I generally am terrible with words–saying too much or the wrong thing altogether. I am hoping that memorizing scripture will change that. Maybe eventually enough will be in my head that scripture will replace my words.

    • Tony

      Sheila, trust me, I know the feeling. I have the exact same problem. Whether “attempting” to recite scripture, or just speaking in general. Sometimes I get the impression of myself that english is my second language. Although, if that be the case, I don’t know what my primary language is. I guess that’s where Romans 8:26 comes in. In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through. Or in some cases say in general.
      Thank you for your kind words.

  • Lise

    Wow Tony. What an encouragement. Thank you for sharing your story. I never cease to be amazed at God’s love and provision for us through His word.

  • Sue Bond

    Tony, your story is so honest and wonderful! Romans 8 was also my first long chapter to memorize and even now, several years later, it still brings back the excitement and treasure and wonderment of being able to actually put to memory God’s word. Way to go.
    I have to say that writing scripture on a Band-Aid just cracked me up. 🙂 I cannot read small any longer, thanks to being 50+, but what a great idea! I love it!
    Thanks so much for sharing.
    In Christ’s amazing love,
    Sue

  • Tony

    Sue, thank you. Although I have been a believer for several years now, the thought of really memorizing scripture just never seemed either that important yet alone doable, but having the above history, and actually doing it, I can’t imagine life now without at least giving the attempt.
    Thank you.

  • Vickie

    Tony, I love your story! I,too, become frustrated with myself and have to go slow and review, review and review some more. But the rewards are so worth it. We are all a work in progress! God Bless you brother!

    • Tony

      Vickie, I can’t say that it is not obvious to become frustrated, but it is frustrating (for me) to become frustrated. In my mind, because it is the “Word of God” I feel/think that it should be the most natural thing in the world to want to memorize His Word. Ahh, but there in itself is the problem, “the other side doesn’t want us to do it, and in fact, because we are fallen creatures, it actually goes against our very nature to even want to have anything to do with God, yet alone His Word. But thanks be to God for giving us his Son, that we can, through the Holy Spirit have any inclination at all to even want to read, yet alone want to memorize his Word. Thankfully, now, I have been doing it long enough that daily reading has become a major part of my life. Am I there? NO, but I am working at it, daily.
      Again, thank you for enjoying my story, and understanding.

  • Tony,
    Your story is very encouraging! It always amazes me at the power of hearing the Word of God spoken. I still remember the first time that I heard someone quote the Bible, just in a casual conversation. I thought, “are you a prophet or something?”

    Hey, what it the name of the book you read? I am always looking for good resources.

    Grace and peace,
    Lowe

  • Tony

    Lowe, HIS WORD IN MY HEART by Janet Pope. (Thanks to the assistance of a friend of mine.) 😉

    Thank you for your kind words.
    Brothers in Christ
    Tony