EARTHLY REWARDS
Several years ago, the man who disciples me, Peter Angier, told me that I would benefit greatly from scripture memorization. I told him in no uncertain terms that I couldn't do that. I said it just like that, "I can't memorize scripture." He said, " yes you can." I said, "NO I can't. He said, "yes you can, I said "NO I CAN'T, and I'll tell you why. I spent too many years on drugs and alcohol, steadily burning brain cells. And now I am old, so the combination of age and an already partially fried brain, just make it impossible to memorize scripture."
Peter was understanding but firm. He encouraged me to try anyway, relying on the Holy Spirit to assist me. As a result, I now consider scripture memorization an "earthly reward." I want to explain three steps.
First of all, memorize the chapter and verse number and say it before and after reciting the verse. That way the verse and it's location are linked.
Second, when you can recite the verse exactly as written, ask your wife or a friend if you can practice the verse on them. Hand them the verse written out, so they can check you for accuracy. You will find that it is one thing to say it alone, it is quite another thing to recite it out loud to another.
Finally, become so familiar with the verse that you can included it smoothly into your conversation. When that happens, you now "own" the verse. It is yours for life. You will be able to recall it when ever you want and it will serve you, encourage you and comfort you till death.
The process of "owning" a verse takes at least eight weeks. And constant review of the verses you memorize will keep them fresh and relevant in your life.
I have found that since I spend a great deal of my time in the cab of a truck, I have written out the verse in large print on a "POST IT" and stuck it to the dash. That way, when I am stuck in traffic, I can memorize and review the verse. Once the verse is comitted to memory I transfer it to a small flash card and put it with the other verse cards. These cards are easy to carry in my pocket, so when I am waiting to meet a man for lunch, or pick up my grandsons from school, or any other time that could easily be wasted, I pull out my pack of cards and review.
Nothing cuts to the truth like scripture. The Bible describes it as being sharper than a double edged sword. So I say, don't leave home without your sword.
Several years ago, the man who disciples me, Peter Angier, told me that I would benefit greatly from scripture memorization. I told him in no uncertain terms that I couldn't do that. I said it just like that, "I can't memorize scripture." He said, " yes you can." I said, "NO I can't. He said, "yes you can, I said "NO I CAN'T, and I'll tell you why. I spent too many years on drugs and alcohol, steadily burning brain cells. And now I am old, so the combination of age and an already partially fried brain, just make it impossible to memorize scripture."
Peter was understanding but firm. He encouraged me to try anyway, relying on the Holy Spirit to assist me. As a result, I now consider scripture memorization an "earthly reward." I want to explain three steps.
First of all, memorize the chapter and verse number and say it before and after reciting the verse. That way the verse and it's location are linked.
Second, when you can recite the verse exactly as written, ask your wife or a friend if you can practice the verse on them. Hand them the verse written out, so they can check you for accuracy. You will find that it is one thing to say it alone, it is quite another thing to recite it out loud to another.
Finally, become so familiar with the verse that you can included it smoothly into your conversation. When that happens, you now "own" the verse. It is yours for life. You will be able to recall it when ever you want and it will serve you, encourage you and comfort you till death.
The process of "owning" a verse takes at least eight weeks. And constant review of the verses you memorize will keep them fresh and relevant in your life.
I have found that since I spend a great deal of my time in the cab of a truck, I have written out the verse in large print on a "POST IT" and stuck it to the dash. That way, when I am stuck in traffic, I can memorize and review the verse. Once the verse is comitted to memory I transfer it to a small flash card and put it with the other verse cards. These cards are easy to carry in my pocket, so when I am waiting to meet a man for lunch, or pick up my grandsons from school, or any other time that could easily be wasted, I pull out my pack of cards and review.
Nothing cuts to the truth like scripture. The Bible describes it as being sharper than a double edged sword. So I say, don't leave home without your sword.
posted by Terry L. Burr | 2:27 PM
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