Finally…

I did it. Finally. . .

I finished memorizing the book of James.

I thought it would take me about 6 months, instead it took over a year. . . SIGH.

The good thing is I am now DONE! I am doing a happy dance. I plan on reciting James in a YouTube video in the near future. Stay tuned.

Now I want to go back over the verses I memorized the year before last and work on them again. I want it all to stay in my head instead of flitting in and out.

So I decided to post the verses I am working on memorizing each week on Monday. We all need Scripture in our heads if we ever long to have it in our hearts. I am going to start with Phillipians 2:3-8. It says:

Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death— even death on a cross!

Here are a few keys I use in helping me memorize.

1. I start by memorizing phrases not sentences. For the above verses I may start off with saying, “Do nothing.” I would repeat it over and over and over in my head and out loud until I knew the verse started with “Do nothing.” Then I would add the next few words or phrases and repeat them over and over. Don’t try to memorize a sentence or a verse. Start by memorizing a short phrase.
2. Emphasize different words as you say the verse. Perhaps one time you would say, “DO nothing out of. . .” Then the next time you may say, “Do NOTHING out of. . .” This way you learn each word in the phrase and it helps solidify the order of the words.
3. Consider putting the verse to a simple tune or making hand motions to the verse. Music and physical movements help our brains work differently. These techniques may help you become a master memorizer.
4. Repetition is the key. Work on scripture memory three times a day. First thing in the morning, over lunch, and last thing before you sleep. I often worked on James as I showered or brushed my teeth.
5. Consider recording yourself reading the verse or verses you are memorizing.
6. Ask someone to test you as you become more confident. Having someone reading the text as you recite helps you find errors you may have overlooked.
7. Review. It is important to review the verses you have learned so they don’t flit in and out of your head. For verses you have recently memorized you need to practice them daily for a few weeks, then weekly for a few months, then monthly for a year or so. This way the verses are lifelong memories.

Any of you want to join me in scripture memory? Would you leave a comment with the verse or verses you are working on this week? I’d love to know and encourage you by praying for you as you memorize.

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