I have only been memorizing scripture since April 2014. I went to a retreat and the speaker did a session on bible memorization, telling us how it changed her life. She taught us the technique she used. After the retreat I decided to commit myself to trying to memorize verses from the bible. I have to confess that I had my doubts how doing this could “change my life” like the speaker said it had changed hers. Praise God, for he wasted no time showing me the power of His word and trusting him.
The first verse I memorized was from the retreat. Ephesians 4: 23-24
“Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. Put on your new nature, created to be like God – truly righteous and holy”. That verse has helped me on multiple occasions since April.
Within days I was led to 1 John 1: 5-7, and remember thinking “That’s 3 verses. I don’t know if I can do that many.” It is crazy to believe that within hours I had almost all of it memorized. Now, 5 months later I am memorizing my second book. James 1 was the first one I tackled and now I’m starting to work on Romans 8. Who knew!
I have seen the power of God’s word working in my heart and soul these past 5 months. I am so thankful I was wrong that memorizing God’s word could change my life. I can’t wait to see what else God has in store for me in the months and years to come.
Amy, thanks for sharing. When I started memorizing a chapter in the Bible I was so intimidated and knew it just wasn’t possible for me to do. Praise God that He did it in me and I, like you, have been so blessed through the process. Thanks for encouraging us to remember that God really does use His words to change our lives.
Hi Amy, When I first started memorizing, over 20 years ago, I didn’t tell anyone because I was afraid that I would fail. One verse at a time and then one book at a time, God showed me that of course I can memorize his Word. So proud of you. Keep going and let us know your progress and how we can encourage you.
Hi Amy. We seem to have a common thread…I, too, was afraid of failure and told no one that I was memorizing James. Before my eyes God gave me that book one verse at a time as he enabled my mind to store away his word. I think he takes our admission of inadequacy coupled with our willingness to try and adds his power to take us places we never dreamed we could go with him. Here I am years later having memorized several other books and knowing his word this way is transforming the way I think and live. I am excited for you, Amy, because I know as you press on with scripture memory, you will discover great and unsearchable things about our God that you did not know.
Amy, how exciting to read your story. The more and more I read stories like yours and so many others, there is such a similar connection. “Can I do this? What if I fail?” I have so far memorized (in order) Psm 1, Romans 8, Romans 1 & 2 (working through entire book), and now Psm 139. Personally, the hardest part is the actual memorization. I read, and read and read, and “feel” as though it will never come, then, all of a sudden, boom! Its there, I have it memorized!! Now, it’s so exciting. Confessing, frustrating initially, but oh so exciting once it actually “clicks”. How wonderful is God’s word. By the way, I have only been at it for about a year. I guess it takes me about a month to get a paragraph down. So, you’re doing much better than I am, but in the words of Winston Churchill, “Never, never, never give up.” ( at least memorizing scripture.
Thank you all for the encouraging words. I am trying not to think of how long Romans 8 is, then I say “it is only a few more than James 1 so no big deal”. So true to focus on 1 verse at a time. I know God will bless me during this time as I work on Romans 8. I can not wait to see what doors in my heart he opens along the way. I too encourage all to take the leap of faith like we have for you will be blessed. To God be the glory!
Thankyou for sharing your story, Amy – thrilling!! I have found often that if I am out walking and reviewing a passage that I am memorizing and I get ‘stuck’ I say, “Right my Father, what comes next?” and I can’t think of an occasion when He has not answered that prayer – by His Holy Spirit the next bit drops into my mind and I can go on. A verse I have been thinking on recently is from 1 Peter, “…that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light”, wow, what a thought!
Amy, I am blessed beyond measure by your testimony of the transforming power at work in your life as you memorize Scripture. You were God’s answer to our prayer that at least one woman at the retreat would discover the delight of His Word in a new and deeper way as a result of this precious discipline. It is a privilege to regularly share our newest insights and how God is using His Word in our hearts to change us and to help others. So good!!
It’s hard to imagine about one year ago Christine asked you to be our retreat speaker. After her sudden death, God helped me through my grief by developing a relationship with you. From speaker to friend in a blink of an eye. Thank you for your teaching, encouragement, friendship and introducing me to this community. God’s blessings just keep on coming one verse at a time.