Six years ago I convinced my 9th grade Sunday school class to memorize Philippians with me. They stuck with it for about 10-15 verses and then fizzled out. I made it almost through the first chapter before I quit. Since then I have wanted to begin again and finish what I started and even tried a few times, not getting very far.
Last November I began anew and recruited several ladies to form a group to meet once a month to encourage one another and hold each other accountable. Our first meeting was in November, not a great time to begin, but we made it through the holidays and are continuing to meet. We are all working on different passages and none of us really enjoys quoting in front of one another, but when we finish each month there is joy and satisfaction in persevering in scripture memorization. And we are making progress.
As I have meditated on and repeated the first chapter of Philippians God has spoken through Paul’s words to me when he said that he desired “to depart and be with Christ, which it was better by far”… There are times when, because of physical pain and some difficult circumstances I find myself wanting to depart and be with Christ. “but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body. Convinced of that I know I will remain” and continue with those that God has given me to teach and lead and encourage. God has used the very words I am repeating over and over to change my outlook on my life and my purpose for living. He has given me direction and hope.
And when I speak God’s words, I am worshiping Him and I feel His pleasure.
Barbara, I want to encourage you to continue! I have been praying about starting a group in my area and you have encouraged me. I am currently memorizing John chapter 1 and I can hardly say those words back to Him without weeping, so I know He is doing a work in my heart. When I say “the word became flesh” I realize why I love His word so much. It is such a gift of love to us, to know His word better, is to know Him better. Keep up the good work!, In His love and mine, Vickie
Great Story Barbara
It is so cool how God gave you the desire to memorize scripture. As you know there is nothing better than feeding on God’s word, he is always faithful to give us what we need when we need it. I have no doubt that your story will bring Glory to God’s name.
BARBARA,
Great story of encouragement to persevere in memorization of God’s word.I agree that memorization is a real way of drawing into the presence of God to worship Him. Thank you for your story. Very encouraging.
Thank you Barbara for your sweet message and for starting our group. Indeed He is using you to teach and encourage others, myself included. Thank you for your obedience to His calling. I thank my God every time I remember you.
Thanks for sharing, Barbara! Your story spurs me toward my desire to initiate a group near me too!
Barbara, thank you for sharing! What an encouragment you are for us to never give up. We should never be ashamed to get back on track after a setback. We are “being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ;” (Philippians 1:6 NKJV)
Barbara, thank you for giving us a glimpse into your heart. I have been amazed myself at times at how the verses I am memorizing seem to be written just for me. You are such a faithful servant and I am just one among so many who have benefitted from your teaching and encouragement. Thank you for persevering in the midst of difficulty. You are modeling for us what it looks like to search God out and heed his word.
Vickie and Karen organizing a group was the easy part. I simply asked on Facebook (1 responded) and in a Bible study group (4 responded)and a group was born. We met and set a day, time, and place. We meet at the church where I am a member. We pray, share what we are working on and then visit for the remainder of the hour. It is an open group and when we get too large to manage we will form more groups. I need accountability. Debbie, Maureen, Carolyn, and Richie, you are such encouragers.
Thanks Mickey and Paulette for your comments. It’s a little intimidating to put your story out for friends and strangers to read.
Thanks Barbara. I love it when He uses the Scripture we are working on to change our lives. So glad you now have a group to encourage one another!
Barbara
I want to encourage you today that your story is one that will give hope to so many. More people are in your boat than are in the boat of having memorized several chapters and books. You are in a place right now where others could look and say, “wow, she started and stopped…than started again… Ok I don’t feel so intimidated.., maybe I’ll try it”. Once they do and they see the spiritual shot in the arm it is and how they know God so much more, they’re hooked like the rest of us in the memorization community. Could there be a better thing to be hooked on? Keep memorizing Barbara. Really. Philippians 2 is so cool, because it has a lot of verses you’ve heard many times and you will love to recite it while driving or doing chores and you will love how the Holy Spirit will use it in your life. Thanks for sharing!
PS.. my husband is memorizing Philippians 1 as well, and its his first chapter to memorize.