Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is Godʼs will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18.
This was one of the first verses I memorized on my journey with Christ. Through this verse and others, God was extending His grace and giving me hope in the midst of my storm I was experiencing. I was living in Chicago at the time and was dealing with the aftermath of an unhealthy relationship. I was about to start my student teaching assignment and was thinking it was going to be impossible. Although through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, I started meditating on scripture on my way to school. Digesting His word and taking it to heart was helping me be the teacher I needed to be for those inner city kids. From then on, I would memorize a verse here and there.
When I moved back to Dallas, I was introduced to the Navigator Topical Memory System through my church. I memorized about 40 verses through this system. It really motivated me to memorize and review on a frequent basis, because I was experiencing more joy than I had ever experienced before. God was changing my heart in more ways than one.
A couple of years ago, I attended a Womenʼs Retreat and Janet Pope was my table leader during the group sessions. At the end of the retreat, she handed all of us her book, which inspired me to take memorizing to another level. Please do not get too excited. It has been a slow process for me. Currently, Iʼm memorizing the Sermon on the Mount and it is taking me forever!
I love to review my scriptures in the morning while Iʼm walking my dog and work on new ones in my car on my way to work. Do not let this book of the law depart from your mouth, meditate on it day and night….” Joshua 1:8.
The rest of my day is usually flawless, my thoughts do not wander and I am generally more focused on what God has for me that day. Most importantly, I am a better witness to those around me and it is always more fruitful when I can use His word instead of my own to help others.
I have been a part of the BMW (Bible Memory Women) group for the last year and a half. My favorite part of the group was not only the accountability, but also to hear His beautiful word verbally spoken by other godly women. Since I am no longer able to attend due to my schedule, I felt led to start my own. We are one month in and currently have 4 members. We are so excited and look forward to seeing what God has in store!
Hi RaeAnn!
Thanks for sharing your story. You’re inspiring me to act on my desire to start a group here.
Karen
Rae Ann, I am not familiar with BMW-is that a national organization? I’m interested & curious 🙂 Thanks & God bless.
Hi Jenny, The BMWs is a Dallas Scripture memory group that we started with 3 women and now we have 10. Elizabeth came up with the name. There are Scripture memory groups popping up around the country. Some have names, some don’t. The benefits of a group are endless, but a highlight is definitely hearing the Word of God spoken by ordinary women who are pursing a greater knowledge and deeper relationship with God.
RaeAnn ! How wonderful to know you have started a group! It is good to hear what the LORD is doing ! 🙂 Marcia
Hi Rae Ann,
Thanks for your post – I too am memorizing the Sermon on the Mount, today I am at, “When you pray….”, some of it is HARD teaching, “do not resist him who is evil, whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn to him the other also”.
Thank you so much for sharing your story, Rae Ann. I’m so excited to hear that the Lord has led you to start a new group! May the word of Christ continue to dwell in you richly and bear much fruit.
Yay, Rae Ann! Thanks for sharing your story. I’m like you in that I love to hear what others are learning. When Lise shared from Luke at the retreat, I felt like one of the disciples on a hill in Galilee. As I memorize these days I feel the same way- like one of His disciples learning directly from Him. Memorizing has drawn me closer to my Savior. And …as you said makes the whole day go better!!
Hi Rae Ann,
Was a blessing to read your story! Thanks for being such an encouragement and starting a Bible Memory group (sure enjoyed attending!) – AMEN on us being a better witness to those around us and it always being more fruitful when using His word instead of our own to help others – AMEN!
Love in Christ,
Chris
Thanks for your story. I am so excited about your new memory group but will very much miss seeing you and hearing you recite Scripture with us. What a blessing you must be to the children who are recipients of the joy you exude in Christ. Go girl!!
Rae Ann,
I loved hearing you recite from the Sermon on the Mount and am so happy to hear you started a whole new group. That is really inspiring! Please keep us updated!