Scripture Memory
By
Elder Ray Wagstaff
Psalms 119:11
Your word I have hidden in my heart, That I might not sin against You.
Take some steps toward Scripture memory!
1. Read the reference, read the verse, read the reference again.
2. Now break the verse down by the punctuation in it.
*Read the verse to first punctuation mark out loud
* Repeat it out loud from memory
* Try putting a rhythm, tune, or inflections to your voice
* Use kinesthetic motion and/or mental picture with verse
*Don' forget to say the reference before and after each try
3. Once you have the first section down, repeat
this process by adding the next section until you are to the end of the verse.
4. You can do it!!
1. Read the reference, read the verse, read the reference again.
2. Now break the verse down by the punctuation in it.
*Read the verse to first punctuation mark out loud
* Repeat it out loud from memory
* Try putting a rhythm, tune, or inflections to your voice
* Use kinesthetic motion and/or mental picture with verse
*Don' forget to say the reference before and after each try
3. Once you have the first section down, repeat
this process by adding the next section until you are to the end of the verse.
4. You can do it!!
Proverbs 30:5
Every word of God is tested; He is a shield to those who take refuge in Him
Proverbs 30:5
When we are in school, we have textbooks to use. As we read them, we usually don’t critically decide, in our own mind, whether the contents are genuine and true. We accept them as such. We seldom go beyond praying that there’s not a pop quiz today (Who says there’s no prayer in schools?). Reference books have been tried and, to our mind, proven. They contain enough so that we can learn from them.
God’s Word is proven as well. This Proverb is a caution not to add to, or take away from, His Word. There is a strong warning from God in Deuteronomy 4:2 that we should not add to the Word or take away from it. But through the centuries since Jesus walked the earth, religions have done just that. The Jewish Talmud added some sixty volumes of interpretation to the law. Jehovah’s Witnesses have added to Scripture, especially the Gospel of John, words that completely distort the meaning of the text. Mormons have selectively edited out, and edited in, text that advances the flawed vision of their prophet, Joseph Smith.
Read the admonition in Revelation 22:18—19. Take God at His Word; no more, no less.
Every word of God is tested; He is a shield to those who take refuge in Him
Proverbs 30:5
When we are in school, we have textbooks to use. As we read them, we usually don’t critically decide, in our own mind, whether the contents are genuine and true. We accept them as such. We seldom go beyond praying that there’s not a pop quiz today (Who says there’s no prayer in schools?). Reference books have been tried and, to our mind, proven. They contain enough so that we can learn from them.
God’s Word is proven as well. This Proverb is a caution not to add to, or take away from, His Word. There is a strong warning from God in Deuteronomy 4:2 that we should not add to the Word or take away from it. But through the centuries since Jesus walked the earth, religions have done just that. The Jewish Talmud added some sixty volumes of interpretation to the law. Jehovah’s Witnesses have added to Scripture, especially the Gospel of John, words that completely distort the meaning of the text. Mormons have selectively edited out, and edited in, text that advances the flawed vision of their prophet, Joseph Smith.
Read the admonition in Revelation 22:18—19. Take God at His Word; no more, no less.
Ephesians 2:8—9
For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast.
Ephesians 2:8—9
Salvation is the most glorious gift we can ever receive. And here Paul reminds us that salvation is a gift from God’s grace, given to the undeserving. Our faith itself does not save us. We are saved by grace through faith. God’s grace is His free, unmerited favor. Having said that, even our faith is a gift of God. We cannot have faith in Jesus unless God does a work in us that results in faith, because we are blinded by our own deadness (Ephesians 2:1) and by the god of this world (2 Corinthians 4:4).
We are not saved by works, or by faith plus our own efforts. Whenever you add works of any kind or in any amount as a means of gaining eternal life, salvation is no longer by grace (Romans 11:6). But wait: Doesn’t James 2:26b say “…faith without works is dead”? So, the context is critical. It is entirely appropriate to respond to God’s grace by being kind, loving, and charitable. After all, we are new creatures in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17). The natural result of salvation should create in us a heart that is peaceable, joyous, and faithful. These are the kind of works that match up well with God’s grace.
For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast.
Ephesians 2:8—9
Salvation is the most glorious gift we can ever receive. And here Paul reminds us that salvation is a gift from God’s grace, given to the undeserving. Our faith itself does not save us. We are saved by grace through faith. God’s grace is His free, unmerited favor. Having said that, even our faith is a gift of God. We cannot have faith in Jesus unless God does a work in us that results in faith, because we are blinded by our own deadness (Ephesians 2:1) and by the god of this world (2 Corinthians 4:4).
We are not saved by works, or by faith plus our own efforts. Whenever you add works of any kind or in any amount as a means of gaining eternal life, salvation is no longer by grace (Romans 11:6). But wait: Doesn’t James 2:26b say “…faith without works is dead”? So, the context is critical. It is entirely appropriate to respond to God’s grace by being kind, loving, and charitable. After all, we are new creatures in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17). The natural result of salvation should create in us a heart that is peaceable, joyous, and faithful. These are the kind of works that match up well with God’s grace.
Philippians 2:13
“…for it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure.”
Philippians 2:13
The first prayer most, if not all, of us learn is the Lord’s Prayer. Part of it goes, “Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.” God is the Creator and Sustainer of all. His will, His perfect will, is to conform each of His children into the image of His Son, Jesus. The work that He does, or what He allows, in our lives has that goal. And it gives Him great pleasure as He sees us growing and maturing toward that goal. He is pleased with us. He is for us, not against us, even when we fall short.
God exerts a moral influence over us, and in response to that influence we choose to obey Him. We obey from our free will because we love Him and want to please Him. God does not, will not, compel obedience if we are determined to disobey. In other words, it is God who puts within us the desire to do His will in the first place. Then He also works in us the power to carry out that desire.
“…for it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure.”
Philippians 2:13
The first prayer most, if not all, of us learn is the Lord’s Prayer. Part of it goes, “Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.” God is the Creator and Sustainer of all. His will, His perfect will, is to conform each of His children into the image of His Son, Jesus. The work that He does, or what He allows, in our lives has that goal. And it gives Him great pleasure as He sees us growing and maturing toward that goal. He is pleased with us. He is for us, not against us, even when we fall short.
God exerts a moral influence over us, and in response to that influence we choose to obey Him. We obey from our free will because we love Him and want to please Him. God does not, will not, compel obedience if we are determined to disobey. In other words, it is God who puts within us the desire to do His will in the first place. Then He also works in us the power to carry out that desire.
Psalm 46:1
“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” (NASB)
Psalm 46:1
God is many things, no doubt. He is our Shelter, Provider, Comforter, Intercessor, Physician, Healer, Friend. And this is a woefully inadequate list of His attributes. This Psalm verse highlights what He can be to us in times of conflict, crisis, and challenges. We have nothing to fear because God is with us. And if He is with us, who (or what) is against us? (Romans 8:31) Another way to read the last part of this verse is “abundantly available for help in tight places”.
One of my sources for this verse says that this Psalm was the inspiration for Martin Luther to write the hymn “A Mighty Fortress Is Our God.” Historically, the background of this Psalm is thought to be the supernatural and miraculous deliverance of Jerusalem when it was besieged by the Assyrians, led by Sennacherib (2 Kings 18:13–19:35; Isaiah 36:1–37:36). After the Assyrians were defeated, Sennacherib went back to his home in (drum roll, please) Nineveh!
James 4:17
Therefore, to one who knows the right thing to do and does not do it, to him it is sin. ((NKJV)
James 4:17
We are accountable for what we know. Once we are taught a thing, we are responsible for it. Once we hear, once we know, we should obey. If we consciously choose to be disobedient, we are in rebellion against God. And that is serious business. It’s sin, with potentially dire consequences. It’s a serious sin, equivalent to witchcraft: “For rebellion is as the sin of divination (witchcraft), and insubordination is as iniquity and idolatry.” (1 Samuel 15:23a) Rebelling against God or disobeying him because you are proud is just as bad as worshiping idols or asking them for advice. If you are in rebellion against God in any area, repent. Turn away from your disobedience and turn back to Him with a sincere heart. He waits with open arms to receive you back. But He will not force or compel you to do the right thing. It’s up to you to make the first move.
Psalm 90:12
So teach us to number our days, that we may present to You a heart of wisdom.
Psalm 90:12
What does it mean to “number our days”? If I’m 70 years old, I’m also 25,550 days old (not allowing for leap years). But the meaning goes deeper than just the arithmetic. Numbering our days means to think about them carefully, to weigh them considering the brief period our bodies are alive. Our physical life is fleeting and uncertain. James 4:14 says (in part), “You are just a vapor that appears for a little while and then vanishes away.” Numbering our days means to occupy them with things that will endure. Eternal things.
Wisdom can be thought of as accumulated learning, insight, and good judgment. God puts a premium on wisdom. Wisdom is mentioned over 200 times in Scripture. He wants us to be wise and not foolish, to use our knowledge and experience to grow more Christ-like. Ephesians 5:15—16 says, “Therefore be careful how you walk, not as unwise men but as wise, making the most of our time, because the days are evil.” Living our lives wisely is an offering of thanksgiving and praise to the Lord. “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom…” (Psalm 111:10a, Proverbs 9:10a)
So teach us to number our days, that we may present to You a heart of wisdom.
Psalm 90:12
What does it mean to “number our days”? If I’m 70 years old, I’m also 25,550 days old (not allowing for leap years). But the meaning goes deeper than just the arithmetic. Numbering our days means to think about them carefully, to weigh them considering the brief period our bodies are alive. Our physical life is fleeting and uncertain. James 4:14 says (in part), “You are just a vapor that appears for a little while and then vanishes away.” Numbering our days means to occupy them with things that will endure. Eternal things.
Wisdom can be thought of as accumulated learning, insight, and good judgment. God puts a premium on wisdom. Wisdom is mentioned over 200 times in Scripture. He wants us to be wise and not foolish, to use our knowledge and experience to grow more Christ-like. Ephesians 5:15—16 says, “Therefore be careful how you walk, not as unwise men but as wise, making the most of our time, because the days are evil.” Living our lives wisely is an offering of thanksgiving and praise to the Lord. “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom…” (Psalm 111:10a, Proverbs 9:10a)
