I have always been intimidated by scripture memory. For whatever reason it seemed too difficult to accomplish–too lofty a goal. Don’t get me wrong, I could memorize a verse here or there, and growing up, I did. But as far as large passages, forget it! I had just never really tried.
But there is something to be said for growth in a group–radical change in community.
I joined a 6-week discipleship group two summers ago as part of women’s ministry leadership training, and part of the challenge was to memorize scripture–big passages of scripture. And I won’t lie, I was resistant, mostly because I didn’t think I could do it. But several of my close friends were in the group, and I wanted to stay in leadership, so I didn’t quit. And slowly I did it, I began to memorize.
I carried my prompt cards with me everywhere, had the kids quiz me in the car, and reviewed the verses in my head over and over. In fact I was so preoccupied with learning my verses for the week and establishing the habit of reading my Bible and journaling, I had little time for anything else peripheral, and found myself meditating continuously, and in the process, memorizing.
And ever since, I’ve been passionate about scripture memory. Primarily because it is the tool by which my mind meditates and digests scripture. It’s the way God’s Word can always be with me–hidden deep in my heart. And it is the mode by which the Holy Spirit can encourage me, and use me to encourage others.
And so this is the end of week 4, memorizing the sermon on the mount … as inspired by Ann Voskamp, and supported by a Facebook group full of local friends.
Change is most successful if it is radical, in the context of community.
And I’m loving the transformation the change is providing.
This week, a video from me to you: my recitation of Matthew 5:1-10 (ESV). I’m linking up with Ann, to recite my memory work so far, and to share with you a little bit of my world.
And this week on to Matthew 5:11-12 (ESV)…
May your week be blessed as you spend time letting God’s wonderful love letter soak deep into your heart. We’re in this together!
Have you found scripture memory intimidating?
Is change, in general, a challenge for you too?
How have you overcome?
Other posts in this series:
~Memorizing the Sermon on the Mount
~For When You Want to Know How to Really Teach {Week 1}
~For When You Need to Quit Performing to Earn God’s Love and Blessing {Week 2}
~When You Long to be Satisfied and Supremely Happy {Week 3}
**For additional help, ideas, and tools for memorizing, visit A Holy Experience to learn more…
Ro elliott says
oh my…your view is just breath taking…I am not sure I would ever want to go inside:) Well done…so sweet to hear you kind voice. I may have to do one of these sometime…have a great day…blessings to you my friend.
Jacque Watkins says
Yes! You should do one too 🙂 Have a wonderful day!
Lisagburgess says
I’m so glad you linked up at Do Not Depart with this beautiful video. It gives me a better feel for what people might have been seeing when Jesus was saying those words on a mountainside (well, minus the swimming pool, ha–but seeing that also refreshes me!).
And your testimony to scripture memory is very encouraging. I never thought I’d be able to memorize long passages either, but once I started (also at the prompting of friends), I never turned back. It’s one of the most precious spiritual disciplines to me.
Thanks!
Jacque Watkins says
Thank you so much Lisa, I appreciate all you do and am so thankful you stopped in, have a wonderful day!
Unveiled WIfe says
I am so encouraged! YES memorizing scripture is intimidating for me… but I feel the challenge to do it now! Thank you for your honesty and your effort! And beautiful video 🙂
Katie Orr says
Love it! Thanks for linking up! Can’t wait to see you at She Speaks!!!
Jacque Watkins says
Thank you, so glad you stopped by!
Jacque Watkins says
Of course, I didn’t want to miss it, and Yes! What a treat to get to see you there…can’t wait!!