=============================================================================== Date: Sun, 01 Feb 1998 19:49:58 -0500 Subject: memory tapes / topical memorization From: James Long Memory tapes are an excellent idea. I have used a tape of the Navigator TMS which a friend of mine recorded with some soft music in the background. This is excellent to listen to on the road. I listen when I travel to visit family. Idea behind topical memory: Many have commented on the idea of memorizing topically. I thought that I would take this idea and expound on the logic behind topical memorization. I have read that the human brain likes lists with seven or fewer items. For example, a seven digit number is about all many people can easily remember (short term). The concept behind topical mem. is to compartmentalize ideas into lists with less than seven items. The Nav. TMS breaks the verses (passages) into six groups: The Wheel (a navigator illustration) The Gospel Promised Blessings The Challenge Resources Expected Fruit Within each of these six top level groups there are six sub groups. For example, the sub groups under the Gospel are as follows: GOSPEL: Fact of Sin Penalty of Sin Penalty Paid by Christ Salvation a Free Gift Must Receive Salvation a Free Gift Under each sub group are three verses that apply to the specific topic and sub topic. For example the verses under fact of sin are as follows: Romans 3:23 John 3:19 Romans 3:12 With this method the person memorizing the verses actually only has to memorize a series of short lists. I am much more likely to remember a list of five things I need from the grocery and five things I need from the hardware store and five things I need from the auto parts as opposed to a list of 15 things from one store. Topicalizing (did I just make a noun a verb?) verses allows us to hold on and memorize with greater retention. Another advantage to topical memory is that life is topical. An example of this is sharing the gospel. In that situation there are a few major points that need to be covered that would all be aspects of the topic "Gospel." Also, when faced with a sin temptation, I am encouraged to "Be Strong in Temptation" under the topic "Challenge" from the verses James 1:12, 1 Corinthians 16:13, 1 Peter 1:6-7. This is just a little of my personal experience. Any thoughts? BTW, the TMS I referred to here is the "old" Nav. TMS. The newer version is slightly different in format, but the same conceptual framework. James Long _______________________________________________________________ James D. Long Office: (606)257-7272 ext 271 Department of Ag Economics Pager: (606)741-9818 University of Kentucky 331 Ag Engineering Building E-Mail: jdlong00pop.uky.edu Lexington, KY 40504-0276 ________________________________________________________________ 'Stocks have reached what looks like a permanently high plateau.' --Irving Fisher, Professor of Economics, Yale University, 1929 ________________________________________________________________ =============================================================================== Date: Sun, 01 Feb 1998 00:06:01 -0600 Subject: Re: Sv: BibleMemory: Administrative Message From: "Rusty and/or Rene' Shelton" FrankR, That is an excellent idea expecially for me since I commute into Fort Worth about 37 miles each way. I will try it this week. Thank you very much! Rusty Shelton rustysgte.net =============================================================================== Date: Mon, 2 Feb 1998 15:25:51 EST Subject: introduction From: My name is Dean May, I am 40 years old, married with eight children and I live in Terre Haute, Indiana. I never thought that I could memorize scripture but always knew it was important. I wanted my children to memorize scripture, thought it was important, but never took the time to teach them. About 4 years ago I realized that since I wasn't doing it it couldn't be all that important to me. I heard a preacher say that we demonstrate what is important in our lives by what we spend our time on. I finally realized that if I wanted my children to memorize scripture I had to demonstrate its importance in my own life. That began my journey on scripture memorization. Since then, being less than diligent, I have managed, by God's grace, to memorize over 50 chapters. My children have also memorized extensive passages of scripture, eg, Sermon on the Mount, John 14 thru 17. I have found no substitute for repetition and review. The key is to make it a day long affair- the Deut. 6 principle: Deu 6:6-9 These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates. The way I make it work is to start with the phrase/verse that I will be working on for the day first thing in the morning. Then I review it throughout the day along with the rest of the passage that I've already committed to memory. I carry the whole passage on a piece of paper or 3X5 card in my pocket so it is always handy. Then, I try to make it the last thing on my mind as I go to sleep. It is very easy to get out of the groove. Accountability helps which is why I look forward to this discussion group. comments/discussion welcome. Dean =============================================================================== Date: Mon, 02 Feb 1998 15:02:48 -0500 Subject: Re: BibleMemory: Administrative Message From: "RWB" On 1/31/98, at 2:39 PM, Stephen Simpson wrote: [Some excellent preceding comments snipped to save bandwidth] >Later I realize that the reason I was given the task was not to fill the >tank, but to have a clean basket. The task we have been given is to develop >a pure mind and a pure heart. Constant exposure to the word of God will >accomplish this, even if we cannot recall it later. When we learn the word >of God and make it a point to meditate on it, then it will accomplish its >task in our lives. > >Meditation on the word we have memorized is actually extra review and helps >to lock it into our minds > >Comments? Stephen, I think you've hit on an excellent point here. Viz, "When we learn the word of God and make it a point to meditate on it...". Early on after the point of my conversion some years ago, I tried memorizing Scripture much like I used to memorize various coursework when I was in college to ensure good scores on test material. Like most of us here, I often found my retention and recall of what I had previously memorized wasn't very good, although in the case of Scripture, time is never ill-spent in any kind of attempt to memorize. However, what I did learn, in spite of my general inability some time later to cite the verses I'd previously memorized verbatim, was that I had, with the collateral enlightenment and enabling of the indwelling Holy Spirit, begun to internalize the objective truth those passages contained...which objective truth is, of course, as we continually and prayerfully meditate on it, subjectively applied to our hearts and lives by the indwelling Spirit. Therefore, I changed the way a bit I was going about learning Scripture. Right now, for instance, I'm set, God being with me, on memorizing two of my perennial favorites: Psalm 119 and the book of Romans. By way of example, I'll focus only on Psalm 119 here. What I do is print out the chapter/book I'm focused on memorizing, leaving a fairly wide blank margin on the left side. I prayerfully read it through over and over again to get a feel for the context and how the individual verses relate to the whole. Then I turn my attention to the individual blocks of verses. With Psalm 119, I can see right away words and phrases that kind of "jump" out at me--for instance, in the first 8 verses, words like "walk", "observe", "seek", "do", "keep", "look" and so forth. Those words tell me what I _ought_, by the grace of God, to be walking in, observing, seeking, doing, keeping, etc. In the case of this particular Psalm, it deals entirely with the importance of the written Word of God in a believer's life. I make margin notes about these sorts of things, usually taking the verses a section at a time in lengthy chapters/books. While I'm making lists on groups of verses, I continue to read and reread the whole chapter [or, book, as the case may be] so I don't lose sight of the context and how the verses relate together as a whole. With Psalm 119, as I continue to read and reread the whole chapter, I notice repetitive phrases like, "I shall" and "I will", so I'll tend to make lists in the margin of what the writer of the Psalm "shall" and "will" do or not do, etc. In any Bible study/memorization, I'm always looking for what the chapter/book tells me specifically about God, the Father, the Son and Holy Spirit as well and I'll note that as I come across it, too. I look for what it tells me about the writer, believers, unbelievers and so forth as well. It takes me a good while longer to memorize Scripture this way, but it's proved quite effective for me over the years. After repetitively going over and over everything over a long period of time, I find later that my retention and recall is quite a bit better than when I initially tried to memorize small blocks of Scripture verbatim. Sometimes, I may not be able to cite all the individual verses verbatim, but I can recall the central truth taught there and I immediately know which Scripture reference to turn to in order that I may fully refresh my memory. I also find when I'm praying, verses learned this way tend to pop up and I pray "through" them, if you will. Verses like, for instance: Establish my footsteps in Thy word, and do not let any iniquity have dominion over me. [119:133] ...give me understanding, that I may know Thy testimonies. [119:125] Establish Thy word to Thy servant, as that which produces reverence for Thee. [119:38] And so many more. I find that as I pray through passages like that, I tend to turn them over and over in my mind and heart all day long. Ah, well, pardon my prattling on, but it's just the way that has proved most effective for me over the years so I can treasure and hide God's written Word in my heart that I might not sin against Him. Also, I have greatly enjoyed the diverse input which has been presented to this point on this "newbie" listserver. Thanks to you all! Godspeed, Debra rwbici.net "If Scripture is not objectively true, independent of our acknowledgment, and if God is not objectively real, independent of our knowledge of Him, then we are without hope. If Jesus Christ did not die on the cross as our substitute and if He was not resurrected on the third day, if we have not been justified by faith and if His righteousness has not been imputed to us, then we are dead in our sins. Christianity is predicated upon a claim to absolute, objective truth, though we never claim that, in our fallenness, our own knowledge is ever absolute. To surrender this ground is to surrender the faith itself." --R. Albert Mohler, Jr. =============================================================================== Date: Mon, 2 Feb 1998 14:44:47 -0600 Subject: Re: introduction From:ie) Cool Dean! My name is Joanie--I have 6 kids and I have used pretty much the same method as you have. Simple and just plain ol' down to business. I too, need the accountability. I'm tickled to hear you speak with the Promise Keeper kind of love for your children. I also hear a heart of a parent who desires to impart God in His rich and abundant supply free to us all. How wonderfully encouraging! Thank you for writing in. I am unable to spend the time I used to ( when I was a homeschooler) in teaching my children since my hub left a few years ago, but I still want to and I am encouraged by the Spirit of the Lord who has inspired you to be faithful. Thanks so much. You don't know how much it means to me. a sister in Christ with a broken, but hope filled heart joanie -----Original Message----- From: DeanMayaol.com To: biblememorymylist.net Date: Monday, February 02, 1998 2:22 PM Subject: introduction >My name is Dean May, I am 40 years old, married with eight children and I live >in Terre Haute, Indiana. > >I never thought that I could memorize scripture but always knew it was >important. I wanted my children to memorize scripture, thought it was >important, but never took the time to teach them. About 4 years ago I realized >that since I wasn't doing it it couldn't be all that important to me. I heard >a preacher say that we demonstrate what is important in our lives by what we >spend our time on. I finally realized that if I wanted my children to memorize >scripture I had to demonstrate its importance in my own life. > >That began my journey on scripture memorization. Since then, being less than >diligent, I have managed, by God's grace, to memorize over 50 chapters. My >children have also memorized extensive passages of scripture, eg, Sermon on >the Mount, John 14 thru 17. > >I have found no substitute for repetition and review. The key is to make it a >day long affair- the Deut. 6 principle: > Deu 6:6-9 These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your > hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at > home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you > get up. Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your > foreheads. Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates. > > The way I make it work is to start with the phrase/verse that I will be >working on for the day first thing in the morning. Then I review it throughout >the day along with the rest of the passage that I've already committed to >memory. I carry the whole passage on a piece of paper or 3X5 card in my pocket >so it is always handy. Then, I try to make it the last thing on my mind as I >go to sleep. > >It is very easy to get out of the groove. Accountability helps which is why I >look forward to this discussion group. > >comments/discussion welcome. > >Dean =============================================================================== Date: Mon, 2 Feb 1998 11:49:51 -0500 Subject: Sv: BibleMemory: Administrative Message From: In response to Stephen's original message, I'd like to say that scripture memory is fun for me now. There was a time when it was work and druggery. Now, I approach scripture memory with humour and I intend to have fun with it every time I engage myself in this activity. The idea of memorising scripture and not having fun with it, to me, is not the best, sort of like living as a street person. And I believe God would have us enjoy His word immensely. At times, I seem to have the most fun when I come across a chapter or verse(s) that has a special meaning to me at that particular moment in my life. For instance, three weeks ago I was leading a home group and we were in Luke 4:1-13 discussing the temptations that Jesus was put to at the start of His public ministry. We noticed from Jesus example, that He used parts of scripture that He had memorised to defeat the enemy, satan himself. The discussion lead us to consider areas of our lives that were particularly sensitive to temptation. And we all agreed to locate a verse or several verses that spoke to temptation in our own individual life. This activity became meaningful to me rather quickly. I was attracted to Galatians 5:16,17,18, 22 and 25. (There is no rule that says you have to memorize the Word contiguously, i.e. one after the other. The selected verses happen to be constituent elements enhanced by harmonious agreement, in other words they are congruous.) I tried to memorise these verses by using rote memory techniques for two weeks, but I could not cement the ideas or words into my thinking patterns. Then I applied the cartooning technique by physically drawing a cartoon of the individual verses, sentence by sentence, one after the other, until I had several small cartoons on paper that described all the ideas in those five verses. (I place the written verses with the hand-drawn cartoons on 3X5 index cards into a file system to be used in a sequence of rotation to refresh my memory from time to time.) And within 1 hour, maybe less, I could recite all five verses, backwards and forwards, or inside out. Now, all the cartoons fit together like a movie. And when I recollect any one cartoon, I can recollect all the other cartoons in order, or out of order, any way I want, for the need of the moment. You could ask me to name any of the five verses, and I could tell what came before and after it. I can perform this feat with the 66 books of the bible as well. I become so exhilarated by having this control and ability that it makes me want to shout out loud how good it makes me feel. Like the song says "Shout to the Lord with a voice of triumph. Shout to the Lord with a voice of Joy. Hosanna. Hosanna. Shout to the Lord with a voice of Joy. Praise Him. Praise Him. Shout to the Lord with a voice of Joy" (The J is capitalized because it is a Fruit of the Spirit which I bloom for your enrichment.) As a result of memorising these verses I am now supercharged, (i.e. highly encouraged) to find out all about what the Holy Spirit desires for me, according to Gal 5:17. I can't wait to find it all out. And according to Gal 5:25, all the areas of my life will be affected, i.e. social/emotional, physical, intellectual and spiritual, if I follow the Holy Spirit's leading. It makes me feel like a powerful locomotive, working effectively and efficiently with little effort. (This reminds me of the little engine that could.) I get the feeling of anticipation like it's Christmas, like everyday is a gift waiting to be unwrapped. My ability to memorise scripture successfully and recite or use it appropriately is perhaps one of the two greatest assets available to me, because God's word coming out of my mouth arouses eagerness in myself and other people to please God and to fulfil His will in our lives. The other asset I value highly is my relationships with people, my family, my friends, my church community and others. And the only thing that will get out of this earthly life is people and God's word. So, I guess the motivation that underpins a person's need for scripture memory can empower the individual to be more successful with this endeavor. So please Christians, have fun with God's word. Integrate it. Let it motivate you, lift you, and empower you and let it do what it was intended to do in your life and in your ministry. P.S. I am still trying to locate Jerry Lucas' memory books, which were published in the 1970's, to the best of my knowledge. If anyone knows were I can get these books or to contact the publisher or author, please write me as soon as possible. Gratefully Yours in Christ, Noel Rini nriniyahoo.com =============================================================================== Date: Tue, 03 Feb 1998 05:59:42 EST Subject: a little philosophy... From:ew C Smith) I think that God blesses me indirectly through Bible memorization, not directly. By that I mean that I cannot find an instance in which I was memorizing a verse, and an angel flew down and handed me a $50.00 check! Or that even a verse I was memorizing directly applied to my problems in life that day. But over the "long haul" I have been blessed by memorizing. In a mysterious way, God uses that process to make me more able to resist temptation, more willing to sacrifice of my own time and energy to help my child or some stranger. It's a subtle, slow molding process - or is it moulding [spelling ?]. ********* This message was sent to you by A.C. Smith http://www.geocities.com/athens/acropolis/5680 a.c.smithjuno.com _____________________________________________________________________ You don't need to buy Internet access to use free Internet e-mail. Get completely free e-mail from Juno at http://www.juno.com Or call Juno at (800) 654-JUNO [654-5866] =============================================================================== Date: Tue, 03 Feb 1998 05:59:43 EST Subject: memory From:ew C Smith) I agree with Debra: it helps to study the passage before and while memorizing it. I make myself write a one-short-paragraph commentary on each verse. Having "thought it through" makes it easier to memorize. In the process, I also have a set of these little notes which I can share when teaching Sunday School or participating in a Bible discussion group. ********* This message was sent to you by A.C. Smith http://www.geocities.com/athens/acropolis/5680 a.c.smithjuno.com _____________________________________________________________________ You don't need to buy Internet access to use free Internet e-mail. Get completely free e-mail from Juno at http://www.juno.com Or call Juno at (800) 654-JUNO [654-5866] =============================================================================== Date: Tue, 03 Feb 98 15:19:25 PST Subject: Re: (no subject) From: "Mark O'Hearn" I wonder Randy if we really and truly want God to transform us so quickly= . I perceive that we resist, for the most part, the transformation that = God, through His Holy Spirit, would like to accomplish in us. I think = of situations each day where I should have acted a different way. Throug= h God's grace He gives me this insight and the opportunity to walk more = perfectly the next day. Yes, it's a continuing process of change, but, again, we could probably = grow much more rapidly if we were truly surrending completely in every = area of our life to the total will of God. I am truly amazed and humbled= that God is so patient with His children; how patient He is with me. =============================================================================== Date: Tue, 3 Feb 1998 11:32:46 -0500 (EST) Subject: Re: a little philosophy... From: Rochelle E Plank Isn't it beautiful that we have the privelege to interact with God Almighty? It always seems negative when people mention memorizing scripture, etc. but what a privelege it is! I am still lacking vision for memorizing but what a blessing it is and encouragement and......! Just a little extra.... May God Bless Everyone in their "New journeys" or not so new!! Rochelle Plank On Tue, 3 Feb 1998, Andrew C Smith wrote: > > I think that God blesses me indirectly through Bible memorization, not > directly. By that I mean that I cannot find an instance in which I was > memorizing a verse, and an angel flew down and handed me a $50.00 check! > Or that even a verse I was memorizing directly applied to my problems in > life that day. > > But over the "long haul" I have been blessed by memorizing. In a > mysterious way, God uses that process to make me more able to resist > temptation, more willing to sacrifice of my own time and energy to help > my child or some stranger. > > It's a subtle, slow molding process - or is it moulding [spelling ?]. > > ********* > > This message was sent to you by A.C. Smith > http://www.geocities.com/athens/acropolis/5680 > a.c.smithjuno.com > > _____________________________________________________________________ > You don't need to buy Internet access to use free Internet e-mail. > Get completely free e-mail from Juno at http://www.juno.com > Or call Juno at (800) 654-JUNO [654-5866] > > =============================================================================== Date: Tue, 3 Feb 1998 11:26:59 -0500 Subject: Re: BibleMemory: Administrative Message From: "cbrennan" Hi... This is a test note from cbrennanpce.net. I keep getting my intro returned. Here we go again! ---------- > From: RWB > To: biblememoryMyList.net > Subject: Re: BibleMemory: Administrative Message > Date: Monday, February 02, 1998 3:02 PM > > On 1/31/98, at 2:39 PM, Stephen Simpson wrote: > > [Some excellent preceding comments snipped to save bandwidth] > > >Later I realize that the reason I was given the task was not to fill the > >tank, but to have a clean basket. The task we have been given is to > develop > >a pure mind and a pure heart. Constant exposure to the word of God will > >accomplish this, even if we cannot recall it later. When we learn the > word > >of God and make it a point to meditate on it, then it will accomplish its > >task in our lives. > > > >Meditation on the word we have memorized is actually extra review and > helps > >to lock it into our minds > > > >Comments? > > Stephen, I think you've hit on an excellent point here. Viz, "When we learn > the word of God and make it a point to meditate on it...". Early on after > the point of my conversion some years ago, I tried memorizing Scripture > much like I used to memorize various coursework when I was in college to > ensure good scores on test material. Like most of us here, I often found my > retention and recall of what I had previously memorized wasn't very good, > although in the case of Scripture, time is never ill-spent in any kind of > attempt to memorize. > > However, what I did learn, in spite of my general inability some time later > to cite the verses I'd previously memorized verbatim, was that I had, with > the collateral enlightenment and enabling of the indwelling Holy Spirit, > begun to internalize the objective truth those passages contained...which > objective truth is, of course, as we continually and prayerfully meditate > on it, subjectively applied to our hearts and lives by the indwelling > Spirit. Therefore, I changed the way a bit I was going about learning > Scripture. > > Right now, for instance, I'm set, God being with me, on memorizing two of > my perennial favorites: Psalm 119 and the book of Romans. By way of > example, I'll focus only on Psalm 119 here. What I do is print out the > chapter/book I'm focused on memorizing, leaving a fairly wide blank margin > on the left side. I prayerfully read it through over and over again to get > a feel for the context and how the individual verses relate to the whole. > Then I turn my attention to the individual blocks of verses. With Psalm > 119, I can see right away words and phrases that kind of "jump" out at > me--for instance, in the first 8 verses, words like "walk", "observe", > "seek", "do", "keep", "look" and so forth. Those words tell me what I > _ought_, by the grace of God, to be walking in, observing, seeking, doing, > keeping, etc. In the case of this particular Psalm, it deals entirely with > the importance of the written Word of God in a believer's life. I make > margin notes about these sorts of things, usually taking the verses a > section at a time in lengthy chapters/books. > > While I'm making lists on groups of verses, I continue to read and reread > the whole chapter [or, book, as the case may be] so I don't lose sight of > the context and how the verses relate together as a whole. With Psalm 119, > as I continue to read and reread the whole chapter, I notice repetitive > phrases like, "I shall" and "I will", so I'll tend to make lists in the > margin of what the writer of the Psalm "shall" and "will" do or not do, > etc. > > In any Bible study/memorization, I'm always looking for what the > chapter/book tells me specifically about God, the Father, the Son and Holy > Spirit as well and I'll note that as I come across it, too. I look for what > it tells me about the writer, believers, unbelievers and so forth as well. > > It takes me a good while longer to memorize Scripture this way, but it's > proved quite effective for me over the years. After repetitively going over > and over everything over a long period of time, I find later that my > retention and recall is quite a bit better than when I initially tried to > memorize small blocks of Scripture verbatim. Sometimes, I may not be able > to cite all the individual verses verbatim, but I can recall the central > truth taught there and I immediately know which Scripture reference to turn > to in order that I may fully refresh my memory. I also find when I'm > praying, verses learned this way tend to pop up and I pray "through" them, > if you will. Verses like, for instance: > > Establish my footsteps in Thy word, and do not let any iniquity have > dominion over me. [119:133] > > ...give me understanding, that I may know Thy testimonies. [119:125] > > Establish Thy word to Thy servant, as that which produces reverence for > Thee. [119:38] > > And so many more. I find that as I pray through passages like that, I tend > to turn them over and over in my mind and heart all day long. > > Ah, well, pardon my prattling on, but it's just the way that has proved > most effective for me over the years so I can treasure and hide God's > written Word in my heart that I might not sin against Him. > > Also, I have greatly enjoyed the diverse input which has been presented to > this point on this "newbie" listserver. Thanks to you all! > > Godspeed, > Debra > rwbici.net > > "If Scripture is not objectively true, independent of our acknowledgment, > and if God is not objectively real, independent of our knowledge of Him, > then we are without hope. If Jesus Christ did not die on the cross as our > substitute and if He was not resurrected on the third day, if we have not > been justified by faith and if His righteousness has not been imputed to > us, then we are dead in our sins. Christianity is predicated upon a claim > to absolute, objective truth, though we never claim that, in our > fallenness, our own knowledge is ever absolute. To surrender this ground is > to surrender the faith itself." --R. Albert Mohler, Jr. =============================================================================== Date: Tue, 3 Feb 1998 00:45:08 EST Subject: Re: Jerry Lucas Books From: I have a copy of Lucas' REMEMBER THE WORD Volume 1: The Gospels published by Acton House, Inc. 1888 Century Park East, Los Angeles 90067 in 1975. I believe it has been out of print and no subsequent volumes were released. Lucas' ministry was called "Memory Ministries, Inc." and I believe he lived in the Fremont, Ca. area in the seventies. The collaborating artist was Rolland Dingman of Brookdale Ca., and his phone number 20 yrs ago was 408-336-2114. I hope this will be of some help to you. =============================================================================== Date: Wed, 4 Feb 1998 12:26:29 EST Subject: ideas From: I'm new to the list but since it is a fairly new list, I guess everyone is new to it. I had an idea that maybe we could pick a passage for several of us to work on jointly. Then we could hold one another accountable, share insights, share struggles, etc. What little I've read from the list, there has been some discussion about retention. The emphasis seemed to be on the importance of just memorizing it and even if it wasn't retained, the Holy Spirit could still use it and bring it to mind when needed. While there is truth to that it seems to me that the little work required for retention is amply justified compared to the huge task of the initial memory work. It does require some discipline but the benefits are greatly multiplied. My goal is to be able to instantly be able to recite whatever I have commited to memory if challenged to do so. I'm not there yet- but only because of lack of discipline. I've employed two systems that work fairly well. Part of the problem in reciting it is making sure that it is "word perfect." How do you do that and quote from memory at the same time? Enter the Bible on cassette tape. Pop in the tape when you are in the car and recite it along with the reader, trying to stay 1/2 a word ahead of him. You know instantly if you've missed a word and if you get stuck the next word is instantly supplied to you. It really works. The second system is something that I just started and I am pretty excited about it. Once you have a sizeable amount committed to memory it gets tough just to make sure that everything is systematically reviewed on a regular basis. What I've done is printout on 3 X 5 cards everything that I've memorized. Then I every day I take the top card and make it a point to review it for the day. The next day it goes on the bottom and I take the next card. I make my 3 X 5 cards by importing the text into Word (any word proc. will do) and formatting the page size for 3" X 5". I can set for .3" margins on my laser printer- your printer my differ. Then I run the cards through, front and back. My family is doing a presentation on scripture memorization this Sunday at the Nazarene church in Bicknall, Indiana. Anybody in the area is welcome to come. Please pray that God's word would go out with power. Dean Terre Haute, Indiana =============================================================================== Date: Wed, 4 Feb 1998 17:27:45 -0800 Subject: Re: Sv: BibleMemory: Administrative Message From: "Drake Mariani" If you'd like the Tips below Randy, Just reply "Tips" to me personally. Others are welcome too. Though, it would be easier if you'd just print them from the webpage. There are about 35 on the webpage and I discovered another 8-10 at a conference this weekend from a guy who has done research on retention of Scripture in over 400 churches (Spiritual Formations Foundation I think was the tittle. Would you believe this: "The average 6th grader in the church (from Awana to "non-Scripture memory emphasis) can only say 3 verses." The way he did it was SO simplified too. You didn't have to 'know" the whole verse. He gave 2/3 of 7 very common verses. Partial completion qualified. Hope the list can be helpful. -- Drake Mariani 800-373-1947 memlokpacbell.net Memlok/PC Memlok Bible Memory System-Free gift with Online purchase For 15 Free Scripture memory Tips, simply reply "Tips" in the Subject. http://www.memlok.com FREE STUFF - dozens of 'em "There's no more effective means to resist Satan than to Praise the Lord and Pass the Ammunition !" -----Original Message----- From: Rusty and/or Rene' Shelton To: biblememoryMyList.net Date: Saturday, January 31, 1998 4:25 PM Subject: Re: Sv: BibleMemory: Administrative Message | I have a great deal of difficulty with memorizing and would appreciate |any techniques that others use to memorize verses. I've tried sticky |notes in the car, index cards, etc. Any suggestions and all ideas would |be appreciated. | |Rusty Shelton |rustysgte.net | | =============================================================================== Date: Thu, 05 Feb 1998 17:16:03 -0700 Subject: Re: Sv: BibleMemory: Administrative Message From: Randy Martens Drake Mariani wrote: > > If you'd like the Tips below Randy, Just reply "Tips" to me personally. tips =============================================================================== Date: Thu, 5 Feb 1998 16:57:21 EST Subject: slow process valuable From: yes, i agree too with ac smith's observation. there have been times when i got so into memorizing i just couldn't wait to get on with the next chapter. it was that way in 1992 with Hebrews. i just got greedy. quickly memorized, it was mine on the surface for a few months, then forgotten. last year the Lord prompted me to do Hebrews again, and i'm going so slowly, meditating, digging, comparing, applying, sifting through doctrine, letting the Holy Spirit point His light into areas of need. i cannot express the joy, the awe, the (what shall i say?) that this sojourn has been. i have been reluctant to go on to each new chapter, knowing that gems must still lie in the current chapter yet unmined. the other night my husband said to me, "it's time to go on to chapter 11." i'll just close with this thought on faith, that it is in a way a combination (or interaction?) of belief and gratitude. let us hold fast our faith, and rejoice in the Lord always. your friend judy =============================================================================== Date: Thu, 5 Feb 1998 17:05:07 -0800 Subject: Tips requested by Randy From: "Drake Mariani" Thanks for requesting the 15 Scripture Memory Tips from Memlok/PC Memlok Bible Memory System Randy. For the rest of you, please forgive that this is also promoting the ministry I do. At first I replied automatically, thinking I was sending to Randy alone, then just before clicking send, I (slow me) realized it was going to the whole list. But Randy didn't send it privately, so, here it is for what it's worth. Hope I don't upset anyone. FYI, Steve Simpson did personally recommend I join the conference. What follows is my auto-response to people requesting Tips from the webpage http://www.memlok.com If we look into the Bible to see what it teaches, we can see that memorizing God's Word is not only worth the effort, but it is essential and expected of us -- Fix these words of mine in your hearts and minds; tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Teach them to your children, talking about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Deuteronomy 6:7,8 Let the word of Christ dwell in your richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. Colossians 3:16 Incline your ears and hear the words of the wise, and apply your mind to my knowledge. For it will be pleasant if you keep them within you, that they may be ready on your lips. Proverbs 22:17,18 As you requested, here are 15 free tips from Memlok/PC MemLok Bible Memory System to help make your Scripture memorization a little easier: 15 BIBLE MEMORY TIPS ----------------------------------------- 1. Make scripture verse reviewing a priority, and not something you "work in". Include review-time in your regular schedule, and do it right before another daily priority such as breakfast, brushing your teeth, or listening to your car radio. 2. Commit one quiet time each week to this verse and its context. Occasionally list 3 rewards you'd like for memory progress in order of priority. Make yourself a contract. 3. Write it in your journal and share it with another person. Pray through your verse out loud, phrase by phrase, in the first person, adding your personal thoughts. Put a check on the card when you have used the verse or it has been used in your life. 4. Review the Scripture verse OUT LOUD in this order: Topic-Reference- Verse-(no stopping for breath here!)-Reference. Precede your review with some form of physical exercise (studies show that exercise makes the mind more alert). 5. As you review, YELL the word or phrase you always miss. After 4-5 days of working on the verse, try to talk out loud (alone) for five straight minutes about the verse. Pretend you're speaking to a class. 6. Write the complete verse by hand. If you're in a group setting, write it on a blackboard or erasable whiteboard, repeating the whole verse each time you write or erase a word. Then, practice saying the whole verse again, once you've written it on down. (Be sure you write and learn it word-perfect.) 7. Make up a melody for the verse, or tape-record the new verse several times with long pauses between each recording, so you can repeat the verse during pauses while listening to it later. 8. Use traveling or waiting time with family or friends to say Bible verses together. Take turns, or each person say the next word in the verse. 9. In a group, have one person say the verse, and then, one by one, the rest join in and repeat it together. Make up motions that your family or group can do together to say the verse. Take 5 minutes a week for listening to verses in pairs. 10. Make note of the arrangement of numerical sequences (James 3:4,5), similarities (2 Chronicles 7:14 and 2 Corinthians 7:10), multiples (Luke 15:20), duplications (Mark 15:15), as well as odd (1 Corinthians 3:13-15), and even (1 Thessalonians 4:16-18) numbers. 11. Notice alphabetical order of words you mix up (eternal, immortal, invisible -- 1 Timothy 1:17 NASB). Write out the first letter of each word or key word. Then practice saying the whole verse from this. 12. List your verses on a summary card for each topic. Laminate copies of the summary card when done with a topic so everyone will have one. Visualize where the verse is on the summary card. Enlarge the summary card and make up games. Cut it up, draw out of hat, color, trace etc. 13. Use both sides of the brain by tracing the picture. Draw one you like better. Paste it on. Keep flip pad(s) around with hand drawn picture on front and verse on back. Let kids draw their own. 14. Start a new memory topic if you've lost motivation on your current one. Don't immediately look on the back when you can't remember! Make your mind do the work of recall. Recall locks the verse in much more than repetition. 15. Buy a "special" stuffed animal or puppet to teach application and meaning. He comes out once a week to storytell, share a problem he is having (verse has answers) etc. Give him a fun name. ---------------------- Can't remember your references when doing Scripture memory? Can't keep up with the ones you've already memorized? Don't have a long range plan or accountability? Hello, my name is Drake Mariani, and I created MEMLOK in 1989. My background includes experiences with children as a clown, youth as a pastor and the business world in sales for 12 years. Gina & I were married in 1965, have 3 children, and have been members of the First Evangelical Free Church of Fullerton, CA since 1980. (Yes, "he" - Charles Swindoll, was our pastor for all those years, PTL!). Having worked with small groups for years, I noted people always said "Give me the first few words", then upon hearing them, quickly said the verse. Coupling this with the principle of "association", I prayed for God to help me come up with a picture for "the first key words" of every verse I already had memorized in a system of 48 topics and 700 verses. Then I asked various artists to draw each idea. Both MEMLOK and PC MemLok have a word picture for the "first key words" of each verse to get you started. It marks the end of "Gimme the first few words!", uses 2 sides of the brain, puts a grin on the face and doubles the retention. God has opened the door for 60,000 folks from 2-92 in 50 states and 33 countries. Pre-school, seminary and women's missionary Bible societies enjoy MEMLOK. Praise the Lord! MEMLOK contains at least one verse in every chapter of the New Testament and Proverbs and at least one verse from every Old Testament book. The average card has about 1.5 verses on it. If you can handle 5 minutes a day, 5 days a week, you'll enjoy reviewing verses YOU select AND always review all your verses every 2 months. There are 700 verses and 48 topics in either NIV, KJV, NKJ or NAS. THE NAVIGATOR's Hal Jensen says MEMLOK is the best system he's seen in 25 years of ministry. Christ for the Nations Seminary in Dallas TX starts 200 ministry students on MEMLOK every semester while preschoolers are coloring the 8.5x11 pictures printed from PC Memlok! If you have access to the Web, check us out at . In addition to information about MEMLOK there's a FREE STUFF page with over 60 items on it, lots of Scripture memorization resources, and a free gift with every online order. Or, send E-mail to memlokpacbell.net and ask us to send you more information. MEMLOK is FUN, EASY, and it Works! 30 Day Money Back Guarantee (800) 373-1947 Thank you! In His Service, Drake Mariani memlokpacbell.net -- Drake Mariani 800-373-1947 memlokpacbell.net Memlok/PC Memlok Bible Memory System-Free gift with Online purchase For 15 Free Scripture memory Tips, simply reply "Tips" in the Subject. http://www.memlok.com FREE STUFF - dozens of 'em "There's no more effective means to resist Satan than to Praise the Lord and Pass the Ammunition !" -----Original Message----- From: Randy Martens To: biblememoryMyList.net Date: Thursday, February 05, 1998 4:13 PM Subject: Re: Sv: BibleMemory: Administrative Message |Drake Mariani wrote: |> |> If you'd like the Tips below Randy, Just reply "Tips" to me personally. | |tips | =============================================================================== Date: Wed, 11 Feb 1998 21:40:06 EST Subject: Templates... From:ew C Smith) I've posted some templates for downloading at http://www.geocities.com/athens/acropolis/5680/memory.html I'd appreaciate any feedback about them. I'm new at posting downloadables! ********* This message was sent to you by A.C. Smith http://www.geocities.com/athens/acropolis/5680 a.c.smithjuno.com _____________________________________________________________________ You don't need to buy Internet access to use free Internet e-mail. Get completely free e-mail from Juno at http://www.juno.com Or call Juno at (800) 654-JUNO [654-5866] =============================================================================== Date: Thu, 12 Feb 1998 16:38:19 -0700 Subject: Re: Templates... From: Randy Martens Andrew C Smith wrote: > > I've posted some templates for downloading at > > http://www.geocities.com/athens/acropolis/5680/memory.html > > I'd appreaciate any feedback about them. I'm new at posting > downloadables! I tried to get your downloadables, but was unable - my computer just kept trying and trying but was unable, perhaps the problem is with geocities server, I don't know. Randy Martens =============================================================================== Date: Sat, 14 Feb 1998 18:58:13 EST Subject: Greetings From: Hi all, I'm Michael Philliber. I've been in the Air Force 18 1/2 years, and am presently stationed at a recruiting site in Jackson, Mississippi - where I recruit doctors, pharmacists, etc. I'm also a part-time student at Refromed Theological Seminary. Also, I'm the student "pastor" of a small country church, Old Madison Presbyterian Church, in Canton, Ms. I've been married 18 years, & have three children, 14, 9 & 6 mos. Love to memorize the Holy Scriptures, and the Westminster Shorter Catechism (an old teaching tool that was originally intened to teach young childre the Faith of The LORD Jesus Christ). I've started memorizing 1 Peter & one time (6 years ago) had had it almost completely memorized - but oh well, you know the old adage - don't use it, lose it! =============================================================================== Date: Sat, 14 Feb 1998 21:09:19 EST Subject: Re: Greetings From: Hello Mike. Blessings to you in the name of our Mohlkiul (ruler), Yeshua ha-Mashioch. Glenn =============================================================================== Date: Wed, 18 Feb 1998 22:00:36 -0700 Subject: Re: Intro & Info request From: Darren Bessett Hello, My name is Darren Bessett. I live in Denver, Colorado and am a high school teacher in Boulder. I have been "lurking" on the list for a couple of weeks now; although it has not been overly active, those who posted have been encouraging. (Sandi, your post was especially uplifting. The Lord blessed me through your enthusiasm and apparent love for Him and His word.) Confession . . . I am terrible at memorizing the Scriptures. I know a systematic plan is best and I have a genuine and sincere desire for God's word, but . . . based on my past record, I simply do not have the WILL to follow through with a consistent memorization plan. I may be wrong, but I sense that many of you who are reading this may have "struggled" with this at one time or another. For those who have overcome this hurdle through the grace and strength of our Lord, I look toward you as an example and welcome your insights and prayers. For those who may be in the same boat as myself, I ask to walk with you toward the ideal. As one beggar shows another beggar where to find food, maybe we can support one another as we strive to serve Christ better. I (we) can do all things through Christ who strengthens me (reference? . . . see what I mean). Thank you for taking the time to read my post. Darren Bessett =============================================================================== Sent: Wednesday, February 18, 1998 11:05 PM Subject: RE: Intro & Info request From: "McGuire, Morris E" Sandi, It's so wonderful to hear from someone whose hungry for the Word. I've discovered that the only reason that we're not hungry is because of SIN. Sin separates and sin silence the lips. Know that, in all of the learning you feel you have to learn, that your Lord knows exactly how much to give you and when. I don't want to sound too simplistic here but our total responsibility as Christians is to abide in the Vine. John 15. All of the other details, no exception, are up to Him. Matt6:33 ; Prov 3:5,6. Our churches are full of well-intentioned people who have not learned that it is God, through the Holy Spirit who wants to live His life OUT through our lives so that the world may know who He is. But He must have our obedience. John 14:21,23 We would all respond with a big yes if asked if we love Jesus. But how many would respond the same way if we were asked if we obeyed Jesus ? It is the same question according to Jn 14:21. To obey is better than sacrifice. When a person is hungry for the Word then that means that there is nothing between them and their Lord, all sins confessed and forgiven, and God, the Holy Spirit, will set you apart, sanctify you continually towards the goal of your responding to life more and more as Jesus did, Who by the way pleased the Father in all that He did. So when you see that you're no longer hungry then check on the relationship and your priorities and see if a sin has "so easily beset you" I hope to hear more of your desire for the sincere milk of the Word. Thanks for your note -----Original Message----- From: Hi from Sandi [mailto:svaldoexecpc.com] Sent: Wednesday, February 18, 1998 11:05 PM To: biblememoryMyList.net Subject: Intro & Info request Hi, My name is Sandi, I joined on the list on the 15th [Sunday]; but sadly I haven't received any shares. I was so excited when I found the web site with all the info on why we should memorize scripture. I still consider myself a 'new babe of Christ', anxious to learn! In fact the night I signed on, I couldn't sleep...I was full of energy and the songs of Praise kept going through my head. I laid in bed singing in my head, while husband lay snoring loudly next to me ~ took me 1 1/2 to fall asleep. Where are you guys? A little about myself. I am 39/F married with 2 daughters, 16 & 18. I recieved the 'thirst' of the Word in November '96. Since then I've been overloading myself in trying to learn all I can. Geez there is alot to learn! As of the first of this year I started a daily Bible reading schedule. I was doing ok and enjoying what I missed out... but I now find I have gotten behind. Seems when I sit to read I fall asleep? I was raised Catholic, but since I began my thirsting...I started going to an Assembly of God church in my hometown Milwaukee, WI. This is a hard thing for me to do, from all my upbringing. At Christmas time, I stopped going...I'm still not comfortable and need to work on it. I am on a list of approximately 70 Christian Women who work on our walk with sharing a common trial of being married to an S.A. 'A' stands for addiction, you can guess the 'S'. I am now part of the ministry team on the list. I collect all the prayer requests, and praise shares; and send them out every Saturday in digest form...which some of us have committed to fast and pray for. Well that's me in a bundle. Now for the question. What version of Bible are you using for memorization. I read the NIV version because when I tried to read the KJ version I wasn't able to grasp the meanings. I intend to buy a KJ version for next year when I re-read it, with my schedule. Hope to hear from this list. I am so anxious to grow in the Lords commands! I need the protection in my walk, and believe in knowing scriptures. I am a late bloomer...but I am a Child of Gods! YSIC, Sandi =============================================================================== Sent: Wednesday, February 18, 1998 11:05 PM Subject: RE: Intro & Info request From: "McGuire, Morris E" Sandi, It's so wonderful to hear from someone whose hungry for the Word. I've discovered that the only reason that we're not hungry is because of SIN. Sin separates and sin silence the lips. Know that, in all of the learning you feel you have to learn, that your Lord knows exactly how much to give you and when. I don't want to sound too simplistic here but our total responsibility as Christians is to abide in the Vine. John 15. All of the other details, no exception, are up to Him. Matt6:33 ; Prov 3:5,6. Our churches are full of well-intentioned people who have not learned that it is God, through the Holy Spirit who wants to live His life OUT through our lives so that the world may know who He is. But He must have our obedience. John 14:21,23 We would all respond with a big yes if asked if we love Jesus. But how many would respond the same way if we were asked if we obeyed Jesus ? It is the same question according to Jn 14:21. To obey is better than sacrifice. When a person is hungry for the Word then that means that there is nothing between them and their Lord, all sins confessed and forgiven, and God, the Holy Spirit, will set you apart, sanctify you continually towards the goal of your responding to life more and more as Jesus did, Who by the way pleased the Father in all that He did. So when you see that you're no longer hungry then check on the relationship and your priorities and see if a sin has "so easily beset you" I hope to hear more of your desire for the sincere milk of the Word. Thanks for your note -----Original Message----- From: Hi from Sandi [mailto:svaldoexecpc.com] Sent: Wednesday, February 18, 1998 11:05 PM To: biblememoryMyList.net Subject: Intro & Info request Hi, My name is Sandi, I joined on the list on the 15th [Sunday]; but sadly I haven't received any shares. I was so excited when I found the web site with all the info on why we should memorize scripture. I still consider myself a 'new babe of Christ', anxious to learn! In fact the night I signed on, I couldn't sleep...I was full of energy and the songs of Praise kept going through my head. I laid in bed singing in my head, while husband lay snoring loudly next to me ~ took me 1 1/2 to fall asleep. Where are you guys? A little about myself. I am 39/F married with 2 daughters, 16 & 18. I recieved the 'thirst' of the Word in November '96. Since then I've been overloading myself in trying to learn all I can. Geez there is alot to learn! As of the first of this year I started a daily Bible reading schedule. I was doing ok and enjoying what I missed out... but I now find I have gotten behind. Seems when I sit to read I fall asleep? I was raised Catholic, but since I began my thirsting...I started going to an Assembly of God church in my hometown Milwaukee, WI. This is a hard thing for me to do, from all my upbringing. At Christmas time, I stopped going...I'm still not comfortable and need to work on it. I am on a list of approximately 70 Christian Women who work on our walk with sharing a common trial of being married to an S.A. 'A' stands for addiction, you can guess the 'S'. I am now part of the ministry team on the list. I collect all the prayer requests, and praise shares; and send them out every Saturday in digest form...which some of us have committed to fast and pray for. Well that's me in a bundle. Now for the question. What version of Bible are you using for memorization. I read the NIV version because when I tried to read the KJ version I wasn't able to grasp the meanings. I intend to buy a KJ version for next year when I re-read it, with my schedule. Hope to hear from this list. I am so anxious to grow in the Lords commands! I need the protection in my walk, and believe in knowing scriptures. I am a late bloomer...but I am a Child of Gods! YSIC, Sandi =============================================================================== Date: Thu, 19 Feb 1998 09:21:37 EST Subject: Feasting on The WORD From: Hi, My name is Jo-Hann Dalton. I was born-again into the Kingdom of Light and filled with the Holy Spirit 6 years ago. I have a Catholic background and now hunger for the things of God. I work at St. Joseph Hospital and am the Head of Nuclear Medicine and R.I.S. I am married to a non-believer[He's been claimed for the kingdom]. Darren, Sandi, and all the partakers of this list, we're on the right track. The Holy Spirit is our teacher and guide as we meditate on the Living Word of God. Remember, the Holy Spirit has be given to us by Jesus to be our guide through life. We must strive to die to self and allow the Holy Spirit to lead us. We are all called. The chosen ones are the ones that answer that call. We must become more God-concious and less Self-concious. As we seek the kingdom of God and His righteousness, He will provide all things for us. Keeping our focus on JESUS is the solution. The idea is not to be anxious or become rushed in the things of God. Everyone learns at a different pace. It's not how much you deposit in your heart, but how much it becomes part of your heart. Before venturing into the Word, I pray to the Holy Spirit to enlighted the living word for me. I go in with no pre-conceived ideas and allow the Holy Spirit to minister the Word for me. Each time I re-read a passage of scripture, new and fresh meaning comes through. I have tried many way to memorize scriptures. They work for short term, but long term, no success. I have started, [as some on this list] printing out on cards different scriptures. I caterogize them [ healing, worship, faith, etc.] Then, I just start reading them over and over. Sometimes, I visualize what I'm saying, other times just allow the words to soak in my heart. Eventually, the words stick. I place the topic and the verse reference on one side, and the verse itself on the other. I have them posted on my computer at work and home. I have them in my car. Sometimes we try too hard to memorize when we should be allowing the contents to register. The more you say it, the more it becomes a part of you, and it will come out when it is needed. Our God is faithful. He know our hearts. If we seek to know Him and His word, He will give us the desires of our heart. We must committ this quest to memorize scripture to Him, trust Him, and He WILL bring it to pass. He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek His face. Love you all In His Service B"H Jo-Ann =============================================================================== Date: Thu, 19 Feb 1998 12:27:25 EST Subject: Re: Confession . . . From: In a message dated 98-02-19 00:01:39 EST, you write: << Confession . . . I am terrible at memorizing the Scriptures. I know a systematic plan is best and I have a genuine and sincere desire for God's word, but . . . based on my past record, I simply do not have the WILL to follow through with a consistent memorization plan. I may be wrong, but I sense that many of you who are reading this may have "struggled" with this at one time or another. >> Darren, and others, I can relate. After 17 years of struggling with it it finally dawned on me that I was demonstrating to my children the importance ( or lack of importance) of God's word to me by how much time I invested in it. I realized that I had to elevate memory work to be one of my highest daily priorities. Most of us would never leave home in the mornings without brushing our teeth, combing our hair and taking care of other personal necesities. These things are of such importance to us that we never fail to do them. In fact, we really don't even make a conscious choice to do them, it is automatic. If you take a bite-sized piece of a passage, a verse or even a phrase, make it a top priority of the day, and starting in the morning work on it all day, "when you walk along the road and when you sit down, when you lie down and when you get up" you will be successful. I tell myself that there is not much of anything that I am going to do today that is more important than memorizing this piece of God's word. Then the next day, take the next bite-sized piece of the passage. Work on it and occasionally review the previous day's piece. We have to take the land "little by little" or else the wild animals will overtake us. Dean May Terre Haute, IN =============================================================================== Date: Thu, 19 Feb 1998 13:32:28 -0600 Subject: Re: Confession . . . From:ie) Wow! Amen! I appreciate the encouragement. I needed to read this today. Thanks JoanieB -----Original Message----- From: DeanMayaol.com To: biblememoryMyList.net Date: Thursday, February 19, 1998 11:37 AM Subject: Re: Confession . . . >In a message dated 98-02-19 00:01:39 EST, you write: > ><< Confession . . . > I am terrible at memorizing the Scriptures. I know a systematic plan is > best and I have a genuine and sincere desire for God's word, but . . . > based on my past record, I simply do not have the WILL to follow through > with a consistent memorization plan. I may be wrong, but I sense that > many of you who are reading this may have "struggled" with this at one > time or another. >> > >Darren, and others, > >I can relate. After 17 years of struggling with it it finally dawned on me >that I was demonstrating to my children the importance ( or lack of >importance) of God's word to me by how much time I invested in it. I realized >that I had to elevate memory work to be one of my highest daily priorities. > >Most of us would never leave home in the mornings without brushing our teeth, >combing our hair and taking care of other personal necesities. These things >are of such importance to us that we never fail to do them. In fact, we really >don't even make a conscious choice to do them, it is automatic. > >If you take a bite-sized piece of a passage, a verse or even a phrase, make it >a top priority of the day, and starting in the morning work on it all day, >"when you walk along the road and when you sit down, when you lie down and >when you get up" you will be successful. I tell myself that there is not much >of anything that I am going to do today that is more important than memorizing >this piece of God's word. > >Then the next day, take the next bite-sized piece of the passage. Work on it >and occasionally review the previous day's piece. We have to take the land >"little by little" or else the wild animals will overtake us. > >Dean May >Terre Haute, IN =============================================================================== Date: Thu, 19 Feb 1998 15:16:07 -0600 Subject: RE: Confession . . . From: "Lammert, Ruth H" Hey, it's nice to hear everyone!! I like that part about taking it bit by bit or else the wild animals will take over. Ruth L. > ---------- > From: joanielx.net[SMTP:joanielx.net] > Reply To: biblememorymylist.net > Sent: Thursday, February 19, 1998 1:32 PM > To: biblememorymylist.net > Subject: Re: Confession . . . > > Wow! Amen! > I appreciate the encouragement. I needed to read this today. > Thanks > JoanieB > -----Original Message----- > From: DeanMayaol.com > To: biblememoryMyList.net > Date: Thursday, February 19, 1998 11:37 AM > Subject: Re: Confession . . . > > > >In a message dated 98-02-19 00:01:39 EST, you write: > > > ><< Confession . . . > > I am terrible at memorizing the Scriptures. I know a systematic plan is > > best and I have a genuine and sincere desire for God's word, but . . . > > based on my past record, I simply do not have the WILL to follow through > > with a consistent memorization plan. I may be wrong, but I sense that > > many of you who are reading this may have "struggled" with this at one > > time or another. >> > > > >Darren, and others, > > > >I can relate. After 17 years of struggling with it it finally dawned on > me > >that I was demonstrating to my children the importance ( or lack of > >importance) of God's word to me by how much time I invested in it. I > realized > >that I had to elevate memory work to be one of my highest daily > priorities. > > > >Most of us would never leave home in the mornings without brushing our > teeth, > >combing our hair and taking care of other personal necesities. These > things > >are of such importance to us that we never fail to do them. In fact, we > really > >don't even make a conscious choice to do them, it is automatic. > > > >If you take a bite-sized piece of a passage, a verse or even a phrase, > make > it > >a top priority of the day, and starting in the morning work on it all > day, > >"when you walk along the road and when you sit down, when you lie down > and > >when you get up" you will be successful. I tell myself that there is not > much > >of anything that I am going to do today that is more important than > memorizing > >this piece of God's word. > > > >Then the next day, take the next bite-sized piece of the passage. Work on > it > >and occasionally review the previous day's piece. We have to take the > land > >"little by little" or else the wild animals will overtake us. > > > >Dean May > >Terre Haute, IN > =============================================================================== Date: Thu, 19 Feb 1998 00:42:34 -0600 Subject: RE: Intro & Info request From: "Lammert, Ruth H" I'm here! I'm not sure about any others, but I'd like to talk!! I'm 37/F, no kids, but I'm in college (University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point) in the Water Resources program. Last year I was introduced to the translation called "God's Word for the Nations". It puts the Bible in words I can understand. And I too am on a reading program (daily). It's tough when you get behind, but can I suggest just start on a certain day and don't try to catch up?? I find that if I do my reading at a certain time, it seems to make it easier. I read in the morning. Hope to hear from you soon!!!! Ruth Lammert > ---------- > From: Hi from Sandi[SMTP:svaldoexecpc.com] > Reply To: biblememorymylist.net > Sent: Wednesday, February 18, 1998 10:05 PM > To: biblememorymylist.net > Subject: Intro & Info request > > Hi, > > My name is Sandi, I joined on the list on the 15th [Sunday]; but > sadly I haven't received any shares. > > I was so excited when I found the web site with all the info on why > we should memorize scripture. I still consider myself a 'new babe > of Christ', anxious to learn! In fact the night I signed on, I > couldn't sleep...I was full of energy and the songs of Praise kept > going through my head. I laid in bed singing in my head, while > husband lay snoring loudly next to me ~ took me 1 1/2 to fall asleep. > > Where are you guys? > > A little about myself. I am 39/F married with 2 daughters, 16 & 18. > I recieved the 'thirst' of the Word in November '96. Since then I've > been overloading myself in trying to learn all I can. Geez there is > alot to learn! As of the first of this year I started a daily > Bible reading schedule. I was doing ok and enjoying what I missed out... > but I now find I have gotten behind. Seems when I sit to read I fall > asleep? > > I was raised Catholic, but since I began my thirsting...I started going to > an Assembly of God church in my hometown Milwaukee, WI. This is a hard > thing for me to do, from all my upbringing. At Christmas time, I stopped > going...I'm still not comfortable and need to work on it. I am on a list > of approximately 70 Christian Women who work on our walk with sharing > a common trial of being married to an S.A. 'A' stands for addiction, > you can guess the 'S'. I am now part of the ministry team on the list. > I collect all the prayer requests, and praise shares; and send them out > every Saturday in digest form...which some of us have committed to fast > and pray for. > > Well that's me in a bundle. Now for the question. What version of Bible > are you using for memorization. I read the NIV version because when I > tried to read the KJ version I wasn't able to grasp the meanings. I > intend to buy a KJ version for next year when I re-read it, with my > schedule. > > Hope to hear from this list. I am so anxious to grow in the Lords > commands! I need the protection in my walk, and believe in knowing > scriptures. I am a late bloomer...but I am a Child of Gods! > YSIC, Sandi > =============================================================================== Date: Thu, 19 Feb 1998 08:14:42 -0800 Subject: Re: Intro & Info request From: RMUCK This is a multi-part message in MIME format. --------------D246BD43675 Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit Hi from Sandi wrote: > > Hi, > > My name is Sandi, I joined on the list on the 15th [Sunday]; but > sadly I haven't received any shares. > > I was so excited when I found the web site with all the info on why > we should memorize scripture. I still consider myself a 'new babe > of Christ', anxious to learn! In fact the night I signed on, I > couldn't sleep...I was full of energy and the songs of Praise kept > going through my head. I laid in bed singing in my head, while > husband lay snoring loudly next to me ~ took me 1 1/2 to fall asleep. > > Where are you guys? > > A little about myself. I am 39/F married with 2 daughters, 16 & 18. > I recieved the 'thirst' of the Word in November '96. Since then I've > been overloading myself in trying to learn all I can. Geez there is > alot to learn! As of the first of this year I started a daily > Bible reading schedule. I was doing ok and enjoying what I missed out... > but I now find I have gotten behind. Seems when I sit to read I fall > asleep? > > I was raised Catholic, but since I began my thirsting...I started going to > an Assembly of God church in my hometown Milwaukee, WI. This is a hard > thing for me to do, from all my upbringing. At Christmas time, I stopped > going...I'm still not comfortable and need to work on it. I am on a list > of approximately 70 Christian Women who work on our walk with sharing > a common trial of being married to an S.A. 'A' stands for addiction, > you can guess the 'S'. I am now part of the ministry team on the list. > I collect all the prayer requests, and praise shares; and send them out > every Saturday in digest form...which some of us have committed to fast > and pray for. > > Well that's me in a bundle. Now for the question. What version of Bible > are you using for memorization. I read the NIV version because when I > tried to read the KJ version I wasn't able to grasp the meanings. I > intend to buy a KJ version for next year when I re-read it, with my > schedule. > > Hope to hear from this list. I am so anxious to grow in the Lords > commands! I need the protection in my walk, and believe in knowing > scriptures. I am a late bloomer...but I am a Child of Gods! > YSIC, SandiSANDI I HOPE THIS HELPS. THIS ATTACHMENT IS FROM THE BIBLE STUDIES FOUNDATION. WWW.BIBLE.ORG I THINK IT IS KINDA HELPFU. RON --------------D246BD43675 Content-Type: text/html; charset=iso-8859-1 Content-Transfer-Encoding: quoted-printable Content-Disposition: inline; filename="SM01.HTM" = Dealing with Temptation:

Dealing With Temptation
Some Thoughts for Meditation on Matthew 4:4

by
Greg Herrick
greghbible.org

Introduction<= /center>

Few things in the Christian life are as exciting as memorizing Scripture= =2E It has provided me with hours of meditation and fuel for meaningful pra= yer; it has shaped my relationship and walk with God. I'm excited that you = have started to memorize Scripture with a view to meditating on its truth s= o that you too can experience the power of a life transformed by the Lord. =

If you have started the BSF Memory Program you have probably already memori= zed Matthew 4:4 (the first verse in the Program) and have given it lots of = careful and creative thinking. If you have done this, then I hope the follo= wing brief comments will stimulate you even more. If, on the other hand you= have not yet committed Matthew 4:4 to memory and meditated on it, I encour= age you to go ahead and do it now. You'll love it!!! Spend some time thinki= ng about it and then come and read the following comments on the verse. Rem= ember, ABSOLUTELY NOTHING can substitute for your own memory and meditation= =2E I am in no way discouraging the reading of other people (otherwise I wo= uld not have taken the time to write this), but only suggesting that your r= eading of the Bible come first.

A Note On Meditation=

Meditation is the process of mulling around in your mind a passage of Sc= ripture until its meaning becomes clear and one can see how it applies to h= im or her. One helpful tip I received a long time ago involves the practice= of reading the verse(s) through several times, each time emphasizing a dif= ferent word. This will help you see things you’ve never seen before an= d put the passage together better than you had previous. And what’s eq= ually important, is that it is during this time of meditation that the Holy= Spirit often leads us in the particular application of Scripture He desire= s.

Matthew 4:4 and the Example = of Jesus

Let's turn our attention now to Matthew 4:4 where we can learn literally= a ton about our Savior and how he handled temptation with the Word of God.= We will begin, as we always should, attempting to place the passage under = study in its context. Once we can see how it relates to what has come befor= e as well as what comes after, we will focus on the passage itself.

The Context of the Passage

Matthew has already told us by virtue of Jesus’ genealogy (1:1-17) = that he is the Messiah who will bring to realization all that was promised = in the OT. Matthew connects Jesus to two prominent OT figures who represent= two important covenants and the future hope of the nation of Israel and in= deed the entire world. First, Jesus is related to Abraham and the Abrahamic= covenant (Matt 1:1) with the inference that he is the one who will fulfill= the promises made to the patriarch (see Genesis 12:1-3; 15:1-21). The Abra= hamic covenant was further expanded many years later in the covenant given = to David (see 2 Samuel 7:12-16). Thus Matthew’s connecting Jesus with = David in 1:1 is to indicate that Jesus as Messiah will fulfill the promises= made to David. Jesus is to be a king! This Matthew makes clear through the= in 2:2: “Where is he who is to be born king of the Jews?”

Finally Jesus was born during difficult circumstances. King Herod was quite= agitated by the news of another king. So feeling extremely threaten= ed (by a child!!) he reacted in an attempt to have Jesus killed. Instead, h= e murdered some male children under two years old (probably around 10-15 bo= ys). After Mary and Joseph escaped to Egypt they returned and ultimately en= ded up in Nazareth. Now, the important thing to realize about these events = (i.e., his genealogy, birth, escape, return and settling down) is that they= happened in accordance with what the OT had anticipated would happen. T= hus the Word of God is playing a central role right from the beginning of M= atthew’s story and as we shall see it plays a central role in the temp= tations as well. To review: First, Jesus’ genealogy is conn= ected to significant OT Scriptures. Second, his birth is said to be = the fulfillment of Isaiah’s prophecy (Matt 1:23 and Isaiah 7:14= ). Third, the place of his birth was foretold in the OT (Matt 2:5, 6= and Micah 5:2). Jesus’ coming out of Egypt was the fulfillment= of OT Scripture (Matt 1:15 and Hosea 11:1). Fourth, even Herod’= ;s slaughter of the children is according to the OT (Matt 1:18 and Jeremiah= 31:15). Fifth, Jesus settling down in Nazareth after his return from Egypt= is also said to fulfill the OT prophets.

Following Jesus’ return to Nazareth, Matthew records for us the minist= ry of John the Baptist which is, of course, according to Scripture—Isa= iah 40:3. While there are differences of opinion among scholars as to why J= esus felt the need to be baptized—and the precise meaning of to ful= fill all righteousness in 3:15—it is perhaps best to see the passa= ge as communicating the idea that Jesus thoroughly identified himself with = the nation of Israel and the godly remnant who had obediently received John= ’s baptism. The reference in 3:17 is key to the meaning of the temptat= ions in 4:1-11. In this text Matthew brings together two passages of Script= ure, namely, Psalm 2:7 and Isaiah 42:1. Brought together in this way they m= ay be said to refer to Jesus as the Suffering Servant who accomplishes God&= #146;s will and ultimately reigns but does so only after suffering first= . The temptation account, then, in the following verses comes right on = the heals of God declaring to Jesus that he was his Son whom He loved. It i= s after the temptation account that Jesus, having just defeated the Devil, = goes into Galilee to begin his ministry of healing people and preaching the= gospel—a ministry that ultimately leads to suffering and death on a c= ross before resurrection and glory. Now that we have some understanding of = the context, let’s look at the temptation account now and in particula= r the first temptation and Jesus’ use of Deuteronomy 8:3 in Matthew 4:= 4.

The Passage Itself

We must first notice that it was the Spirit who led Jesus into a place w= here he could be tempted, though God himself was using it only as a test (4= :1). If Jesus were to be able to stand in the place of the nation of Israel= and indeed the human race as a whole, he had to be victorious where we hav= e failed; he must withstand the temptations of the Devil and never succumb,= otherwise he would be disqualified as Messiah and Savior.

Notice that Jesus was led by the Spirit into the desert to fast for forty d= ays and forty nights (probably recalling by way of parallelism Israel’= s 40 years in the wilderness, where she grumbled at God because of the lack= of food; see Deut 8:2) and that it was when Jesus was at his weakest that = the Devil came to him to tempt him. It is a safe thing to assume that the D= evil will attack us when we’re at our weakest and in the area that we&= #146;re most vulnerable. In this case, it was a temptation regarding hunger= and food.

Now, some commentators think that since the Devil said to Jesus, “I= f you are the Son of God” he was trying to get Jesus to doubt what= God had just told him at his baptism, namely, “This is my Son,= whom I love.” But the first two temptations themselves (vv. 3 and 6) = seem to argue against this interpretation. It seems that the Devil, the Tem= pter as Matthew calls him in 4:3, assumes that Jesus believes He is the Son= of God so he tries another trick. He tempts Jesus to use his Sonship in= an ungodly, sinful way. Now there is nothing intrinsically wrong with = turning stones into bread unless it is not God’s will. And this= is the case here. The Devil is trying to get Jesus to exercise his powers = of Messianic Sonship (cf. 3:17) apart from the will of the Father. This wou= ld be sin. We must also recognize that underlying this temptation, and in f= act fueling it, is a view of God similar to the one the Devil sold Adam and= Eve. The Devil is, in effect, trying to teach Christ that God cannot be tr= usted to meet his needs, that he doesn’t care and that if He wants to = save His life he had better act now (In the Devil’s definition, life i= s basically physical [cf. “bread alone” in Jesus’ response],= not spiritual communion with and obedience to God.). In essence God is = not good and cannot be trusted. This is one of the litany of lies that = Eve bought into when the Devil had convinced her that God was withholding f= rom her by not allowing her to eat from the tree (see Genesis 3:4-5).

Well, we know that Jesus responded to the Devil with Scripture which was pr= operly interpreted. His use of “it is written” (4:4) indicates a = firm commitment to the written word of God and its finality as the a= uthority for a life lived in obedience to God. He believed Deuteronomy 8:3 = (as he did the rest of Scripture)! Jesus does not deny that man has physica= l needs, but only that therein does not lay the totality of one’s life= =2E Thus, Jesus teaches us that when God takes us through times of testing = it is better to trust him and hold up under it (1 Cor 10:13) than it is to = devise a sinful strategy to get out from under God’s appointed trials = (see James 1:2-8). We can only do this if we believe that God is good and h= as our best interests at heart. If we deny this, we will not be able to hav= e any kind of relationship with him in the midst of difficult times. Now th= at is not to say that we won’t struggle with these issues, but we must= draw near to God and ask for grace to help us in our time of need (see Heb= rews 4:14-16). So Jesus is a great model for us when we face temptations. I= f we have a willing and obedient heart (as He did) and have committed the W= ord of God to memory (as He did), God can show us the path to follow. This = is why Scripture memory is so important. Scripture stored up in our heart h= elps us to see particular temptations for what they really are and gives us= the strength to overcome them as the Spirit marries the memorized Word to = our consciences and delivers us from evil (cf. Galatians 1:4).

Greg Herrick graduated from Dallas Theological Seminary with the Th.M. in 1= 994 and is working on his Ph.D. Greg is our resident scholar who contribute= s some of the more scholastic studies found on our web site. =
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--------------D246BD43675-- =============================================================================== Date: Fri, 20 Feb 1998 05:53:13 EST Subject: memorizing "chunks" of text... From:ew C Smith) I have found that, when memorizing longer passages, I can start to get the order of verses mixed up. I've dealt with it this way: I work on two longer passages at the same time (right now I'm working on Ps 199 and the first several chapters of Mark); I divide each into ten-verse "chunks"; I work on one "chuck" at a time (it might take me a week, if things are going well, or a month, if they aren't). I alternate between the two passages, like this: first, I memorize MK 1:1-10 second, I memorize Ps 119:1-10 third, MK 1:11-20 fourth, PS 119:11-20 You can see the pattern. While memorizing, of course, I review the earlier ones. The system has these advantages: [1] ten verses, ten fingers: I quietly tap my fingers while memorizing and reciting. [2] the passage is clearly broken down into chunks of ten verses each; that helps me keep the order straight in my head so I don't scramble them up while reciting. ********* This message was sent to you by A.C. Smith http://www.geocities.com/athens/acropolis/5680 a.c.smithjuno.com _____________________________________________________________________ You don't need to buy Internet access to use free Internet e-mail. Get completely free e-mail from Juno at http://www.juno.com Or call Juno at (800) 654-JUNO [654-5866] =============================================================================== Date: Fri, 20 Feb 1998 11:08:03 -0500 Subject: Memory with a Purpose From: >Thanks Drake. Yes, I received the Laugh a Little message. I appreciate the >humor. Humor is good, good, good. You are doing well to help keep our lives >a little easier to bear. Keep up the good work. Send more Humor. > >To All: The biblememorylist is a great audience to work with, I'm >beginning to discover. Some of your messages have thrilled me, and I have >weeped over some, others cause me to think. The fullness of it's riches are yet to >be fully discovered. In an attempt to discover these riches I'd like it if >you'd consider assiting me, which may have the additional effect of >enriching the memory discussion. > >The background - I'm 48 now, and I met with my associate pastor Tuesday >evening to discuss my personal profile and ministry options. During our >meeting we talked about a curriculum I've been preparing, and intended for >core group church members initially. The curriculum includes 3 memory >modules and is for small groups up to 10, requires active participation and >would occur once a month regularly. > >Part of the idea is to get the group of core members to start actively thinking >about memory work because the energy and motivation that comes from >encouraging and working together is awesome. We say our God is an awesome >God... And He is! This is one of the ways that concept/attribute benefits us and >works out practically in our lives. > >The other part of the idea is to grow the church by reaching and relating to people >who are seeking a church home. We can do this by building skills and knowledge >into the core members, that will help to make them shine before God, to themselves >and before other people. We have found that seekers are attracted to a church >when love is demonstrated there. This curriculum is intended it improve how love >is being demonstrated among our families, to our friends and others. > >I just wanted to ask, in considering the subjects presented below, do you >see any particular weaknesses in it, and if so how could the curriculum be >improved? For that matter, if you want to brainstorm, just spin off your >own ideas concerning whatever really touches you, especially as it relates to >the memory work. Afterall, "The mouth speaks from what fills the heart." A >description of the 6 modules follows: > >- Memorizing the 66 Bible Book Names and Their Outlines > Based on research from study experts and practice, I have come to know >that understanding the bible richly, best comes from confidently >knowing the bible book names and the outlines of each of the bible books, >and then to delve into the details of the individual books. Most people need to >be taught a reliable, fun way to memorize the bible book names and outlines >of the individual books because as students most of us haven't learned how >to study correctly or how to memorize efficiently and effectively. > >- Memorizing Bible Verses > I believe we need to memorize selected bible verses because God said >to do it and it is good for us. But people are reluctant to memorize >because of the drudgery and work of rote memory that is usually associated >with the effort. People need to be taught a fun, reliable way of memorizing >based on techniques which are very well developed, fun and dependable. > >- Remembering Names and Faces > I believe our church members need to learn how to memorize names and >faces because people's names are important to them. Names are strongly >associated with a person's identity and speaking a person's name helps with >relationship building. Many people have little memory for remembering names >and/or faces, and people need to be taught this fun and easily learned >skill. > >- Becoming a Highly Effective Person > Many people don't realize (or care) that they are wasting valuable >time and that, in many cases, the events in people's lives are controlling >their decisions instead of their decisions controlling their events. In >order for a person to get the most out of their time, events, roles and >relationships, people need to be taught which of life's habits are most >worthwhile and how to implement those habits in order to get the right >things done, the right way at the right time. > >- Improved Listening and Empathic Skills > Relationship building is directly connected with active listening and >relating to and understanding people's feelings. These skills need to be >taught because many people don't know how to listen well or how to >empathize with other people's feelings well enough. Many of us are >regularly involved in "care" or counseling situations and these two skills, >listening and empathy, are especially important factors in dealing with >these situations effectively and also with building ordinary relationships. > >- Letting Jesus Be My Guide > Jesus is the Christian's model of belief and behavior. Many >Christians have no idea how to let Jesus be their life mentor. Personal >habits interfere and people often don't know how to take lessons from the >bible and apply those to life. By learning how and why Jesus behaved and >made decisions the way He did, people could respond more effectively in >life's situations. =============================================================================== Date: Fri, 20 Feb 1998 11:46:49 -0500 (EST) Subject: Memory with a Purpose From: Deborah L Gerhardt Hi. I just read your memory/learning group idea. WOW - that's exciting. I teach an Adult Sunday School class at my church (mostly "young adults" - I use that term loosely) and immediately wondered if I could use this idea in Sunday School for a few months. The goals could be to memorize a book of the Bible, but also study it as we go. I wonder what they would think of that idea? I've seen a real lack in my class of KNOWING Scripture - I've given them Books of the Bible bookmarks because when I ask them to look up verses they watch me to see which way I start turning my pages - so much the more with their ability to quote Scripture. Do you have people in your church that have expressed an interest in this? I've become convinved that I need partners in helping me memorize - those to do it with and review with - the encouragement is essential. I think your outline is pretty thorough - quite ambitious. I'd love to hear more about this as you plan and implement the idea. debby P.S. Our Director of Youth Ministries once did a Children's Sermon on this subject. He brought a map with him and asked the children what did their mom or dad do with it when they when on a trip in the car. He then asked them if they walked around with that map every where they went - they say no. He then told them that's why we should put God's Word in our hearts, so that we know how and where God wants us to go and do. Simple - but that has stuck with me more than all the "intellectual" reasons I've heard for memorizing and reviewing so it becomes "heart knowledge." Deborah L. Gerhardt Assistant Director Academic Advisory Center College of Humanities & Social Sciences Carnegie Mellon University Baker Hall 161 Pittsburgh, PA 15213-3890 [412] 268-1076 (office phone/voice mail) [412] 268-1293 (fax #) =============================================================================== Date: Fri, 20 Feb 1998 05:53:13 EST Subject: memory and sin... From:ew C Smith) I find that the more I meditate on the Scripture, the more I am convicted of my own sin. God uses the light of His Word to shine into my heart and show me what I need to throw out. ********* This message was sent to you by A.C. Smith http://www.geocities.com/athens/acropolis/5680 a.c.smithjuno.com _____________________________________________________________________ You don't need to buy Internet access to use free Internet e-mail. Get completely free e-mail from Juno at http://www.juno.com Or call Juno at (800) 654-JUNO [654-5866] =============================================================================== Date: Fri, 20 Feb 1998 05:53:13 EST Subject: memory and translation... From:ew C Smith) Christians in America underwent a series of changes in the last half of this century regarding Bible translations. After several centuries of KJV usage (there was a little bit of RV and ASV use starting in the 1890's, but those translations were so similar to KJV that it was hard to tell the difference), there were suddenly so many... In short order, we were introduced to the RSV, NASB, NIV, TEV, NEB, and many others. Someone on this list mentioned "God's Word to the Nations", which is a good new translation. Many churches and groups drifted around among the translations..... Today, it seems like groups are finally picking one to "settle" on . My situation is this: having lived through all this, some verses I've memorized from the RSV, some from the NASB, and some from the NIV. I'm very much afraid to go back and change what I've already memorized from one version to another; when I recite, it's my own unique patchwork of verses from different translations. (I know that there may be some of you out there who are in the "KJV-only" group. I certainly don't want to offend you in any way, and the owner and founder of this list said that he didn't want that debate to occur here.) ********* This message was sent to you by A.C. Smith http://www.geocities.com/athens/acropolis/5680 a.c.smithjuno.com _____________________________________________________________________ You don't need to buy Internet access to use free Internet e-mail. Get completely free e-mail from Juno at http://www.juno.com Or call Juno at (800) 654-JUNO [654-5866] =============================================================================== Date: Fri, 20 Feb 1998 05:53:13 EST Subject: posting to the bible memory list.... From:ew C Smith) Please be aware that some of do not have HTML e-mail readers, and messages with lots of commands embedded in them come ot pretty garbled. (Please keep it simple: no italics, bolds, centers, font changes, etc.: I value you what you've written, and want to be able to read it!) ********* This message was sent to you by A.C. Smith http://www.geocities.com/athens/acropolis/5680 a.c.smithjuno.com _____________________________________________________________________ You don't need to buy Internet access to use free Internet e-mail. Get completely free e-mail from Juno at http://www.juno.com Or call Juno at (800) 654-JUNO [654-5866] =============================================================================== Date: Fri, 20 Feb 1998 20:38:08 EST Subject: Re: The Names of the Bible Books From: re the minor prophets -- i always had trouble memorizing them until i saw a pattern: the first 6 are in groups of 3 with a J in the middle Hosea JOEL Amos Obadiah JONAH Micah the next book is a change of direction, so clear your throat (ahem)... Nahum The next 4 are H-Z-H-Z, followed by Malachi (which we can all remember is the last book of OT). Habakkuk, Zephaniah, Haggai, Zechariah (h's are in alpha order, z's are not). i don't know if this helps anyone else, but it works for me every time. sometimes on trips my husband and i test each other on the books of the Bible. review is always good. of course, the best way to really know them is to know the Bible so well, because we are in the Word, hungering, searching, drinking in, etc. but knowing the order by rote is very helpful to anyone! always glad to read the posts. i'm not very organized at memory work, but enjoy it for what the Lord does in my heart and mind, what He teaches me about Him and about my walk, as i meditate on what He plants (i always say it is the Lord who gives the grace to memorize). currently in Hebrews, venturing on to chapter 11. i don't know anyone local but my husband who is willing to keep me accountable in this, because it takes about 45 minutes to quote 10 chapters. the Lord is my accountability partner. bryan usually tests me at 3 to 5 chapters at a time, without prior warning, but sometimes right from chapter 1 on through. it is really helpful, because i often fall asleep quoting hebrews to the Lord!! the Lord bless and keep you all, abounding in His grace, YSIC, Judy. =============================================================================== Date: Fri, 20 Feb 1998 20:00:42 -0600 Subject: Re: The Names of the Bible Books From:ie) Judy--have you heard of the Wee Sing Bible Songs tapes sold at Walmart? They have the Old and New Testament books put to song. This is how I learned the books of the Bible and fast! Thanks to my kids lol Joanie B -----Original Message----- From: AskJudySSaol.com To: biblememoryMyList.net Date: Friday, February 20, 1998 7:35 PM Subject: Re: The Names of the Bible Books >re the minor prophets -- i always had trouble memorizing them until i saw a >pattern: the first 6 are in groups of 3 with a J in the middle > >Hosea JOEL Amos Obadiah JONAH Micah > >the next book is a change of direction, so clear your throat (ahem)... Nahum > >The next 4 are H-Z-H-Z, followed by Malachi (which we can all remember is the >last book of OT). Habakkuk, Zephaniah, Haggai, Zechariah (h's are in alpha >order, z's are not). > >i don't know if this helps anyone else, but it works for me every time. >sometimes on trips my husband and i test each other on the books of the Bible. >review is always good. of course, the best way to really know them is to know >the Bible so well, because we are in the Word, hungering, searching, drinking >in, etc. but knowing the order by rote is very helpful to anyone! > >always glad to read the posts. i'm not very organized at memory work, but >enjoy it for what the Lord does in my heart and mind, what He teaches me about >Him and about my walk, as i meditate on what He plants (i always say it is the >Lord who gives the grace to memorize). currently in Hebrews, venturing on to >chapter 11. > >i don't know anyone local but my husband who is willing to keep me accountable >in this, because it takes about 45 minutes to quote 10 chapters. the Lord is >my accountability partner. bryan usually tests me at 3 to 5 chapters at a >time, without prior warning, but sometimes right from chapter 1 on through. >it is really helpful, because i often fall asleep quoting hebrews to the >Lord!! > >the Lord bless and keep you all, abounding in His grace, >YSIC, Judy. =============================================================================== Date: Fri, 20 Feb 1998 05:53:13 EST Subject: small steps... From:ew C Smith) To encourage some of you, let me say that it's fine to set very small goals as a way to get started on memorization. Pick one verse, and have as a goal to simply write it out longhand once a day for a week. Writing it out long hand might take between thirty seconds and two minutes. Try to do it first thing in the morning; if you forget, you can do it later in the day. This goal is fairly small, and thus managable and achievable. It can be the first step to bigger things. When you climb a mountain, you usually start at the bottom. ********* This message was sent to you by A.C. Smith http://www.geocities.com/athens/acropolis/5680 a.c.smithjuno.com _____________________________________________________________________ You don't need to buy Internet access to use free Internet e-mail. Get completely free e-mail from Juno at http://www.juno.com Or call Juno at (800) 654-JUNO [654-5866] =============================================================================== Date: Fri, 20 Feb 1998 14:53:42 -0500 Subject: The Names of the Bible Books From: Deborah, That was so kind of you to respond to the message I posted on the memorylist this morning. I'm catching a glimpse of things to come, and I'm speculating that through discussions with you, and others, we could put together a substantially meaningful way to know God's Word. You have the need, I have the need, everybody has the need. Sometimes, I just love doing God's work. Don't you? I started with the end in view. Having the end in site is a good, good place to start, and working backwards from there reveals the path. The idea is analogous to putting together a complex jigsaw puzzle. Initially, I began this adventure by asking myself the who, what, when, where, how and why questions. And I ended up with some answers which oriented the curriculum. The other orienting factor was based on my church's direction, and what the pastors and people are wanting to accomplish. I had to figure out an easy, fun way to memorise all the books of the bible. It took some time and effort, but I came up with some sentences using the acrostic and close association memory techniques combined with a picture of the sentence. Eventually, this close association plus picture method enabled me to easily know all the bible book names in order, out of order and in reverse. It's hard to imagine how delighted I was to have accomplished it. I never did anything like that before. And now knowing the bible book names seems relatively easy and I want to move on to knowing my favorite bible book's outlines. With outlines, more people will need to be involved and will need to share their work. Here is an example of the two sentences I figured out that both defines a picture and all of the bible book names in order. MoM LuGs ARCs at GE Power Company To Transmit from The Tower. I made a graphic depicting this scene on Lotus Freelance. This is a picture of a lady carrying large lighting bolts through the power station where the electricity is transmitted outward along the power lines. FILL A MAN with BREW and he plays GAMES in his PJs BACKWARDS. There is no graphic available for this scene yet. But, the picture here is of a man dressed in pajamas, bending over backwards, playing the game Twister after having had a beer or two. (I dearly hope no one finds offence in this). Philemon and Hebrews go wonderfully together this way, don't you think? Between these two sentences all the New Testament books are named in order. Can you find them? And if (rather when) you get a firm grasp of the picture which depicts the sentence, you will realise that if you recollect any part of the picture you will remember all of it. And you will be able to recite the book names in reverse, forward or out of order if you wish. Having this ability will make you feel real good. I worked with the Old Testament book names and developed several sentences for handling those as well. Pictures are not available for them either. Using the following picture idea a person can easily know the number of any book also. The picture is that all the bible books are stacked on top of each other from the 1st through the 66th. And that picture resembles a 2 story building with 65 windows and a roof. The first layer of 5 at the bottom is the Pentatuch. The next layer are the 12 History books. Next are the 5 Poetry books. Next are the 5 Major Prophets. Next are the 12 Minor Prophets. On top of the first story are 4 Gospels, 1 Church History, 13 Paul's Epistles, 8 Other Epistles and the roof, Revelation. I've been testing this method on a small group and some individuals. And the results are sort of remarkable and really encouraging, especially for people who never studied memory improvement. Why not try it out on some friends and let us know how it works? Thanks for your interest, NOEL Hi. I just read your memory/learning group idea. WOW - that's exciting. I teach an Adult Sunday School class at my church (mostly "young adults" - I use that term loosely) and immediately wondered if I could use this idea in Sunday School for a few months. The goals could be to memorise a book of the Bible, but also study it as we go. I wonder what they would think of that idea? Deborah L. Gerhardt =============================================================================== Date: Sat, 21 Feb 1998 10:44:53 -0600 Subject: Re: memory and sin... From:ie) Amen! I'm getting hungry lol Joanie -----Original Message----- From: Andrew C Smith To: biblememorymylist.net Date: Saturday, February 21, 1998 12:54 AM Subject: memory and sin... >I find that the more I meditate on the Scripture, the more I am convicted >of my own sin. God uses the light of His Word to shine into my heart and >show me what I need to throw out. > > >********* > >This message was sent to you by A.C. Smith >http://www.geocities.com/athens/acropolis/5680 >a.c.smithjuno.com > >_____________________________________________________________________ >You don't need to buy Internet access to use free Internet e-mail. >Get completely free e-mail from Juno at http://www.juno.com >Or call Juno at (800) 654-JUNO [654-5866] > =============================================================================== Date: Sat, 21 Feb 1998 10:47:20 -0600 Subject: Re: memory and translation... From:ie) The same has happened to me too Andrew. Over the years I have memorized from whatever bible I was working with at the time. I have my favorite version, but some verses mean more to me out of maybe another version because of what He caused it to mean when I was memorizing it. Joanie -----Original Message----- From: Andrew C Smith To: biblememorymylist.net Date: Saturday, February 21, 1998 12:54 AM Subject: memory and translation... >Christians in America underwent a series of changes in the last half of >this century regarding Bible translations. > >After several centuries of KJV usage (there was a little bit of RV and >ASV use starting in the 1890's, but those translations were so similar to >KJV that it was hard to tell the difference), there were suddenly so >many... > >In short order, we were introduced to the RSV, NASB, NIV, TEV, NEB, and >many others. Someone on this list mentioned "God's Word to the Nations", >which is a good new translation. Many churches and groups drifted around >among the translations..... > >Today, it seems like groups are finally picking one to "settle" on . > >My situation is this: having lived through all this, some verses I've >memorized from the RSV, some from the NASB, and some from the NIV. > >I'm very much afraid to go back and change what I've already memorized >from one version to another; when I recite, it's my own unique patchwork >of verses from different translations. > >(I know that there may be some of you out there who are in the "KJV-only" >group. I certainly don't want to offend you in any way, and the owner and >founder of this list said that he didn't want that debate to occur here.) > >********* > >This message was sent to you by A.C. Smith >http://www.geocities.com/athens/acropolis/5680 >a.c.smithjuno.com > >_____________________________________________________________________ >You don't need to buy Internet access to use free Internet e-mail. >Get completely free e-mail from Juno at http://www.juno.com >Or call Juno at (800) 654-JUNO [654-5866] > =============================================================================== Date: Sat, 21 Feb 1998 14:19:59 -0800 Subject: Re: The Names of the Bible Books From: "Drake Mariani" I saw this same technique done for the Presidents in a book called Yo! Millard Fillmore! for $7 in ed supply houses. Bought it and loved it, so I wrote one called Say The Books $8. It has 2 options for the OT (the Linking picture idea Matthew discusses) and one using "rooms". The New Testament House for the NT is cool (NAVIGATOR friend of mine gave to me). I use it with evangelistic studies with men and in about 15 minutes they say them backwards! I used Say The Books! overheads ($25 for the reproducible masters) to teach 300 K-6th graders Gen-Rev and they said them backwards after 35 minutes. There is an appropriate "action" they take as they learn the books. I've also included 100 family Devotional Discussion questions in Say The Books! for the OT books. They are application oriented and are associated with a Memlok memory verse associated with that book. Oh, I also have a little computer game called Name That Book! (win 31 or 95) $6 that allows members to try and beat Dad by putting them in order. Shows your last time and has 3 levels of difficulty. You can see a bit of what these are like on the website or I'll send a brochure if you don't have internet access. Drake Mariani memlokpacbell.net Memlok/PC Memlok Bible Memory System 800-373-1947 For 15 Free Scripture memory Tips, reply "Tips" in Subject. http://www.memlok.com (FREE STUFF - dozens of 'em) -----Original Message----- From: Mathew Cassidy To: biblememoryMyList.net Date: Saturday, February 21, 1998 12:10 PM Subject: Re: The Names of the Bible Books >At 20:38 20/02/98 -0500, you wrote: >>re the minor prophets -- i always had trouble memorizing them until i saw a >>pattern: the first 6 are in groups of 3 with a J in the middle >> >>Hosea JOEL Amos Obadiah JONAH Micah > >I learnt all the names of the books, in order, by applying a simple >mnemonic technique called the Link Method. You substitute a word which you >can easily picture for the name of the book and then mentally associate it >with the next picture you have for the following book. For example - > >Genesis - this reminds me of PHIL COLINS from the band Genesis >Exodus - this reminds me of a flashing red EXIT sign >Leviticus - this reminds me of a faded pair of LEVI jeans >Numbers - this reminds me of a barrel fulled with coloured NUMBERED balls >they use for lotto > >So, based on these pictures I would mentally construct the following scene - > >PHIL COLINS is wearing a flashing red EXIT sign on his t-shirt, as he >struggles to put on a pair of LEVI jeans, but all of a sudden he topples >over as he is flooded with a whole lot of coloured NUMBERED lotto balls. > > >>>From experience, I have found that with some creative effort, I can think >of suitable images quite quickly and construct a story using them. The >advantage of course is a high degree of recall and a longer lasting memory >trace for the information you want to remember. > >For those of you interested in using the mnemonic methods available you >might like to look at this web site - > > http://www.mindtools.com/memory.html > > > > > > >Regards >Mathew > > > > ------------------------------------------------------------------- > | Mathew Cassidy | > | AgResearch | > | Ruakura | > | Hamilton | > | Email : mcassidyvoyager.co.nz | > | cassidymagresearch.cri.nz | > ------------------------------------------------------------------- > =============================================================================== Date: Sat, 21 Feb 1998 17:00:20 -0800 Subject: Re: The Names of the Bible Books From: "Drake Mariani" As a matter of fact, I called the NT method "The Roman Villa" (each room was a book...Corner room =1 & 2 Cornerinthians, 3 bathrooms at end of house=1,2,3 John), for about 10 years, then found out my friend Denny Repko in Pasadena had authored it around 1975! Drake Mariani memlokpacbell.net Memlok/PC Memlok Bible Memory System 800-373-1947 For 15 Free Scripture memory Tips, reply "Tips" in Subject. http://www.memlok.com (FREE STUFF - dozens of 'em) -----Original Message----- From: Mathew Cassidy To: biblememoryMyList.net Date: Saturday, February 21, 1998 4:45 PM Subject: Re: The Names of the Bible Books >At 14:19 21/02/98 -0800, you wrote: > >>Bought it and loved it, so I wrote one called Say The Books $8. It has 2 >>options for the OT (the Linking picture idea Matthew discusses) and one >>using "rooms". > >The 'rooms' you refer to, sound very much like the Roman Room Method >(Method of Loci). The ancients use to employ this method for memorising >vast quantities of information. > >Has anyone ever studied the histroy of mnemonics? If you have, you would >know that great theologians such Thomas Aquinas and St Augustine etc >employed these methods to remember verses. I might try to find the >pertinent books from the library and paste some exerts into this list (if >nobody minds). > > >Regards >Mathew > > > > ------------------------------------------------------------------- > | Mathew Cassidy | > | AgResearch | > | Ruakura | > | Hamilton | > | Email : mcassidyvoyager.co.nz | > | cassidymagresearch.cri.nz | > ------------------------------------------------------------------- > =============================================================================== Date: Sun, 22 Feb 1998 22:46:14 -0800 Subject: Meditation: was Name the Books From: "Drake Mariani" Well, Dean, I certainly see what you are saying. Even discussing memorizing books is "kinda" off center from the main purpose of the group...Bible memory. But, then again, sharing ways that help memorize via brainstorming is helpful too I'd guess. At the core needs to be "M & M" when it comes to Scripture memorization. (memorization AND meditation). I've had a full discussion on this matter with Steve (Simpson) privately. That is, that memorization, purely in and of itself is a mental thing. Thus, technique can come into play: association, linking, rhyming (sp?), alliteration, pairs, sounds, music, harmony, and on and on. The same things that are proven successful by men far more wise in these things than we, who have done tons of controlled studies - can and are being used by thousands of believers around the world to "memorize" God's Word and/or the books of the Bible or the 12 apostles etc. So, yes, I'd say that "techniques" CAN be taken to an extreme, and even possibly take away from application. Appreciate the warning. On the other hand, whatever gets "IT" in there best for each individual needs to be appreciated, and then....on with the application/meditation/rumination once it's there. Yea?.... PS I have made MEDITATION essential in Memlok...There is a Meditation page and/or a Personal Notes Pad. Either way, you read the chapter around your verse and are lead through making first person application. You either keep a notebook of them, looking for ways to share with others. Or, they are attached to that verse in the PC MemLok, so you have a reminder as to what God is teaching you every time you review that verse. Great "Lifetime Character Building Notebook" to keep on yourself and even children 3 & older who can't type or write, but are nonetheless learning and growing in Christ. I praise God that Christ for the Nations Seminary in Dallas has about 150 graduate students in Evangelism/Discipleship begin that very process using Memlok every semester under the able leadership of the instructor Randy Jones. Why? Because they will be the leaders of our future churches. Where the leaders go... Drake Mariani memlokpacbell.net Memlok/PC Memlok Bible Memory System 800-373-1947 For 15 Free Scripture memory Tips, reply "Tips" in Subject. http://www.memlok.com (FREE STUFF - dozens of 'em) -----Original Message----- From: DeanMayaol.com To: biblememoryMyList.net Date: Sunday, February 22, 1998 9:05 PM Subject: Re: The Names of the Bible Books >In a message dated 98-02-21 19:45:59 EST, you write: > ><< The 'rooms' you refer to, sound very much like the Roman Room Method > (Method of Loci). >> > >Maybe I'm missing something but it seems to me that using the room technique >and others detracts from our central purpose. > >Our central purpose is not simply to memorize the info, but to ruminate, >meditate, allow the word to permeate our beings. If your focus is on other >things to recall it, it seems to me that some of that is lost > >Dean May >Terre Haute, IN > =============================================================================== Date: Sun, 22 Feb 1998 15:41:20 -0600 Subject: RE: memorizing "chunks" of text... From: "Lammert, Ruth H" That's a good idea. After all, I once heard that Muslims in the 600's memorized the entire Koran (which is the size of the New Testament). We can certainly dwell in the God's Word for a "chunk" at a time. Good resolution for Lent! Ruth L. > ---------- > From: a.c.smithjuno.com[SMTP:a.c.smithjuno.com] > Reply To: biblememorymylist.net > Sent: Friday, February 20, 1998 4:53 AM > To: biblememorymylist.net > Subject: memorizing "chunks" of text... > > I have found that, when memorizing longer passages, I can start to get > the order of verses mixed up. I've dealt with it this way: > > I work on two longer passages at the same time (right now I'm working on > Ps 199 and the first several chapters of Mark); I divide each into > ten-verse "chunks"; I work on one "chuck" at a time (it might take me a > week, if things are going well, or a month, if they aren't). I alternate > between the two passages, like this: > > first, I memorize MK 1:1-10 > second, I memorize Ps 119:1-10 > third, MK 1:11-20 > fourth, PS 119:11-20 > > You can see the pattern. While memorizing, of course, I review the > earlier ones. > > The system has these advantages: > > [1] ten verses, ten fingers: I quietly tap my fingers while memorizing > and reciting. > > [2] the passage is clearly broken down into chunks of ten verses each; > that helps me keep the order straight in my head so I don't scramble them > up while reciting. > > ********* > > This message was sent to you by A.C. Smith > http://www.geocities.com/athens/acropolis/5680 > a.c.smithjuno.com > > _____________________________________________________________________ > You don't need to buy Internet access to use free Internet e-mail. > Get completely free e-mail from Juno at http://www.juno.com > Or call Juno at (800) 654-JUNO [654-5866] > =============================================================================== Date: Sun, 22 Feb 1998 09:13:50 +1200 Subject: Re: The Names of the Bible Books From: Mathew Cassidy At 20:38 20/02/98 -0500, you wrote: >re the minor prophets -- i always had trouble memorizing them until i saw a >pattern: the first 6 are in groups of 3 with a J in the middle > >Hosea JOEL Amos Obadiah JONAH Micah I learnt all the names of the books, in order, by applying a simple mnemonic technique called the Link Method. You substitute a word which you can easily picture for the name of the book and then mentally associate it with the next picture you have for the following book. For example - Genesis - this reminds me of PHIL COLINS from the band Genesis Exodus - this reminds me of a flashing red EXIT sign Leviticus - this reminds me of a faded pair of LEVI jeans Numbers - this reminds me of a barrel fulled with coloured NUMBERED balls they use for lotto