Reading the Bible daily and meditating, memorizing, and obeying scripture is the foundation for growth in Christ-likeness. We are to grow up in all things into Him (Ephesians 4:15b). We all know that we should read the Bible daily, but time and other priorities make it a challenge.
It takes commitment, a plan, and some accountability to God, ourselves, and others. In addition to reading the assigned passage for the day each month, memorize the scripture for each week. Scripture memory will help hide God’s word in your heart and make it available for use and sharing with others. Tips on scripture memory and printed scripture memory cards are at the end of the reading plan.
Committing to reading the Bible is like a commitment to an exercise or diet plan. The first few weeks are strong and then the daily routine and commitment begins to slide. Having a growth partner, like a workout buddy, will make all the difference. Ask one to two other people to be your growth partner. All the partner needs to do is ask you once a week if you are up-to-date with your daily Bible reading and hear you quote your memory verse for the week. This can be done in person or by phone. If you have your partner personally initial each week that’s even better. Consider asking a fellow Sunday School member to be your growth partner.
Why have a growth partner? First of all, it’s encouragement. Second, it’s accountability. If you know every week someone will be checking, you will be much more likely to stay on track.
Imagine the difference a year will make in reading God’s word daily and memorizing 52 Bible verses. Growth will occur in many areas. Make the commitment to daily Bible reading and scripture memory.
1. We are using the NKJV. The HCSB is on the website. If you prefer, choose a translation of the verse that is comfortable to you.
2. Read the verses before and after the verse so you will have a better understanding of the setting or context.
3. Start with the reference and then learn a phrase at a time. Take five minutes when you first try to learn the verse. Say the reference, quote the verse, and repeat the reference aloud as many times as you can in five minutes. You will be surprised how easy it will be to retain after just five minutes. Some verses will take less time. When reviewing the verse, always say reference, quote the verse, and repeat the reference.
4. Say the verse with someone after you learn it. Ask them to be your helper by listening to see if you got it right.
5. Review new verses daily and throughout the day if possible. Some find it helpful to write the reference and verse each day.
6. Carry the most recent verses that you are memorizing with you in a plastic sleeve. Review when you are on hold for a phone call, at a stop light, during a commercial, or other times that fit within your day.
7. Once a week, review all verses you have memorized. If you need to review a verse more often, keep it with you for your daily review until you are comfortable with reviewing it once a week.
8. Meditate upon some part of the verse during the week as you learn it. Pray it back to God.
9. Repetition and review are the keys to scripture memory.
