Day 20: Don’t give up {Tools for memorizing}
(If you’ve become discouraged in your efforts to memorize, be sure to read “5 reasons to not give up” at the end of this post.)
TO MEMORIZE
Repeat 3-5 times, twice a day.
4 And you will say in that day: “Give thanks to the LORD, call upon his name, make known his deeds among the peoples, proclaim that his name is exalted.
5 “Sing praises to the LORD, for he has done gloriously; let this be made known in all the earth.”
Isaiah 12:4-5 (ESV)
Practice using 1st letters, twice a day.
4 A y w s i t d: “G t t t L, c u h n, m k h d a t p, p t h n i e.
5 “S p t t L, f h h d g; l t b m k i a t e.”
TO REVIEW
1 You will say in that day: “I will give thanks to you, O LORD, for though you were angry with me, your anger turned away, that you might comfort me.
2 “Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and will not be afraid; for the LORD GOD is my strength and my song, and he has become my salvation.”
3 With joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation.
Isaiah 12:1-3 (ESV)1 Y w s i t d: “I w g t t y, O L, f t y w a w m, y a t a, t y m c m.
2 “B, G i m s; I w t, a w n b a; f t L G i m s a m s, a h h b m s.”
3 W j y w d w f t w o s.
TO DO
1. Add in this week’s 1st letters.
Say this week’s verses once in the morning and once in the afternoon by looking at 1st letters. See 1st letters cards here and 1st letters one-page here.
2. Add newest verses to Scripture Typer.
Begin today with the Type It step for Isaiah 12:4-5. Review older verses.
3. Dig into background information on the new verses.
A great online study guide is here from David Guzik. Add any interesting findings in your journal.
These are some thoughts I jotted down from Isaiah 12:4-5:
The second half of this psalm starts like the first half (except for “And”) . . . “you will say in that day.”
It’s a hymn of praise—proclaim and celebrate!—not just a private prayer.
God’s goodness and works are to be the subject of these praises.
TODAY’S TIP
* At least do a little
Do you know FlyLady’s philosophy? “A little housework done imperfectly is better than no housework done at all.”
The same applies to us as we memorize scripture. Learning a verse halfway is better than not learning it at all. God works through our imperfections if we make the effort to give them to him.
FINAL WORD OF ENCOURAGEMENT
Five reasons why you should not give up now (and these apply to more than scripture memory):
- Because if you give up, you definitely won’t finish. If you keep going, you just might make it.
- Because you’re learning patience.
- Because a little is better than none at all.
- Because success may be just around the corner.
- Because God can do the impossible.
LINKS
* * *
What are you trying to not give up on? What keeps you moving on? Please share in the comments.
‘ a little is better than none at all.’
I like that!
;-}
Yes, I use that advice for myself all the time. Especially on the mornings that I exercise—a little is better than none. 🙂
This is fascinating. We are neighbors at Tell His Story and I think this is my first time visiting you. I’ve never thought of the first letter tactic before. I used that all the time in college. Why not Scripture? Brilliant.
And love the Fly Lady wisdom applied here 🙂
I wish I had known about this when I was in college! But better late than never. And yes, we can apply it to whatever we want to. 🙂 Thanks for stopping in, Christi.
I love the advice that “a little is better than none at all.” It’s amazing how Scriptures I remember from the past slip into my heart just when God knows I need it. 🙂 Blessings and hugs to you, Lisa!
It is amazing how those verses from long ago can still reenter our psyche at just the right time. God is still at work from things learned in the past. I’m glad he is a God outside of time!
Ah, I’m definitely coming back to this series in November! These are all great tips for Bible memorization (and life)!
Thanks, Anita. I’ve bookmarked several series for later too. 🙂 Not enough time in one month to read all the 31Days series.
Ah, yes! And the prize is the Word of God that saturates your mind, changing you from the inside out!
This is such great motivation, Lisa!
The Word is definitely the prize, now and forever. So glad He never fades away! Thanks, Michele.
“A little is better than none at all” A-MEN!
Also, I adore Fly Lady, she really helped me when I was overwhelmed with being a stay at home mom when my kids were little.
I had a season where Fly Lady was definitely a staple in my life too. 🙂 Even now, there are remnants of her philosophy that I continue using, not only in housekeeping, but in other areas too (like memorizing scripture, ha). Perfectionism is not our friend.
Thanks for this post. I needed the reminders of why not to give up. I’ve been discouraged lately.
Sometimes it’s easier to get discouraged than to stay encouraged. All the more reason we need each other!
This is great, Lisa! My memory is ATROCIOUS and I’m often tempted to give up learning a verse before I even begin. I’m going to make a note of your tips and give it a whirl. And then maybe even “start a little” housework… 😉 Stopping by from Tell His Story.
My memory is pretty sad too, Laura. But it’s not gone yet, so I want to keep putting stuff in there while I’m able. 🙂 Thanks for dropping in.