Lisa notes

TO DO

* Pray through the chapter.
Use today to slowly move through the words in your mind, in your heart, in your soul. Let them sink deep with no pressure to memorize, but just to meditate on.

Isaiah 12 (ESV)

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.

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.

6  Shout, and sing for joy, O inhabitant of Zion, for great in your midst is the Holy One of Israel.”

TODAY’S TIP

* Don’t always try to memorize.

There is definitely a time to take one word at a time, to pull the verse apart, to analyze each piece. But there needs to be other times where we ingest it whole—with God—for the integral message he’s sending us. Weekends can be good times for the latter, for periods of reflecting without thinking so hard, just to let the intent of God’s truth wash over us and through us.

FINAL WORD OF ENCOURAGEMENT

I appreciate your encouragement and tips on scripture memory that you’ve been leaving in the comments this month. Here’s one more day of comments from you to me, back to you.

“It is those scriptures I park in so I could research them that has stuck in my mind for years. Well worth the time it takes to go deeper then just reading.”
– Betty

“I printed Isaiah 12 out in a great big bold font and tucked it under the picture that hangs over my desk. I’ve started sitting with that first verse.”
– Linda

“For me, giving words a cadence, like a song, makes it easier.”
– Floyd

“In 2005 I went through a really bad time of depression which lasted 2-3 years but through it I discovered that I could really know Christ and have a relationship with him. I filled many journals and memorized a lot of scripture during that time. Two scripture verses that meant a lot to me were Psalm 63 and Psalm 40:1-3.”
– Pam

“Till reading, I thought this first letters idea was mad. Now I realise it is just like the Kitty-Levin proposal scene in Anna Karenina! Also, writing out the initials of a verse with my finger on the bedsheet was quite a nice thing to do.”
– David

“I actually have a Bible memorization app that makes the words disappear by putting in blanks, but the 1st letter thing is a nice in-between step.
Regarding commentaries, I really love the outline commentary from David Guzik at BlueLetterBible.com. He hasn’t done the entire Bible, but quite a bit of it. I find it easier to read and more practical than Matthew Henry.”
– Lyli

“I’ve used the Navigators memory system in the past and it worked really well for me.”
– June

LINKS and Week-in-Review

• Fight Verse program
• Day 11: Pray through it
• Day 12: Add more words
• Day 13: Research the text
• Day 14: Notice first words
• Day 15: Why are you memorizing
• Day 16: Share it, review it
• Day 17: Say it out loud

* * *

Are you taking time to spend time with God underneath the words, not just memorize the words? Please share in the comments.

 

TO MEMORIZE

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 12:2-3 (ESV)

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 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.”
Isaiah 12:1 (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.”

TO DO

1. Say it out loud.

Use the weekend to practice saying all your verses out loud to at least one other person. It’s beneficial to ask for help from others—for your own sake as well as theirs. It’s one way we can encourage each other in this oft-neglected and underrated spiritual discipline.

2. Get next week’s verses ready.

Do your prep work now for Monday. It’s much easier to start fresh on Monday morning if you have your verses already sitting out, ready for you, than if you have to track something down and go print something out.

If you’re memorizing Isaiah 12 with us, we’ll start Isaiah 12:4-5 on Monday. . And 3×5 cards are here. Or if you prefer one verse at a time, do that! I typically prefer only one new verse per week, but since we’re on a “31 Days” schedule for October, we’ll be doing two more verses next week.

TODAY’S TIP

* Read books on scripture memory.

One of my favorites is Janet Pope’s His Word in My Heart. Janet has been memorizing scripture for decades, and wrote this book to explain both why and how she does it. It’s easy to read and easy to follow. (My book review of it here.) Even if you’ve been memorizing for decades yourself, it’s still encouraging to hear from others who are also doing it. Visit Janet’s blog here.

FINAL WORD OF ENCOURAGEMENT

More tips from YOU that you’ve left on the blog this month . . . Thank you for your help and encouragement! I’ll be sharing one more set tomorrow.

“A thing that we do is set the verses to a tune… somehow singing it helps me to memorize it too!”
– Karrilee

“Re taste and smell: use that mnemonic idea where you mentally walk round your house, but include the kitchen and garden.”
– David

“Thanks for the reminder that this is about the Lord, not about getting crazed over memorization.”
– Linda

“It is good to keep learning at any age even though it’s not always easy. But the joy of learning makes it all worthwhile. And when we learn the Word of God…nothing beats it.”
– Mari-Anna

“Praying through the chapter – any chapter of the Bible – can make a profound impact. This is a practice that I am trying to become better at (if there is a “better”), and in the process of developing as a habit.
Side note: when I start to feel bogged down with “studying” the Scriptures – bogged down to the point where I do not even move forward…I remind myself to just read the chapter (which ever one I’m studying at the time) – just read it and let God’s Word soak in and don’t think about the study aspect, just read. When I do that, it’s freeing and amazing only enough…I always come away enlightened in some way.”
– Deanna

“Whenever a scripture speaks to me, when I “get it,” I just always feel much closer to God!”
– Jerralea

“Blue Letter Bible has an app — which is good for looking up words on the go on your phone if you don’t want to carry around a computer or big book.”
– Lyli

“The word study approach really appeals to me as a former English major. I am fascinated by words, and discovering the *roots* of words in Scripture can be so enlightening. I really enjoy using the Amplified Bible translation, as it adds shades of meaning inherent in the original words.”
– Sharon

LINKS

• Isaiah 12 3×5 Cards
• Janet Pope’s blog on scripture memory
• His Word in My Heart on Amazon
• Book review and tips from His Word in My Heart

* * *

Do you have a favorite book on scripture memory? Please leave a comment.

TO MEMORIZE

Repeat 3-5 times, twice a day.

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 12:2-3 (ESV)

Practice using 1st letters, twice a day.

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 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.”
Isaiah 12:1 (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.”

TO DO

1. Share it

Set aside time to frequently send these words back into the world. What ways can you find to share the message with others? You can do it in casual conversations, in prayer, on social media. Get creative and do what works for you.

2. Practice in Scripture Typer.

Do you best today in Scripture Typer, then return there on Monday to start a new verse.

TODAY’S TIP

* Schedule in time to review.

Another option in Scripture Typer is the “Review” settings. There are multiple settings, from daily, weekly, monthly, annually, and everything in between. Or even “never.”

But whether you choose an option there or just in your mind, do schedule in time periodically to review past verses so you won’t lose them. We’ll discuss it more towards the end of the month, too.

FINAL WORD OF ENCOURAGEMENT

It’s encouraged me to read the tips and comments you have left here the past two weeks about your own scripture memorization.

I’ll be sharing several of your helpful hints today and this weekend to encourage you as well:

“Writing it down is very helpful. So is looking for the patterns. Every little bit helps!”
– Floyd

“Memorizing was so much easier when I was young, yet I keep on, knowing that God’s word doesn’t return void. He will use it. I memorize the reference when I’m memorizing a verse or two. For longer passages or chapters, I memorize the chapter or the passage reference rather than individual verses.”
– Natalie

“I review my verses if I wake up during the night. I also review them before I go to sleep.”
– Pam

“I have a journaling Bible (one page of scripture with a blank page to write on on the other side–this is where I write my thoughts and observations about each verse that I read. It’s great to read back over what I’ve written in years past!”
– Anita

“My parents memorized Psalm 139 and Colossians 3 with us when I was in high school, and I can still remember chunks of both chapter 15 years later. I’m so thankful for this.”
– Devi

“I use Blueletterbible.org for word studies and cross-referencing and etc. Just love its ease of use and tremendous amount of resources.”
– Linda

“The scripture can be put to work right away—I don’t have to wait till I’ve “finished” learning it.
While reading through the Psalms I have been collecting lines for bedtime and morningtime prayers, but I’ve just been leaving the lines there on the page — waiting I suppose for the great day when I’ve read through all the Psalms and I come to compile my Fantastic Bedtime Psalm Compilation Prayer. I should take a line and pray it tonight; choose a line in the morning to have with my breakfast.”
– David

“There is this one word that keeps coming back to me from Isaiah 12 – ‘He is my song’ – God is the very words that come out of my mouth, the words I speak and the words I sing, the words of my soul.”
– Beverley

“Years ago, a good friend was working with a Christian counselor, and he encouraged her to memorize 3 chapters — Romans 6, Ephesians 5, and Colossians 3. I decided to jump in with her, and it was life changing.”
– Lily

LINKS

• Why memorize scripture? by Rick Warren
• 3 important reasons to hide God’s Word in your heart by Sam O’Neal

* * *

How can you share what you’re memorizing with someone else? Please share in the comments.

TO MEMORIZE

Repeat 3-5 times, twice a day.

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 12:2-3 (ESV)

Practice using 1st letters, twice a day.

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 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.”
Isaiah 12:1 (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.”

TO DO

1. Ask yourself why.

Today is a good day to ask yourself this question again:

Why am I memorizing scripture?

It’s important to frequently adjust your motives to ensure they’re not becoming unaligned with your priorities. It’s easy to get caught up in the what of everyday practices of first letters or Scripture Typer or recitations. Yes, those are good. But not without a healthy foundation of why.

2. Journal about this week’s verses.

Ask yourself, then journal about how God is working through these words this week. Have you seen him in a fresh way? In what areas do you need to trust him more? Is he your strength or not?

Some of my journal thoughts from Isaiah 12:2-3:

See! the Mighty has saved me. I can be confident. I don’t have to be startled by anything. The self-sufficient One is who I can sing about. It’s come to pass that I now feel secure, to live out loud and open. And free.

3. Practice in Scripture Typer.

Review all your verses together in Scripture Typer. If you’ve been doing the “Type Everything–Speed” option, try switching over to the “Type Everything–Accuracy” option, or vice versa, for fresh practice.

TODAY’S TIP

* Google “Why memorize scripture”

When your motivation gets low, take a look around at what motivates others. You’re guaranteed to find some inspiration that will encourage you to keep moving forward.

FINAL WORD OF ENCOURAGEMENT

Halfway through a memory challenge (even a short one like this) is when many people start to drift off. It’s a little harder than they thought, or they aren’t as disciplined with it as they’d expected, or life has just gotten in the way. If that happens to you, don’t beat yourself up about it. But do reevaluate and ask why you started this in the first place, and if that’s reason to keep going.

Remember this: you’re not doing this alone. Many others are experiencing the same struggles you are. And hopefully some of the same victories.

Ask others what keeps them going, or ask your accountability partner to give you some encouragement.

And above all, pray about it. God is in this with you, too. Let him guide you through it.

LINKS

• Why memorize scripture at Desiring God

* * *

Have you hit any roadblocks yet? Please share in the comments.

TO MEMORIZE

Repeat 3-5 times, twice a day.

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 12:2-3 (ESV)

Practice using 1st letters, twice a day.

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 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.”
Isaiah 12:1 (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.”

TO DO

1. Notice first words.

Sometimes it’s difficult to move from verse to verse once it’s time to link verses together. If someone will just give you the first word, you can go from there. So occasionally I’ll mentally note the first words of each verse.

For Isaiah 12, the first words (or two) are:

1. You
2. Behold
3. With
4. And you
5. Sing
6. Shout

But isn’t that useless information to memorize? If you spend a lot of time learning it, yes. But looking at it now and again may be all you need to lock it in, getting you over the hump.

2. Look for patterns or repetition.

For example, in Isaiah 12:2, there are 4 “s” words that describe who God is to us (with “salvation” twice—at the beginning and end).

• salvation
• strength
• song
• salvation

I also notice this pattern in verse 2: God is ___; I will ___, for God is ___.

These are small things, but once you notice them, it makes the words a little stickier.

3. Practice all verses with Scripture Typer.

Type in the newest verses first until you can memorize them. Then review all the verses together so you can start stringing them properly.

TODAY’S TIP

* Write it down.

I don’t always take the time to write down these patterns and repetitions that I notice. But when I do write them down, I’m far more likely to be helped by them, even if I don’t come back to read them again. It only takes a minute, but it can increase your memory potential by a lot.

FINAL WORD OF ENCOURAGEMENT

I’m throwing lots of tidbits of information at you this month. Don’t get overwhelmed by them. Take any, all, or none. I don’t use them all with every chapter I memorize.

The main thing is to stay prioritized on the Lord, not on your progress with the words. We don’t want to miss the big picture of who God is because we were too focused on the details of an alphabet. This week’s verses are real faith-builders. Let’s find joy through them.

LINKS

• 5 helps for memorizing Bible verses

* * *

Is one thing helping you the most? Please share in the comments.