8. MEMORIZING FOR THE MIND
This Christmas I suggest each of us give a gift to ourselves that will bring healing, uplifting and inspiration. Only one book can back this promise–the Bible. Let me explain.
Several years ago, circumstances drove me to earnest Bible study. I didn’t do the usual reading straight through—this time I memorized many verses and several full chapters.
I was amazed at the sense of power that filled my life, making me realize this really was no ordinary book. I had been a believer from childhood, with a firm conviction that the Bible is God’s Word, but as I spent possibly an hour a day in memorizing, these facts came alive with a force that moved me onward and upward.
The claim is in the Word that it gives victory over temptation. I sensed that in a real way as goals for a more fruitful life lifted my thoughts to a higher plane.
The Bible promises health and healing. I had no real physical sickness, but there was strength in the Word that gave me a new confidence. There is also power in the Word to heal disease, partially because the relationship that develops with our Creator as we meditate on His Word moves us to take better care of our bodies.
Another very important attribute that comes from memorization of the Word is the strengthening of the intellect. Memorizing actually builds brain cells, which is something every person needs to realize to help ward off Alzheimer’s Disease.
Parents need to incorporate Scripture memory into their children’s lives to help them think more clearly. Also, memorization is very effective in overcoming learning disabilities. Mothers have come to me when I have made Scripture memory presentations to relate how memorizing Scripture helped their children rise above handicaps in reading, writing and other subjects.
Memory cards can be purchased, but we can be creative and make our own. Find a promise you want to memorize. Take an index card, write the promise, the reference and verse on one side:
Power of the Word
2 Peter 1:4 “Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.”
Repeat this reference and verse two times, praying for understanding of the meaning.
Turn the card over and write the reference and the first letter of each word in the verse, being careful to use the same capitals and punctuation.
2 Peter 1:4 “W a g u u e g a p p: t b t y m b p o t d n, h e t c t i i t w t l.”
Repeat the reference and verse using first letters. Look for unique patterns that will hasten learning. Continue to use first letters until the verse takes root, then begin work on a second verse, following the same plan. Review all learned verses daily.
The secret to success is to carry the cards to enable you to memorize during any free time. Todd Beamer, who died in the crash of Flight 93 in 2011, had Scripture memory cards on the armrest of his car. Reports of his final conversation prove he went to his death victoriously—another wonderful power of memorizing Scripture.
The converting, healing and mental power that comes from memorizing the Word could make a new life history for each one of us as we begin today to “HIDE HIS WORD IN OUR HEARTS!”
For organized memorizing plans, email sealingtouch@pldi.net
CAROB CANDY
1 c water
1/4 c carob powder
1 c dates
1 c natural peanut butter
1/2 c unsweetened coconut
1 c chopped pecans or walnuts
2 t vanilla
Cook dates in 1/2 c water until soft. Boil carob powder
in 1/2 c water for 5 minutes, stirring constantly. Add all
ingredients and press into a sprayed casserole dish.