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It is very advantageous for us to retain and capture the knowledge of God's Word while studying the Bible. O How many times have we read/studied something in the Bible and couldn't recall where it was when we needed it?!! Ouch that hurts! Can you relate? Isn't that frustrating?! Also, does this (our lack of resourcefulness) not limit our usefulness to the Master? Obviously. Are you ready to begin retaining Holy Writ?
Have you ever heard another Christian say something like this: "I just can't seem to memorize Scriptures"? This is an excuse for sure. You and I know that that same person has several other things in life memorized, like sports players, TV or movie celebrities, professional inf
ormation.......
Is it not true that we memorize and learn what interests us? Of the words of God, the Bible says:
“Bind them continually upon thine heart, and tie them about thy neck. When thou goest, it shall lead thee; when thou sleepest, it shall keep thee; and when thou awakest, it shall talk with thee. For the commandment is a lamp; and the law is light; and reproofs of instruction are the way of life.” Proverbs 6:21-23
Have you ever heard or said this? ("I can't memorize the Bible.") Isn't it interesting that these same people use the intelligence God gave them to retain knowledge of numerous other things, all much less important than God's Word. The bottom line is this: If we place value on something, we will learn and know it proficiently. The reason why people can memorize the names of the players on their favorite football team, all the actors names on ungodly sit-coms and soap operas, and not Bible verses, is that this is clearly what they value. What do you value? Look at what Jeremiah valued:
“Thy words were found, and I did eat them; and thy word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart: for I am called by thy name, O LORD God of hosts.” Jeremiah 15:16
Here is the importance Job placed on the words of the LORD:
“Neither have I gone back from the commandment of his lips; I have esteemed the words of his mouth more than my necessary food.“ Job 23:12
If we value God's Word, we will embark upon becoming Bible students in the school of the Holy Spirit, and learn and retain His Words.
TIPS ON RETAINING SCRIPTURE:
(Keep in mind that we all learn by repetition and association)
Cross reference in your Bible, all of the Scriptures you learn about on a specific topic - be resourceful. This way you are building a wealth of knowledge in your own heart and mind as well as on paper in your Bible. By doing this, you are making your Bible more useful by building upon your knowledge of God's' Word and making those truths (found in verses) accessible. Establishing resourcefulness is the key in this endeavor. For example, pencil in each topically similar verse into the margin next to the corresponding verses on the same subject.
Memorizing Scripture: In order to be able to learn and retain these truths in God's own wording, write out verses with references on index cards. Make it a priority to carry and post these memorization cards where you will study and meditate upon them daily (bathroom mirror, car, desk, etc.). These measures will lead to the building of a wealth of truth inside of you on the great and all-important topics of Holy Scripture. This will also help you to retain and become resourceful in the things of God - ready to be used of Him and able to meditate upon His oracles (Josh. 1:8; 2 Tim. 3:15-16; 4:2). Let's stop wasting our efforts in Bible study and begin to capture the knowledge that we are learning. Don't let the living truth get away from you. Capitalize on your efforts by incorporating these simple methods into your life. This is preparation in earnest and the spoils go to those who will consider the LORD important enough to aggrandize and memorize His words.
Are you preparing yourself to be used of God?
"Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth." 2 Timothy 2:15
"All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works." 2 Timothy 3:16-17
Here's how we can personally possess the divine treasures/resources for God to access: Jesus told us that the Holy Spirit will access and utilize what He has already taught us:
"But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you (personally taught you)." John 14:26
Perhaps the best way to begin to "retain" God's words of life in our lives is by memorizing them so that they are available to meditate upon.
"Let thine heart retain my words: keep (live out, obey) my commandments, and live." Proverbs 4:4
In your daily Bible study time, you will be running into verses or parts of verses which will inevitably stand out to you. Perhaps those are the ones the Holy Spirit is pointing out to you to learn for your own life and in order to help others.
"But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:" 1 Peter 3:15
PASS THIS ON.
todd tomasella
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