Memorizing Scripture

Last week, I had the pleasure of working as an examiner for a national test of EMT candidates, where my duty was to provide a scenario, victim, and equipment and observe the candidate's skills.

In order to ensure that all candidates are treated equally and fairly, a scripted introduction to the skills station is read for each candidate, and a standardized checklist of procedures are used for each exam.

Reading the script, at first, was a bit daunting as I became more familiar with each sentence.  But after reading it over for the first three or four candidates enabled me to internalize the paragraph.  Shortly after, I was reading the script with little effort and even finding that I could make eye contact with the candidate as I recited my lines.  

After the exam, I realized that there were some helpful hints to use in my own quest for memorizing Scripture.

Let's use the example of 2 Timothy 3:16-17, which states

All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.

Tip #1:  Forget the excuses.

"I'm just not good at memorization" is a common excuse for not trying.  God made our brains, so we most certainly can memorize!

Tip #2:  Divide the verses into digestible parts

With a little thought, one can break an entire passage into smaller parts.  Try this with the example above:

All Scripture is breathed out by God

and profitable for teaching,

for reproof,

for correction,

and for training in righteousness,

that the man of God may be complete,

equipped for every good work.

Tip #3:  Read out loud

The more senses one uses when attempting to memorize any content, the faster and easier it is to remember it.  When we read aloud, we're seeing (reading text), hearing (hearing ourselves recite), and speaking (not really tasting, but using the mouth).  If we read silently, we're only using one of our senses.  *Bonus tip:  If you write the passage on a notebook several times, you also engage the sense of touch.

Tip #4:  Think about it

As you read, engage your mind, concentrating on what is being said as you read aloud.  Thinking about the text while engaging as many senses as possible helps develop pathways between neurons in the brain, as well as causing synapses (tiny electrical impulses) that, simply put, help make sense of connected bits of information.

Tip #5:  Repetition

One of the main factors for memorizing the script at the exam was the many times (19 in all) I read and re-read the content.  19 readings plus performing the exam took about 3.5 hours.  If we're serious about memorizing Scripture, start with reading and concentrating for 5 minutes a day for one week on a verse that means something to you.  The following week, increase your effort to 10 minutes and so on until the verse is memorized.

Fully Equipped

"All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete,equipped for every good work."  2 Timothy 3:16-17

"He leads me in paths of righteousness

    for his name's sake."  Psalm 23:3

From my Scripture/prayer journal this morning, studying 2 Timothy 3:

Observation:  Paul authors this letter of encouragement in  c.67 A.D. from prison in Rome to Timothy, a young church leader.   

Interpretation/Theme:  God breathes (exhales).  His Word to be revered as being issued from him and as having his authority.  His very breath - the Holy Spirit -  teaches, rebukes, corrects, and trains me so I am provided with all supply of knowledge (wisdom, gifts) to do His good work (which He planned for me well in advance [Ephesians 2:10 - "For we are God's masterpiece created in Christ Jesus to do good works that he planned for us in advance.")

- How will I study the Word?

- How will I work with God to all him to instill his Word in me?

- How will I use it to help others (do good works)?

Takeaway:  The Word of God has all the answers to life.  If I am fully equipped, I can address all areas of life (relationships, finances, suffering, grief, joy, peace, faith, hope, love, etc.).  But I need to be able to use it properly.  

What if an ambulance was not properly equipped, missing one or a few vital medications?  Medical devices?  Trauma dressings or IV solutions?  The crew would not be well-equiped to handle anything, from basic to advanced.  

Such is the Word.  I must be well-equipped to handle any and all life situations, and God has the answers through his breathing.

Relationships:  With God - He provides equipment (the Word, His Word) SO THAT

                           others can be served for His glory.

Change:  Commit to inductive study every day - TRAIN consistently, make changes that align with Him, build endurance, and teach others (disciple!) applying what God gives (breathing).

Prayer:  Father in Heaven, thank you for opening new meaning to me in your words this morning, drawing us closer together more than ever before.  Your Word is life.  I want to be one with you as Jesus and you are one, as he prayed in John 17.  Thank you for my life in Christ and for showing me more and more of it.

Prequel Mindset

5May14 7:39 p.m. (now)
Have you ever seen a movie or TV show where the story begins at one point and moves backwards in time, revealing events leading up to one big event?

The only example I can think of right now is the Seinfeld episode where the usual characters start the show at a wedding in India (Scene 1).  Everyone was miserable (in typical Seinfeld humor) for different reasons.  Scene 2 takes place an our or two before Scene 1, setting up the plot line for everyone's misery.  Then Scene 3 sets up Scene 2 so viewers see what led up to Scene 1.

(Hats off to my friend, Scott, who also said there's a movie called "Memento" that progresses back in time, where all the previous events connect and intertwine with each other that led to the events shown in the beginning)

You get the idea, because readers of this blog are incredibly sharp.

Wouldn't it be great if we could have a "prequel" mindset every day, realizing that God's got everything under control?  And despite all our whining and "God please show me" prayers, He says, "I've got this."  Read on while a relate a "prequel" kind of past few days - it actually happened and I have a greater sense of who God is, and who I am.

5May14 9:17 a.m.
I'm getting ready to test out another student taking finals at Century College.  My station is a scenario-based problem and Jake (student) looks a bit nervous.  As we walk to my room and awaiting patient/actors, I figure I'll lighten the mood a bit and talk about Jake's U of M sweatshirt.

Me:  That's a pretty nice sweatshirt.  Are you a big U sports fan?
Jake:  Yeah, I am.  Mostly basketball.
Me:  Well the Gophers had a good season didn't they!  I'm a hockey guy myself.  In fact, I got to sit at a table with Brian Bonin last night at a banquet.
Jake:  Brian Bonin?  The Hockey player Brian Bonin?
Me:  Yup.  Great guy and gave a great talk to a bunch of kids we were recognizing.
Jake:  Well, what banquet was it?
Me;  Fellowship of Christian Athletes.  Ever hear of it?
Jake:  Oh yeah!  I'd love to get in to something like that.
Me:  Well let's talk before the lunch break and trade contact info.  I also lead some men's discipling groups and stuff like that - it would be great to talk it over with you sometime soon.
Jake:   I'd like to do that!

Jake's nerves settled and he passed my station with a 98, and I think back to this weekend's sermon quote.

5May14 6:11 a.m.
The icebreaker at our Resolute group was an activity:  Pair up, talk about your work, and what the purpose of your work is.

Lee and I had a great conversation, and as it came to a close, I said, "I'm trying, somehow, to weave a gospel thread into what I'm doing at Century, but, being a public facility and my position, I don't think I can really evangelize.  I don't know, but I'm sure God will find a way for me to work it in - somehow."

4May14 6:45 p.m.
Brian Bonin shows up at the banquet and I'm surprise that he's at the same table as I am.  Actually, I'm thinking, "how the heck did I end up at Table #1 with the mucky mucks from FCA?"

Brian is a great guy and a man of faith.  He also brought his son along - great kid.

4May14 5:53 p.m.
I have no idea what Wes wants me to do (Wes is a friend of mine who is leading FCA this area of the Cities.  Wes is a man who left Delta Airlines to join FCA and officially begin his ministry - calling, really).  I'm thinking, the other day, he said he wanted me ready to open the event in prayer if he can't find one of the kids to do it (incredibly humbling and an honor to have him ask).  Otherwise, if one of the kids would volunteer, he asked if I'd "prep" the pray-er beforehand with a short time of devotion and guidance.

Wes found a volunteer, Lauren, a golfer and FCA Huddle Leader in her school.  We stepped out into the hallway near the registration table and had a great conversation and prayer together.  Tears welled up in her eyes when I read 2 Timothy 1:7, elaborating on how Timothy was a young leader and how Paul encouraged him to "fan the flames of faith" that his mother and grandmother had.

"That's my favorite verse," she said, wiping away a tear before opening the banquet with her own amazing prayer.

We also discussed how God has a plan for her (Lauren), quoting Ephesians 2:10.

4May14 4:55 p.m.
"Lord, I have no idea what you want me to do with this prayer, or with prepping some kids to pray.  I should have put more time into this, searching for something eloquent or fitting for the occasion.  I really shouldn't have come, I feel miserable."

After thumbing through my Bible and reading a few verses, 2 Timothy 1:7 stands out.  Wasn't Timothy a young leader?  Wasn't he encouraged by a mentor, Paul?  Wasn't there something about Timothy's parent's faith?  Wait a second:  There will be parents and coaches at the banquet.

"Thank you, Lord!"

4May14 4:15 p.m.
I can't go to the banquet, my head is so full!  Dang these allergies, head cold, sinus infection!  Whatever!  I'm exhausted.  I can't breathe.

Wes is counting on me, so I have to go.

4May14 11:23 a.m.
The teaching pastor at my church is preaching part two of our current series, "Follow," and one statement really grabbed me.  He said, "You have no idea what hangs in the balance of a single decision."

February 2013
I'm riding to class with a friend when he gets a phone call; Tom's dad passed away.

We're almost at school, so I tell Tom to drop me off and I'll figure out how to get home.

There's a guy named Wes in class.  I've seen him at Tom's table, but I'm at another table.  Seems like a nice enough guy - probably not going toward Vadnais Heights though.

Me:  Hey Wes, I'm Jon.  Tom's dad died not a half hour ago and I'm trying to find a ride home after class.  Any chance you could help me?
Wes:  Where do you live?
Me:  Vadnais Heights.  It's between Shoreview and White Bear.
Wes:  I live in Vadnais Heights.  What's your address?
(I tell him)
Wes:  You're like a block away from me!

On the way home, Wes and I discovered we both worked at Northwest Airlines at the same time, served on the same committees there, and knew and worked with the same people.