to memorize or not to memorize... that is the question!My son attends AWANA, a mid-week Bible based program for kids. I work as a leader in the same program. One of the main focuses of AWANA is Bible Memorization. Bible memorization has always come to me with difficulty. Growing up in a Christian school, and attending Sunday school weekly I had lots of verses and passages to memorize! As I got older (into my teens) I began to "cheat". I would cram the verse into my brain so that it would stick just long enough to say it for reward, then forget it completely 5 minutes later. While this was a somewhat effective way to get through the tests and win points in Sunday school, the truth is I hadn't actually LEARNED and UNDERSTOOD the verses. Now, as an adult, I wish I had actually memorized all of those verses!My children are of the age to memorize. They memorize poems, spelling words, addition and subtraction facts, lists and names of people and places, their address and phone number, and so much more, but the most important thing that they memorize is Scripture. Proverbs 9:10 says "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding." What is the best way to learn and understand? Repitition, explanation and memorization. I think we really do our children a spiritual diservice when we don't encourage memorization, when we don't help with memorization, and when we don't MODEL memorization. The last is the most difficult for me, but more and more I realize that everything I do speaks more clearly and is more of a testimony to my children then what I say to them. With this understanding I am taking a challenge with my son. We are learning together the "Take it to Heart" passage (Romans 6:1-13) from Awana this year. He has made it a challenge to memorize it faster then me... and, although I go over it more often then he does, he is definatly winning! This summer we will begin to work on the A B C ABeka verses. (each letter of the alphabet has a verse to go with it) These are verses that I still remember from memorizing as a child, and some of the first that come to mind even now when I search for comfort, encouragement, reminders for my children or worship. I am so greatful for the strong Biblical foundation that God allowed me, and my hope for my children is that they, too, hide God's Word in their hearts so that the Holy Spirit can use those precious words to minster to them. So... are you challenging yourself to continue in Bible Memorization? What are you and your family memorizing currently? What is your most effective method of memorization? PSALM 119:9-16 9 How can a young man keep his way pure? By living according to your word. 10 I seek you with all my heart; 11 I have hidden your word in my heart 12 Praise be to you, O LORD; 13 With my lips I recount 14 I rejoice in following your statutes 15 I meditate on your precepts 16 I delight in your decrees; Leave a Comment
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