I am so glad I committed to memorize the Word of God when I was young. These Scriptures are still part of my life today. I usually memorized Scriptures that were important to me, but I also used the Navigator’s Scripture memory program.

My father and I used to memorize Scriptures together. He passed away at nearly 92 years of age but was still memorizing Scriptures until a few months before he went to be with Jesus. He didn’t only quote verses; he quoted whole chapters of the Bible. I am sure that his continual memorizing and reviewing of the Scriptures is what kept his mind so clear and sharp right up to the end.

In Deuteronomy 31:19 God told Moses, “Set down a song in writing, and teach the people to know it by heart and sing it; a song that will vindicate me against the sons of Israel.” God wanted His people to remember the important things He had to say to them. He wanted them to memorize them by heart. God knew the best way for the Israelites to remember would be through song. We memorize songs more easily than anything else.

Recently I asked the readers on my Email Devotion list to share ideas they use to help their children memorize the Word of God. I received a wonderful response. Many who responded also shared that they love to sing the Scriptures as they learn them and teach them to their children. You can put the words to a catchy or existing tune, or make up a new tune. The following are a few of the other ideas that our readers sent in. I trust they will inspire you in your important task of teaching your children to memorize the Scriptures.

Nancy Campbell

AT THE TABLE

 I buy a clear table cloth cover and place homemade Scripture verses with graphics underneath the clear plastic. For example: "Your word (use a picture of a Bible) have I hid in my heart (picture of heart) that I may not sin (use an ugly heart or other representation of sin) against God (use a light or other picture that could represent God)." The words are superimposed over the pictures. When the children come to eat, set the table or clean off the table, God’s Word is in front of them.

ESTHER PRIMEL
Mineral Point, Pennsylvania, USA
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A SONG BOOK

Highlighting the Bible is one of the best things we did for helping our children to memorize the Scriptures. We bought a cheap hard-covered KJV Bibles and a two audio CD album with over 100 songs by the Waters family singing acapella. It can be ordered from www.restoration-international.org or in New Zealand at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

I covered the Bibles with beautiful pictures featuring Bible stories and then with clear plastic. I highlighted all the verses from the CD in the Bibles and the children used them for song books in family worship. It was a wonderful thing to see our children become familiar with the Bible. The Bibles became rather tousled and used looking but I know that that is how God would have them be.

We also bought little pocket Bibles and highlighted these verses. We used them as song books when we went out on the boat, biking, horse riding or camping. It's as fun as you can make it and makes the Word part of our children’s lives, not just something for taking to church or family worship.

Games
We also made a variety of games from these verses. A cheap one was printing the verses on to card in relatively large print with gaps between each verse. (Don't include the verse number.) Cover this with clear plastic and cut apart. Attach magnetic dots or strips to the back of each verse and muddle them all up.  The child then has to put them into correct order on a little child sized magnetic board.  (We made some from flat tin and covered the edges with rubber edging from Payless Plastics, NZ.)  Keep each set of verses in a Ziploc bag with a recipe card text written on it so that they can check themselves.

Goal for the Term
Chose a section of Scripture, approximately 12 – 14 verses, and make it the focus for a term. Write it out on A4 (8 x 10 USA) sheets of paper in light printing for little children to copy over for penmanship.  

Leave a blank line underneath each line for slightly older children to copy the verses underneath for penmanship. Older children can copy it from their Bibles. I give a sticker for every nicely finished copy of the verse they write.

We also read the whole section through every morning for Family Worship and focus on one verse for memorization for a week. That way, by the end of the term they would have written the whole verse many times, read in its entirety dozens of times, and memorized it. It is important to read the WHOLE section each day, otherwise the last few verses are only heard for a few weeks instead of for the whole term.

For a finishing touch at the end of the term, they can copy the verse onto a recipe type card, decorate it, and file in their special “Memorized Scripture Box.” From time to time you will need to revise previously learned portions. We learned the whole Sermon on the Mount over a two year period using this system.  

Scripture Song Tapes
Buy Scripture song tapes and have them available for the children to listen to whenever they want. A great set that we used are available from www.amazingfacts.org. Each set is only $12.95. The set contains a colouring book and audiotape. Our children learnt The 10 Commandments, 1 Corinthians 13, The Beatitudes, Isaiah 53, The Lord’s Prayer, Psalm 23, Psalm 91 and Psalm 139 listening to these.

HEATHER HOBSON
Aranga (near Dargaville), New Zealand
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PC MEMLOK

Our family uses PC Memlok for memorizing Scripture. http://www.memlok.com/

It is a computer program that works for reading children as well as adults. Non-readers can do it with help. There are four translations of the Bible available. There are 48 topics such as love, diligence, anger, tongue and there are over 500 verses. You can do it only on computer, or print out cards to take with you as a review. It uses pictures as a prompt. You can practice the verse by typing it, and you can make personal notes concerning each verse. After each verse is memorized, it will recycle and come up for review. It only takes about five minutes each day.

We purchased this for our children four or five years ago. I began using it as well, and God began to direct me to verses that helped change my heart. He did the same with my husband. God has changed our hearts and our home! My husband is so enthusiastic about PC Memlok that he buys several at a time to give or sell to interested friends.

DENISE CRITTENDON
Ardmore, Oklahoma, USA
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START WITH THE BABY

I write my verses on ‘Post it’ notes and put them on the mirror behind my changing table. I read them out loud to my one year old as I change her diaper. It seems to amuse her and I get something accomplished at the same time. Who knows, maybe one day she'll say the verses back to me.

SARAH YOUNG
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COLORED CATERPILLARS

To help motivate my children memorize their daily and weekly Bible verses I cut out many circles from colored construction paper. The children each take one circle and make a caterpillar head with a face and antennae on it. I write their name on the bottom and stuck them to our kitchen wall right across from the meal table. 

Each time they memorize a Scripture they write it out on a "body piece" (a brightly colored circle) and add it to the body of their caterpillar. They love to beat each other and they now have the longest most colorful caterpillar wrappings around the whole kitchen.  It is a visual reminder every day that they need to work on their memory verses.

TARA BERGERON
Calgary, Alberta, Canada
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MAKE IT FUN

I make up songs, chants, and marches. My three year old son's favorite is, "Even the winds and the waves obey Him." He sways and waves his whole body as he says it, but most importantly he knows it.

Rewarding them is important also. My husband takes them to Sonic and buys them ice cream for memorizing an entire chapter. Sometimes he makes them say it for the car hop. Christian or non-Christian, they stand in amazement to hear a nine year old rattle off Exodus 20.

My 12 year old is turning all the books of the Old Testament into a rap song. He said the "uhs" of the Minor Prophets help it along.

Most of all, it must be fun and never a drudgery, God's word is alive!

SHANNON MILLER
Sulphur, Louisiana, USA
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BIBLE MEMORY CLUB

This past year, our family and two other families, have started a Bible Memory Club. We call the club Hide and Seek Club. Our goal is to get together and memorize passages of Scripture. God has blessed us more than we hoped or imagined. We have 10 children involved, ranging in age from 2 – 10, and all of them memorize God's word in big chunks. The two year olds can't talk yet but they do the motions.

We pick passages that Jesus would have known or said and pick key words that we add sign language to. We get together and recite the verses together. We also have a sticker chart when they are successfully memorized.  In nine months these children have learned: Psalm 1, Matthew 5:1-20, Psalm 19:7-14, Deuteronomy 6:3-9, Mark 12:28-33, The 10 commandments, and all the books of the Bible. 
Their mothers, whose memories aren't near as sharp as the children's, are also learning the verses. Our club visits a local nursing home once a month where we recite all our verses to the residents and also play games with them.

It is amazing the deep spiritual connections children can make when they are memorizing Scripture.  My 10 year old son memorized the Shema (Deuteronomy 6:4-9). Later we were reading Proverbs 3 which talks about binding God's word to your hearts and he said, "That sounds just like the Shema." God’s Word is a wonderful teacher.

LORI GUILLIAMS
Steven’s Point, Wisconsin, USA
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ON THE WALLS

Write them on your doorposts and gates!
Deuteronomy 6:6-9 NLT tells us, “Commit yourselves wholeheartedly to these commands… Repeat them again and again to your children… Write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.” In our home this means walls. I print verses in big, pretty (but easy to read) fonts with maybe a cute picture or two to add interest. I slip these into plastic page protectors and use that gooey poster stuff to tack them on the walls, cabinets, doors etc. These can be changed very easily.

I also have a chalk board that I put a new verse on every week. Currently only my eight year old can read, but since these verses are right in front of my little ones, they ask big sissy or mommy to read them. They begin to know which verses are which, just by sight. I am also currently painting Mark 12:30 on the wall area above my cabinets in the kitchen. 

Hand Motions!
Little ones love to be active and get their bodies moving. Whenever I choose a verse to memorize that could have any sort of movement involved, we add it in.  For example, when memorizing Mark 12:30 we made up motions for: love (cross arms in front of your heart), Lord (point up to the sky), heart (point to heart), soul (point up and down the whole body in a sweeping motion), mind (point to head) and strength (flex arm muscles—the children love this part!) My little ones LOVE to "show" family and friends the new verse they memorized. 

TARA SCHAFFER
Yakima, Washington, USA
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CHUNKS OF SCRIPTURE

We choose a chunk of Scripture for the month, usually around 10-15 verses. I try to put the tone of the Scripture in context when we first read it. If it is something exciting the apostle Paul is telling a church, I am excited when I read it. If it is words of sadness from a Psalm, I am sad when I read it. This helps the children to connect with it. We recite the passage each morning when we start school. The seven year old uses this for her copy work twice each week throughout the month.
SANDY WESTERMANN
High Bridge, New Jersey, USA
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MEMORY PRINCIPLES

Since Scripture is the cornerstone for our lives, we should always have it instantly accessible to our hearts, our minds and our tongues.  When we have decisions to make, what impressions will come to mind?  It will be the ones we have taken the time to hide in our hearts. Children are like sponges, ready to soak up Scripture. We need to make it a priority and a regular habit!

Use relevance
The verses you choose should have some interest to a child. Basic theology (who is God and what is he like?) and Christian living (how should I act?) are the best choices for children. You might find that the memory verses your child brings home from Sunday school are sufficient. You could also choose a series of verses that will reinforce a certain principle. If your child is struggling to develop a character quality like patience or kindness, this is an obvious topic for a memory verse!  Here is a list of good starting verses:

Psalm 119:105 and 119:111 and 139:14

Proverbs 17:17

Matthew 4:4 and 11:28-30

Mark 16:15

John 14:15

Romans 3:23 and 5:8 and 6:23

Philippians 4:7 and 4:13 and 4:19

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

James 1:22

1 Peter 5:7

1 John 4:7-8 and 4:11 and 5:14

Use repetition
A non-reading preschooler can memorize Bible verses by listening to you say them over and over, and eventually repeating after you phrase by phrase. Before I ever had children, I remember my friend Mel telling me that her two-year-old daughter had memorized a large portion of Proverbs chapter 2 by overhearing her two older brothers do their memory work each day. If an older child is memorizing more than one verse in a passage over a period of days, he can recite as much as he knows every day, and then add a little bit more.

Use explanations and vocabulary
If there are any words that your child doesn’t understand, take the time to explain them to him, and see if he can tell you what they mean in his own words. How can this Bible verse be applied in his life? This is a vital time to learn basic theological words like: Heaven, eternal, everlasting, faith, mercy, grace, sin, transgression, deceive, salvation, sacrifice, Lamb of God, high priest, Pharisee, Gentile, ransom, redeem, witness, holy, pure, righteous, obedient, command, exhort, evangelize, and gospel.

Use a chanting rhythm
Ephesians 6:1 can be emphasized this way: “CHILdren, obey your PARents in the LORD for this is RIGHT.” Proverbs 20:12 is another good one for young children: “EARS that HEAR and EYES that SEE -- the LORD has MADE them BOTH.”

Use hand motions
Here is an example: “Everyone who hears (put your hand to your ear) these words of mine (point up to God) and puts them into practice is like a wise man (tap head) who built his house (make a roof with your hands) on the rock (make a solid place with your hands).”  (Matthew 7:24)  

Use games
Simple games can also be quite effective for teaching Scripture memory. Write the verse on a chalkboard or a whiteboard.  Erase one word at a time, and try to recite it from memory. Write a verse in large letters on paper, and then cut it apart. Can your child arrange it in the correct order? (For more adventure, hide the pieces around the room first!) Or, for an even more tactile experience, write each word of the verse on a different pebble. A kinesthetic child might want to recite the verse while jumping rope.

Use verse cards
You can make your own using index cards. If you want them to look professional, you can print them from your computer on special business card paper.

Homemade booklets
Fold over several sheets of paper and staple at the edge. Write out a Bible passage in large letters throughout the pages, and draw simple illustrations. Read through the book every day for a few weeks with your child and see how easily he/she remembers the verses.

Use writing
Let your older child copy the verse several times, first looking at the text, and later doing it from memory.

Review
Check periodically to see if your child can say the verses from memory. Go back to the verses you have learned in past weeks and months. If you don’t take the effort to make this a priority, it is unlikely that your child will stick with Bible memory. Many families have quiz nights, or brief daily review times.

Use discretion
My only caveat about using games or other memory activities is that some are so silly that they trivialize Scripture. A memory method should help your child focus on the true meaning of Scripture rather than distract him with puns that l put distorted images into his head.  

VIRGINIA KNOWLES
Maitland, Florida, USA
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Virginia emailed this excerpt from her book, Common Sense Excellence: Faith-Filled Home Education for Preschool to 5th Grade.  For more information on this book, which is a 243 page comprehensive subject-by-subject teaching guide, visit www.TheHopeChest.net

PUT SCRIPTURES TO SONG

Back in 1984 I was becoming more and more aware that God wanted me to teach the children to memorize God’s word. The first Scripture I chose was 1 Corinthians 10:13, “There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man, but God is faithful who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able, but will with the temptation also make a way to escape that ye may be able to bear it.” Out of interest I counted the number of words in the verse. There were 52! I still remember saying to my husband, Paul, “The children will quote this verse to you in one week.”

Paul looked at me disbelievingly. However, in one week’s time, both Jonathan (5) and Andrew (7) quoted the verse from memory. Paul was amazed. He immediately wanted to know how they had learnt it so quickly. I told him they could almost have quoted it after two days.

When I first started I asked the Lord to show me how to teach the Scriptures and the thought came to teach the verse in song. As I had no idea how to put a 52-word verse to music I asked God for a tune. As I sat looking at the verse a tune began to come to mind that fitted the verse beautifully.

I began to realize that this time spent with the children each day (sometimes only about 10 minutes) to learn a verse of Scripture was more important than most other things I did for my children. Our daily “verse time” as we call it has become an easy and fun way to memorize Scriptures. When the children were younger I wrote the verse on a large piece of cardboard but nowadays we all look it up in our Bibles. We discuss the meaning of the verse (sometimes I tell a story to apply it) and then we sing the verse a few times. Finally we discuss how we can put the verse into practice.

Mothers, I believe we have been privileged by God to have the strongest influence in our child’s life – either for good or evil. We need to take the role God has given us very seriously. I’d encourage you to ask the Lord for your own tunes to Scripture verses. Invest this small, but important amount of time each day with your children, teaching them to memorize Scriptures. This will help them to develop their lives on a solid foundation of God’s Word.

JANINE TARGETT
Riverside, Tasmania, Australia

HOW TO READ THE WORD OF GOD

IN YOUR QUIET TIME

1. ASK GOD TO SPEAK TO YOU!

Ask God to speak to you from His living words (Psalm 119:18; Jeremiah 23:29; John 7:63; Ephesians 1:18; Hebrews 4:12).

2. BELIEVE GOD WILL SPEAK TO YOU!

Having asked, believe that God will speak to you. Expect Him to speak to you. God delights to respond to your expectant heart of faith (Hebrews 4:2). Remember, “Whatsoever is not of faith is sin.” (Romans 14:23).

3. BE ON THE LOOK OUT!

As you read each verse, be on the look out for what God is going to say to you. It is like searching for great treasures. It is like panning for gold. You don’t find it on the surface, you have to dig (Psalm 119:162).

4. STOP AND MEDITATE!

When you come to a verse (or verses) that speak to you, stop and think about them. It is just as important to meditate on God’s Word, as it is to read it. (Joshua 1:8; Psalm 1:1-2; and 119:97). One writer says: “The person who meditates (thinks about, ponders over, and lets the Word sink into his heart) will have fresh visions, fresh ideals and fresh blessings every day.” As you meditate on the Scriptures, open your heart before God and let Him search into the very depths of your being. Allow Him to apply the message personally to your heart.

If you haven’t received any special message from God as you read through your passage, read it through again and ask yourself these questions:

1. Is there an example for me to follow in this passage or is there some warning for me to heed? (Romans 15:4).
2. Is there anything new I can learn about God the Father, the Lord Jesus Christ, or the Holy Spirit?
3. Is there a sin mentioned that I must confess and forsake?
4. Is there a command that I can put into practice in my daily life today? (John 14:21).
5. Is there a promise in this passage from which I can find comfort and help?

5. LOOK FOR ADJECTIVES

There are so many adjectives in God’s Word because nothing about God is average or normal. It will make your Bible reading so exciting as you search for these.

6. WRITE IT DOWN!

Now, write it down! This is most important. Keep a book (preferably a hard covered one that is long lasting) for writing down the things you learn from the Word of God each day. This shows God that you are serious about hearing from Him. Writing will not only help you to remember, but it will give you clearer understanding.

This statement is true: “Thoughts tend to disentangle themselves when they flow through lips or cross pencil tips.” It will take longer to write, but it is well worth the effort and makes your Bible reading much more exciting. This is not my idea. Listen to what God says, “Write thee all the words that I have spoken unto thee in a book,” (Jeremiah 30:2).

7. PRACTICE WHAT YOU READ!

What God has told you in the morning, put into practice in your life during the day. God wants His Word to become literal flesh and blood. He wants us to be walking mirrors of His Word. James 1:22 says: “Be ye doers of the Word, and not hearers only.” Look up also Joshua 1:8; Deuteronomy 5:1; 12:32; John 13:17.

8. SHARE WITH OTHERS!

Unless it is very personal, pass on what you have learned. What you pass on to someone else, you will keep. You will find that it will also become more precious and real to you if you tell someone else about it. Share with your husband or children or write or call a friend and share with them (Psalm 66:16; 71:15; and Jeremiah 20:9).

Don’t forget to get your food fresh from

the Word of God every day!

I am sure you would not want to live on stale bread!

Don’t try to live on stale spiritual food.

God waits each morning to feed you with the

food that is needful for you.

Are you there to meet Him?

Read Exodus chapter 16:15-21; Lamentations 3:23; Zephaniah 3:5; 1 Peter 2:2.

Prepared by Nancy Campbell, Above Rubies,
www.aboverubies.org

IDEAS FOR READING AND STUDYING THE WORD OF GOD

Many people read the word but do not seem to get a lot out of it. Here are some ideas for you that will make your reading and study of the Word more exciting. Instead of reading the Word for ten minutes, you will want to spend hours! Choose the ones that appeal to you the most.

1.     WRITE IT DOWN

Always have a hard-covered notebook beside you when reading the Word of God, and be ready to write! Be on the look out for God to speak to you personally as you read. It may be a challenge, a command, or even a precious promise. Write the date and then write out the Scripture that is challenging, inspiring or comforting you. Now write down in your own words what you feel God is saying to you personally from this Scripture. As you write, you will receive more revelation. Understanding will come to you more clearly. I love this quote: “Thoughts tend to disentangle themselves when they flow through lips or cross pencil tips.” Jeremiah 30:1 says, “Write thee all the words that I have spoken unto thee in a book.” When you have your pen waiting to ready, you show God that you are waiting for Him to speak to you. As you wait in faith, God will speak. You will be able to look back and read in wonder at what you have heard from God.  You will find that as you write, more revelation and understanding will come to you.  Remember, if you do not write it down, you will forget it. Also, write a prayer of response back to the Lord regarding what He is revealing to you.

2.     BIBLE CALENDAR

Make your own Bible calendar for the year. Purchase a diary that has enough space to write a Scripture for each day of the year. Every day look out for one particular Scripture that has spoken to your heart and write it under the date provided. This will remind you to have your reading EVERY DAY, as you won’t want to have too many blank dates! This is also a great idea for busy people who don’t have time to do No. 1. At least you can write the Scripture. And you may be able to write a few thoughts.

3.     PERSONAL CONCORDANCE

Start your own personal concordance. Purchase a hard-covered alphabetical book and write down the subjects you want to know more about, e.g. The Power of the Tongue; Guidance and Direction; Wisdom, Prayer, Truth, etc. You can keep adding to your list as you go along, especially the subjects that are applicable to you. As you read the Word, be on the lookout for Scriptures on these subjects and write them under the headings. You will soon gain a wealth of Scriptures on the subjects that concern you personally.

You could also purchase a second hard covered alphabetical book, which you can use for discovering the vast subject of the CHARACTER OF GOD. It is so important to understand the character of our God. The more we know what God is like, the more we are able to trust Him. List headings such as His Faithfulness, Mercy, Compassion, Provision, Judgment and so on. Watch out for Scriptures to write under these headings.

And you may as well purchase a third hard covered alphabetical book because the following is a great idea. Read through the book of Proverbs. As you read, write each Scripture under a different subject heading such as, Laziness, Honesty, Finance, Morality, Thought Life, Kindness, Diligence, Education and so on. You will now have your own resource material for life values.

4.    RAINBOW BIBLE

Purchase some colored pencils or highlighters and begin to make a rainbow Bible Some are hesitant to mark their Bible but if you do not find the Bible very interesting, you will soon get excited when you start doing this. Choose your own colors for your subjects, but here is a guide:

PURPLE          The Promises of God

BLUE              Heaven and the Second Coming of Christ

RED               The Blood of Jesus and His Salvation

GREEN            The Commandments

YELLOW          The Character of God

BROWN           The Word of God

BLACK             Sin and hell

ORANGE          Family and Marriage

Your Bible will soon look colorful and well used and you will be able to recognize subjects at a glance. You may wish to use a different Bible for this purpose.

5.    PERSONALIZE HYMNS

It can be inspiring to read some hymns from an old hymnbook during your Quiet Time. The words of many of these hymns will lead you closer into the heart of God. Another idea is to choose a favorite hymn and find a Scripture to match each line of the hymn. This can be quite a challenge (but fun). You will need a concordance. Write the line of the hymn on one half of the page and the Scripture on the other half until you complete the hymn. Here are some suggested hymns:

E.g.         “Take time to be holy”        “Be ye holy, for I am holy.” 1 Peter 1:15-16

“Speak oft with thy Lord.”    `    “Pray without ceasing.” 1 Thess 5:17

“Abide in Him always.”        “Abide in Me and I in you.” John 15:5

“And feed on His Word.”        “I have esteemed the words of His mouth more than my  necessary food.” Job 23:12

6.    THEME STUDIES

When you come across a subject in the Scriptures that you would like to know more about, jot it down for when you have more time to look into it.  When you have a slot of time, get out your concordance and write down the reference to every Scripture on the particular subject. As you do this, you will notice different aspects of the subject, which you can put under sub-headings. Write down your thoughts about the Scriptures as you go. You will learn so much as you do this. When you are asked to speak, you will have a message waiting and ready.

7.    CHAPTER STUDIES

Read the chapter over and over and meditate upon it. Go through verse-by-verse, chewing on each one and looking up other translations to receive more understanding. I love to read the King James Version, but enjoy checking many other translations as well. Check out the full meaning of the Hebrew and Greek words that light up to you.

8.    WORD STUDIES

As you read the Scriptures, you will often want to understand the true meaning of a word. Take time to check it out. I am never satisfied until I know the original meaning of certain words. Check other translations. Check expositors such as Wuest’s and Vine’s. The best Bible to help you with this is the Zodhiates’ Hebrew-Greek Key Study Bible. I wouldn’t use any other Bible.

9.    TAKE NOTES AT MEETINGS

Purchase a notebook that you can take with you to every meeting. Always take notes when someone is preaching. Expect God to speak to you. As you come in faith, the Holy Spirit will quicken many things to you, even apart from what the preacher is saying. Be ready to write them down. Can you imagine what will happen in church when you sit in the front row with your notebook in hand, waiting to write down what the preacher is sharing? And by the way, your children will be better behaved in the front row!

BIBLES THAT ARE COMING APART USUALLY BELONG TO PEOPLE WHO ARE NOT!

Prepared by Nancy Campbell
Above Rubies, www.aboverubies.org

HOW SHOULD I READ THE WORD?

ASKING GOD TO UNVEIL HIS HIDDEN TREASURES
“Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of Thy law." Psalm 119:18 (Psalm 119:27, 34, 68, 73, 124, 125; Ephesians 1:18)

WITH FAITH, EXPECTING TO HEAR FROM GOD
“For unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them, but the word preached, did not profit them, not being MIXED WITH FAITH in them that heard it.” Hebrews 4:2

WITH READINESS OF MIND
“These (the saints who lived in Berea) were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with ALL READINESS OF MIND, and searched the Scriptures daily, whether those things were so.” The Bereans eagerly searched the Scriptures. There were not satisfied until they knew the truth and understood the full revelation of what they were reading.

WITH DILIGENCE
“I rejoice at thy word, as one that finds great spoil.” When someone is searching for gold they don’t give up just because they don’t strike gold the first day, or the first week or even the first month! They keep on digging – sweating and slogging in the hot sun. This should be out attitude as we read the Word. Some days you may not receive any illumination, but keep on searching. Be diligent and you will strike hidden treasures.

WITH DELIGHT
“I will DELIGHT myself in thy statutes.” Psalm 119:16, 23, 35, 47, 70, 77, 92, 103, 111, 143, 162, 174

WITH LONGING
“My soul breaks for the Longing that it hath unto thy judgments at all times.” Psalm 119:20, 40, 131
Do you yearn and long for the Word to wash you, feed you and enlighten you?

WITH RESPECT
“My heart stands in awe of thy Word.” Psalm 119:6, 15, 117, 161
“To this man will I look, even to him that is poor and of a contrite spirit, and trembles at my word.”
Psalm 66:2

WHEN SHOULD I READ OR MEDITATE ON THE WORD?

DAILY
The Bereans searched the Scriptures DAILY. (Acts 17:11) Exodus 16 tells us how God commanded the children of Israel to collect fresh manna DAILY.

ALL DAY
“Oh how I love thy law! It is my meditation ALL THE DAY.” Psalm 119:97
How can we read God’s Word all day? In our busy schedule it is usually impossible. However, you can write a Scripture on a card and keep it with you all day. Put it in your purse or your pocket. Pull it out from time to time and meditate on it. Try and memorize it. Mother, you can place the Bible on your windowsill, so you can catch a Scripture to meditate on while preparing the meal or doing dishes.

DURING THE NIGHT
“Mine eyes prevent the NIGHT WATCHES, that I might meditate in the Word.” Psalm 119:15,23,148.
Do you wake in the night? Don’t get it a state over losing sleep. Turn on the light and read the Word. Meditate in the Word. Go over Scriptures in your mind that you have memorized.

DAY AND NIGHT
“This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein DAY AND NIGHT, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein.” Joshua 1:8
We can’t read the Word day and night, but we can meditate on it throughout the day and in waking hours of the night.

WHAT SHOULD I DO WITH THE WORD OF GOD?

READ IT
“Seek ye out the book of the Lord, and READ.” Isaiah 34:16
“He shall READ therein all the days of his life: that he may learn to fear the Lord his God, and to keep all the words of this law… and to do them.” Deuteronomy 17:20
“Till I come, give attendance to READING.” 1 Timothy 4:13

LISTEN TO IT
“If any man have ears to hear, let him hear… and unto you that hear shall more be given.” Mark 4:23-24
“So then faith comes by HEARING and HEARING by the Word of God.” Romans 10:17

MEDITATE ON IT
“I will MEDITATE in Thy statutes.” Psalm 119: 15,23,48,78,97,99,148.
“Thou shalt MEDITATE therein day and night.” Joshua 1:18; Psalm 1:3
The meaning of the word ‘meditate’ (hagah) means to…

a) MEDITATE IT – read it over and over and think upon it until it becomes part of you. It is like the cow chewing the cud.

b) MUTTER IT – read it out loud. One translation says, “In His Word he speaks to himself day and night.”

c) MOUTH IT – God’s Word has greater power in your life when you speak it out loud. Speak it out loud over your life many times during the day.

MEMORIZE IT
“Store these My words in your MEMORIES.” Luke 9:44 Weymouth’s translation
“Keep in MEMORY what I have preached unto you.” 1 Corinthians 15:2
Memorizing Scripture will be the greatest blessing in your Christian life. Discipline yourself to do it.

LOVE IT
“I LOVE thy commandments above gold, yea, above fine gold… I love them exceedingly.” Psalm 119:113,119,127,167. Do you love the Word of God more than watching TV?

STUDY IT
“STUDY to show thyself Approved Unto God, a workman that needs not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the Word of Truth.” 1 Timothy 2:15; 2 Timothy 3:15,17; Psalm 119:102.
The letters AUG are the greatest degree you can have after your name. Study takes time and effort but you will not find hidden treasures unless you are prepared to dig.

CONFESS IT
“This book of the law shall not depart OUT OF THY MOUTH.” Joshua 1:18
“I will REAPEAT ALOUD all the laws you have given me.” Psalm 119:13 GNB
“Jesus answered and said, IT IS WRITTEN.” Matthew 4:4-11
“Let us hold fast the CONFESSION OF OUR FAITH without wavering.” Hebrews 10:23

SHARE IT
“My tongue shall speak of Thy Word.” Psalm 119:46.
“I believed, and therefore have I spoken.” 1 Corinthians 4:13
Share with others what God has shown you. What you give away you will keep. What you keep to yourself you will lose. The more you share your thoughts, the more they will become real to you. If you can’t share your revelation of the Word with someone vocally, email it to a friend or write a letter to someone. This person may be in need of this word of encouragement. If you are a parent, you are commanded to teach God’s Word to your children, “And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart and thou shalt TEACH THEM DILIGENTLY unto thy children.” Deut 6:6-9

LIVE IT
“Be ye DOERS of the Word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.” James 1:22-25
Let the Word of God become so part of you that it becomes walking flesh. Seek to put into practice each day what God says to you.

Prepared by Nancy Campbell, Above Rubies