Is it important to memorize Scripture? Many of us are aware of how important it is to read and pray with Scripture. However, is it also important to memorize it? Today, Jeff shares the reasons for why he thinks it is important and beneficial to memorize the Word of God.
Snippet from the Show
Let the Word of God dwell richly within you.
Shownotes
“The precepts of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart. The command of the LORD is clear, enlightening the eye. The fear of the LORD is pure, enduring forever. The statutes of the LORD are true, all of them just; More desirable than gold, than a hoard of purest gold, Sweeter also than honey or drippings from the comb” (Psalm 19:9-11).
“I have laid up thy word in my heart, that I might not sin against thee” (Psalm 119:11).
“This book of the law shall not depart out of your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it; for then you shall make your way prosperous, and then you shall have good success” (Joshua 1:8).
Why Memorize Scripture
1. Jesus quoted the Old Testament nearly 80 times. Twenty-six times just in the Pentateuch.
“Thus, faith comes from what is heard, and what is heard comes through the word of Christ” (Rom 10:17).
2. When Jesus was tempted, he quoted the Bible.
3. It’s the way to hide God’s word in your heart so that it can speak to you later!
“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God” (Col 3:16)
“You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you because he trusts in you” (Is 26:3).
4. The Scriptures give you the heart and plan of God. You need a plan.
“For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and spirit, of joints and marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart” (Heb 4:13).
Strategies for Memorizing Scripture
- Memorize 1 verse a week. You’ll have 52 verses memorized in a year.
- Memorize 1 verse from each of the twelve periods in The Great Adventure Timeline Chart.
- Use index cards or pop-up reminders in your smartphone.
- Read Deuteronomy 6:4-9 and put into practice every way of reminding you about God’s word.
- Read Jeremiah 31:31-33
Resources
- Email us at thejeffcavinsshow@ascensionpress.com
- Text “jeffcavins” to 33-777 to subscribe and get added to Jeff’s shownotes email list
- Visit Jeff’s website at www.jeffcavins.com
- The Great Adventure Bible
- Listen to The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
- Pilgrimages with Jeff
- Jeff’s Daily Gospel Reflections with Jonathan Roumie: www.hallow.com/jeffcavins
Ascension is pleased to offer our new and improved online bible study programs and sacramental preparation programs digitally to help you minister with flexibility. Go to ascensionpress.com to view all our offerings.
Meet Your Host: Jeff Cavins
Jeff Cavins is passionate about helping people understand Scripture and become disciples of Jesus Christ. Though he was born Catholic, Jeff went to Bible school and served as a protestant minister for twelve years before reverting to the Catholic Faith. Jeff then received his MA in Theology from Franciscan University of Steubenville. Since then, he has become a leading Catholic evangelist and author.
Jeff created The Bible Timeline learning system, which revolutionized Catholic Bible Study for millions of Catholics. Since its introduction, Jeff has developed The Great Adventure series of Bible studies to help people better understand Sacred Scripture and its meaning for their lives.
I just listened to my first Jeff Cavin’s podcast. I am almost 76 years old and I am going to try to memorize a scripture verse a week. Thank you Jeff for inspiring me! I am going to be a faithful listener to your program from now on.