Technology abounds around our Christmas trees to help us run our lives better, faster and easier. Everyone is set for high speed.

This year, I’d like to suggest how we can do less to gain more, beginning with memorizing scripture. With whatever crises we face, it’s through the scriptures we’ll hear God’s voice. “Oh, no,” you say. “I can’t do that, I forget them as fast as I learn them.” You’re right. But with this method you’ll fellowship with God as He fills, refreshes, and speaks to your hearts: “God is faithful, by whom you were called into the fellowship of His Son, Jesus the Christ” (1 Corinthians 1: 9, NKJV).

To Begin:
- Notebook of any size.
- Select ONE verse (yes, one!) for the month.
- Write the month, date, verse in your notebook.
- In meditation read it aloud to the Lord as a prayer, allowing God to direct your thoughts: “Be still, and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10).
- Perhaps a word, a phrase, or a description will leap out to you, journal these inspirations. At different times other areas will take on new meaning as God leads.
- As you journal new revelations, you’ll find these moments can turn into beautiful prayers of needs, concerns or praise.
- Continue this procedure for each month. I guarantee you’ll receive something different each day. It’s an amazing exchange with our Lord.
Memorizing: “Your word I have hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against You” (Psalm 119:11).
- Start with the first line or two.
- Ask, ‘what key words are moving this verse forward?
- Find similarities between letters. For example, I had trouble with a long passage. I kept getting the order of ‘acts,’ ‘works,’ and ‘great’ mixed up. Finally, I realized there was another descriptive word that used the same letter: awesome acts, wondrous works, and great goodness.
- On a 3 x 5 card write the verse.
- On another 3 x 5 card write the reference.
These cards are easy to carry and use interchangeably for memorizing. One word from the verse by the reference can help stimulate recall.
- Once a week recite each verse. Monthly, read the journal of your remarkable journey with God. Gradually you’ll develop you own rhythm and style. God hasn’t said, “The one most exhausted wins.” Instead, doing less has gained you more with twelve solid verses, instead of 50 one can’t remember, to help stabilize you through any situation.
Try this method in the evening. Take a deep breath, turn off the technology, clear your mind, and the demands of the hectic day. The quiet intimacy with our Lord, and His word will become a balm for the night like a warm blanket :“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light of my path” (Psalm 119:105).
Happy New Year!