Beginnings

Welcome to my journey of making Scripture memory an active part of my life. If you’d like the backstory of how I got inspired, read this. To see how I made my DIY spaced repetition Leitner Box, click here.

But where should I start?

In the past, sometimes what held me back is not knowing where to begin. How do I choose one passage of the Bible over another to start memorizing?

When I was searching for advice from people who are actively memorizing Scripture, the book 100 Bible Verses Everyone Should Know by Heart by Robert J. Morgan came up multiple times. I guessed that I probably knew some of the verses already, thanks to my years of memorizing at summer camp, VBS, etc.

When I checked out the book, I was excited to start. As I suspected, some on the list are very familiar, so that would give me a soft start. I wouldn’t have to memorize a ton of “new” verses right away. Yet the 100 verse list contains many passages that I recognize, but definitely can’t quote.

So, to take a cue from Julie Andrews in The Sound of Music, “Let’s start at the very beginning.”

That’s where the list starts, too:

Genesis 1:1
John 1:1
John 1:14
John 3:16

All of these verses I already knew, except I was a bit fuzzy on John 1:14. I’m going to show you the text of each verse and one reason why I’m glad to memorize it.

In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.
Genesis 1:1

I love that this very first verse of the Bible sets the tone for the book, and my life. The fact that God created the world means that it’s His. He made it, He owns it. That might seem troubling (not to mention preposterous) to some people, but to me, that is comforting. God is in control, and He knows what to do best with His creation. (That includes ME!) It’s not riding on my shoulders, but His.

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
John 1:1

This verse obviously parallels Genesis 1:1: in the beginning. But this verse in itself is so rich. It introduces the Word, the second person of the Trinity, the Son of God. Theologians can study for years and not tap into all of what this means. But to me, I’m glad to mull over the thought that there has never been a time where He has not existed.

And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us; and we saw His glory, the glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.
John 1:14

This is the one I’m fuzzy on. Probably because the versions trip me up: “saw” vs. “beheld” … “Son” vs. “begotten”. But when I roll this verse around slowly in my head, I am filled with awe. The Word who existed forever chose to enter time, to put on skin and bones, and to dwell among humanity. It’s amazing to me that He would choose to show His glory, to be sent from the Father, to come to such a broken world. And that last line: full of grace and truth. He didn’t pull any punches, He knew exactly what sin is. But He knew how to deal with sin and sinners. He came full of grace and truth.

For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever should believe in Him, shall not perish but have everlasting life.
John 3:16

This one is a heavy hitter. Jesus explains here that not only did the God of the Universe come down to dwell with humanity… He came to die. He would give Himself up, so that through His death, life can come to anyone who believes. This is the Father’s love. This is the Son’s obedience. This is life for those who are dead. This is what He did for me.

I’m not sure who the original quote is attributed to, but I’ve heard it spoken recently and it has stuck with me:

“You can give without loving, but you can’t love without giving.”

The love of God is so immense. He showed it so clearly when He gave His only Son for me.

Here’s my earnest question to anyone who has read thus far:

Do you know this God?

Do you know His love for you?

Have you believed that you deserve to die for sin, but He died for you?

I would be ecstatic if you have questions and would reach out to ask me about this. It’s truly the most important decision you will ever make.

So this is the first installment of my memory verses. Check out this video to see how they fit into the review system. (It’s my first video, so I ask for much grace!)

Thanks for following along! Would love feedback in the comments or on social media @laurakeywords on Facebook or Instagram.

Making a Plan

“By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail” – Benjamin Franklin

Here we go. I’m making a plan to actively memorize Scripture.

Check out this post for how I noticed I was getting flabby (in body and mind) and why I really want to make Scripture Memory a regular part of my life. (The benefits are truly astounding!)

In One Ear, Out the Other

Now, I’m not a stranger to memorizing God’s Word. When I was a kid, I was extremely motivated to earn team points at Story Book Lodge by memorizing all the verses on my verse card, and the extra passages.

While I can quote some of the verses because I memorized them “again” at church or VBS, the vast majority of the verses didn’t stick.

My problem was that I never came back to review the verses I learned. I had dumped them in my short-term memory and never dug them out again.

In recent years, the same thing happened. Whenever I would “finish” memorizing a passage, that was it. I wouldn’t frequently review it, and when I did, it just was too hard to recall.

As I mentioned in my previous post, when I started linking exercising and reviewing verses, I found that I retained them much longer (especially in the summer when exercise is easier).

Systematic Review

So now with renewed vigor to invest in memorizing, I know my approach needs to address this problem of retention. I need a review system that enables me to come back to verses over and over.

Last week, knowing of my renewed interest, my husband passed along an interactive comic: How to Remember Anything Forever-ish. In an entertaining way, the comic explains how to use spaced repetition to improve memory retention. Think of it like in college: studying a little bit each day is better than cramming the night before an exam. To achieve spaced repetition, the comic talks about a tool called the Leitner box.

Why had I never heard of this before?

…Better Leitner than never.

While several apps exist that help you memorize with spaced repetition, I love the idea of making a physical, analog system (My husband says I like to make things hard for myself… I say I like to feel the paper and pen in my hand.)

Using the Leitner box, each verse progresses through 7 review levels. Each time you accurately recall the verse, it moves up another level. If you can’t remember the verse, it goes back to Level 1. Not every level is reviewed each day, however. That’s what makes it spaced repetition.

You can find a video tutorial here, but I’ll walk you through how I made my own Leitner box:

DIY Leitner Box

First, I rummaged through my closet and found a nice-sized shoebox. (My old CDs had to find a new home… and in all honesty it probably should be the garbage can.)

I got out masking tape, scissors, and 3×5 cards. While I could’ve made a tab from anything, I had these fancy post-its that I wanted to use to make the dividers… they were bigger than the 3×5 cards, so I cut and taped appropriately.

Then I numbered the dividers and taped them into the shoebox:

Next I needed a schedule to remember which levels I’m supposed to review each day. This tutorial used dots, but I decided I wanted something more practical. I created a schedule on a Google Sheet instead.

Finally, I’m not much for decorating, but a dear friend had just given me some beautiful verse cards that she had created, so I decided to incorporate them on the inside and outside of the lid.

Now that I have a system to review, the next step is figuring out which verses I should memorize. I’ve got some ideas already, and you may see a hint in this picture of my finished Leitner Box:

Thanks for following along my journey! If you actively memorize or would like to start, I’d love to hear from you! Comment below or contact me through social media: @laurakeywords on Facebook or Instagram.

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Getting Flabby

Last week I was doing some cardio.

While I thoroughly enjoy the feeling I get after I exercise, I don’t always enjoy the process.

Usually I try to get my mind off of exercising by reviewing memory verses.

So, I started on my usual set of verses… the ones my husband and I memorized while we were dating. During the summer of 2019, we chose a list of verses that highlight the attributes of God. They became cherished verses that I often use now when I pray to remember God’s awesome qualities.

But while I was exercising last week, I realized that both my body and my brain had gotten flabby. It had been so long since I exercised (and memorized) that I was really out of breath… and I couldn’t remember all of the verses.

Then I became further convicted. My husband and I learned those verses almost 2 years ago. I hadn’t actively memorized anything else since then.

Now, I think I know a good thing when I see it. God’s Word? Yeah. That’s good. That’s worthwhile.

Psalm 19 has a beautiful description. God’s Word is:

perfect, restoring the soul;

sure, making wise the simple.

right, rejoicing the heart;

pure, enlightening the eyes.

clean, enduring forever;

True.

This is good stuff.

It’s more desirable than much fine gold;

Sweeter than honey.

God’s Word warns us,

and in keeping it there is great reward.

So why am I not eating it up?

Why am I not enriching my mind with good things?

Why am I filling my mind with garbage, or letting it waste away?

While the benefits of exercise are huge,

The benefits of absorbing God’s Word are astronomical.

I know that exercise will help my body in this life…

But seeking after God will help my body, soul, and spirit in this life AND the one to come.

Discipline yourself for the purpose of godliness;
for bodily discipline is only of little profit,
but godliness is profitable for all things,
since it holds promise for the present life
and also for the life to come.
1 Timothy 4:7-8

Time to get active.

Just like exercise takes discipline, planning, and effort… so does memorizing and meditating on God’s Word.

This week I’ve started a Couch to 5K running plan (because the snow is gone in Iowa… for now!)

Just like I have to be purposeful in setting a physical goal,

I want to be purposeful in figuring out when, where, and how I’m going to memorize God’s Word.

If you feel like you’re getting flabby, feel free to join me.

I’m going to be posting about my journey here on the blog, and on my social media.

Comment on the blog, or reach out to me @laurakeywords on FaceBook or Instagram.

If you don’t plan for it, you won’t do it.

So here we go.

Sudden Fear

Do not be afraid of sudden fear
Nor of the onslaught of the wicked when it comes;
For the LORD will be your confidence
And will keep your foot from being caught.
Proverbs 3:25-26

Have you ever been blindsided?

Something comes out of nowhere and hits you like a suckerpunch.

A car wreck.
A diagnosis.
A pink slip.
An exploding relationship.

Maybe there were warning signs, but you missed it.

This disaster caught you off guard, and you’re terrified of it.

There are two ways to react to sudden fear:

Look to God, or try and solve it on your own.

King Asa is a prime example.

For the first ten years of his reign, there was peace in Judah.

Suddenly, the Ethiopian army of a million men surges against his kingdom.

Asa had never experienced anything like this before, but he knew who to turn to:

Then Asa called to the LORD his God and said, “LORD, there is no one besides You to help in the battle between the powerful and those who have no strength;
so help us, O LORD our God, for we trust in You, and in Your name have come against this multitude.
O LORD, You are our God; let not man prevail against You.”
2 Chronicles 14:11

King Asa felt helpless, but he knew that God was able to help.

God did deliver Asa, and his kingdom ended up in better shape than before.

Fast forward 20 years.

There had been 2 decades of peace – no war, no threats.

Suddenly, Asa’s rival, the king of Israel, captures an important city and begins to cut off Judah’s supply routes.

Out of nowhere, disaster hit.

This time, King Asa forgot how the LORD had helped him.

Instead of calling on God, he turns to an enemy king for help.

He asks the king of Aram to attack Israel so that they would stop attacking Judah.

Asa takes treasures out of the house of God and gives them to the king of Aram as payment.

Risky move.

But it worked.

Aram attacked Israel, and Israel left Judah alone.

Asa must have felt pretty pleased with himself.

He got ‘er done.

Disaster averted.

Then a prophet comes and tells him that he messed up big-time.

If he had relied on God instead of the enemy king, he would have triumphed over all his enemies.

Instead, he will have continual war the rest of his days.

King Asa gets angry at this message from God, and throws the prophet in prison.

He doesn’t humble himself and repent.

He ends his days miserably, with an incurable disease in his feet.

Even in his sickness, he seeks the help of physicians and refuses to seek the Lord.

Do not be afraid of sudden fear
Nor of the onslaught of the wicked when it comes;
For the LORD will be your confidence
And will keep your foot from being caught.
Proverbs 3:25-26

The first time disaster struck, Asa responded the right way.

The Lord was his confidence.

The second time, Asa responded the wrong way.

He depended on someone else, and his foot was (literally) caught for the rest of his days.

When sudden fear comes, we don’t have to be afraid.

We can be confident of the Lord’s protection and help in the midst of a distressing situation.

If you’re going through something dark right now, make it a point to continually remember all the ways He has helped you in the past.

Don’t forget how strong He is, and how delighted He is to come to our rescue when we call on Him.

He is our confidence.

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Priceless

Mmhmm.

That’s what you are.

Your value is off-the-charts.

Your worth is far above rubies.

Those kinds of sentiments usually make me roll my eyes.

Like sugary greeting cards or glittery Instagram posts.

Aren’t people puffed up already?

Really… Can our egos even handle another boost?

But a few months ago, Lord nudged me on this.

You are of great value.

Priceless.

And so is that person over there.

Wait, that one, God? Are You sure? They’re awful! They’re evil! You want ego, look no further! That person doesn’t care about You, they don’t love You. They’re completely against You.

Yes. But that person is priceless to Me.

You see, every human is made in God’s image.

Made in His image means that we share in Him.

We possess some of His attributes.

We’re able to communicate with Him.

We have a sense of justice, and mercy, and love.

We can create and think.

We can show kindness and compassion.

We can manage and take care of things well.

Now, clearly all these humans running around aren’t doing it right.

Because of sin, those qualities and capabilities get distorted.

We don’t display them as we should.

How are people supposed to recognize God if we’re not bearing His image?

Here’s an example:

This photo of me is not me.. I’m more than pixels on your screen.

Yet the photo represents me.

If you saw me in real life, you’d recognize me (at least, before winter… no promises you’ll recognize me after hibernation!)

Humans were meant to bear God’s image – to represent Him on earth.

All the angels should be able to recognize God when they see us.

Where does the priceless part come in?

Well, I don’t think it cost God much to make us….

But it sure did to redeem us.

In order to pay for our sins and restore a relationship with us, God had to give up His only begotten Son.

He broke the bank for us!

The Son of God has infinite worth.

He’s so precious, you can’t put a price tag on Him.

And that’s what it took to buy us back.

That’s why I know that God considers us to be priceless.

He showed how much He values us by how much He was willing to give up for us.

And He doesn’t just lavish this love on the ones that have turned to Him.

He values and loves ALL of the messed-up humans in the world.

He desires all image-bearers to come to know the truth.

That just burns within me sometimes:

the awe of how much my God loves people who reject Him.

I know I often don’t represent Him well, and I often don’t value other people like He does.

But He’s so patient and kind with me, reminding me as often as I need it.

You are priceless.

And so is that person over there.

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No One Cares.

This season has affected everyone.

Depression. Anxiety. Loneliness.

For some, this season has only exacerbated an underlying condition.

How many people are crying out on the inside:

“No one cares for my soul!”

Helpless.

Alone and afraid.

That’s how some sailors felt on the Mediterranean so many years ago.

They had faced many storms, but this one was fierce.

They feared for their lives.

They cried to their gods, but no help came.

So when they found a man named Jonah asleep in the hold of the ship, they told him to get up and call on his god.

“Perhaps your god will be concerned about us so that we will not perish.”
Jonah 1:6

Is anyone concerned about you?

People look for love, care, and help from their family, from a spouse, from a good friend.

But sometimes, those people just can’t help you.

Sometimes, they go away.

But God.

The God of the universe is concerned for your soul.

Let that sink in.

There is no one more powerful and able to come to your aid.

None more loving and kind.

You have the best in God.

See how He introduces Himself:

Compassionate and gracious
Slow to anger and
abounding in lovingkindness and truth.
Exodus 34:6

The sailors didn’t know God. But Jonah did.

In fact, that’s why he was running away.

God told him to warn the Ninevites of the impending destruction for their evil works.

A cruel, violent people, they had oppressed Israel for years.

Jonah didn’t want to warn them of God’s judgment, because he knew God was compassionate and gracious.

He would relent from destroying them if the Ninevites turned from their ways.

And that’s just what happened.

God showed His great compassion.

He was concerned for the souls of the sailors.

He cared for the evil Ninevites.

He loved people that didn’t know or care that He existed.

God also was concerned for Jonah.

He loved His child who was still rebellious – even though he had tasted of the Lord’s goodness.

In whatever darkness you might be walking through…

are you calling upon the Compassionate God?

Do you urge others to call upon Him?

He cares for every soul.

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Do Not Fear

“Oh no! What do we do?!”

Panic gripped Elisha’s servant when he woke up to the enemy army surrounding the city.

Fear, anxiety, worry.

What do we do??

I ask that question a lot, too.

There’s a big problem. (Honestly, sometimes it’s a little problem).
I’m afraid. I’m anxious. I’m upset.
“WHAT DO I DO?”

I put it all on my shoulders.

Do I fight it out, or do I flee?

Do I jump in and fix it, or do I high-tail it out of there… putting distance between me and the situation?

I feel like the whole outcome hinges on my response.

Elisha’s servant asked the question: “What do we do?”

Elisha’s response: “Do not fear.”

What? Instead of setting me up with a good plan of action, you’re telling me something I shouldn’t do?

Don’t fear? There’s every reason to fear!

But then Elisha tips him off to the secret:

“Those who are with us are more than those who are with them.”

Elisha prays that the servant’s eyes may be opened.

He looks up and the Lord shows him the other reality: horses and chariots of fire cover the entire mountain.

Do not fear.

Lift up your eyes to the mountains.

The Lord is mighty to save.

When a problem paralyzes us with fear,

We’re blinded to the other reality….

The presence of the God of the universe.

It doesn’t all depend on us.

To think the outcome hinges on me is pride masquerading as worry.

Let’s ask the Lord to open our eyes.

To see His strength, power, and deliverance.

Then we can call upon HIM to save.

He is strong enough and He cares enough to deal with any situation.

Do not fear.

Read more of the account in 2 Kings 6:8-23

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Out of your league

“He’s out of your league.”
(ever heard that??)

Ouch.
But, what if that didn’t matter?

I’ve got an impossible love story for you this Valentine’s Day.
First, all the reasons why it shouldn’t work out:
She’s new in town; he’s established and reputable.
She’s dirt poor; he’s filthy rich.
She’s young; he’s quite a bit older.
She’s a foreigner; he’s privileged.

Yet they are destined to meet.
While she’s out scavenging for food one day,
He takes notice of her.
Sweaty, dirty, a hot mess.
He could have passed her by.
She’s just another poor person.

But he seeks after her.
He asks about her, then he speaks to her.
Don’t go anywhere else.
Stay with me here in my field.
I will provide for you.
I will protect you.

At mealtime, he invites her to sit close.
He serves her.
She eats, and is satisfied.
And she has some left over.

What a love story.
He goes on to sacrifice himself for her.
He redeems her and makes her his forever.

This Valentine’s day you might be experiencing an impossible love story.
I hope you are.

Because
every.
single.
person.
can have this love story.
(every married person, too).

There is Someone who is outrageously out of your league.
He’s so rich.
He’s so honorable.
He’s so privileged.
He’s so much more advanced than you (in years, in wisdom, in everything).

But He’s also SO GOOD.
SO compassionate.
He’s incredibly gracious and kind-hearted.
Because of that… He has taken notice of you!

He sees you, wherever you may be, in whatever state you are,
Whether you’re a hot mess on the outside or not…
(cuz, I gotta tell ya, He KNOWS you’re a hot mess on the inside!)
And He LOVES you.

He doesn’t want you to go anywhere else – just stay with Him in His field.
He will protect and provide for you.
This wonderful, extraordinary, impossibly-good Lover humbles Himself to serve you.
He tells you to take Him in, be satisfied. There will be more left over.
He sacrifices Himself for you.
He redeems your soul, taking you from the depths of depravity and deprivation
To His glorious home.
To be with Him, forever.

That’s an impossible love story.
One that can be yours.

Let Him love you.

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Hope

This blog post digs deeper and gets into the meat of the word Hope, which is in the title of Persevere: Comfort and Hope for Dark Days. Check out the introductory post here, and the previous posts about the words persevere and comfort.

“Is she going to make it?”

“I hope so.”

How do you take that response?

Will she? Or Won’t she?

Is it said brightly, or grimly?

With a strong voice, or a shaky one?

Either way, I hope so seems like a cup of positivity, with a spoonful of doubt.

But that’s not how it’s always been.

You see, language changes.

Merriam Webster Dictionary gives a shout out to what the word hope used to mean:

https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hope

Archaic. That’s old.

It means the word is no longer is used as “trust”.

Instead, we use it to express a wish or desire that we know may not come to pass.

I hope so.

So how does the Bible talk about hope?

The word used is ἐλπίς (elpis).

From the Greek Strong’s Dictionary, it means to anticipate, usually with pleasure… expectation or confidence.

ἐλπίς is mentioned over 54 times in the New Testament.

You can find each one yourself by reading all the way through… or by downloading a study app like Olive Tree.

To really get a feel for what hope means in the Bible, you should find all the verses that mention hope.

Spend time reading and taking notes about how the word is used in each verse.

Here’s a place to start:

For whatever was written in earlier times was written for our instruction, so that through perseverance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.
Romans 15:4

This is where it all comes together.

The Scripture is written for us.

As we persevere through our painful situations, we are encouraged by reading the Scriptures. The Scriptures have amazing accounts of men and women who cried out to God in their desperation… and He answered them.

When they were too weak to save themselves, He was mighty.

He came through for them.

That’s our expectation.

As we read the Scriptures and get to know the awesome character of God,

We can have confidence that He will also answer us.

Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you will abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Romans 15:13

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Comfort

This blog post digs deeper and gets into the meat of the word Comfort, which is in the title of Persevere: Comfort and Hope for Dark Days. Check out the introductory post here and the previous post about the word persevere.

Comfort

Come here. I just want to hold you.
  
 I often hear those words when I am upset.
 Angry, distraught, frustrated, or sad.
 Whether my emotions are just beginning to show, 
 or they have already tumbled as a torrent,
 My husband calls me to his side:
  
 Come here. I just want to hold you.
  
 Outstretched arms and eyes of love.
 I crumple into his embrace.
  
 He doesn’t say anything at first.
 His heart soaks up my tears.
  
 When the time is right, he speaks.
 He helps me sort through my thoughts.
  
 Listening. 
 Asking questions. 
 Gently inviting me to share.
  
 When he has held me, and we have spoken,
 I am comforted.

This is a precious little picture that I get to see often.

Because as my husband comforts me,

My Heavenly Father is working through him.

God always works like that.

Not just through my husband,

He’s done it through other people, too.

Someone calls to ask about a matter she knows is bothering me.

A friend seeks me out to ask me how I’m doing.

They listen.

They ask questions.

They speak truth to my soul.

This is comfort.

This is encouragement.

Those two words go hand-in-hand.

They mean to give strength.

To hearten.

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction so that we will be able to comfort those who are in any affliction with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.
2 Corinthians 1:3-4

This word comfort is translated from the Greek παρακαλέω (parakaleo) ¹

It means to call near, or call alongside.

Think of it!

God is calling you to His side.

He’s like my loving husband:

Come here. I just want to hold you.

He’s like my faithful friend:

Just thought I’d call to see how you were doing.

That’s heartening.

That’s strengthening.

To know you are loved and cared for.

You are comforted in all your affliction…

So that you can comfort those in any affliction.

So how do you do it?

How do you give comfort to someone?

Well… call them alongside you.

Listen.

Ask questions.

And then, speak truth.

For whatever was written in earlier times was written for our instruction, so that through perseverance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.
Romans 15:4

The Scriptures were written to encourage.

That’s the same word as comfort.

Give strength.

Hearten.

Call alongside.

Soak in the Scriptures.

As you do, you’ll see all the times that God came through for each person.

And that will give you hope.

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