scripture memorizing

I don't like memorizing things.  I used to have to memorize scripture in school and didn't like it.  I do like that the verses are in my head and my heart.  They frequently come to me when I need them.  I don't always know them word for word and I seldom know their exact location, but I know what they say -- what they mean.  

But I am feeling led to memorize again.  It's because Michelle posted about it on her blog and she is doing it because Beth Moore started a challenge on her blog.  The idea is to memorize two per month.  Michelle decided to use her creativity to help her memorize and I loved that idea.  Because I know that repeating a phrase over and over and over bores me and I won't stick with it. 

So what I am doing is using an unlined journal to write the verse in.  Then I will do whatever I feel like doing to help me learn the verse.  So far I have written it in two different versions.  Written my own paraphrase.  Written some thoughts and a prayer about the verse and looked some words up in my Greek dictionary. 

I may later draw or just color, or find pictures to paste into my book that help me learn the verse.  I personally am not concerned with word for word accuracy, but want to learn the concept -- the truth -- of the passage.  Word for word would be a nice bonus.

So, the first verse I am learning is 2 Peter 1:3.  Seeing that He has granted unto us by His divine power all that pertains to life and godliness through the knowledge of Him who called us by his glory and excellence.  Something like that.  I am using the New American Standard translation.  

So, who wants to join Beth, Michelle and me in memorizing God's word this year?

the text book

I didn't say this in my post on learning from God because it is so obvious to me, I guess. It may be obvious to you, too, but I think I should say it for the sake of clarity.

As you ask God to teach you things, be sure to be reading the Bible. The ultimate answer book. Even as He guides you to books, sermons, etc, they should in turn guide you to Scripture that supports what they are saying.

That's why the process should be very prayerful. So that you know what is from God and what isn't.

And any new information that you hear or read must be validated by the Word of God. If a pastor or teacher gives some Scriptural references, then as soon as you can, you look those up for yourself.

And if none are given, then you need to do a bit of research. You can go to a site like Gospelcom and use their scripture search tool. Type in a word that has to do with the subject you are researching and it will bring up all the scriptures that refer to that word. Search and be sure that whatever it is you heard is Bible Truth and not just some person's idea or philosophy.

This requires some work. And I know my other post made it sound like we could just sit around and be spoon fed. That is true to some extent; God will be surprising in how He brings the answers to us. But we always must be alert and attentive to the Holy Spirit and be in the Bible in order to discern truth from lies.

The devil, who hates us, loves to pretend to be a good guy. He is tricky, sneaky and wants nothing more than to confuse us and deceive us.

The Lord is on our side and will reveal truth to us. But we must be wise. The Bible warns us in many places to be alert and on the lookout for false teachers. They teach just enough of the truth to make us trust them, but they are full of false doctrine.

The Word of God is our only reliable reference.

And even then, we must use the full scope of Scripture. I can very easily make any point and back it with a verse or a phrase of Scripture. This doesn't count. This is not what I mean by making sure something is backed in Scripture. Something that is Scripturally true will be a common theme throughout the entire Bible. I will be a scripture that can be validated by more scripture.

Yes, this requires effort. The Lord wants us to be diligent and to be knowledgeable of what he says.

There. I just wanted to be sure that I wasn't coming across as promoting some kind of mystical learning experience that nullified the need for God's Word. God will teach us. But His primary text book is always His written Word.

give me your opinions, please

What do you think of The Message?

See, I grew up under some legalistic preaching and remember well how evil The Living Bible was. It was as if a person reading that were doomed to eternal damnation because surely all good things had been removed.

Now, I don't have a problem with The Living Bible as a paraphrase. Use it to get someones personal interpretation of the Scriptures, or as a supplement to a real translation, no problem.

I feel the same way about The Message. It is Mr. Peterson's unique interpretation and paraphrase of God's Word. What I have trouble with is people referring to it as a translation. People also refer to Eugene Peterson as the author of The Message. How can it be the Bible if Eugene Peterson wrote it? If it's the Bible then God is the author. If Mr. Peterson is the author, then it isn't the Bible, right?

So, I am not against reading it or using it for study or reference. But I don't like the idea of it being used as one's sole "Bible." I also don't think doctrine should be determined by it.

But I believe that a person can still come to know God and accept Christ through reading this. God can use His truth and His words, even if they are re-interpreted.

But I would never give this book the standing of being infallible, inerrant, God-breathed Scripture.

I'm wanting to avoid that old legalism stance, but maintain foundational integrity at the same time. Does that make sense?

And what do you think?