Choosing Scripture for Children to Memorize

March 19, 2014 by Patti Brown 2 Comments

You shall therefore lay up these words of mine in your heart and in your soul… You shall teach them to your children, talking of them when you are sitting in your house, and when you are walking by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise. Deuteronomy 11:18-19

Laying the foundation of Scripture memorization when your children are young will help them develop a habit that will bless them for their whole lives. There are many ways to creatively encourage children to memorize scripture, even programs that they can join. But really the only “program” necessary is a willing parent with a bible.

Once you have decide that you want to develop this habit in your children, how do you choose which scripture to teach? If your child is very young, you may want to start with simple, short verses. And the classics are a good foundation for all ages.

Older children might be ready to memorize an entire chapter, or even a whole book of the bible. My kids and I memorized Philippians together a few years ago. It took a long time, admittedly, but that was because slow old mama was memorizing too. It was harder for me – kids’ brains are wired for memorization!

I have gone through seasons with my children when I don’t plan far ahead which verses we will memorize, but instead make decisions based on what is going on in their hearts right at that time. I may choose verses that address a particular issue I see my kids struggling with, or that underscore a character trait that they need to develop.

Here are a few resources that can help you find verses for your children – and your whole family – to memorize.

Simple scriptures for the very young

The site Ministry-to-Children has put together a list of 52 simple scriptures that are easy for kids to memorize
My ABC Bible Verses: Hiding God’s Word in Little Hearts by Susan Hunt

Classic verses

Use this list of well known scriptures that Lisa pulled together for the Hide His Word challenge last summer.

Memorize a whole chapter, or even a whole book

Download resources for many chapters from Do Not Depart.
The whole book of Philippians, with more helps and tips from Do Not Depart.

Verses appropriate for dealing with specific struggles

Parenting With Scripture: A Topical Guide for Teachable Moments by Kara Durbin
For Instruction in Righteousness: A Topical Reference Guide for Biblical Child-Training by Pam Forster
Use OpenBible.info’s topical bible search function to look up topic-specific scriptures

Verses related to developing certain character traits

Our 24 Family Ways by Clay Clarkson

Your turn: How do you choose which scriptures to memorize with your children? Do you have any favorite resources? Please share in the comments.

How do you choose which scriptures to have your kids memorize? Suggestions from @DoNotDepart here

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Understanding God’s Ways

March 18, 2014 by Julie 4 Comments

I don’t understand the pattern Lisa talked about last week, but I’m so grateful for it, just the same. “We need; God provides. That’s the gospel.” I want that, even if I can’t grasp it all.

Understanding God’s Ways

How could the holy God doze away barriers to make way for ever-fallen, failing me?
How could the One who delights to give rain down grace on ever-receiving me?
How could the Father give the Son for the orphans who didn’t love back … yet?

How?

To demonstrate His intimate knowledge of us, God anticipated our bewilderment. He tenderly sheds light on our confusion in the verses following the crazy declaration that if we seek Him, “He will abundantly pardon.” ( from Isaiah 55:7) Not just adequately forgiven, but abundantly forgiven. The only right response is to worship Him.

How?

For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts. (Isaiah 55:8-9)

His thoughts are His purposes, His plans, and His intentions. And His thoughts are so unlike ours. I wouldn’t pardon abundantly, but that’s His plan.
His ways are His path, His direction, His journey, and His manner. And His manner is so unlike ours. I wouldn’t invite opposers to seek me out, but that’s His manner.

Our ways and our thoughts are so different from God’s that we can compare the contrast to the distance of heaven to earth. There are many ways to define how far space is from earth, but the International Space Station orbits at 400 km from earth; a constant boost is necessary since it is constantly “scraping” the atmosphere of the world. From earth to heaven is higher than high. But “higher” here exceeds an earthly sense of distance. Instead, it refers to lofty in deserving exaltation.

For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I have been fully known. (1 Corinthians 13:12)

There will be a day when God reveals how He could extend His abundant pardon to us. For now, His lofty plans and His higher manner is to be exalted above my small understanding. I don’t understand His great mercy that invites those far off to “Seek the Lord while He may be found,” but I’m so glad He invites. You?

What we don’t know – Isaiah 55:9 {Memory verse}

March 17, 2014 by Lisa Burgess 2 Comments

For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.
Isaiah 55:9 (ESV)

The more intelligence we gather about our world, the more we know we don’t know.

The same is true for the gap between God’s ways and thoughts and our ways and thoughts. The more we learn about God, the more we know there’s much more to learn.

And the more we seek Him (Isaiah 55:6) because of His greatness, the more in awe we are of His compassion and mercy (Isaiah 55:7) to accept us as His own.

Look up at the daytime sky and the nighttime stars this week to thank God for His immeasurable power and grace to bridge the distance for us.

Be sure to read Julie’s post here for more thoughts on Isaiah 55:8-9.

To memorize Isaiah 55:9 this week, try these tips:

Print the words by computer or by hand in the version you want to memorize
Tape the verse to your bathroom mirror, your car dashboard, above your kitchen sink
Whenever you see it, repeat it several times until it begins to stick with no peeking
If you’re memorizing all of Isaiah 55, repeat Isaiah 55:1-8 to yourself first thing in the morning and last thing at night
Say the verse aloud to yourself; make up a tune to sing it
Practice using Scripture Typer
Practice using first letters:
F a t h a h t t e, s a m w h t y w a m t t y t.

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The more we learn about God, the more we know there’s more to learn (Isa 55:9). http://wp.me/p1Su7F-2OL @DoNotDepart #HideHisWord

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What is something about our outer world that amazes you about our God?

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Instead of running away . . .

March 13, 2014 by Lisa Burgess 11 Comments

Seek the LORD while he may be found; call upon him while he is near; let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts; let him return to the LORD, that he may have compassion on him, and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.
Isaiah 55:6-7 (ESV)

UH-OH
You’ve messed up again. Criticized your husband. Yelled at your kids. Spent too much time on-line.

Now what?

The last thing you want to do is return to face the people you sinned against—your spouse, your child, even yourself.

Our first reaction, the human one, is usually to run away when we’re in trouble. But what if for our spiritual welfare, we did the opposite?

TURN AROUND
When we read Isaiah 55, we see this pattern: We need; God provides. That’s the gospel. God is honored when we recognize we need help, and we go to Him for it. It’s what He invites us to do over and over: come.

So instead of running away, what if we first run to (Isaiah 55:6-7)?

When we seek God, when we call on Him, we’ll discover extraordinary gifts.

Through His Spirit, He’ll convict us of where we went wrong (John 16:8)
Through His Word, He’ll reveal truth so we believe better (Psalm 119:160)
Through His Love, He’ll cover us with forgiveness and mercy (Psalm 103:3-4)

Will we still face consequences for our wicked ways and unrighteous thoughts? More than likely! But even then, God will be near us with His grace and His guidance.

Then, humbled and reaffirmed, we can easier return back to those we’ve hurt. With our apology in hand, we can go to that spouse we fussed with. To that child we exploded on. And to ourselves we were unkind to.

FIRST REACTION
Returning to the Lord is the path to healing—not only in our relationship with Him, but in our relationships with others and with ourselves. It’s where we’re on the receiving end of compassion and pardon—seeing what it looks like, learning what it feels like.

Turning to God as our first reaction (Matthew 6:33) is the best thing we can do for ourselves and for others. The more we seek His forgiveness, the more compassion we’ll find.

Who doesn’t want more grace? Come to the Source and get it.

QUESTION
Do you have a go-to place where you “seek the Lord”? When has God surprised you by His grace? Please share.

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What happens when we run TO God instead of FROM Him http://wp.me/p1Su7F-2Qx Isaiah 55:6-7 @DoNotDepart
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The more we seek God’s forgiveness, the more compassion we’ll find. http://wp.me/p1Su7F-2Qx @DoNotDepart
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Want to memorize these verses? Here are tips for Isaiah 55:6 and tips for Isaiah 55:7.

Behold Your Messiah – Run to Him! {Isaiah 55:4-5}

March 11, 2014 by Patti Brown 5 Comments

We are continuing our journey through Isaiah 55 today, moving to verses 4 and 5. Open your spiritual eyes – God has something for you to behold!

In the previous two verses the Lord called us to listen, to incline our ears, and to hear. In verses 4 and 5 He tells us to look – to behold, and again to behold.

Behold, I made him a witness to the peoples, a leader and commander for the peoples. – Isaiah 55:4

While verse three referred to David, most commentators understand verse 4 to be speaking of the Messiah – the Savior who would come in the line of David. The Messiah Himself is the everlasting covenant, the manifestation of God’s steadfast sure love for David, and for His people Israel.

Scripture is clear that Jesus is the Messiah Who was promised. God made Jesus the witness of His covenant, and the leader and commander of His people.

As followers of Jesus, we can safely submit to His leadership and commands, knowing that He Himself is the very manifestation of a heavenly covenant of love! That love kept Him from succumbing to the enemy’s temptations while on earth, that love that set the example for how we are to conduct ourselves as His followers, that love brought Him willingly to the cross on our behalf.

Behold, you shall call a nation that you do not know, and a nation that did not know you shall run to you, because of the LORD your God, and of the Holy One of Israel, for he has glorified you. – Isaiah 55:5

But now we look again (behold!) and find something astonishing… God planned for the Messiah not to be sent just for the Jews, God’s beloved and chosen, but for all people!

As I read verse 5, I can’t help but imagine all the bedraggled people of the world, perking their heads up at the call of Jesus, dropping their burdens and running. Isn’t it wonderful that the Lord saw fit to include that word in this passage? It reminds me of another precious verse:

The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous man runs into it and is safe. – Proverbs 18:10

Behold Jesus – witness of God’s everlasting love… leader of any who will run to Him when He calls… glorious Saviour!

By the sure mercies of David, we are to understand the Messiah. All his mercies are covenant mercies; they are purchased by him, they are promised in him, and out of his hand they are dispensed to us. We know not how to find the way to the waters, but Christ is given to be a Leader, a Commander, to show us what to do, and enable us to do it. Our business is to obey him, and follow him. And there is no coming to the Father but by him. He is the Holy One of Israel, true to his promises; and he has promised to glorify Christ, by giving him the heathen for his inheritance.
– Matthew Henry

Aren’t we are all little children, hurt and wounded on the playground of life, whose strength surges into us when we see Daddy? We pick our skinnedknee souls off the ground and run into the everlasting arms for comfort, for safety and for peace.

Behold… He calls!

Are you running from Him today or running to Him, friend? How can we be praying for you? Would you share in the comments?

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He thinks differently – Isaiah 55:8 {Memory verse}

March 10, 2014 by Lisa Burgess 1 Comment

Last week we saw in Isaiah 55:7 that our ways can be wicked, our thoughts unrighteous. But God has compassion and He abundantly pardons.

Isaiah 55:8 confirms the difference this week: God thinks differently than we do; He acts differently than we do.

I’m glad He does! Aren’t you?

For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the LORD.
Isaiah 55:8 (ESV)

As we memorize Isaiah 55:8 this week, praise God often for thinking and acting so differently than us.

SUGGESTIONS for memorizing Isaiah 55:8:

Review Isaiah 55:1-7 upon awakening in the morning and before you go to sleep at night
Post Isaiah 55:8 in prominent places that you’ll see frequently
Repeat Isaiah 55:8 several times through the day; add it into your recitation as soon as you’re able
Ask God to reveal how His thoughts and ways differ from yours
By Thursday or Friday, find a family member or friend to listen to you recite all 8 verses
Practice using Scripture Typer
Practice using first letters:
8 F m t a n y t, n a y w m w, d t L.

Share on Twitter:

“God thinks differently than me. I’m glad; you too? I’m memorizing Isaiah 55:8 @DoNotDepart http://wp.me/p1Su7F-2OJ #HideHisWord”

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Questions:

When have you seen God be more compassionate than man would be? In what ways would you like to think more like God?

Please share below in the comments and/or on our Facebook Hide His Word page.

Come, Feast Freely

March 6, 2014 by Ali Shaw 10 Comments

“Come, everyone who thirsts, come to the waters; and he who has no money, come, buy and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without price. Why do you spend your money for that which is not bread, and your labor for that which does not satisfy? Listen diligently to me, and eat what is good, and delight yourselves in rich food. Incline your ear, and come to me; hear, that your soul may live; and I will make with you an everlasting covenant, my steadfast, sure love for David.”
~ Isa 55:1-3, ESV

It’s Always About Love

God’s love is unfailing, gracious, and absolutely amazing. The Bible often refers to God’s steadfast, merciful, loyal lovingkindess (chesed or hesed in Hebrew). The Old Testament uses this word about 250 times, and I believe these verses point to God’s chesed character beautifully. And because I love doing research, I decided to look at the Hebrew translation. Guess what I found? A form of chesed, tucked away in verse three. But, we’ll get to that in a minute.

DoNotDepart.com — Photo Credit, CC License

Because God loves us so deeply, He wants what is best for us. He wants us to draw near to Him, so He invites us to come. A close relationship to God is the only thing that will satisfy our spirits. God offers a rich feast of love, spiritual blessings, and eternal life – a well that waters our thirsty souls, and bread that offers us rich, lasting contentment. He fulfills us spiritually like nothing in the world could ever do.

“If I find in myself desires which nothing in this world can satisfy, the only logical explanation is that I was made for another world.” – CS Lewis

The words in Isaiah were directed to the Israelites, offering them the promise of a Savior who would bring reconciliation to God, spiritual fulfillment, and eternal life. As Christians, we know Jesus is the Savior. Yet, I think it would still serve us well to examine our hearts in light of these words spoken before He came to earth.

Are we coming “to the waters”, knowing we can’t purchase what Christ has already paid for?
Are we spending (or wasting) time searching for things that can’t satisfy us like Jesus can?
Are we working for contentment apart from the Lord?
Are we laboring for what He offers freely?
Are we trading things of value (our time, our talents, our gifts, etc.) for things that have no real, lasting value simply to find temporary satisfaction? (John Gill called this the “husks which swine eat”.)
Are we listening diligently to God and coming to Him to feast and be filled?
Are we thanking God for His new covenant and following Jesus?

“Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” – Matt 11:28-30

A new covenant was enacted through the sacrifice and resurrection of Jesus. The Father showed his great, merciful lovingkindness for the entire world by sending His very own Son to be the propitiation for our sins (1 John 2:2 and 4:10). I said we’d get to chesed tucked into verse three. Well, God’s new, everlasting covenant is based on His “covenant loyalty” translated in the ESV as His “steadfast… love.” That is the Hebrew word hasde, a form of chesed. This love was demonstrated by Jesus Christ coming into the world to save us, make our burden light, and to fulfill us spiritually with the very bread of life. Unfailing, gracious, absolutely amazing love! Wouldn’t you agree?

So, how are you delighting yourself in the rich food of Jesus? What do you need to give up laboring for?

Drink deeper – Isaiah 55

March 4, 2014 by Lisa Burgess 6 Comments

With some things, the more you know, the more you love.

We believe this to be true about God.

So we invite you to join us here every Tuesday and Thursday in March to learn more about the Lord--and thus love the Lord more.

You already have the text we’ll be drinking deeply from–Isaiah 55 in the Old Testament of your Bible. It’s a chapter we’ve been memorizing one verse at a time since January 20.

But now we want to pause at the fountain to drink even deeper.

Find a couple minutes this week to read all of Isaiah 55–it’s only 13 verses–to prepare yourself to learn and love the Lord more. Then return on Thursday to quench your thirst in the Lord’s compassion.

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Do you already have a favorite verse in Isaiah 55? Why? Please share.

A sweet deal – Isaiah 55:7 {Memory verse}

March 3, 2014 by Lisa Burgess 3 Comments

Whether or not you’ve been memorizing Isaiah 55 with us already, join us for this week’s verse. It’s a great one to keep with you all week.

Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts; let him return to the LORD, that he may have compassion on him, and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.
Isaiah 55:7 (ESV)

Isaiah is not saying, “You’ve messed up, so come home to get your whipping!”

Rather, he does say come back to the Lord so you can feel His compassion and can accept His forgiveness.

It’s a sweet trade-off: give up your foolish ways and be given the Lord’s mercy.

SUGGESTIONS for memorizing Isaiah 55:7:

As you’re waking up, review Isaiah 55:1-6 in your head (takes only one minute!)
Post Isaiah 55:7 around your house or work area and read it often
Try saying the verse aloud as soon as you’re able to whoever will listen
Meditate on what it means: what attitudes or behaviors do you need to give up? How does forgiveness feel?
Review frequently throughout the week
Practice using Scripture Typer
When you’re back in bed, review all 7 verses in your head
Practice using first letters:
7 L t w f h w, a t u m h t; l h r t t L, t h m h c o h, a t o G, f h w a p. S t L w h m b f; c u h w h i n. (ESV)

Share on Twitter:

“He offers us a sweet deal. Memorize Isaiah 55:7 & see. http://wp.me/p1Su7F-2OH @DoNotDepart #HideHisWord”

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Questions:

What harmful habits are you holding on to–selfishness, anger, envy? What keeps you from giving them up? What motivates you to change your ways?

Please share below in the comments and/or on our Facebook Hide His Word page.

When You Wonder If Your Testimony Is “Good Enough”

February 27, 2014 by Lindsey 2 Comments

The question is not whether or not you have a testimony; the question is whether or not you will choose to share it.

In Mark 5, Jesus healed a man who had been possessed by demons. After Jesus healed him, the man begged to go with Jesus. I love Jesus’ response: “Go home to your own people and tell them how much the Lord has done for you” (Mark 5:19).

Go and tell.

It’s the exact same command Jesus gives to us today…to go and tell others what Jesus has done for us.

All too often, though, we wonder what we have to share.

Maybe you grew up in a Christian family, went to church since you were born, and don’t think your testimony is “good enough” to share. Maybe you read the story in Mark 5 and think, Sure, he has a story. He was healed of demon-possession. What can I possibly share that’s powerful like that?

The truth is, though, your story is powerful, because your story (just like this man’s story) is a story of freedom.

Here are a few possible things Jesus might have freed you from:

Perfectionism
Worry
A life of addiction (drugs, alcohol, pornography, sex, food, the approval of others, social media, etc.)
Fear
Self-doubt
Pride
Control
Anger
Discontentment
Unforgiveness

I don’t know from what God has freed you, but I do know this. Jesus doesn’t come into your life and leave your hands and feet bound by chains. He ever so carefully works to unbind whatever it is that constrains you.

As the chains fall to the ground, he asks of you the same thing he asked of the man in Mark 5: go and tell.

Tell your co-worker who is struggling with her finances how God helped you learn to handle your money. Tell your sister who just lost a baby how God healed your heart of its brokenness. Tell your friend who thinks no one could ever love her about the God who already does.

Your story might not be as explosive as another’s, but it is nonetheless powerful in the hands of the God who longs to use it.

What’s your story? When has someone else’s seemingly “small” story encouraged you? Share in the comments below!

Tweetables:

“The question is not whether or not you have a testimony; the question is whether or not you will choose to share it. http://wp.me/p1Su7F-2Pa” – Click to tweet this.

“Thoughts by @Lindseymbell on what to do when you wonder if your testimony isn’t “good enough” to share. http://wp.me/p1Su7F-2Pa @DoNotDepart” – Click to tweet this.