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Remember Who You’re Praying To – Memorizing Matthew 6:5-6

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This week we begin five weeks of verses in Matthew 6 on praying. [See the full schedule here.]

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But whether you’re memorizing all of Matthew 6 with us or just reading along each Monday, please add one more thing: Pray!

Just as Jesus assumed that His listeners would be giving (Matthew 6:2-3), he also assumed here they would be praying. And not for public praise, but for private devotion.

As you go into your private place this week to talk with the Father, whether it be a literal closet or the great outdoors or in your car in traffic, remember who you are talking to and why you are talking to Him.

That’s what He’s listening for. And for that you will be rewarded.

Remember who you’re praying to. Memorizing #Matthew6 v5-6 #HideHisWord

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Do you have a prayer closet? Where is your favorite place to pray? Please share in the comments.

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Plan to Abide – Wrap Up

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Plan to spend more time this year in God's Word and pursuing a growing relationship with Jesus Christ. Find resources to help you plan in this month's series "Plan to Abide."
How are you going to abide in God’s Word this year? Have you made a plan yet?

We hope that you have discovered some new resources throughout this month’s series Plan to Abide. Be sure to check out each of our posts:

  • Make a plan to read the entire bible, or a portion of it, this year. Ali has suggestions in her post on bible reading plans.
  • While bible reading is an essential part of a believer’s growth, bible study helps you dig deeper and really connect on a personal level. Caroline lists ten bible studies to consider delving into.
  • Have you tried bible journaling? Lisa offers lots of ideas for how you can incorporate this practice into your plan to abide in God’s Word!
  • Does it seem odd to plan to pray? Yet life can get so busy – having a plan may be just the thing you need to keep prayer a daily habit.
  • Lindsey shares six tips to help you memorize scripture – a spiritual discipline that can bear beautiful fruit this year.
  • Make a plan for the children in your life too! I offer kid-friendly suggestions for all five of the above topics in my post Kids in the Word – Plan to Abide.

Is there anything you are looking to add to your plan this year? We would love to help you find the perfect resources! Just leave a comment and our team will share our best suggestions.

#PlanToAbide in 2016 – a list of #bible resources!

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6 Scripture Memorization Tips to Help You Abide In God’s Word

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Many of us begin the New Year with high hopes and big plans. Often, one of those plans is to draw nearer to God throughout the year through Bible reading, Scripture memorization, or a variety of other ways.

All this month at Do Not Depart, we have given you suggestions and resources to help. Today, I want to share some tips that might help you with Bible memorization.

6 Scripture Memorization Tips to Help You Abide In God's Word

6 Scripture Memorization Tips to Help You Abide in God’s Word:

  • Start slow.

I love how Beth Moore puts it: “Think marathon. Not sprint.”

The goal is not to have a ton of verses memorized, just so you can say you have a ton of verses memorized. The goal is to get God’s Word inside of you. 

Begin slow, and consistently add more verses as the ones you have already learned sink in further.

  • Write it down. 

Once you have found a verse you would like to memorize, write it down. Consider using post-it notes or index cards and then displaying the verse somewhere you are sure to see it often.

Some people I know use spiral-bound index cards so they can quickly flip through the verses they have recently memorized.

  • Say it aloud.

Along with writing down the verse, try saying it aloud each day. This also helps the verse sink deeper into your mind.

  • Act it out. 

When I’m trying to teach my kids a new Bible verse, I often add hand motions or actions. It helps SO much! When we put actions to the verses, we are better able to recall what comes next in the verse.

  • Use an app.  

Some popular ones include Scripture Typer (free), Verses (free), Fighter Verses (2.99), Bible Memory – To God Be The Glory (free),  Bible Memory: Remember Me (2.99), Bible Memory Verses (free), and others.

Simply google “Bible Memory” or “Scripture Memorization” or something similar in your app store on your iPhone or similar device and then choose one that best meets your needs.

  • Repeat. 

Scripture memorization is a lot like exercise. The more we do it, the easier it becomes. It’s also a lot like exercise in that if we stop practicing, we are likely to lose what we have worked so hard to gain.

Once you have a verse memorized well, don’t just forget about  it and move on to the next verse. Continue practicing it on a regular basis even while you begin memorizing another verse.

If you’re not sure where to start, here are some suggestions.

  1. Note any verses that speak powerfully to you as you are reading. Choose one of these to memorize. (If you haven’t chosen a Bible reading plan yet, Ali posted some great suggestions earlier this month).
  2. Check out this list of 25 key Bible verses for your family to memorize.
  3. Sheila Wray Gregoire has 50 great verses listed here. You can even purchase cards to help with memorization. Ashley Pichea has a similar list here.
  4. Courtney Joseph, over at Women Living Well, has her own list of the Top 10 Bible Verses to Memorize. She has even included a free printable for download.
  5. Use a Scripture Memory System like this one.
  6. Check out these Bible Memory Resources that Lisa shared a few years back.

What other tips help you memorize Scripture? 

6 Scripture Memorization Tips to Help You Abide in God’s Word This Year #PlanToAbide

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Bible Memorization Plans and Tips for the New Year via @LindseyMBell #PlanToAbide

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Who will reward you? Memorizing Matthew 6:3-4

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The original practice of the ancient Jews was to give their alms in private. But by the time of Jesus’ arrival, the Scribes and Pharisees had made it into a more public affair, going against traditional Hebrew teachings. Jesus was clearly making a statement in this passage to counteract that practice.

How about today? Is it hard for us to give in secret, getting little or no human appreciation for what we do?

Does it help to know God always notices everything we do (and even intend to do)?

As we memorize Matthew 6:3-4 this week, let’s pray for contentment that if God sees our giving, that’s good enough.

God won’t let deeds done in private go unrewarded.

Your giving doesn’t go unnoticed. Memorizing #Matthew6 v3-4 #HideHisWord

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Do you struggle with being appreciated? Please share your thoughts in the comments.

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10 Bible Studies for Individual and Small Group Study

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As you plan to abide this year, the most important thing to read is, of course, straight from your Bible. Along with that, it can be helpful to read through Bible studies and topical studies with a trusted author and even with a small group for discussion.

Bible Studies and Topical/Devotional Studies

One big difference to distinguish: Bible studies versus Topical/Devotional studies. Bible studies focus on studying the verses themselves with induction study, reflection, Bible journaling, etc.

Topical/devotional studies usually have accompanying devotions, chapters in a nonfiction book, etc. but are founded on and include discussion of verses.

Both of these kinds of studies are beneficial and both have a place in our spiritual growth. Regardless of what kind of study you choose, three things that may help offer a well-rounded study include:

  1. founded in Scripture,
  2. opportunities for prayer, journaling, and reflection,
  3. well-researched and inclusive.

Most devotional books or Bible studies could be completed individually or with a small group, but some are specifically written to be used as one or the other. Below are some favorite recommendations.

10+ Bible Studies for Individual and Small Group Use (DoNotDepart.com)

5 Bible Studies to Read Individually

  • HelloMornings offers both a Scripture memorization community and Bible study community as you plan to work in Bible study time to your everyday life. They do new plans every couple months that focus on book of the Bible or even one chapter.
  • She Reads Truth has some gorgeously formatted Bible study plans that encourage journaling and reflection. When you buy the books, you get solely the Bible reading and reflection/study questions. But, you can also follow along in the app or on the website for free and read daily devotions to accompany the Scripture reading.
  • We offer Bible studies here at Do Not Depart, too! You can look through our archives to find many month-long studies, 8-week studies, and more. One of my recent favorites was our Philippians 2 study.
  • Once-A-Day studies offer a way to read through the entire Bible in one year. This brand of reading plans often give you an Old Testament reading, a New Testament reading, and a Psalm or Proverb within each day’s reading. These books divide up the Bible into 15-minute reading portions to help you dive into God’s Word daily. I reviewed the Once-A-Day Women’s Bible here and highlighted some of my favorite features, as well as mention several other types.
  • Do Not Depart founder, Katie Orr, has three Focused15 books to lead readers through one way to do inductive Bible study.

5+ Studies to Complete with a Small Group

These are just a few great studies and books out there! What are some of your favorite Bible studies or devotional books/studies?

Both Bible studies and devotional/topical studies have a place in our growth. A few recommendations:

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As you #PlantoAbide this year, what are some of your favorite Bible studies and devotional studies?

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Kids in the Word – Plan to Abide

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Resources to help your children grow with God each day.
Children need time in God’s Word just as much as adults do. This month we are sharing resources to help you plan to be more intentional about growing with God – here are some suggestions that you can use to help the children in your life abide in 2016!

Bible Reading

Bible Studies

Journaling

Scripture Memorization

Prayer

To find resources for adults, be sure to check out our entire series on Planning to Abide.

Plan to spend more time this year in God's Word and pursuing a growing relationship with Jesus Christ. Find resources to help you plan in this month's series "Plan to Abide."

Children need time in God’s Word just as much as adults do. #PlanToAbide #LetTheChildrenCome

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Help your children #PlanToAbide in 2016. #LetTheChildrenCome

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Let the Children Come - monthly feature on helping children to abide in God's Word via DoNotDepart.com

Be good or just look good? Memorizing Matthew 6:1-2

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Do you want to be good? Why?

How important is it that others see you as good? Why?

The first two verses we’re memorizing in Matthew 6 begin with a bang: Motives matter. Jesus assumed that his audience would be helping others. That’s a given.

But he was more concerned with why.

Would we rather be good or just look good?

When we practice compassion toward others, how much does it matter to us that others are aware of it?

As you meditate on Matthew 6:1-2 this week, examine your heart beneath your actions.

Who do you want to get the credit for what you’re doing?

Be good or just look good? Memorizing #Matthew6 v1-2 #HideHisWord

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In Just 3 Days – Memorizing Matthew 6

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On Monday morning, we’ll begin reading and memorizing Matthew 6, one to two verses a week.

We’ll be posting short reminders here at the blog, but if you register, we’ll send you a quick email on Mondays to land in your inbox, giving you the verse of the week along with its first letter hints and some tips along the way.

It’s not too late to join in. Sign up with your email address here.

And download the Compact Guide to Memorizing Matthew 6 here.

We’d love to have you join us!

It’s almost time! Details here to memorize #Matthew6 together. #HideHisWord

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The Why, What, and How of Bible Journaling

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[NOTE: For Matthew 6 memorizers, get your printable journaling page here]

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You read the Bible. Pray through some of the Psalms. Maybe memorize favorite verses here and there.

But have you ever tried journaling through the Bible?

Why journal?

Journaling is a spiritual discipline that leaves a tangible footprint.

Writing helps hone your thoughts now, clarifying and capturing the swirling ideas that rumble loose in your head. It’s listening and recording how your heart is hearing God’s love for you.

But journaling has the added benefit of laying down a record for later, too. Today’s lessons can be reused in future circumstances if you’re ever doubting God’s promises or need reminders of how He’s brought you through a tough time or want to celebrate again a victory He won for you.

What is Bible journaling?

At its most basic, journaling is simply writing down what the Spirit whispers to you as you read through scripture. There are no rules or requirements.

However, you have many options to guide you along the way.

• Journaling Bibles
Easy to find online or at bookstores. They have wider margins than a regular Bible, specifically designed to record your notes, prayers, or questions.

• Artistic Journaling
A hot trend. [Google “bible journal” and see.] Don’t just record words, but create your own art in the margins of your regular Bible or Journaling Bible. You don’t have to be an artist to do it. [Read Teri Lynne Underwood, “Three Reasons I Love Using my Journaling Bible”]

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• Digital Journaling
If screens are your preferred medium, keep a digital journal as a regular Word document or via an app created specifically for Bible journaling.

• Notebook
Use a spiral bound notebook, a decorative journal, or loose-leaf paper in a binder to record your Bible reading and thoughts.

How to Bible journal

1. Write side by side in the margins

As you’re reading your Bible, jot down any insights or questions directly beside the verse you’re on. This has been an effective method for years and still works beautifully for many.

2. Pick one verse from many

I keep two kinds of separate Bible journals. For my daily Bible reading, I use my Kindle before I get out of bed each morning, highlighting verses of interest as I go. Later in the day, I return to the highlighted verses, and choose only one verse out of three chapters to journal about.

I copy that verse by hand on notebook paper, then write a few sentences about why it stood out to me. Perhaps it was reassuring or particularly relevant or maybe even confusing. I then file these pages in my Bible notebook (details on how to make your own Bible notebook). The whole process is quick but meaningful.

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3. Go deeply with only one verse

The second type of journaling I do coincides with what I’m memorizing or studying. Here I look at only one verse for several days, writing on a double-spaced, printed copy of the chapter. On day 1 I write brief notes about the Hebrew or Greek roots using e-Sword.net or StudyLight.org. On day 2 I record anything significant from commentaries about the verse. Day 3 is when I record my own thoughts and experiences with the verse. Again, it doesn’t take long, but it creates a record of what God is teaching me.

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But for you, what’s the best way to journal?
The one that you’ll use.

And one that you’ll occasionally re-read. It’s valuable to look back on your own personal history with God alongside the Biblical narrative from ancient times.

Experiment with different methods to find one that works for you. [Pinterest has tons of ideas.] It might include sharing on social media: Use Twitter as a 140-character journal about the verses you’re reading. Or blog or Instagram about the study you’re doing. Or keep it private: Write a one-line-a-day diary of love notes between you and God, tucked quietly in your sock drawer for no eyes but yours and His.

  • Journal the lessons you want to remember.
  • Write down memories of God’s goodness you don’t want to forget.
  • Record the insights the Spirit gives you to use.

Your growing relationship with God is worth treasuring.

[Printable “Bible Journaling through Matthew 6” ESV]

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The Basics of #BibleJournaling – Why, What, and How #PlantoAbide

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Do you journal? What works for you? We’d love to hear your ideas in the comments.

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Plan to spend more time this year in God's Word and pursuing a growing relationship with Jesus Christ. Find resources to help you plan in this month's series "Plan to Abide."

Everyday Hope Giveaway (Ends Jan 20th!)

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{We’re so excited about Katie Orr’s new Bible Study, Everyday Hope: Holding Fast to His Promise, that we’ve decided to give away a copy! I know you’ll love it as much as we do! Giveaway details follow the excerpt from the book.}

 

Everyday Hope, excerpt at DoNotDepart.com

Excerpt from Everyday Hope by Katie Orr

I’m particularly drawn to instructions. I long for someone to tell me what to do when in order to achieve my desired outcome. Whether it be how to put a savory, yet nutritious meal on the table in less than an hour cooking time, or the best way to maximize my time as a work-at-home mom, I’m especially drawn to the how-to’s in the areas I feel week.

I think many people are this way, and our spiritual life is no different. It only takes a quick stroll down the self-help book aisle to see what we all crave: something more than what we have now. It’s easy to feel depleted and defeated emotionally, relationally, and spiritually.

As a Christian, the pressure’s on to be a beacon of light to the lost world around me, yet sometimes I can’t seem to shake the feeling I should be doing or experiencing something I’m not. Scripture tells us that Christ came to earth to provide a living hope (1 Peter 1:3). It’s one thing to read these words on a paper and say, “Amen.” It’s quite another to experience this living hope in our everyday lives.

Maybe you feel this dissonance as well?

Excerpt from Everyday Hope by Katie Orr at DoNotDepart.com

You and I are on a voyage. A journey toward this living hope and abundant life our Creator and Savior has promised. However, our travels can often feel more like we’re aimlessly tossing in a storming sea of hopelessness. You may desire to better navigate the trip ahead. You may find yourself looking for a way out of the chaos, for a ladder that will lead to the lifeboat that promises rescue from the storm. Or, maybe you’ve given up altogether, and all you have left is a weak cry for help from the bottom of the boat.

You may have heard from others: “Keep your chin up. Don’t lose hope!” It’s easy to see hope as a verb — something we need to do. An action we need to take. Though there are actions we can and should take when our soul is in despair, trying to conjure up the strength to be hopeful is not helpful.

It’s impossible.

Hope is a noun, not a verb. It’s not something we do to escape the storm. Hope is what we hold fast to, as we endure each wave.

Hope is a treasured possession, not an action.
Hope is a guiding light, not a ladder to climb.
Hope is a steadfast anchor, not a search for more.
Hope is a harbor of promise, not a way of escape.

Our hope is found in the Gospel of Christ alone. This good news of Jesus is not a one-time experience; it’s a moment-by-moment need.

PRAY THIS WITH ME: God, we are desperate to experience the hope of Christ in our everyday. We look forward in anticipation to all You have planned for us through Your Word. Open our eyes to see the truths the Bible holds about our gospel-hope. Soften our hearts to receive them. Enable our souls and minds to follow you in obedience as we respond to all You will speak to us.  

(This is an excerpt from Everyday Hope, an easy to use, four-week study. Designed for women who are pressed for time, yet crave depth from their Bible study, Everyday Hope offers a relevant and lasting approach for reading and understanding Scripture. In as few as 15 minutes a day, explore hope that fills the Scriptures and the same hope God intends to fill your life. Everyday Hope, will help you discover how to hold fast to His promises amidst feelings of hopelessness. Purchase your copy today at your favorite retail bookstore. Also available online at these online stores.)
Katie Orr at DoNotDepart.com

(Author and DoNotDepart founder and contributor, Katie Orr)

 

If you’d like to enter to win a copy of Everyday Hope, enter the Rafflecopter giveaway below. Entering is easy! Just click the Rafflecopter giveaway below and fill out the requested info. When the giveaway ends, we’ll choose a winner and connect with you by email. Click the link below to enter the giveaway:

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 Once you click the link, you’ll see four ways to enter:

  • Leave a Blog post comment (mandatory)
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We can’t wait to bless you with Katie’s study! Hurry and enter to win! Entries will be accepted until midnight, Jan 20th.

A chance to win Katie Orr’s new book, Everyday Hope? Yes, please! #FOCUSed15 @KatieOrr22

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Hold fast to the hope you have in the gospel. The unchangeable, glorious, life-giving gospel #FOCUSed15 @KatieOrr22 http://katieorr.me/hope

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