Beth Moore's Tips: RENEW

Beth Moore provided a Scripture memorization tutorial a year or so ago. In it she referred to a main reason we memorize Scripture. In so doing, we participate in an important directive found in Romans:

Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is-his good, pleasing and perfect will. 12:2

Beth pointed out that memorizing Scripture is a critical way in which we "renew our minds." She then offered the follow acrostic as a means to share how this transformation takes place:

R - Read It
E - Examine It
N - Need It
E - Echo It
W - Wield It

In the following few posts, we will take the time to explore each of these individually, but for now, here's a brief overview:

R - Read It = By reading the passage over, and over, and over... we are meditating on the Word of God, spending time with Him, and dwelling on His Words to us.

E - Examine It = Here is where we look at the passage from every single angle. We might use commentaries, dictionaries, concordances, and more to really break down the passage and see what it truly means. We also will pay close attention to word patterns, choices, grammar, and punctuation. We will look for keys within the passage to help with the memorization of it - for example, alphabetical order, alliteration, rhymes, etc.

N - Need It = This is where we gain "ownership" of the passage. We allow it to speak into our lives. We hear the very personalized message God has in it, just for us. We develop a deep need for the words on the page.

E - Echo It = Saying the passage aloud, over and over, in our own voice helps us to experience the words in a new way. This is a great memorization technique.

W - Wield It = We cannot stop with simply memorizing the passage. We must USE it. Pick up the sword and do battle against the Enemy. By wielding it, we are praying it back to God, we are using it to remind ourselves of who we are in Christ, we are refuting the lies of the Enemy. We are waging Holy war.

I hope this helps invigorate you to keep up the good fight, Dear Ones! May God Blaze The Way!