"And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works." (NKJV)
Welcome to our first installation in our Teaching Biblical Character series here at the Mac Rak. We are prayerfully presenting curriculum and resources that we use in our own home to help equip our children and instill biblical character traits. Today we will discuss the importance of Scripture Memory in daily teaching.
As an adult, I have experienced the power of scripture in my daily life. When trials and temptations have come my way, the Word of God has consistently seen me through and made me triumphant, in many areas where there was no hope. Yeshua (Jesus Christ), Himself, responded to Satan's temptations with God's Word. God's Word is powerful and sharper than any two-edged sword. (Hebrews 4:11-13)
Knowing and using God's Word in our daily life is essential and instrumental in the life of every Christian, no matter your religious affiliation. A follower of Yeshua, must recall God's Word to use for correction, self-discipline, and instruction in righteousness (2 Timothy 3:16). However; the knowledge of God's Word does not just mysteriously appear in the heart and mind of a Christian. How then, did I as a child, come to know God's Word and use it as an adult?
It was purposely planted there, not by me, but by those who went before me. My mother. My grandparents. My elders. Godly men and women who cared that I grew up in the "fear and admonition of the LORD" (Ephesians 6:4). My parents did not rely solely on the church to train me up. They took it upon themselves to see that scripture was planted in my heart.
It was purposely planted there, not by me, but by those who went before me. My mother. My grandparents. My elders. Godly men and women who cared that I grew up in the "fear and admonition of the LORD" (Ephesians 6:4). My parents did not rely solely on the church to train me up. They took it upon themselves to see that scripture was planted in my heart.
This is why Scripture memory has a hallowed place in our daily lives here at the Mac home. Our family uses the following methods to ensure that we are properly sowing God's Word into the hearts of each of our children (and ourselves) daily:
- Scripture Memory Box: We have used this method for almost a year now and still haven't filled our box yet . . . but we are getting close. I have found it to be effective and helpful to every member of the home. Basically, we use the Scripture Memory Box (pictured above) during our morning "Circle Time". I will speak more about Circle Time during this series when we are discussing Family Worship. Here is how it works:
1. We choose, as a family, scriptures to place in our box. We have one new scripture to learn, and it is recited daily, at least three times. Nadene of Practical Pages has some great free printables with scripture cards already prepared. Here are the links: SALVATION, CHRISTIAN LIVING, and VICTORY, PRAYER & PURITY
2. Once everyone in the family has fully committed the scripture to memory and they can recall it quickly without mistakes, the card is moved to the "review sections" of the Scripture Memory Box.
3. The "review sections" are broken up into categories: Odd & Even days, Days of the Week and Date of the Month. The scriptures that are located here are review verses, we recite one scripture from each section one time. These scriptures have already been committed to memory and we are recalling them to review each day.
4. Once your box is full you will be recalling more and more scriptures with your family each day (right now we are reciting about five different scriptures each day). You can see, especially in children, the joy of accomplishment when they just look at their box. It represents some hard, yet worthwhile work, and it is amazing to watch them grow in this process.
Our Scripture Memory box was made using suggestions and FREE downloads from Simply Charlotte Mason. Here is the the link to the free Scripture Memory Box, so you can enjoy making your own.
- Memorizing the Books of the Bible: Our kids have enjoyed these songs the most while learning the books of the Bible:
This is the Bug's favorite Old Testament Song to memorize: You can watch the YouTube video here http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T7GLF9zfXso
We enjoyed learning this song as a family too . . . especially since there's ice cream at the end! (I vote a double scoop of Braum's peanut butter cup!)
Here is the New Testament http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xfgXK3PlrT0&feature=related
- Bible Bee & Bible Quizzing: I think that choosing a Bible Bee or quizzing program for your children to participate in is extremely beneficial AND fun for summer schooling.
{Photo credit abcdz2000}
What are you best methods for memorizing scripture? Leave comments below so we can all join in on the discussion. : )
I hope you will join us tomorrow as we will continue our series on Teaching Biblical Character with a discussion on Family Worship.
I hope you will join us tomorrow as we will continue our series on Teaching Biblical Character with a discussion on Family Worship.
The Joyful Socks Mom
Visit these resources for more great resources:
- Bright Ideas Press - Chronilogical and Biblical History! The Mystery of History will never cease to amaze you!
- MOM ONLY! Boot Camp - Best little Homeschool Conference. Having a Generational Heart in your homeschool. Join Smockity Frocks and Joyful Socks Mom for a day of fellowship and fun for home educating moms!
- Vision Forum - Discipleship and Education for Christian Families.
