INTRODUCTION
In March of 2008, SouthPointe Church implemented a church-wide Scripture memorization program. Initially, the program was designed for children 6 years of age through adult. In 2009, the program expanded to include Basic Foundational Verses for ages 3-5. Presently, there is a Foundation Memory Pack One for 3 year olds, Foundation Memory Pack Two for 4 year olds, Foundation Memory Pack Three for 5 year olds and the regular Vital Verse Pack for ages 6 through adult. Remember that these ages for the Foundation Packs are only suggestions. You may use them in any age groups you prefer. When your child has finished all three Foundation Packs, they may proceed to the regular Vital Verse program.
The vision for the Vital Verse program grew out of Psalm 119:11, "Thy word have I hid (laid up) in my heart, that I might not sin against thee." Every Christian should realize that the Christian life is a daily warfare against sin. The Apostle Paul reminds us that one of our biggest challenges in the Christian life is "indwelling sin" (Romans 7:17, 20, 23). Individually, sin is part of the remaining corruption lingering after the death of the old self (Romans 6:6). No one is proud of it. Hopefully, it grieves us each time it rears its ugly head. At times it even frightens us. This "indwelling sin" is part of the reason we speak of the Christian life as a warfare. Sin must always be dealt with! It must be put to death. It is this fight, this warfare, that Paul had in mind when he wrote in Colossians 3:5, "Mortify, (put to death) therefore your members which are upon the earth. . ." The verse in the Amplified Bible is much stronger, "So kill (deaden, deprive of power) the evil desire lurking in your members (those animal impulses, and all that is earthly in you that is employed in sin)..."
The best way to deal with this "indwelling sin" on a consistent basis is to hide God's Word away in our hearts. The promise of Psalm 119:11 is both simple and clear; God's Word in the heart will keep us from sinning.
Each and every time we sin, the brightness of the glory of the sovereign and supreme God of the Bible shines less and less from our lives. Each and every Christian has been designed to reflect God's mighty glory. If our chief end is to glorify God and to enjoy Him forever, then the best way we can accomplish that is by not sinning! Simply making a better effort, trying harder, or turning over a new leaf won't do the job. Let the Word of God do what it was designed to do. To build you up in the most holy faith, to rid you of any confidence in the flesh, and to keep you from sinning. In order for you to “develop a love” for Bible memorization, you need to realize that it will take more than someone simply trying to persuade or convince you to implement this “vital” program in your own life and family. As with everything that is vital to our spiritual well being, it will take God Himself, to put this passion, love, and desire in your heart. Pause and ask the Lord, at this moment, to burden your heart in such a way that you will be anxious and excited about arming yourself with the precious Word of God through memorization. May God put within you a godly resolve and determination to memorize His precious Word.

Questions and Answers

1. What Are Vital Verses? Vital Verses are strategically chosen Bible verses that we consider to be "vital" to our daily Christian life in "putting on the whole armour of God" (Ephesians 6:10-18). This Scripture memory program will help you learn the promises of God that will help you to persevere through tragedy, affliction, and fiery trials, as well as serving to strengthen you in your daily Christian life. This program is used as a church-wide memory program for adults and children who commit themselves to memorizing one verse or one section of Scripture per week throughout the year.

2. Why Do You Use a Crusader (Knight) as the Symbol for the Vital Verses? The image of the crusader is taken from Ephesians 6:10-18 where we are commanded to "put on the whole armour of God. . ." Paul even lists the different pieces of this Christian armour:
• The belt of truth
• The breastplate of righteousness
• The shield of faith
• The helmet of salvation
• The sword of the Spirit

The crusader image serves to remind all of us that (1) we are in a fierce battle, (2) there is an enemy seeking to destroy us, (3) and the complete armour of God is the only way we can expect to win this war.

3. What Is the Crusader (Knight) Castle?
The crusader (knight) castle is a specially built and designed castle for our children's ministry. This castle is used for skits, dramas, and puppetry performances to emphasize the importance of "putting on the whole (complete) armour of God" every day. At the main entrance of the castle are two crusaders, standing in full, golden armour, representing the Christian as described in Ephesians 6.

After children have completed one full year of the Vital Verse memory program, children are allowed to have their pictures made standing in front of the castle between the two crusaders with the pastor or children's ministry coordinator. The children will receive one picture to take home. The church will place one picture in the church on a specially designed bulletin board indicating that they have "joined the fight of faith" by showing that they truly treasure God's precious Word by memorizing the assigned verses during the past year.

4. Does the Bible Really Teach That the Christian Life is a Warfare? To put it mildly, yes. Throughout the New Testament, we are reminded of this truth. The Bible teaches:

a. The Christian life is referred to as a warfare. This means that we must take the necessary steps to ensure that we are “armed” with the Word of God in “fighting the good fight of faith.” “Thy word have I hid in my heart, that I might not sin against thee” (Psalm 119:11). “Put on the whole armour of God, that ye might be able to stand against the wiles of the devil” (Ephesians 6:11).
b. The Word of God is the weapon that we must arm ourselves with to win this war. “And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God” (Ephesians 6:17). “For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart” (Hebrews 4:12). “For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ” (2 Cor 10:35).
c. The warfare is becoming increasingly fierce and the casualties are rising because many are not using this weapon properly. “Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper” (Psalm 1:1-3).
d. Memorizing the Word of God helps keep this vital weapon at hand to be used as needed. The Word of God literally becomes “a very present help in time of trouble (Psalm 46:1, 2).

5. What Version of the Bible Do You Use? We presently use the Authorized Version of the King James Bible and the Amplified Bible.

6. What Determines What Verses of Scripture are Used? While we certainly believe that every single verse of the Bible is inspired and is beneficial to the Christian life, we believe that the verses chosen as Vital Verses are especially helpful as we "fight the good fight of faith. . . " (I Tim. 6:12), and are therefore "vital" in maintaining our daily Christian walk.

7. How Will I Know What Verse to Memorize? A set of Vital Verses includes 52 verses for each year, one verse or section of Scripture for each week of the year. Each card is marked at the top Week One, Week Two, Week Three, etc., with the Scripture reference included. All verse cards are designed to be kept in a special two-ring Vital Verse notebook. A calendar is also included as a reminder of what verse goes with what week.

8. What is a Vital Verse Notebook? A Vital Verse notebook is a specially designed notebook that allows you to keep your memory cards in an organized place. The notebook includes three tab sections marked (1) New Verses, (2) Review Verses, (3) Old Verses. As you memorize new verses, place them in the Review Section. Then remember to go back and review the verses you have already memorized. After you have completed a year of memory verses, place them in the notebook under "Old Verses". Review these also from time to time. We have also included a clear jacket in the back pocket of the notebook. These are designed to protect your Vital Verse cards if you choose to take them out of your notebook and take them with you throughout the week.

9. Do I Have to Purchase a Vital Verse Notebook to Participate In the Program? No! The program containing a list of all the memory verses for the year and the dates they should be memorized are available from the church office. The notebooks and 3x5 cards simply make it easy to organize and carry with you without having to carry a Bible.

10. How Much Do the Vital Verse Notebooks Cost? As with all resources at SouthPointe Church, our C.W.Y.C. (contribute what you can) policy applies. Each family will be given one notebook per household if they cannot afford the notebooks. Simply write a note or letter to the church with your name and date requesting the material. A contribution of $10.00 per notebook is suggested. This includes: (1) One notebook with logo, (2) 3 tab dividers, (3) two years of memory cards, (4) one back packet, (5) one clear jacket.

11. Are the Foundation Verses for Children in a Notebook?
No! But the Foundation Verses are organized in a single-ring booklet by age. Green is age 3, blue age 4, yellow age 5. This setup allows you to read all of the verses without taking them out of the rings. The price of Foundation Booklets is $5.00 each, or all three for $10.00, or C.W.Y.C. (contribute what you can). Each family will be given one notebook per household if they cannot afford the notebooks. Simply write a note or letter to the church with your name and date requesting the material.

12. Are There Other Resources Available to Assist Me With the Program? Yes, a set of review tapes and CD's are available for you to listen to in the car or while you are at work or at home. The review tapes and CD's contain all the verses and references for the entire year.

There is also an incentive program to motivate children to memorize and keep track of their programs. The incentive program is as follows:
1. Memorize 10 verses – receive a miniature crusader
2. Memorize 20 verses – receive a second crusader
3. Memorize 30 verses – receive a third crusader
4. Memorize 40 verses – receive a fourth crusader
5. Memorize 52 verses – receive one full set and receive
an 18 inch crusader with your name and year inscribed
Each level has its own style of crusader.

13. What Are the Benefits of Memorizing Vital Verses Throughout the Year?

a. It helps me resist temptation. When Jesus was tempted by Satan in the wilderness (Matthew 4) He immediately used Scripture to ward off the temptation. Four times Jesus quoted Scripture to Satan. Ps 119:11 – "Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee."

b. It helps me make wise decisions. Psalm 119:105 – "Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path."

c. It is the most effective way of meditating on the Word of God. Joshua 1:8 – "This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success." Psalm 119:11 – "Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee." Psalm 63:6 – "When I remember thee upon my bed, and meditate on thee in the night watches." Psalm 119:15 – "Depart from me, ye evildoers: for I will keep the commandments of my God." Deut. 6:6, 7 "And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart: And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up."

d. It is the most effective way of "hearing the Word" when it is being taught or preached. Romans 10:17 – "So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God."

e. It works continually in our hearts to build Christ-like character.

f. It builds unity in the congregation as each member memorizes and meditates on the same verses. Vital Verses can be used in corporate prayer, worship, and encouragement in letters, notes, and conversation.

g. It strengthens me when I am weak. Psalm 119:49 – "Remember the word unto thy servant, upon which thou hast caused me to hope."

h. It comforts me when I am sad. Jeremiah 15:16 – "Thy words were found, and I did eat them; and thy word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart: for I am called by thy name, O LORD God of hosts."

i. It helps me to witness to unbelievers. I Peter 3:15 – "But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:"

14. What Are Some Helpful Memorization Tips?
• Pray, pray, pray! When you have finished, pray again! Never forget that you need God's help in everything you do.
• Read, read, read! When you have finished, read it again. As you do this, your mind is retaining far more than you realize.
• Write it down! Writing things down solidifies things in our mind!
• Say the passage out loud! Statistics reveal that we remember almost 40% of what we say out loud.
• Review, review, review! When you have finished, review it again. After you have learned a new verse, continue to review it every day for the remainder of the week.
• Apply it, apply it, apply it! Use the verse in a practical way every opportunity you get in cards, letters, and notes of encouragement, talking on the phone, or during prayer time.

15. Should I Continue to Use the Verse Every Day of the Week After I Have Memorized It? Yes! The following daily schedule should be used to take advantage of every single day.
Sunday: Read the passage out of the Bible (not from the card) along with the context of the verse and pray for God's help.
Monday: Take the card out of the notebook and put the card in the "clear jacket" to keep with you throughout the week. Write the verse out on a piece of paper and say it out loud several times. Review previous verses.
Tuesday: Read the verse out loud several times during the day. You may desire to break longer verses into sections and say a different section each day. Listen to the review tape as you travel in your car.
Wednesday: Read the verse aloud several times. Call a friend and recite the verse together. Recite the verse together with your fellow Lighthouse Home Group members at the meetings.
Thursday: Say the verse as a family before leaving for work or school, as you are eating breakfast, or as you are cleaning up. Listen to the review tape while driving and allow each member to try to recite the verse.
Friday: Continue to look at the verse and say it out loud several times during the day. Continue to review older verses.
Saturday: See if you can write the passage down on paper from memory and recite it to others throughout the day.
Sunday: Join your fellow worshippers (memorizers) at church. Add last week's verse to the review section and start a new verse with the entire congregation.

Memorizing the Word Is Possible
by Sally Michael

Below are a few basic principles which will help make memorizing possible. Included with each principle are practical suggestions to start you dreaming and scheming about how you can effectively memorize the Word of God. You may want to try one or more of the suggestions. As you discover other methods that work, share your ideas!

1. Take Advantage of Already Established Routines.
The easiest way to find time to memorize is to incorporate memorizing into your already established daily routine.
a. Use meal times as a time to memorize.
b. Memorize while exercising – i.e. while riding a stationary bike, running, walking on a treadmill, etc.
c. While washing dishes, folding clothes, dusting, mowing the lawn, or performing various other household chores, you can be memorizing.
d. Memorize while walking the dog.
e. How about memorizing while showering? Use the plastic pocket or write the verses on a slip of paper which can be thrown away when it gets soggy. Better yet, write the verses on a piece of plastic (an old tablecloth, or clear plastic from the hardware store) using a permanent marker. If people can sing in the shower, why not say verses aloud in the shower?
f. Work memorizing into your profession. For example, we know a person who puts up sheet rock for his profession. He tapes the verses on the wall and memorized as he works. A painter can put the verse card by his paint tray. Every time he puts paint on his roller, he can say the verse. A mail carrier can carry the verses in a pocket or attach them to the mail bag and memorize while walking. _____________________ (Fill in the blank. How will it work in your profession?)
g. Memorize while driving – either by glancing at the cards periodically or by using the review tape.
h. If you ride the bus to work, memorize on the bus.
i. Memorize each morning while you shave or brush your teeth.
j. Use your break times or lunch time to memorize at work.
k. Memorize in your small group.
l. Sunday school classes can introduce weekly passages, or review the passage from the previous week.

2. Keep the Verses Handy.
If your verses "travel with you," you will discover all kinds of opportunities to memorize. One of the easiest ways to memorize is say the verses repeatedly OUT LOUD.

a. Families can use time spent in the car to memorize. Keep a verse set in your car so it is always available.
b. We all spend a fair amount of time in the bathroom – have a set of verses handy.

c. Keep your verses with you (in your purse, briefcase, pocket, etc.) so that you can take advantage of unexpected moments such as: waiting for an appointment, at a red light, waiting in a store checkout line, pumping gas, waiting for the bus, etc.

3. Post the Verses In a Prominent Location.
Part of the battle in memorizing is remembering to memorize. If the verses are displayed where we will frequently see them, we will remember to memorize. It is easy to memorize by simply saying the verses ALOUD a few times during the day.

a. Put the verses on your bathroom mirror, on the phone, above the sink, on the computer screen saver, or any place you frequently look during the day. Every time you notice it, say the verses aloud a few times.
b. If you are in a profession in which you use a tool box, tape it to the lid or inside the lid and repeat it a few times every time you reach for a tool.
c. Tape the verse card to the dashboard of your car. Drive and memorize.

4. Retaining Verses
You will increase your chances of remembering new verses the next day if you review your verses right before you go to bed at night. Then play the review tape as you fall asleep to cement all the verses you have learned in your mind.

The key to retaining verses you have memorized is REVIEW, REVIEW, REVIEW.

Some Tips for Review
by Sally Michael

1. Repeat the verses often and out loud.
When I was in sixth grade, we were required to memorize one poem each month. Thirty-one years later, I still remember lines from those poems, even though I have not read most of them recently. I remember them because I said them every day out loud for a month. Sometimes we remember something because it "sounds right." Saying verses ALOUD is a key to remembering them.

2. Rehearse the verses frequently.
When I wake up in the morning, I rehearse the verses I have learned this year. It is not only great review, but it is a great way to start the day. During the day, I repeat the verses as I am driving, washing dishes, etc. You may want to keep the current year's schedule in its plastic pocket and try to repeat all the verses when you work on your new verse.

3. Review newer verses more frequently.

4. Review every day.
After a verse seems ingrained in your mind, review it on a rotating basis with other verses.

5. Listen to the review tape.

6. Use the verses.
When you pray, pray through the text of a verse! When you send a card, greet someone with a verse! When you see a friend who is feeling low, encourage them with a verse!

How To Use Bible Verses in Instruction
by Sally Michael

Bible verses are a wonderful means to share the Word of God with our children. Breakfast time or supper time, riding in the car, or any time in which the family is together would be a good time for instructional conversation about Bible verses. Below are a few tips to remember as you share God's Word with your children.

1. Keep It Short. A short instructional time that catches and holds a child's interest is better than a long drawn out time which leaves the child bored and frustrated.

2. Teach "Bite Size" Portions. In order to keep the instruction from becoming long and burdensome for the child, teach a word at a time, a phrase at a time, or a verse at a time as it suits the age and attention span of your child. The Bible is so rich that a single verse can present a number of different avenues for instruction. Rather than worry about being exhaustive in your instruction about a passage, pray for guidance from the Holy Spirit and teach those points that God puts on your heart. Spend several days on a passage rather than try to cover it all at one sitting.

3. Keep It Simple. It is great to be creative, use visuals, and put all kinds of effort and energy into your teaching. But if you are teaching one or two children at home, it may be unnecessary. By keeping your instruction simple, you are more likely to teach on a consistent basis. If preparation is time consuming, you may find that many days escape with little or no instruction because your schedule is packed. It is easier to sit down for 5-15 minutes and engage your child in conversation. Preparation consists of mulling over the meaning of the verse, asking God how it applies in your life and your child's life and praying that God will make the verse live in your heart and your child's heart.

4. Define Unfamiliar Words.

5. Relate the Unfamiliar to the Familiar. Refer back to what your child already knows to help him or her understand a new concept. Build on the knowledge your child already has. For example, in teaching the phrase "he does not treat us as our sins deserve" from Psalm 103:8-10 you may ask your child if he can think of a time in the Bible when someone deserved terrible punishment and God chose to forgive him. You can talk about the deserved punishment – what God could have done to that person. Then relate that incident to the phrase, "He does not treat us as our sins deserve."

6. Use Real Life Situations to Help Your Child Understand Biblical Truth. Use experiences that are common to your child to help him understand a biblical concept or the point of the passage. For example, Jeremiah 32:40 includes the word "covenant." This may be an unfamiliar word to some children. However, an allowance is probably familiar to many children. You could use the idea that an allowance is an agreement between a parent and a child that the parent will give the child a certain amount of money each month.

7. Give Your Child an Opportunity to Interact with the Truth of Scripture. An easy way to encourage your child to interact with Scripture is to ask him lots of questions: What do you think this verse means? What other verse do you know that talks about the same thing? What verse do you know that proves what you just said? What does it mean to fear God? Can you think of a person you respect? Do you act differently around that person? In what ways do you act differently? In what ways do you act differently to your little brother than you do to your teacher?

8. Lead Your Child to See How the Scripture Applies to His Life. The aim of Bible instruction is not just to increase knowledge. It also includes building faith. Help your child to see that the Word of God relates to his own life. Ask questions that bring out that relationship: Have you ever seen the truth of this verse in your life or in the life of another person? Do you have any fears? What are they? How will knowing this help you with fear? What can you do when you feel fear? or What do you think God would want you to do now that you understand this verse?

9. Encourage Your Child to Act on the Word of God.
Ask the Holy Spirit to bring along a situation where your child can act on newly discovered truth. Then encourage your child in his walk of faith.

Scripture Memory and Children
There are at least four reasons to encourage children to memorize Scripture:

1. Children have amazing memories.
Children memorize easily. In fact, they often memorize effortlessly. Since memorization is so easy for them, they are memorizing constantly. They will memorize either what the world has to offer them or what we have to offer them. Why not take advantage of this God-given gift for the benefit of our children's spiritual growth? This "window of opportunity" is open for about twelve years. After age twelve, memorization is harder – unless a child has been trained in the habit of memorization.

2. What is learned in childhood is often retained for a lifetime.
It is so much harder for adults to memorize Scripture than children. We often feel handicapped because we do not have more Scripture memorized. For many adults, the verses they know well (those which come to mind as an automatic response) are verses learned in childhood. So seize the moment!

3. Memorizing Scripture provides children with an ever-present counselor and protector.
We cannot always be with our children. If the Word of God dwells richly in them, they have wise counsel with them at all times. In addition, God's Word is so much more powerful than our words; it will protect them from the attack of the enemy.

4. Memorizing Scripture makes application and response to the Word more likely.
Situations arise in all of our lives which either demonstrate a spiritual truth or demand a word of biblical counsel (e.g. What do you do when someone speaks harshly to you?) Often in those situations, the Holy Spirit brings to mind a verse you have memorized (e.g. "A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger" Proverbs 15:1). This is less likely to happen when we have memorized only a few verses. When we recognize a biblical truth demonstrated in a situation, it is often impressed on our hearts, and a heartfelt godly response is more likely to occur. That response can come in the form of appropriate behavior, correct attitudes, or in worship of God as we are awed with the truth of His Word.

Scripture Memory and Adults

Since it is true that "the devil prowls around like a roaring lion seeking someone to devour" (1 Peter 5:8), adults, as well as children, need an ever-present counselor and protector. There is not the same spiritual power in saying, "Somewhere there is a verse about this," or "How does that verse about God being my strength go?" as there is in boldly proclaiming, "Whom have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besides you. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever" (Psalm 73:25-26). If we truly believe that we are in a spiritual battle, we will realize that it is foolish to walk through life unarmed. If we truly do not want to "sin against God," we will "hide His Word in our hearts."

Adults also need to apply and respond to the Word of God. It is so easy to read the Bible, or to hear a sermon and to walk away unchanged. But if the Word is always with us because we have memorized it, the Holy Spirit can continually challenge us with the truth of Scripture. It is much easier to ignore an occasional word than an ever-present one. Proverbs 6:20-23 instructs us about how crucial it is to have the Word of God before us: "My son, keep your father's commands and do not forsake your mother's teaching. Bind them upon your heart forever, fasten them around your neck. When you walk, they will guide you; when you sleep, they will watch over you; when you awake, they will speak to you. For these commands are a lamp, this teaching is a light, and the corrections of discipline, are the way to life."

It has been said, "Reading and studying the Word gets you into the Word. Memorizing the Word gets the Word into you." While this is not a hard and fast rule, it is a helpful way to look at Scripture memorization.

Common Objections

Perhaps the most common objection to Scripture memory is, "I can't memorize." Although memorizing may seem easier for some people, we all can and do memorize – sometimes without even realizing it. Most people have memorized their addresses and phone numbers, as well as the phone numbers of friends. Many people know the words of songs or commercials by heart. Some people know vast amounts of sports statistics: batting averages, fielding percentages, ERAs, etc. We do not need to work at memorizing these things. We memorize them because of regular exposure to them. We tend to memorize things which are important to us or things which are often in front of us. To memorize the Word, it must be a priority, and it must be in front of us often.

Memorizing is alot like physical exercise. Even though it may be difficult in the beginning, memorization becomes easier as we exercise our memory.

Another common objection is, "I don't have time to memorize." If there is a will to memorize, there is a way to fit it into the busiest schedule. It is easy to find a few minutes to memorize if we plan for them. You can memorize in the car on the way to work. You can memorize while washing dishes. You can carry verse cards with you and check them during spare minutes in a elevator or waiting in line. You can memorize while brushing your teeth, or you can make memorizing part of your exercising routine.

A Word to Parents and Teachers

What does it take to get children to memorize? Children learn by example. They learn to talk by mimicking the sounds they hear. They learn by watching you. Parents and teachers must model what they want children to learn. You must be aware that asking children to value Bible memorization means that you must not only value it, but that you do it as well.

What is the natural response of a child to the idea of spending time memorizing Bible verses? Children given free time will want naturally to play with toys or friends – to do anything but memorize. The heart of the problem is that every person, young or old, who resolves to memorize Scripture is at once engaged in spiritual warfare. Satan knows the power of God's Word and he will do anything to prevent us from memorizing it.

We believe that a key factor in Bible memorization is starting at a very young age. Young children's minds are not cluttered. Their brains are very elastic and beg to be stretched. It is very easy for young children to memorize. Often they memorize entire books that have been read to them only a few times. If the habit of memorization is started at a young age, it will become as regular in our lives as brushing teeth or making the bed. Once it is established as part of the routine of life, the habit will likely last a lifetime.

For older children who have not yet learned this habit, incentives may be a helpful motivation. Some people may object to the idea of awards because they might corrupt motives. Children, they might say, should memorize because of their love for the Word of God. We wish that were always true. But most of life is based on incentives and, if handled correctly, they are a positive motivational tool to help children do what they are not naturally inclined to do. At the same time, we should help children understand that knowing the Word of God is their greatest reward.

If Scripture memory has not been a part of your family or classroom experience, we suggest that you discuss why it is important to memorize God's Word. Make it clear that this is not an optional activity. Tell them that you are all going to work together to learn the verses and that there will be incentives along the way to encourage them.

Praying for and with your children about memorizing Scripture is one of the greatest things you can do. In Deuteronomy 6:6-7, the Lord declares that "These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up." If the Lord calls us to teach His Word to our children, we can be assured that He will hear us when we seek His help in memorizing.

Tips on Memorization

According to educational experts, the best time for most people to study is early in the morning, between 7:00 a.m. and 9:00 a.m. After a night's sleep and a good breakfast, we are mentally alert and more likely to remember what we learn. The best way to memorize is through repetition. There is no substitute for going over and over a verse. However, specific memorization techniques can vary from age group to age group. The following are ideas that we have found helpful.

Tips for Young Children

Memorizing by repetition works well when teaching verses to young children:
• Say the reference. First, clearly pronounce the reference ("address" is easier for some young children to understand than "reference"). Then have the child repeat the reference.

• Repeat the passage in sections. Say the passage in several bite-sized sections, repeating each section. Repeat the sections.

• Repeat the reference again.

• Review the passage several more times, lengthening the sections each time.

• Discuss the passage. After the passage is remembered (usually in 3-4 repetitions), it is good to dissect it. Discuss the meaning of unfamiliar words. Rephrase the passage and try to help the child discover how the passage applies to his or her life.

Tips for Older Children

For older children who have not yet developed the habit of memorization, you might consider the following steps:

1. READ the passage on the card.

2. UNDERSTAND the passage.
• Context: Look up the passage in its context in the Bible.
• Paraphrase: Have the child say or write the passage in his own words.
• Most Important Word: Have the child say what he thinks is the most important word and why he thinks so. Then you do the same.
• Explain: Have the child read the passage silently and explain what it means. Then you do the same.
• Apply: Have the child explain what he thinks a Christian should know, feel, and do in response to the verses. Discuss how this applies to him personally.
• Illustrate: Have the child act out the passage, or a situation in which it would apply.

3. LEARN the passage. Knowing what the verse means and how to apply it prepares the child to memorize it. There are several ways to memorize a section of Scripture:
• Read the verse through completely several times.
• Write the verse in a notebook.
• Repeat the verse a section at a time. Repeat a section several times. Add another section until the whole verse can be said. Always review before going to bed.
• Games may help:
Add a word: The child says the first word in the passage, then you say the next, the child says the third and so on.
Puzzle: Make a puzzle and put each word of the passage on a piece. Mix the pieces up and have the child put the puzzle together.
Erase a word: Write the passage on a chalkboard or on paper and erase one word. Have the child repeat the passage. Keep erasing and repeating until all the words are gone and the child can say the passage from memory.
Mix up cards: Write each word on a separate card. Mix the cards up, put them face up on the table, and have the child put them in the correct order.
Music: Set the passage to music.
Sign Language: Learn the verse in sign language.

4. IMPLEMENT the passage. Once the child knows what the passage means, he needs to learn to put it into practice.
• Have the child write the verse in a notebook and date it. Then have him write out ways that he can live out that verse.
• Each time he can put the verse into practice have him write a short account of it and date it. (This will show him the faithfulness of God in helping us live according to His Word.)
• If the child misses the opportunity to use a passage, help him see how a memorized word could have been applied in that particular situation.

5. REWARD – Once your child can confidently say the passage and can explain its meaning, he can receive an agreed-upon reward. At first, the rewards should be small and easily attained in order to insure success. Gradually they should be harder to secure so that the child does not lose interest.

When helping children to memorize Scripture, avoid distracting or trivial activities such as seeing who can say the passage with the most marshmallows stuffed into his mouth or while hopping on one foot. These activities trivialize God's Word. They also disrupt the learning process. It is likely that the child will remember the activity more than the verse. If the activity does not strengthen the connection children make with the passage, it probably should not be used.

Also, these activities tend to take a lot of time and "creativity" to plan so that it is easy to lose momentum and to stop memorizing. Having a simple routine provides greater continuity and also forms memorizing habits.

CONCLUSION

We are certainly excited about the possibilities of implementing such a Scripture memory program in our church, our families, and our children. What blessings would God be willing to bestow upon a church, a people, a family, or individuals who have set their hearts on treasuring the precious Word of God more than they treasure anything else? Will you join with us in this effort to show a passion for the Word of God by memorizing it, meditating upon it, and applying it to our lives on a daily basis? May God help us to unify under the banner of the Word of God.