Category: Meditation

Some Techniques for Scriptural Memorization

On By Donald N. NorrisIn MeditationLeave a comment

An Introduction to Christian Meditation and Memorization

In my last post, we explored the benefits of Scriptural Memorization and some key steps to begin to memorize selected passages. In this post, we will explore other techniques to memorize portions of scripture, including whole books of the Bible.

In conducting my research for this series, I relied upon four references on memorization of God’s Word. [1]  The techniques ranged from rote (similar to how must of us learned our multiplication tables) to the “Film Making” method as Ms. Charis called her technique.  Interestingly, all four authors recommended that the serious talmid should utilize a variation of the film making technique.

The primary means that information is stored in our mind is through stories, events and visual location.  The right side of the brain captures stories, events, emotions and art.  It requires little effort to absorb information that is fed into the right side of the brain.  The left side of the brain deals with facts, data, numbers, names, etc.; but it is a poor retainer of new information.  By facilitating right-brained experiences, it opens the door for memory retention.  Admittedly, this technique is more suited to narrative passages such as the Gospels and Acts, but can be used on many other passages as well, depending upon your creative skills. Continue reading “Some Techniques for Scriptural Memorization” →

Benefits of Scriptural Memorization

On By Donald N. NorrisIn Meditation2 Comments

An Introduction to Christian Meditation and Memorization

In my last post, we began to explore the concept of Scriptural Memorization.  We learned that we are not only commanded to memorize scripture, but it is necessary if we are to fully put on the armor of God.  In this post we will explore the benefits of Scriptural Memorization and some key steps to begin to memorize selected passages.

Yeshua clearly stated that our spiritual existence depends on the Word of God: “Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of Adonai” ~ Matthew 4:4.  He also said that if we are to grow in our faith and become more like Him we are to be set “apart for holiness by means of the truth — your Word is truth” ~ John 17:17.

The Word of God must enter us through our mind – through our understanding – in order to change our hearts.  That is exactly what Rabbi Sha’ul was referring to when he penned, “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect” ~ Romans 12:2 (ESV). Continue reading “Benefits of Scriptural Memorization” →

An Introduction to Scriptural Memorization

On By Donald N. NorrisIn Meditation1 Comment

An Introduction to Christian Meditation and Memorization

We have spent the last nine posts looking at various aspects of Christian Meditation.  Now it’s time to spend some time exploring the discipline of Scriptural Memorization.

Why Is Scriptural Memorization Important?

As I indicated in The Chicken and the Egg? post, the English word ‘memorize’ is not utilized by most modern translators.  However, the concept is clearly established that we are to keep God’s Word on our lips and in our hearts.  “Yes, keep this book of the Torah on your lips, and meditate on it day and night, so that you will take care to act according to everything written in it. Then your undertakings will prosper, and you will succeed” ~ Joshua 1:8. “I treasure your word in my heart, so that I won’t sin against you” ~ Psalm 119:11. “All Scripture is God-breathed and is valuable for teaching the truth, convicting of sin, correcting faults and training in right living; thus anyone who belongs to God may be fully equipped for every good work” ~ 2 Timothy 3:16-17.

We live in a world where most of us – certainly those who are reading this – have almost unlimited access to the Word of God.  I have a Bible app on my smartphone and tablet.  I have an extensive library on my laptop. I have numerous sources to hear Christian music, most of which is scripturally based.  BUT, that has not always been the norm.  Before the 1500’s, the Bible was not readily available to the masses.  I’m reminded of stories from prisoners of war during my lifetime that they only had those portions of the Bible that they had been able to previously memorize to comfort them.  That’s one of the prime reasons I believe it is important for us to make scriptural memorization a key part of our discipline as talmidim of Yeshua.  Let me expound on that thought: Continue reading “An Introduction to Scriptural Memorization” →

How Does Prayer Fit In With Christian Meditation?

On By Donald N. NorrisIn Meditation1 Comment

An Introduction to Christian Meditation and Memorization

In my last post, we looked at some techniques that we can use to meditate on God’s Word as well as things we should not do.  In this post, we will explore how prayer fits in with Christian Meditation.

Christian meditation involves renewing our minds and changing the content of our hearts and minds with the Word of God.  “In other words, do not let yourselves be conformed to the standards of the ‘olam hazeh.  Instead, keep letting yourselves be transformed by the renewing of your minds; so that you will know what God wants and will agree that what he wants is good, satisfying and able to succeed.” ~ Romans 12:2

Christian meditation on God’s Word primarily involves hearing from God, and prayer is primarily speaking to God.

From earliest times, prayer has been an essential part of meditation for Believers.  The psalmist used meditation as an approach to God and prayed: Continue reading “How Does Prayer Fit In With Christian Meditation?” →

How Can We Get the Most Out of Our Time and What Should We Avoid?

On By Donald N. NorrisIn Meditation2 Comments

An Introduction to Christian Meditation and Memorization

In my last post prior to Joyce Meyer’s affirmation on meditating and memorizing God’s Word, I explored how meditating on God’s Word leads to Biblical affirmations.  In this post, we will look at some techniques that we can use to meditate on God’s Word as well as things we should not do.

Christian meditation involves renewing our minds and changing the content of our hearts and minds with the Word of God.  “In other words, do not let yourselves be conformed to the standards of the ‘olam hazeh.  Instead, keep letting yourselves be transformed by the renewing of your minds; so that you will know what God wants and will agree that what he wants is good, satisfying and able to succeed.” ~ Romans 12:2

How Can We Get the Most Out of Our Time? Continue reading “How Can We Get the Most Out of Our Time and What Should We Avoid?” →

I Know This for Sure

On By Donald N. NorrisIn Meditation1 Comment

An Introduction to Christian Meditation and Memorization

 SPECIAL NOTE: I experienced a computer crash this week and have spent most of my time uploading all my software and documents to a new Windows 10 laptop.  Consequently, I have not had time to write my next post in this series.  However, during my devotions I read this encouraging word from Joyce Meyer and wanted to share it with you as it is directly on-point to this series.

November 13

I Know This for Sure

“I know that my Redeemer lives, and He shall stand at last on the earth.” ~ Job 19:25

“Let me tell you what I know” would normally be an arrogant statement to make, but today, I want to tell what I know about you and me as Christians.  I believe this will be good news that will encourage you all day long and every time you remember it.

I know that we are children of God, and that we are called, anointed, and appointed by Him for greatness.  We are destined to bring God glory and be molded into the image of Jesus Christ.  We have – right now – righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit.  We are forgiven for all our sins and our names are written in the Lamb’s Book of life.  Jesus has gone before us to prepare a place for us that where He is we may be also.

I know God loves us with an everlasting, unconditional love and that His mercy endures forever.  I know that we can do all things through Christ who is our Strength.  I know that God never allows more to come on us than we can bear, but He provides a way out, a safe place to land.  I know that all things work together for good for those who love God and are called according to His purpose.

Because you have trusted Jesus as your Lord and Savior, the words on this page are true for you.  I want to encourage you to study and memorize God’s Word so you will be able to open your mouth and strengthen yourself with these truths and others anytime you want to do so.

Love God Today:  Begin to recite your very own “I know…” statements.  Build a good supply of them in your heart. [1]

Without taking the time to develop Biblical affirmations, we miss out on so much of what God intends for us through His Word.

In my next post, I hope to get back to looking at some techniques that we can use to meditate on God’s Word.

 [1] “Love Out Loud: 365Devotions for Loving God, Loving Yourself and Loving Others” by Joyce Meyer

Biblical Affirmations

On By Donald N. NorrisIn Meditation1 Comment

An Introduction to Christian Meditation and Memorization

In my last post, I answered the questions of ‘what’s in it for me’ and what are the benefits of Christian meditation and memorization? In this post, we will explore how meditating on God’s Word leads to Biblical affirmations.

Christian Meditation involves renewing our minds and changing the content of our hearts and minds with the Word of God. “In other words, do not let yourselves be conformed to the standards of the ‘olam hazeh. Instead, keep letting yourselves be transformed by the renewing of your minds; so that you will know what God wants and will agree that what he wants is good, satisfying and able to succeed.” ~ Romans 12:2

One of my favorite verses penned by King Shlomo is, “Here is the final conclusion, now that you have heard everything: fear God, and keep his mitzvot; this is what being human is all about.” ~ Ecclesiastes 12:13 (CJB) Christian Meditation is meditating on His character, His ways and His will; gaining a greater understanding of what pleases God and at the same time learning how to walk in His will and blessings.

So what is a Biblical Affirmations?

According to Merriam-Webster.com, an affirmation is the act of affirming, a positive assertion. Synonyms include: protestation, assertion, asseveration, avouchment, avowal, claim, declaration, insistence, and profession. Fortunately, they also provide a definition for kids: an act of saying or showing that something is true. Continue reading “Biblical Affirmations” →

What’s In It for Me?

On By Donald N. NorrisIn Meditation1 Comment

An Introduction to Christian Meditation and Memorization

In my last post, we finished looking at some practical tips for how to get started meditating on God’s Word. In this post, I want to answer the question of what’s in it for me?  What are the benefits of Christian meditation and memorization?

True Christian Meditation should come from the heart and with a desire to please God; not with an attitude of what’s in it for me.  The Bible, through Joshua, commands us to meditate and obey God’s Word which always benefits our life (see Joshua 1:8). David tells us:

“How blessed are those who reject the advice of the wicked, don’t stand on the way of sinners or sit where scoffers sit! Their delight is in Adonai’s Torah; on his Torah they meditate day and night. They are like trees planted by streams – they bear their fruit in season, their leaves never wither, everything they do succeeds.” ~ Psalm 1:1-3 (emphasis added)

Christian meditation is based on the Word of God. Meditating daily helps reveal God and causes us to be blessed as we spend time with Him. Meditation allows us to tap into the very life of God. Continue reading “What’s In It for Me?” →

How Do We Get from Here to There? ~ Part 2

On By Donald N. NorrisIn Meditation1 Comment

An Introduction to Christian Meditation and Memorization

God's Word

In my last post, we explored what Christian Meditation is and began to look at how we can actually start meditating on God’s Word. In this post, I want to finish looking at some practical tips for how to get started meditating on God’s Word.

More Thoughts on How I Get Started Meditating of God’s Word

In my last post, I stated that my favorite passage to begin to meditate on is:

“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.” ~ Philippians 4:8 (ESV ~ emphasis added.)

I tend to concentrate more on the positive passages to meditate on rather than passages that can be negative. However, recently I was re-reading through the book of Job and caught myself spending some time pondering a few verses of Job 28. Continue reading “How Do We Get from Here to There? ~ Part 2” →