Family Scripture Memory Challenge

This happy little guy will be at the campout,
but it will be a few years before he can participate in our scripture memory contest

Memorizing Scripture is one of those spiritual disciplines we know we ought to do, but all too often find it hard to make it really happen. At least that's how it goes for me. Whether it is our children or ourselves, sometimes external goals and motivations can be a real help in following through on what otherwise might just remain good intentions. This summer our grown kids came up with a plan for just such a spur.

In mid-July we'll be taking a family camping trip, and it looks like just about everyone is aiming to be there. The plan put forward by several in our family is that we all work on the same passage together, young and old. Then at the campout, we'll have a time for reciting the passage. We voted on several options, and ended up choosing Isaiah 40. So far, the leaders are three young girls. Woohoo for the grandgirls! (They have learned five times the amount I have to date!) I'm pretty sure that some fun prizes will be awarded, too.

Do you have a Scripture memory plan? With a more relaxed schedule, summer often makes a great time to spend some extra time storing God's word internally.

Here's what Charles Spurgeon says about this:

Should you not, besides reading the Bible, store your memories richly with the promises of God? You can recollect the sayings of great men; you treasure up the verses of renowned poets; ought you not to be profound in your knowledge of the words of God, so that you may be able to quote them readily when you would solve a difficulty, or overthrow a doubt? Since "He hath said" is the source of all wisdom, and the fountain of all comfort, let it dwell in you richly, as "A well of water, springing up unto everlasting life." So shall you grow healthy, strong, and happy in the divine life.

 - Morning and Evening, Feb. 21

More posts on memorizing Scripture can be found here and here.