WHY MEMORISING SCRIPTURE IS SO IMPORTANT!

Think of a time in your life that you came into a situation and suddenly you are reminded of a scripture that gives you either direction or comfort at that time. Can you think of one?

How would the Holy Spirit been able to put something in your Spirit if you had not learnt that scripture and hidden it in your heart? Psalm 119:11 I’ve banked your promises in the vault of my heart so I won't sin myself bankrupt. (MES) Psalm 119:11 I have treasured your promise in my heart so that I may not sin against you. (GOD”S WORD)

Children have the best memory retention. Should we not go out of our way to make sure that we use our time with them to make an eternal impartation by helping them memorise scripture?

As Children’s ministers we should make the best use of the time we have with the children. Teach them a scripture weekly and help them apply it to their hearts by asking questions like: What does the scripture say to you? What is God saying to you through this scripture? How can you apply this in your life this week?

Example: If the scripture is Psalm 119:11 – they will say things like: I must listen to what the Bible says so that I make the right choices. Okay, how are you going to make right choices in this week? When mommy tells me to pick up my clothes, I need to do what she says.

Make sure that you have explained any difficult words. E.g.: for pre-schoolers who do not have abstract thinking, the words: hide the Bible in my heart, may have devastating conclusions. Such as, I need to get someone to cut me open so that I can hide my Bible in my heart. For this reason you need to explain the meaning of the verse to them. Maybe you can say something like: By reading the Bible and remembering what it says, we are putting the words of the Bible in our hearts and minds.

Use examples from their world to make it simple. Who of you know how to tie your shoe lace? How did you learn that? Do you remember what mommy taught you? Putting the Bible in your heart means that you are remembering what God says to you through the Bible.

Here is a link that I found on You tube with an example of teaching a memory verse. Hope you can use it. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FPx56weNuUY

There are many ways to teach children scripture. We have a book available with examples of memory verses, object lessons, offering ideas and worship ideas available in Afrikaans. Contact us for more info.