A Year of Memorizing God's Word

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Each year, I make a commitment that I am going to memorize the Word of God. I know that I need to hide God's Word in my heart–because it keeps me going in the way I should, helps me keep my sin accounts short, and it is an encouragement when I am discouraged.

This year, instead of making memorization a goal for just me, I have decided that I want my kids to start hiding the Word in their hearts as well. The Bible is clear,

How can a young man keep his way pure? By guarding it according to your word (Psalm 119:9 ESV).

Since it is so important to memorize God's words, I decided I wanted to find 12 verses that would be foundational for my kids–and we would memorize those, together, this year.

As I was thinking through the coming year, I thought of the different themes, ideas, and holidays each month brings to the table. I have found that teaching my kids through practical, everyday life situations–teachable moments–has been the best. So, I began to prayerfully comb through scripture and asked the Lord to help me pick out the verses that my children would memorize in 2015.

- January: And they said, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household” (Acts 16:31 ESV). The reason I chose this verse was because it IS the foundation of our faith. We must believe in Jesus in order to be saved. It is the most important truth we will teach our children.

- February: For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments… (1 John 5:3a). I loved this verse for February. We are going to be naturally talking to our kids about love and kindness, but love starts with God and loving God is obeying what He has asked us to do.

- March: And this is his commandment, that we believe in the name of his Son Jesus Christ and love one another, just as he has commanded us (1 John 3:23 ESV). This verse takes the January and February ideas of salvation and love and combines them. This is great as we are beginning to prepare our hearts for Easter.

- April: He is not here, for he has risen, as he said. Come, see the place where he lay (Matthew 28:6 ESV). Easter is here and we are going to rejoice in the fact that we worship a RISEN and LIVING Savior!

- May: Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord (Colossians 3:20 ESV). With Mother's Day in May and Father's Day in June, this verse prepares children's heart for what is probably the hardest thing in their young lives–obedience to their parents!

- June: Every word of God proves true; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him (Proverbs 30:5 ESV). In the summer, school is out. I like to make sure we spend MORE time in God's Word, when we are less distracted! I want them to know that God's Word is TRUE!

- July: Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you (Ephesians 4:32 ESV). Summer is in full swing! The kids might be having a hard time getting along. I am prepared with a verse for them to memorize!

- August: Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding (Proverbs 3:5 ESV). School is coming back. Children are often anxious about the new year–new routine, new teacher, new friends. This verse will help them keep their trust in God during these changes!

- September: Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice (Philippians 4:4 ESV). As we start looking toward the fall, with the holidays coming, we want to start focusing our kids' hearts on praise!

- October: When I am afraid, I put my trust in you (Psalm 56:3 ESV). Whether your family does Halloween or not, there is a lot of scary stuff all around us and especially in the stores this month! Give your children the power of the Word of God to combat these fears!

- November: Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever (Psalm 136:1 ESV). November is a time to thank God for all He has done.

December: Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above…(James 1:17 ESV). Jesus was the perfect gift, and He was sent from Heaven. As we look at the Savior's birth this month, we remind our children of the gift of salvation that Jesus brought.

We end the year right where we started, talking about salvation and our hope that is found in Jesus Christ. I hope you will join me this year as we labor together to make the Word of God a foundation in our kids' lives.

Here are some printable Bible Verses cards that you can use with your children. I hope they are a blessing to you! Use the form below to request your free printable: