MY STORY
My name is Kathleen Johnson. Today I am 48 years old, but I’ve been a christian since I was 10. I grew up in a very strong christian family, and have almost always been actively engaged in the church in study, service and worship. Like most christians, I’ve had many Bible verses memorized since I was a child; others I picked up through the years. However, although I have long known verses like Psalm 119:11, “Thy word have I hid in my heart…” or Psalm 119:105 “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet…”, I realize now that I never TRULY grasped the fullness of these truths or fully experienced the life-changing impact the psalmist was describing. I didn’t know what I didn’t know. I had no true picture of what a real, in-depth, intentional meditation on the perfect law that gives liberty could accomplish. Had I known how transformative this discipline could be, I would never have waited so long to make it a priority (going hand-in-hand with bible reading) in my daily walk. This is what I want to share with you—my personal scripture memory testimony. God has placed in me a burning passion to proclaim from the rooftops the tremendous impact it has had in my own life, and to challenge anyone who will listen to see for themselves through their own efforts.
MY SCRIPTURE MEMORY JOURNEY
In 2010, I heard these words after 12 years of marriage: “I don’t love you anymore. I want a divorce.” With two young girls and a deeply-held belief about the sanctity of marriage, it was a devastating blow. I had wanted a united Christian family my whole life and felt it was violently ripped away. For a time, I felt great despair. As often happens, this storm prompted me to seek God at a much higher level than ever before. Along with a renewed thirst to feel God’s presence and strength, I wanted to KNOW His word more fully, where parables and passages were located so I could access them immediately for myself or to share with others. After some research, I selected an app that allowed me to easily add, memorize and review. I downloaded and started using “ScriptureTyper” on Jan 29, 2013. (Note, The “Scripture Typer” app has since been renamed “BibleMemory.” Starting with many verses I already knew, I took a few minutes a day to review and add more. As verses spoke to me through Bible reading, books, sermons, podcasts, or discussions, I would simply add them to my growing list. After a time, I found that I was able to connect longer passages and even chapters. I also discovered that important context of many single verses I had known separately for years had been incomplete; the dots started connecting and new meaning and understanding emerged. Soon, I not only understood more, I had a growing hunger to know even more. I felt the spirit leading me.
Today, I know more than 2500 verses (and counting). Whether that sounds like a lot or not, I can tell you this: The more I know, the more I realize I DON’T know, and the more I see I’ve barely scratched the surface of this amazing journey and all it has to offer. I feel like I hold in my hand a winning lottery ticket that lets me cash in every day, every time I stop not only to read but to memorize the words that give life. How could I not share this discovery?
If you want to know more about the “how” that worked for me, please refer to THE METHOD I USED. Contact me if you want to know details anytime. But the thing I want to share most is “why.”
HOW SCRIPTURE MEMORY HAS IMPACTED MY LIFE
Led by the Spirit
Memorizing God’s word plants the language of the holy spirit in our hearts and gives Him the opportunity to speak more clearly to us. Increasingly, I’m finding I’m able to experience guidance such as proclaimed in Isaiah 30:21, “Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you saying, “this is the way, walk in it.” or Psalms 32:8, “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go…” or John 8:47, “Whoever belongs to God hears what God says”, or John 10:27, “My sheep hear my voice, I know them and they follow me.” I have experienced at new levels the words from John 14:26, “But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.” This guidance has shown up in very specific ways, where the spirit often DELIVERS UP VERSES that I can hear, right when I need them.
Examples of Spirit-Led Scripture Guidance
Giving—Encounters with the homeless or poor have been forever changed. Sure, I was led to give before, but just try walking or driving past someone in need without stopping when words like these are being delivered up like streaming audio! (1 John 3:17, Proverbs 21:13, Proverbs 19:17, Proverbs 11:25, Proverbs 14:31, Luke 6:38, James 2:17). Acting on behalf of those in need based on Holy Spirit prompting is a gift that helps me act in accordance with God’s will instead of relying on my own discernment.
Correction—Sometimes the spirit corrects me, showing me what to do. In one case, after a contractor I had never met showed up at my door and asked about an invoice for work he had given my husband. I sent him along, promising I would pass along the message (my husband dealt with those guys and paid them separately). As he was walking away, I felt a very strong sense that I was to settle the balance myself— right now, hearing the words from Proverbs 3:27, 28. “Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in your power to act. Do not say, come back tomorrow when you already have it with you.” I called him back to the door and paid in full, and a sense of peace and alignment with the spirit immediately returned.
Self-Control/Discernment—As I’m about to open my mouth to criticize or judge, which is plenty, I now hear verses that urge me to choose my words carefully or better yet to just keep my mouth shut. (Matthew 7:1, James 3:6, Matthew 7:3, Proverbs 17:28, Proverbs 18:21, Matthew 12:36-37, Ephesians 4:29)
Overcoming Temptation—When I’m tempted to overeat, (one of my big personal struggles) these verses speak: (1 Corinthians 10:13, Romans 12:1,
1 Corinthians 6:20, Philippians 3:19, Proverbs 26:11, Romans 6:16)
Comfort—When my beloved father was dying from pancreatic cancer, I diligently summoned and declared many faith and healing verses: (James 5:13, Mark 16:18, Exodus 15:26, Mark 11:23, Matthew 19:26). I fasted and prayed and sought victory on my own terms. However, the spirit was gently pointing me to other verses, urging me to trust God and accept the outcome, to submit my will to His. (Deut 29:29, Isaiah 55:8, Isaiah 57:1-2, Job 13:15, Luke 22:42, Luke 23:43)
Other benefits include (but not limited to):
Guidance in parenting—“Prompting here has been a true gift. Beside being able to teach my girls verses on the go (whether are are walking or driving, laying down (Deut 6:6-9), I am often given something very specific. One notable time I was led to help my daughter memorize a passage in the middle of the night when she was frightened – one that she recites to this day when anxious. (Psalm 16:7-9). Both girls are learning, and they know passages like the “do not worry” from sermon on the mount (Matthew 6:25-34) and the love chapter (1 Corinthians 13). I know these words will continue to serve them for the rest of their lives.”
Obedience in places that were strongholds before—(1 John 2:4, 1 John 3:6, John 14:21, Psalm 119:45, Galatians 5:1)
Increasing focus on things above, not earthly things.—Interestingly, my interests and tastes have shifted much more dramatically since I began this pursuit than in previous years as a Christian. (Psalm 119:37, Colossians 3:2, Philippians 4:8, Matthew 6:33, Ephesians 4:24, Romans 12:2, Proverbs 4:23)
Increasing boldness & single-hearted passion to share —(Romans 1:16, Proverbs 28:1, Jeremiah 32:39, Psalm 86:11)
Increased love for God’s word, desire to seek God —(Jeremiah 29:13, Psalm 9:10, Psalm 119:54, Psalm 34:10)
Heightened, more powerful experience of God’s presence and voice during worship— Though not about worship specifically, Mark 4:24 comes to mind, because my ramped up worship experience is an unexpected bonus I didn’t seek but which was added to me, “Consider carefully what you hear; with the measure you use, it will be measured to you, and even more.” I now see my changing experience in worship as one way this “even more” has shown up. I sometimes even hear God’s word, pouring in like audio, during powerful praise and worship music, often from Revelation (Rev 3:12, Rev 3:20, Rev 4:8, Rev 4:11, Rev 5:5, Rev 21:4-5, Rev 22:5, Rev 22:7, Rev 22:13). Powerful! Wow! Truly the words of Psalm 22:3 are also applicable (He inhabits praises of His people).
Protection/power to fight against enemy attacks —Although the enemy of our souls will never stop prowling around like a roaring lion seeking whom he can devour (I Peter 5:8), I can assure you, when he comes at me today, he’s gonna get struck by the sword of the spirit (Ephesians 6:17), and hard (Psalm 91:13). I can start by reminding him he has no power over me but that rather Jesus has given me the power to overcome all the power of the enemy (Luke 10:19), that the one in me is greater than the one in the world (1 John 4:4), that when I resist him he’s gotta flee (James 4:7), that the power in me is the same as the mighty power when God raised Christ from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realm (Ephesians 1:20-21) and that soon enough he will be on his knees (Philippians 2:9-11) (every knee will bow including those under the earth, and he has been hurled down, defeated forever (Rev. 12:9-10). And whether I feel its a purely spiritual attack or even from people around me, I have weapons to use that are not of this world (1 Corinthians 10:4-6), to brandish in either or both hands (2 Corinthians 6:7), and I can remember that Jesus did not retaliate when he suffered, but entrusted himself to God, that he was looking ahead and that we are to imitate him (I Peter 2:24, Hebrews 12:2, Ephesians 5:1-2). I can remind myself that no weapon formed against me will prosper and that I can refute any tongue that accuses me, (Isaiah 54:17), I’m more than a conqueror (Romans 8:31), nothing can separate me from God’s love (Romans 8:38-39), that I will go out in joy and be led forth in peace (Isaiah 55:12), and that no good thing will he withhold from those whose walk is blameless (Psalm 84:11). I could keep going and going indefinitely. However, the thing that is the most exciting for me is this: If these REAL, TANGIBLE benefits are happening now, what other “and even more” experiences are waiting? Experiencing the tremendous and ever-growing impact of this discipline, I never want to stop. I pray I will be soaking up as much of God’s word as I can until my last breath (Psalm 116:2). As a result, I believe I will keep reaching new levels of personal breakthrough (Galatians 5:18) as well as the eternal impact for God’s kingdom to the glory of God (Matthew 28:19-20).
WHY SCRIPTURE MEMORY IS WORTHWHILE AND POSSIBLE FOR YOU
If I can, anyone can. When I started this, I was by myself in a 3000 SF house with young girls in two different schools with pets, work and a neverending heap of laundry that rose like the tower of babel to the sky. I was overworked and at the time, overstressed. However, I simply replaced the time I had been occasionally using to distract myself when waiting in the line at the grocery or doctor’s office on my phone with a few minutes of scripture memory. One notable distraction I replaced was an iPhone game where I squished monsters, who screamed as they disappeared off my screen kind of like candy crush. This was mind-numbing and addictive. I would tell myself I deserved a couple of minutes to escape. However, looking back, I see things differently. I think this is one of the ways the enemy is most effective to keep us from the truest version of life abundant and free Christ died to give us—keeping us occupied with meaningless distractions. Why not use the technology we all have in our hands for something POWERFUL, LIFE-CHANGING and actually capable of helping combat stress? It’s hard to replace habits, but know this: For me, starting out, it was only a few minutes a day, for a very long time. However, after I stayed with it for a while, I didn’t have to push myself anymore, because the Spirit started PULLING me instead. Eventually, I couldn’t go long at all without often excusing myself to “work on my verses.” Now, its where I go immediately whenever I feel myself becoming stressed or edgy. I retreat to a place where God’s word can lead me back to a state of calm and even yes, perfect peace. (Isaiah 26:3, Psalm 131:2, Psalm 42:11, 1 Corinthians 14:33, Psalm 94:19, I Samuel 30:6, Philippians 4:6-8).
Please don’t take my word for it. See for yourself!
My challenge to anyone who will listen? See for yourself. Start with a few minutes every day. I predict a time will come very soon where you will proclaim like Job, “… I have treasured the words from your mouth more than my daily bread” (Job 23:12) or like the Psalm 119:72, “The words from your mouth are more valuable to me than thousands of pieces of silver and gold.” I predict you will never look back!
THE METHOD I USED:
There are many ways to memorize; the method I used may not be right for many. However, I personally found this app (biblememory.com, formerly scripturetyper.com) to be very effective and user-friendly. It allows you to import verses from any translation. There are usage method variations, but I used the option where you simply type the first letter of every word. The app focuses heavily on REPETITION and I found that if I simply kept reviewing (not necessarily thinking about it too much), I would soon know the verse word for word in a way that previous methods I had tried had not helped me achieve.
Current Verses from my app: This thing is NOT about a number of verses or anything I have done; it’s showing what God can do when you show up daily with even a small effort. (Mark 4:24, Psalm 1:1-3)
