Last year I noted here how impressed I was by this guy who recited Hebrews 9 and 10. He not only quoted it, but he did it in a way that inspired me to get working on a memory project I had not made much progress on. Because he motivated me, I thought that I might be able to motivate others to memorize Scripture. So I made it my goal to memorize Ephesians as a “gift” to the IBEX Spring 2007 group. Which meant that I had to finish by the end of April. I also did it in secret, so that even Kelli did not know.
A good friend, Josh Clutterham, videotaped the presentation of it and then improved it with an opening scene and background music. This he uploaded in 4 parts.
I am hesitant to share it, not primarily because I think that it could be done much better, but because my intention was for this to encourage and inspire my current students. What is one thing in person may be something else online. It’s not a professional presentation; it was done for friends in a bomb shelter. It also has the potential of drawing attention to me, instead of Paul, the people in Ephesus, God, his Word, and his amazing(!) purposes for the church. I have overcome my hesitation on the hope that it will benefit other friends who couldn’t be there that day, and on the assumption that you won’t miss what is truly glorious.
There are some important realities that are not communicated in this video. The first is that while I always thought of this as a “gift” to others, I benefited far beyond anyone else. I was forced to have Scripture running through my mind many times through the day for many months, and that was a rich blessing. I learned so much about God and his ways that I never have before (and I’ve read and studied this book quite a bit). A second reality is that while I’ve carried various portions of Scripture around in my back pocket for years, so that I can pull it out and memorize it when I have time, it is 10 times better to have that Scripture in your mind so you can “pull it out” literally anytime. It takes effort to read it off a page; it takes far less effort to just say it to yourself. In other words, once you do the hard work to get it in your mind, there is wonderful reward. A third comment is that I probably benefited even more after I finished memorizing the book (and after this video was made) as I reviewed the entire book time and again in my mind.
There are some good things that could come from this. You could be encouraged just in hearing the book of Ephesians. There’s something about hearing it when it is not being read that is different and perhaps better. You might hear some truths in a different way than before and be stunned by God’s purposes and convicted to obey his commands. My prayer is that you would also be motivated to memorize Scripture yourself. Many godly people have commented that Scripture memory is the most personally beneficial spiritual discipline, and I agree.
Each of the four parts is about 5 minutes long. One thing you should not do: use the audio for learning the book as I was very nervous and made many mistakes. May God be glorified and may you be encouraged.
I’m relatively new to memorizing longer-passages, but it seems that in my daily life knowing larger chunks is much more helpful than being able to rattle off isolated super-star verses. Like you said, it’s really neat to be able to just “read” Scripture from the pages of your mind.
I totally agree Todd. After I watched the video of Hebrews 9-10 I was also motivated to memorize scripture. I finished 2 Timothy last spring and am now in Hebrews 4 as I work through that book. It has been so rewarding to store God’s word in my heart. Thank you for sharing with us.
p.s. For anyone wanting to memorize long passages, I found this website and method to work the best.
http://fbcdurham.org/pages.php?page_id=27
Todd, this is such a treasure! I just went to see Third Day last night, which was similarly encouraging because of a few times when the lead singer shared several passages he had memorized. But watching this instilled the truth of God’s word in me afresh and reminded me of God’s faithfulness. Thank you for sharing it with us.
David
Thank you Todd so much for this gift. It truely was an encouragement and inspiration to many of us that were there, and blessed me in more ways than I can express.
Concerning the link that Kate referenced above, I read through that document last year and found it helpful (although I didn’t actually follow it for this recent work). I don’t agree with one thing – memorizing the verse numbers. Others feel differently, and that might be a worthwhile discussion one day. I just prefer to read/speak the letter the way that it was written; verse numbers interrupt the flow of thought, whether they are located appropriately or not.
Todd, thanks for the best gift SPO’7 received in Israel. God definitely was glorified, and I know we were all encouraged. I agree that there is something different about hearing the book recited as a whole. I was struck with how rich God’s word is. Your gift has been one that keeps on giving. Thanks again.
Todd, Thank you so much for that gift! I definietly agree with Michelle and Ben. It was one of the things that impacted and encouraged me the most last semester. I was motivated to memorize Scripture this past summer and it amazed me to discover how rewarding it is!
I just finished watching/listening to all 4 parts, & upon the conclusion gave you a standing ovation! Thank you so much for not only having the tenacity to learn it, but the guts to do it & share it. Surely Paul is pleased that his message has been communicated effectively. And 3 thumbs up from the Main Audience in the spiritual balcony!!!
Todd: Thank you for sharing this. I think it’s had its intended effect – I am encouraged to memorize. I am grateful for two main examples in my life that model the discipline of memorization – my wife and my mother-in-law. Few know that Cindi has memorized around a dozen books, and it’s now the only way that she studies the Bible because the books that she memorizes are so clear to her as to the content and flow. Her mother has memorized somewhere around 20-25 books including significant ones like Matthew and Revelation. Her main regret regarding memorization, when asked, is that she didn’t start when she was younger. I share these things not to brag on relatives or to make memorization an issue of how many books you finish (as though they’re like notches in a gun), but as an encouragement to those who like me need the inspiration and prodding.
I hope you find time throughout your doctorate to continue – press on.
Gunner – that is encouraging. Thanks for sharing that.
Todd~
Thank you so much for sharing. It’s beautiful to hear the letter and try to imagine Paul as he wrote it. Hopefully, your life will be transformed by the Word in your heart.
cindi