I am not the type that makes yearly resolutions. It is not because I don’t believe in planning; I do. It is because most of my plans are not based on calendar time. One of my plans is to finish my thesis. I have already finished writing it and am in the process of editing and formatting it. I figure I won’t finish it until early Feb. But given my wife is going to Africa for six weeks and I have to look after the kids full time, I probably won’t submit it until mid-2022.
But at the beginning of 2022, our family is doing something different. We are starting to memorize the Bible.
It started with Wai Jia asking me to teach my 4.5-year old a few Bible verses. We did it on and off last year, but I want to make an effort for her to know the Word. We are using Steve Green songs, and the goal is to focus on one verse a week. Steve Green’s songs are great. Each song has one or two verses and is very catchy for children (and adults!).
Last month I spent a lot of time reading Deuteronomy 8. When God says man shall live on every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord in verse three, I want to not only believe it but live it. The only way is to memorize Bible Scriptures. I don’t have a grand plan, but I’ve started to remember Philippians 3:12-14. Whenever I am in traffic or have a few minutes of waiting, I will repeat these verses repeatedly.
Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me. Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, 14 I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 3:12-14 (NKJV)
I remembered this a few years ago. Of course, when I don’t use it, I lose it. So I am restarting. I always enjoy Philippians, so I aim to memorize the whole chapter slowly.
What I do enjoy about homeschooling with my kiddies is that I can create my curriculum. Since my girl is learning Bible verses, I figure we should do it together. His Words are good for her and me as well.
And when I say I want to live off of God’s Word, I want to believe it and do it. It is a slow and tedious task. But it beats better than wasting my time on Instagram or Facebook.
