As we age, we may feel comfortable using the excuse that it’s too hard to learn new things or we can’t memorize well. In reality, we do learn about and remember what we consider important to us.
When we memorize, we may remember temporarily while not understanding the content. In order to learn, we need to engage our mind to understand the object of our attention. Whether we are learning about someone or some new information, we need to involve ourselves in the process. Merriam-Webster Dictionary reports that the word learn means “to gain knowledge or understanding of or skill in by study, instruction, or experience.”
Oftentimes, using various strategies can help us retain our new insights. For example, when words are set to a tune, they can stick in our mind. When we visualize a statement, we may recall it better. When we ‘chew’ on a concept through reading and thinking, we can understand it more thoroughly. When we speak it in our own words, we reteach ourselves through hearing it. If we make movements coordinating with the words, this can help us remember better, also.
These techniques can even influence how we learn God’s truths! Shouldn’t the reason for having a Bible be to read it for understanding and applying and knowing God more intimately? For believers, the Holy Spirit opens our spiritual eyes and softens our hearts as God continually works in us. As 2 Timothy 3:16-17 (NIV) reads, “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work” (letter A in Keep on Track).
The Heart Training books – Do LAPS!, Follow and Lead, Keep on Track (and soon Do LAPS! Volume 2) – are meant for understanding and memorizing God’s truths in order to know God better and live for him whole-heartedly. Each book guides you daily through various ways of learning God’s truth and memorizing scriptures so that your sights are set on Jesus as your Lord. When your heart is attuned to who God is, what honors him, and who you are in him, the Holy Spirit works in you. “… those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on things of the Spirit… to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace” (Romans 8:5b,6b ESV).
In our flesh, we can be easily distracted by earthly desires and selfish gain. But God offers us so much more, for our good and his glory! “Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith” (Hebrews 12:2 BSB). He is worth our full attention!
Are you choosing your savior, Jesus, to also be your Lord each day?
Get focused and stay focused using a Heart Training book! Order your copy today!