In 2023 our Bethel faith family is embarking on a journey of memorizing scripture together. Over the twelve months of 2023, Bethel adults will memorize Romans chapter 8, and Bethel Kids will memorize Psalm 139. It is our hope that through memorizing scripture together, we will grow closer to God and closer to one another. Let’s grasp God’s story together!

There are many places in the Bible that speak of our need to memorize scripture (Colossians 3:16; Deuteronomy 6:4-9). Memorizing scripture transforms our minds and our lives and helps us to live in obedience and avoid temptation. Jesus set the example when He memorized scripture! Memorizing scripture also helps us know God better and understand God’s will and activity in our lives and our world.

Why memorize a whole chapter over a whole year? While memorizing key scriptures throughout the Bible is good, memorizing a chapter offers an additional benefit. Memorizing a chapter often draws us deeper into the author’s thoughts and provides context for individual verses. Additionally, memorizing a chapter over a year provides time to think and process the scripture allowing the text to sink into our hearts and transform our lives. Our Bethel faith family will do this together using the same translation (CSB) so that we can encourage and sharpen one another throughout 2023.

We have created a scripture memory plan with our monthly target verses. The scripture memory plan and memory cards will be available digitally and in print in the Bethel office. Al San Miguel also loaded the verses into the Bible Memory App. You will find the verses in the “Bethel Church North Platte” group. Al has found the Bible Memory App to be very beneficial, having used it with AWANA and Every Man a Warrior.