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Is this appropriate for adults too? Pictures aren't age specific. They are universal in that they convey "memory". Thousands of Discipleship Journal and Promise Keepers type people are using MemLok. Every week I receive stories of adults who have tried all sorts of ways and found the silly picture to do the trick. GETTING started is THE key. I have worked with leaders in small groups for years. They always say the same thing when trying to quote their weekly memory verse!! "Get me started." I say "The wages..." and they invariably finish the verse. Seminaries use MemLok. Whittier Christian High School had 600 students use it five years. In Nyack New York, over 100 ladies over 80 in a women's missionary sewing circle have been doing it for 4 years. Nurses have used the same principle to learn medical terminology for years. The primary benefit isn't the picture anyway. It's the review system. Without that simple 5 minute system, nearly everyone memorizes it, but can't say it 4 years from now. That is called Scripture Forget, not Scripture memory. If you have an alternate plan for review for life, great. Otherwise, MemLok is the solution that thousands have found a blessing in 52 countries. Maybe it could be for you. Can't lose with the money back guarantee. Plus, at least for now, a $9.95 Reproduction licence gets all the cards you need for up to 30 dads in your church or 30 kids. See HERE for a much broader spectrum of ages giving unsolicited testimonies. Perhaps you will find one that touches your heart. Which version would you recommend? Answers are opinion of only one person - the author. "...there is safety in the multitude of counselors." Pro. 11:14 (With MemLok on computer, it is only $7.95 more per translation to be able to toggle between versions)
A. This needs to be your choice. So, consider several points as you decide. Be
sure Dad is involved. Do this whether he is fulfilling his role as spiritual leader of the
home or not. If he is, he could well be the one to take full responsibility for
accountability, devotional times related to the verse of the week, and also look for
opportunities to teach by example or word. Home schooling fathers often wish there
was more they could do. B. Select a version you feel would be the best for your family for at least 10
years. That's how long the MemLok takes to complete if you do one card a week. PS. It isn't necessary to memorize in the version you are currently reading. Note
the word "currently". If you changed memory "versions" every time you started to read
another version, it could stop you in your tracks regarding Scripture memory. PS. Don't try to re memorize verses you've done in one translation again in another one. It will drive you crazy. Instead, focus on meditation and application. C. If a teenager will be using it, strongly consider their input. Motivation is key at this age. D. Here's a quick summary (not very scientific) of the four versions. The King James Version uses thee's, doeth, goeth and basically 1600's language as they talked
during King Jame's times. The bad thing about the King James Version is that you have
to explain some passages and words. The good thing about the King James Version is
that you have to explain some passages and words. Ahem. Yes, it has a poetic nature
and is "different" than we speak, so possibly easier to memorize. In addition, however,
perhaps quoting verses that way isn't the greatest. Then again maybe it is! If you
paraphrase the KJV in conversation, it doesn't help the ever helpful principle of
memorizing and reviewing "word perfect". If you are of the persuasion the authorized King
James Version is the only Word of God, I'm happy I have made it available for you.
About 1/3 of the 700 verses in MemLok that I memorized are in KJV, the rest in NASB
as it was the version newest when I trusted Christ in 1964. I won't be responding to the
occasional "pitch" that I should sell only one. God has seen fit to bless Christendom
with choices. Go with your conviction and enjoy God's Word. The New American Standard Version is generally regarded as adhering most
stringently to the original texts (and most recently discovered scrolls). Since the text in
Greek is sometimes not in the same order as we speak in English, the NASB can
sometimes be just a bit wordy and awkward. It does (until the NASB95) retain Thees
and Thous when God is addressed. (John 17) Used by my pastor of 15 years, Dr.
Chuck Swindoll from the pulpit and Kay Arthur of Precept
Ministries for a point of reference - if you've ever heard of these servants. The New International Version is purchased by about 48% of believers (same
goes for Bible purchases nationally). It's interesting that MemLoks purchased
percentages and Bibles purchased percentages are the same. My conclusion: no one
"version-preference-type person" is more into Scripture Memory, whatever that means!
The NIV is most popular for three reasons. It is in simple language, most like we speak
today; it is trustworthy; and it is promoted more effectively than any other Bible. The New King James Version is just that. If you've memorized verses in the
King James and substituted You for Thee and Thou, you'll like the NKJV. Even the
word ordering is very similar except "archaic" words have been replaced by words we
use today in places where the word has the same connotations. Used by Dr. John Macarthur Finally, all four versions available are considered "translations", not paraphrases as is the popular and helpful Living Bible. So, if it is a hard decision, go with your main impulse after prayer. What about AWANA for Bible memory? AWANA is a marvelous organization. Many kids have come to Christ and grown in maturity through this weeknight organization in the local church. Children generally like this program when it is well administered and look forward to going to the meetings. Scripture memory is part of their plan. If a child goes through the whole AWANA program, 65% of the verses he'll be required to quote will be in MemLok. Many print blank cards from MemLok for the others and create their own pictures for the other verses! With MemLok, Dad and Mom will know the child is reviewing daily due to the sign off sheet for daily review and personal monitoring. In addition, since Dad and Mom are doing it too, the children get to see persistence and devotion modeled in this area for years.
I will be home schooling using a curriculum's verse. A. Making Bible memory a stand-alone subject works better than allowing it
to be a "tack-on". As in, this is the "Verse for the week". Consider focusing on the curriculum
verse as a "truth text", instead of the memory verse. Then you are
accomplishing two things at once. You show God's Word is the basis for truth with the
"Verse of the Week". In addition, using MemLok (with an adequate review system) you focus effectively for 8-12 weeks on one character
quality or doctrine. This actually puts more emphasis on God's Word. B. Review (the lack of) is the real "stopper" for doing Bible memory. People
get to 150 cards, three years of home schooling, or about 30 years of age (whichever
comes first) and STOP doing Bible memory. It is so discouraging to realize you can't
remember the reference, or many verses you worked so hard to say. It takes one hour
and 15 minutes to review 150 cards. Not too spiritual, this thing called "review". No
wonder everyone quits. Remember, MemLok enables the 5 yr. old turned 17 to
still be reviewing all 48 topics every 60 days in about 5 minutes a day with weekends
off! C. You will change curriculums, churches, and Christian Schools (which will
change programs) Actually, few home schooling families even use only one curriculum over the years. D. The state doesn't hold you accountable for Scripture memory. Soooo...
we tend to take the easiest route. Regulated courses come first. Spiritual things get
second best. Why not put a stand alone Bible memory system at the top of the daily "to do" list? One that has all the accountability features you'll need built into it. The Completion
Record, Weekly Check-up Sheet, and Covenant for Consistency with a friend outside the
home are all key elements in MemLok or MemLok on computer. E. Kids love the "picture" idea. It puts a grin on the face, uses both sides of
the brain, and doubles the retention. Add a little sugar to the medicine (God's Word) to
get it down better. F. Application is more important than memorization. When a memory verse is "one" of the elements in a powerful curriculum, often meditation/application are overlooked. More frequently, only "Can you say your verse?" is accomplished. With MemLok cards or on computer, application is part of the process. One of the Seven Devotional Tools is called "Meditation". You end up creating a life journal of what God has done in your life!! Does MemLok help with remembering the references? Yes, in four ways: A. MemLok uses a true "flip card" to utilize both rote and recall skills. That
means you repeat it (rote) and remember it (recall). The picture is on the front
signifying the "first key words". You must remember the reference and verse once
you've worked on it enough before you turn over the flip card. That way it all gets more
deeply grooved in your "filing cabinet" of a brain with a specific address on it's folder. B. You repeat that evasive reference 4 times (two times front and back of the business card) each time you review. C. All review is to be done out loud, so you take advantage of another
sense - your hearing. Many people learn much better hearing than reading and don't
even know it. D. The optionally used "Summary Card" in the back of the binder allows you to say all the verses in a topic. Great for traveling or waiting somewhere without even having all the cards with you. The "first key words" are arranged in such an order that together they form Summary "sentences". This enables you to memorize 12 verses on Sovereignty from 12 chapters, and have "kind of" an answer when some wise guy says "Do you believe in free will or predestination?"
Compare MemLok with THE NAVIGATOR's Topical Memory System.
The "TMS" is awesome. I am a trained leader of THE Colossian
2:7 Course by THE NAVIGATORS and have led it many times. I would recommend any adult (even teen)
believer go through at least 3 of the 6 three month courses. Your leader must be trained
by THE NAVIGATORS in the 5 courses beyond the introductory "Growing Strong in
God's Family" The 65 verses (5 Assurance verses and 5 topics of 12) are a solid
foundation. You can do it first, or at the same time you do MemLok. Forty-nine of the 65
TMS verses are in MemLok, so the two work together well. The differences are:
I've heard of two families in Florida with 19 children each who use only one copy
per family and are doing great. Since all the verses are stored in the plastics included,
each one pulls out the ones to be reviewed for that day, reviews it out loud, and returns
it. Once a week, all are "listened to" and signed off by a parent or older child. There is accountability for saying the new verse and for reviewing 5 of the last 7 days. On the other hand, "yes". Two reasons. First, you must review for life or you will forget both the
references and verses. You must have your own cards when you leave home so you
can keep up your 5 minutes a day, 5 days a week review. If you've learned all 48
topics of 12 cards, you will cycle through them every 60 days since you take the
weekends off.
Second, about 1/2 the families using MemLok allow various members to do
their own topics, rather than all doing the same one. Dad may be excited to get started
with Sovereignty, Purity or Faith, rather than Salvation etc. Titus implies it is wise to
disciple according to needs and MemLok allows for that. Not only can each member
select their own topic, each can select the verse of the 12 that most enthuses them
each week. Motivation is key with Scripture memory. Teenagers are especially more
interested in doing their own topics. It also is more of a test when "listening" time
comes, if all are saying different verses. I can't decide between the "Notebook" and MemLok on computer. If you own a computer, get the software. They both have the same verses. The software gives you the choice. ONE MINUTE prints 3 mos of cards!. And, they are then in color. Unlimited copies for your family! Hey, things get lost! Additionally, pay the extra for the 8.5x11" 10-slot plastic cardholders and buy a cardstock paper of your choice. The software prints dotted lines for perfect cutting up the 12 verses you select. COLOR cards really help the memory. Of course, you can print in black/white until you can afford a color printer. As far as daily usage goes (who will use cards, who will use the computer), the key question is "Where would I most consistently do my review? At the computer or holding cards?" Often someone in the home isn't all that excited about using a computer, if you know what I mean. I love the organization and automatic structured review using the computer. But, when I travel, I carry the cards.
Some benefits of MemLok Software
What about the Macintosh? At this time, it's not in the foreseeable future. Download Macintosh BootCamp free. BootCamp allows you to run Windows programs on your MAC You can also use the software Virtual PC (Now Free, was $129) on your MAC to run MemLok. I'd recommend getting the MemLok Notebook if you don't use these options. (Before they run out-being discontinued and discounted from $49 to $14.95)
At what age do you recommend starting MemLok?
I say, "If they can talk, why not be forming God's sentences?" He will explain the meaning as they encounter life! We do the same! Besides, the mind is so open, uncluttered and malleable when young.
Do avoid comparing your child with the precocious one your friend has. That is unscriptural, demeaning, and frustrating. 2 Corinthians 10:12
Do I have to pay a reproduction license to use it with EVERYBODY!?
What are your thoughts on memorizing passages vs. your topical system? Bottom Line: No problem doing both since MemLok is only 5 minutes/day. It's very important to determine your long range goal. To "really be Scripture memory", you would possibly want to be able to say all you memorize "now", say, 10 years from now. [grin]. Ten years from now, the verses you'll remember will be the ones you're still taking the time to review REGULARLY. Passage review becomes overwhelming after 3-4 years for the average Christian. Possible limitations regarding passage memorization ALONE (not doing topical Scripture memory work too):
MemLok is long term in scope. It enables you to stay on a topic related to your studies or more importantly, your current character need. MemLok is definitely SOLID in it's review. Why learn the verses if you can't review them 6 years later. I review all 700 (48 topics), once every 2 mos, and it's only 5 min/day (that's 12 cards/day) with weekends off. If you don't review them all your life, they zap away...at least with this weak brain.
The evidence is in. Most forget the passages 5 yrs later, but using MemLok during that same period of time, they could know 20 topics of 12 verses, taking them to 12 different passages on 20 meaningful topics. Regarding "memory verses" given in curriculum...consider using them as "Truth Texts", rather than memorizing them (though many will be in MemLok's 700 verses).
Is MemLok like the old Jerry Lucas System?
Yes, both use "Linking" and "Association" with "word pictures". This idea is as old as the hills. Nurses use it learning technical terminology. There is a course that teaches Greek vocabulary using these principles. etc. No, MemLok is different from Mr. Lucas' original book "Remember The Word" (out of print) in this one area. QUANTITY of pictures. I use only ONE picture to help recall ONLY the first KEY words. That is all most of us need. How often have you said "Give me the first few words!" or "Just get me started!" Mr. Lucas' original book used MULTIPLE pictures (and I mean lots! - VERY creative and entertaining). But in my mind, it simply wasn't necessary. Mr. Lucas still has a number of helpful products to consider today. They help learn states, presidents and math among other things.
I was looking for the Bible Memory Association.
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