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SPRUCESample

SPRUCE

DAY 7 OF 9

Reading + Writing = Recall

A study conducted in 2021 by the University of Tokyo showed that what we write is what we remember.

A study of Japanese university students and recent graduates has revealed that writing on physical paper can lead to more brain activity when remembering the information an hour later. Researchers say that the unique, complex, spatial, and tactile information associated with writing by hand on physical paper is likely what leads to improved memory. Frontiers in Behavioral Neuroscience, 2021

When the hand writes, the brain response is deeper.

In our efforts to be a doer of the word and not just a hearer forgetting what we learned, we start by using our pen to record what we learn about God. That though, is not where we stop. God told Habakkuk to not just write it down clearly "so that it can be read at a glance" but there is an implication that he will need this information in the days to come.

Habakkuk 2:3 Put it in writing, because it is not yet time for it to come true. But the time is coming quickly, and what I show you will come true. It may seem slow in coming, but wait for it; it will certainly take place, and it will not be delayed. And this is the message: ‘Those who are evil will not survive, but those who are righteous will live because they are faithful to God.’”
  • What "future-looking language" does God use in speaking to Habakkuk?
  • What will be the difference in coming events (which are not yet disclosed) between the evil and the righteous?
  • What connection is God making between what God is revealing to Habakkuk now and what he should do later?

God gives a wide view.

There is more to "write down clearly" than what is discovered about God. As you read God's Word, God's Spirit will help you see other important truths. Some of those may speak to your current circumstances. Some give you insights into yourself. Others, while clear, maybe more relevant at a "not yet time" that God is preparing you for.

S.P.R.U.C.E.

C - CIRCLE your insights or C - COMMIT to paper.

To help you remember what you are discovering and be able to bring them up as needed in the moment, take your pen in hand while you are reading. Begin by circling things that come to your particular notice. This list can help you be more thoughtful as you read.

  • What feels personal?
  • What is a new understanding?
  • What does God show you about how He operates in the world, or in relation to people?
  • What is convicting you?
  • What direct command or instruction do you find?
  • What heart attitude is on display?
  • What good or bad example speaks to you?
  • What repeated words or phrases appear?
  • What principle or practice speaks to a situation you are facing?
  • What are you reading that stirs your heart, makes you catch your breath, fills you with wonder?

Start with circling notable insights, but don't stop there. If color coding helps, employ your highlighters. Use arrows to show connections you are finding. The more you interact with the passage, the more you are imprinting the information on your brain.

Commit what you are learning to actual writing. Make notes in the margin of your Bible. Keep a journal of the most significant things God impressed on you as you explored His living Word.

By making notes of what you are hearing from God, you are affirming that God is speaking to you Spirit to spirit, just as He promised.


✏️ How have you experienced God bringing to mind what He has previously revealed to you at a time it was helpful and relevant?

Scripture

About this Plan

SPRUCE

If you struggle to connect with God, it is time to S.P.R.U.C.E. your time in His Word with this simple approach that will help you hear from God every day.

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We would like to thank World’s Biggest Small Group for providing this plan. For more information, please visit: https://www.worldsbiggestsmall.group/