Several people in our new OSL class have asked me to give references for some helps as they
a) read the Bible using a Bible Plan
b) memorize various scripture verses
c) memorize the books of the Bible.
Here are some of the resources I've found for these areas:
Bible Reading Plans
1) www.youversion.com- this works from your computer or smart phone (atleast iphones). At Living Water we use the Life Journal plan or the First Steps Plan, which is a shortened version of the Life Journal plan.
Youversion is AWESOME (thank you Lifechurch.tv!) and you should use it...I can't say it enough.
You can also get a a Life Journal at our Living Water Media Center ($10) or a copy of the Life Journal plan.
2) Using the SOAP Method for Bible reading - go back to the source: www.lifejournal.cc/faq/. We us Pastor Wayne Cordeiro's method of journaling and this site will answer some of your basic questions.
3) Other Bible versions - www.biblegateway.com or www.blueletterbible.org. These two sites can be helpful if you want to look of scripture topically.
Remember - I urge you to use the commentary and devotional portions of these sites with restraint, because we believe and want you to practice understanding and interpreting scripture for yourself.
Scripture Memorization
There is a lot of advice on-line for scripture memorization - from flashcards to mnemonics, it might be good to read some articles to find things that help you along the way.
I couldn't find any web-based memorization sites but there were several freeware programs.
WARNING: I didn't thoroughly test this program, so do your own research!
www.middlecross.com is a freeware pc program for scripture memorization. It's relatively simple, but has some fun practice items. It doesn't have many verses in it, so you will have to enter yours in, but I liked the interface and, as far as I can tell, it truly is free.
For the iphone:
Bible Verses is a free app with many verses and some cool practice techniques.
There are several apps which cost money that people have used including: Memoryverses (.99) by Lifeway Christian Resources and Bible Memory by Mobilize Faith (5.99)
Memorizing the Books of the Bible
http://www.mgcpa.com/mark/other/bible/index.html is a great web-based tool for memorizing the books of the Bible; three different quizzes help you to sort out what goes where. Great tool for learning!
for the iphone
I purchased a program called Bible Books (1.99) because i couldn't find anything for free. I really like the practice modes.
BTW, there are also several songs which may be helpful for you see here(do-wop) or here (country) or here (jazz/rap). [Sorry if some of those were a bit painful!]
This isn't exhaustive by any means, so if you've found thing that has worked for you, please make a note in the comments!