I gave the Fellowship of Followers a challenge last week: I asked them to memorize Psalm 46--the whole thing. I think I could have fewer participants in that class next month!
Why memorize Scripture? Well here are a few reasons:
- It strengthen our faith, because "faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God." Romans 10:17
- It's our weapon when we need to go to battle. The "sword of the spirit" referenced in Ephesians 6 is the Word.
- It lets us meditate when we don't have a Bible handy.
- It is at our fingertips when life hits us hard in the gut and we need something to help us stand.
- It is there for us when we need to minister to someone else--anytime, anywhere.
I know in my health struggles this past year the red thread that has bound everything together for me were the whispers (The Words!) of God to me. If I did not know Scripture I would not be able to access those precious words of life.
How can we recall these life-giving words in a time of need when we don't know them? You wouldn't go out in the desert without water; nor do you want to go out in the world, friends, without the living water of the word in your heart.
"What a heart knows by heart is what a heart really knows," says Dennis Lennon.
So I ask you to give it a try and memorize Psalm 46; it's only eleven verses. I have some handouts to help you get started.
Or maybe you want to begin a little smaller with Psalm 91:4. Christina sent me the amazing photo below. A photographer was able to capture this moment, bringing to life for all of us the words of Psalm 91 in a way we won't forget.
Blessings as you "lay up these words in your heart and in your soul." Deut. 11:18
Greg
P.S. No Monday night this coming week. We will see you on Monday, Feb. 4 for a pot luck Meal and Message.
Psalm 91:4