(Mat 4:4) But He answered and said, "It is written . . .
It’s the top of a new year and many people are thinking about parting with the old and bringing in the new. It’s time for fresh decisions and new visions. But in all your considerations for the new year may I insert an item for your attention that has benefits and dividends that will pay off the whole year and beyond? It’s the challenge of putting scripture to memory.
Now I know you might think it’s too hard to memorize Bible verses when you can’t even remember your own cell phone or pin number! And it might even make your head ache to even think about the mental discipline with all the other things you have to think about. But if you can get past the initial hesitation and get excited about the compensation, I think you’ll be more apt to step into the batter’s box and start swinging away.
So, what are the benefits of scripture memory? Here are the top benefits in my estimation:
PERSONAL REASONS:
PERSONAL SACTIFICATION: (John 17:17) "Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth. (Eph 5:26)
TRANSFORM OUR MINDS INTO GODLY THINKING: (Rom 12:2) And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.
TO AVOID TEMPTATION: (Psa 119:11) Your word I have hidden in my heart, That I might not sin against You. (Mat 4:1-11; Eph 6:17)
COMFORT DURING TRIALS: (Rom 15:4) For whatever things were written before were written for our learning, that we through the patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope.
INTERPERSONAL REASONS:
TO HELP US IN OUR WITNESSING: (1 Pet 3:15) But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear.
TO HELP US IN COUNSELING A FRIEND: (Rom 15:14) Now I myself am confident concerning you, my brethren, that you also are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge, able also to admonish one another.
Next time we’ll get into the nitty-gritty of how to memorize scripture and some verses to put to memory that will last you a lifetime!
Louie