Notes of Faith February 20, 2025
Your word I have hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against You.
Psalm 119:11
Consider all the things you know by heart: your birth date, telephone number, social security number, home address, and more. How is it that we have memorized those items without really trying? By repetition and by reciting them when we need to. We are protected from the dangers of confusion by being armed with this data.
Memorization is a powerful tool, a defensive tool. We can think of memorizing Scripture in the same way—as a defense against impurity and sin. The psalmist said that he hid God’s Word in his heart so that he might not sin (Psalm 119:11). Think of how Jesus was protected against the temptation to sin in the wilderness when He quoted three verses from the book of Deuteronomy in response to the devil’s impure offers (Matthew 4:1-11). There is no indication that Jesus had a scroll of Deuteronomy with Him; indications are that He had memorized the verses that He quoted. Memorizing Scripture is a sure defense against sin.
The easiest way to begin Bible memorization is to start with a verse you are already familiar with. Review it daily until you know it as well as your own phone number!
Meditation is the best help to memory.
Matthew Henry
Ps 37:30-31
30 The mouth of the righteous utters wisdom,
And his tongue speaks justice.
31 The law of his God is in his heart;
His steps do not slip.
How many words of Scripture do you have memorized? You CAN do it! It takes the same practice and repetition that you give to other things. Let’s give more time and effort into being the person God has called us to be. Fight the good fight of faith by memorizing the Word of God!
Pastor Dale