Friday, January 16th

The “How-to” of the Bible has been study, meditate, and now memorize. Memorization allows scripture to be formed in our heart and mind.

Memorizing scripture allows us to hear God’s voice, when we learn his word, God can bring it to our attention, as an encouragement for ourselves or others.

It can renew our minds, Philippians 4:7-9 is a great example. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. 8 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. 9 Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.

Memorizing scripture can help you resist temptation.

It can also be God’s strength and guidance, especially when you go through pain or grief.
Take a moment with this passage again. Is there a verse you want to write down and memorize? Read, write, and repeat.

After the death of Moses the servant of the LORD, the LORD said to Joshua son of Nun, Moses’ aide: 2 “Moses my servant is dead. Now then, you and all these people, get ready to cross the Jordan River into the land I am about to give to them—to the Israelites. 3 I will give you every place where you set your foot, as I promised Moses. 4 Your territory will extend from the desert to Lebanon, and from the great river, the Euphrates—all the Hittite country—to the Mediterranean Sea in the west. 5 No one will be able to stand against
you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you. 6 Be strong and courageous, because you will lead these people to inherit the land I swore to their ancestors to give them. 7 “Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go. 8 Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. 9 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.”

As you finish this week with the How-to of reading the Bible. How can you put this into practice?

Maybe you want to pick a book of the Bible to work through, or a chapter, or a section of scripture. Study it, dig around the context pages to garner information, seeking biblical interpretation and spiritual reading. Then take some time to meditate, chew on it; read, meditate, pray, contemplate, and obey the passage. Then finally, is there a verse you can memorize?

Remember, reading the Bible isn’t about how much you can get through, reading the Bible is how much of the Bible can get through you.

Let me encourage you with this prayer of surrender. Jesus, May we receive you personally through your holy Scriptures. May we read not only with our minds, but also with our hearts. May we seek relationship more than information. May we allow ourselves to be wholly shaped by every word. May we discover the joy and beauty, of meeting you here.