May 9, 2004

Fully-Integrated Life:
“…holding fast the faithful word…”  (Titus 1:9)
(part four)

Today we are considering the last two in our ways to get a grip on the Word.   (see archives)

MEMORIZE THE WORD
In Psalms 119, David said:
“Your word I have treasured in my heart,
That I may not sin against You.”  Ps 119:11)

It is so important to memorize the Word of God.  Jesus demonstrated this in His teaching ministry.  He also demonstrated it when He was tempted.  Every time He was tempted by the devil He quoted Scripture as His defense.

We need the Word of God in our hearts.  Do you want to memorize Scripture?  Need a place to start?  Consider Psalms 119.  There are many verses about the Word of God itself in this longest chapter of the Bible!

Write out a verse on an index card.  Put the card in your pocket and pull it out when you have to stop and wait on something (a red light, your turn in the check-out line, etc.).  Reading it over and over again, you will memorize it before you know it!

As you listen to sermons, read during quiet times, study the Bible with others, take note of verses that relate to special needs in your life.  Then, follow the exercise.  Write them out; read them over and over until you have committed them to memory.

MEDITATE ON THE WORD
The Thesaurus says that meditation is to:
• ponder
• seriously consider
• contemplate
• turn over in your mind
• mull over
• reflect

Learn how to sit quietly before the Lord and seriously consider His Word.  He will speak to you in special ways. 

Reflect on one verse.  Consider writing the verse as a prayer back to God…making it personal and rewriting it in your own words.

PUT IT INTO PRACTICE
Consider these verses today:

“This book of the law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it; for then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have success. (Josh 1:8)

“But his delight is in the law of the LORD;
and in His law he meditates day and night.  (Ps 1:2)

“I will meditate on Your precepts
And regard Your ways.
I shall delight in Your statutes;
I shall not forget Your word.  (Ps 119:15-16)

Father,
Thank You for the living Word of God.  I want to treasure it.
Teach me how to memorize and meditate on Your Precious Word.
In Jesus’ Name, Amen!