I grew up in West Memphis, Arkansas, and moved from there 49 years ago when I was 16 years old. I can still remember my home address (905 Rich Road) and our phone number (735-3882). When we moved to Mississippi our home phone number was 534-6660. Now, why do I share that insignificant bit of trivia? The only phone numbers I can recall now are my own, Joyce’s number, and my mom’s phone number. I don’t have to remember other numbers because I have them stored in my cell phone. It is really not worth my time to try to remember other numbers.
The same cannot be said about Scripture memory. As I write this article, we are in the process of memorizing our 21st verse. When was the last year that you have memorized 21 new verses? I promise you it is worth your time to hide God’s Word in your heart. Jeremiah Denton was a prisoner of war in North Vietnam for seven years. As one of the highest-ranking American captives, he was subjected to particularly grueling torture spending almost his entire imprisonment in solitary confinement. Denton not only survived but also came back and was elected a U.S. Senator from Alabama. Denton stated on many occasions that an essential survival skill was quoting passages from the Bible. What are some benefits of memorizing Scripture?
*Memorizing Scripture will lead to victory over Temptation. Psalm 119:11 says, Your Word I have hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against You.
*Memorizing Scripture leads to a fruitful life. Psalm 1:2-3 says, But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and in His law he meditates day and night. He shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that brings forth its fruit in its season, whose leaf shall not wither; and whatever he does shall prosper.
*Memorizing Scripture will enable you to be a better Bible teacher.
Colossians 3:16 says, Let the word of
Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.
*Memorizing Scripture will cause you to be a better witness for Christ. 1 Peter 3:15 says, But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to every-one who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear.
*Memorizing Scripture will assist you in better understanding God’s will for your life. Psalm 119:105 says, Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.
Memorizing Scripture will enable you to pray more effectively. John 15:7 says, If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done
for you.
God bless you as you hide His blessed Word in your heart.
Devotedly yours,
Bro. Tommy