While reading Acts 18, I discovered a phrase that excited me. In verse 28, Luke wrote “shewing by the scriptures”. When I read that phrase, I was ready to do the happy dance. It was a reminder to me that I am on the right track.
Let me explain. If you have attended one of our Holy Spirit Rallies, you have seen me quote some ten to fifteen scriptures as I am preaching. These are not scriptures that I have memorized just to impress people as I preach. Nor is quoting these scriptures my attempt to look super spiritual. On the contrary, each and every verse has been memorized for my own personal benefit.
Here are three reasons why I have and continue to memorize God’s Word.
1. Memorized scriptures keep me ready! When Satan attacks (and he does often), I don’t have time to go find a Bible and search for the right verse. I need God’s Word then and there! So, so often, the Holy Spirit will cause a memorized Word to rise to the occasion and put Satan in his place (underneath my feet).
2. Memorized scriptures often interrupt my sleep. Let me explain. Most every night as I fall asleep, I ask the Holy Spirit to speak to me during the night hours. Many of the things that I share as I preach and teach comes from the Holy Spirit speaking to me during the night. What does He share? Often, He amplifies in my spirit previously unseen truths in the verse(s) that I have memorized. He might place an emphasis on a single word or possibly a word-by-word insight. Believe me, He makes it well worth the interruption to my sleep.
3. Memorized scriptures put the shout in my spirit. You know this to be true. Faith cometh by hearing and hearing. (Romans 10:17) Throughout the week as I speak aloud (quote) the scripture that I am memorizing, my spirit begins to explode with excitement. For example, this week I am memorizing Philippians 1:19. “For I know that this shall turn to my salvation through your prayer, and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ.” Every time that I speak and hear the words “supply of the Spirit”, I have trouble containing myself. As the scripture begins to move beyond my brain and lodge in my spirit, faith begins to arise. Within a short while, I move into a different zone with the Holy Spirit and become a more powerful me.
Too young for scripture memorization? Nope. Too old for scripture memorization? Double nope! In fact, today would be a good day to start.
