Here’s a short but gigantic question – are you memorizing the Word?
Wait. Stop. Don’t leave! The word “memorizing” may cause a few people to quit reading. For those who are still with me, I am quite certain that you read the Word and possibly even study the Word, but that’s not my question. Here it is again. Are you memorizing the “quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword” (Hebrews 4:12) Word?
Let me share three reasons why I am still memorizing scriptures today. Memorized scriptures:
- Provide me with an instant, rock-solid defense and offense to Satan’s lies and deceptions.
When Satan speaks, I can follow the example given by Jesus and IMMEDIATELY tell him, “It is written…” Often, there isn’t time for a “Wait, let me get back to you on what you’ve said, Satan.” Memorized Word is to be near you in your heart and mouth (Romans 10:8) and keep you armed and ready. - Provide the launching pad for God to speak to me.
I find that God will use a memorized scripture to speak to me and amplify a right-now truth. For example, just last night (early this morning), God reminded me of Romans 8:11. As I began to quote the verse over and over again, it provided EXACTLY what was needed. - Provide me with a steady dose of authority.
When we quote the Word of God, it is God speaking His will, plan, and purpose through our voice.
Here are five steps toward memorizing God’s Word:
- Start today. Tomorrow never comes.
- Be consistent. It’s not a one-and-done process (at least for me). Select a verse, read it over and over again, and then begin the memorizing.
- Don’t quit. There are so many times that I will think that I have a verse memorized only to discover a few hours later that, to use a phrase from my Grandma Burns, “my brain leaks”. Don’t be discouraged. Keep saying the verse aloud. The velcro in your brain and spirit will connect!
- Get help. The Holy Spirit is assigned to bring things back to our memory. (John 14:26)
- Find a quote buddy. Accountability is the best motivator!
Need some suggestions? Here are a few scriptures to help you to get started. (Be sure to memorize the scripture AND its reference.)
2 Timothy 1:7 “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.”
Philippians 4:13 “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.”
Hebrews 13:8 “Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.”
Psalm 91:16 “With long life will I satisfy him, and shew him my salvation.”
Exodus 15:26 “…I am the LORD that healeth thee.”
Isaiah 54:17 “No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper…”
Romans 8:31 “…If God be for us, who can be against us?”
Isaiah 26:3 “Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.”
Daniel 11:32 “…the people that do know their God shall be strong, and do exploits.”
I can’t quit without making this suggestion. After memorizing the verse, personalize the verse and make it a declaration of faith. For example, faith will arise as you declare “For God has not given ME the spirit of…”
