By Lance Mayes
Psalm 119:9-16
If you grew up going to church, you probably memorized several Bible verses or passages. I know several people who have memorized the book of James. It seems we’ve lost this discipline in most churches. I wonder why? Scripture that is memorized is a precious treasure that does not remain hidden away, but makes itself known at just the right time.
It is good to have Scripture treasured in your heart. It is always there waiting for the right time to appear. It is always there ready for meditation and application.
God brings a couple of verses to my mind fairly often. One is James 5:17-18. Elijah was just like us; sometimes I forget that. The people in the Bible are just like us; they were not superheros. They had flaws. They sinned. They succeeded. They prayed. They loved God and people. Just like us.
Another verse I think on often is Hebrews 4:16. It helps me remember that God is ready to give me his mercy and grace when I need it most. This truth brings incredible peace and hope to my heart.
Take a moment and think about a few verses or passages you have memorized. The Lord’s Prayer? Psalm 23? John 3:16? Others?
Are you satisfied about your recall of Scripture? Frustrated by how little you remember?
Why don’t we all brush up on a few verses. Need some help? Use these to get started: Isaiah 40:28, 2 Corinthians 5:17, Romans 8:38-39, Lamentations 3:22-23, Galatians 5:22-23, 1 Thessalonians 5:18, Psalm 19:14, Philippians 4:6,7, Hebrews 4:16, Micah 6:8, Isaiah 53, Psalm 23, 1 Corinthians 13, John 15, Psalm 139.