Leaders Empowered by God Know and Obey Scripture

Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – March 23, 2018

Jesus replied, “Are you not in error because you do not know the Scriptures or the power of God”?  Matthew 22:29

Scripture memory is a spiritual growth plan against sin, Satan and self. It is also His primary method of conforming us into the image of His son Jesus Christ. We all are privileged to renew our minds with the truth of Scripture and to cleanse our hearts with the purifying Word of God. Perhaps we commit to memory a verse a week related to what we are experiencing in life. Over the course of a year we will hide fifty-two nuggets of spiritual nourishment within our soul.

When needed, the Spirit brings to mind what has been deposited deep within our hearts.

Jesus not only knew the Scripture, He also knew the grave error of not knowing the Scripture. The error of biblical ignorance results in a life void of the power of God. Jesus, full of the Spirit and full of the Word of God, enjoyed the favor of God. Not to be used for His own agenda, but in a manner followed by His Father’s instructions. Acquainted from the beginning, Jesus was the Word who became flesh, so He might model its truth and teach its meaning. As a man on earth, He made the Scripture the main course of His spiritual diet. Biblical truth exposes evils’ errors. Knowing and doing the Word of God qualifies us to instruct and train others in the Scripture.

“I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you” (Psalm 119:11).

We may not be the best at memorization, but we do seem to remember what engages our affections. Our ability to retain sports statistics and other details related to interests or hobbies should be trumped by the truth of Scripture. Sure, some have the uncanny ability to recite each word perfectly, some even paragraphs of content. We need not be intimidated, but work within our God given abilities. Let’s start off the new year with a systematic plan to retain the Word of the Lord.

“The Lord continued to appear at Shiloh, and there he revealed himself to Samuel through his word” (1 Samuel 3:21).

Furthermore, the Lord reveals Himself through His word. We increasingly desire to know God, love God and obey God the more His word makes its way into the crevices of our character. We are conformed by the character of Christ as we mature in our understanding of the Word made flesh. Yes, we grow in our love for the Word as we grow in our love for Jesus since He was the Word revealed on earth. God’s secret weapon of scripture memory grows us into the likeness of Christ.

We are wise to see scripture memory as a blessing not a burden. Be creative. We can listen to God’s word as we commute to work, exercise or do chores around the house. Yes, we follow Jesus’ example when we seamlessly say to Satan:

“It is written.” God’s word written on our hearts through memorization and meditation equips us to stand strong in Him. Download our free Wisdom Hunters Scripture memory cards. The spiritual growth plan of hiding His word is used by seasoned saints who deeply know and love the Lord.

“How can a young person stay on the path of purity? By living according to your word” (Psalm 119:9).

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