Wednesday, March 19, 2014

Growth Plan

I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you. Psalm 119:11
 
Scripture memory is a spiritual growth plan against sin, Satan and self. It is also one of God's  methods 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 (See Romans 12:1-2). Perhaps we commit to memory a verse a week or month related to what we are experiencing in life. Over the course of a year we will hide fifty-two or 12 nuggets of spiritual nourishment within our soul. Thus, when needed, the Spirit brings to mind and our remembrance what has been deposited deep within our hearts.

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 God's Word. 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 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, as 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 image and 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. You can display scriptures around your house to review and recite (Lord knows I have done it, and it works). 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. The spiritual growth plan of hiding His word is used by seasoned saints who deeply know and love the Lord. 

Come worship with me at First Baptist Chesterbrook located at 1740 Kirby Rd. McLean Va. we are "Disciples Making a Kingdom Impact".  Join us Sundays at 10:45am and begininng May 3rd Saturdays at 6:30pm.  Also hear me on www.wbgronline.com on "Life Notes" mon.- fri. at noon, and on "Kingdom Impact" Sundays at 9am and Wednesdays at 9pm.
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Rev. Todd A. Brown, Pastor
First Baptist of Chesterbrook
1740 Kirby Rd.  Mclean Va. 22101
Worship with us Sundays at 10:45am
Vision:" Disciples Making a Kingdom Impact"
Listen to "Life Notes" & "Kingdom Impact with Pastor Brown
Mon-Fri at noon and Sundays at 9am and Wednesdays at 9pm on WBGRonline.com
www.firstbaptistchesterbrook.org

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