By Barbara White
Are there benefits to learning Scripture verses by heart today?
In this instant world the thought of memorizing scripture verses may seem a little outdated.
There are many ways of making scripture part of your life and that is what is important if we want to have strong spiritual roots, and grow a deeper relationship with God. Having Christian music on in the day is a good way, even better worship music. Many of our worship songs are taken straight from the Bible, and are a great way of immersing our soul and spirit in God.
There was, however, a time in my life when I spent a lot of time and energy memorizing verses including the Bible reference before and after the verse.
These were my reasons at the time
1. If God's word is living and active and powerful, then why not make it a deep part of me.
2. If I was sharing my faith then God's word has way more impact than my words. The Bible has far more credibility and more than my opinions, and people could go back and read it for themselves.
3. It was a tool that I wanted to develop skill in. See 2 Timothy 2 v.15
4. I could bring to mind verses that were particularly meaningful or encouraging at times when I felt disheartened.
5. I memorized verses that God had used to speak to me about specific things that were going o in my life at the time.
I would write the verses in little cards and carry them around with me, practicing them in odd moments, until I was word perfect.
Although I do not do this so intentionally now, I have to say that the ongoing effect of doing that then, was far deeper than I had ever imagined. Even through the storms of life, I felt the impact of God's word sown in my life taking root and producing fruit. There developed solidness in my faith that was noticed by others. The Holy Spirit on many occasions, sometimes many years after I had memorized the verse, brought it to mind at a time when I really need it. Not only to help me, but to use it for others. I may not now remember the exact chapter and verse number, or the verse word by word, but it never takes me long to remember the sense of it and find it if there is a Bible close by. I may not have a Bible with me, but the Holy Spirit is able to bring the verse I learnt many years ago right to the front of my mind, just when I need it.
As God's Word is one of the few things that lasts for ever, I want to put as much of it in my life as I can whatever method I use. If you sow seeds of God's Word, you will spend your whole life time reaping it's positive fruit in your life. Memorization is still one of the most effective ways of doing that and I highly recommend it.
About the Author: This article was written by Barbara White, Speaker, Author. For frequent spiritual encouragement and inspiration add her Blog onto your favorites list. www.heartafterjesus.blogspot.com
Source: www.isnare.com
