Happy New Year. We are starting a brand new year and looking forward to see what God is going to do in all of our lives in 2022.
My Pastor growing up was a genius. As a teen, I didn’t realize how brilliant he was, but at my age and my years of ministry experience. Dr. George Schmeiser was amazing.
One of the things that he had our church do was Scripture memory. As pre-teens and teens, we were encouraged to memorize verses, and if we completed the plan, we would receive a free week at a Christian camp. The younger students memorized 100 verses for several years. After that we memorized entire books of the New Testament.
I was privileged to attend Camp Sandy Hill for a week for nine years. It was awesome. One of our Sunday School teachers, Woody Adcock, MADE our whole class of boys memorize the Scriptures so we could all go to camp together.
It dawned on me later that the whole purpose of this discipline was not just to get a free week at camp. The purpose was to hide God’s Word in my heart.
Our Colony residents memorize 120 Bible verses during their 120-day stay. And you don’t get a free pass if you are over 50!!! It’s an amazing discipline.
Pastor Paul Chapman gives 20 benefits of memorizing Scripture:
- Memorizing Scripture allows you to abide in Christ. (John 15:5)
- Memorizing Scripture empowers your prayer life. (John 15:7)
- Memorizing Scripture convicts us to obey, demonstrating our love for God. (John 15:10)
- Memorizing Scripture results in a joyful heart. (John 15:11)
- Memorizing Scripture imparts wisdom. (Colossians 3:16)
- Memorizing Scripture teaches us as we go through life.
(Colossians 3:16) - Memorizing Scripture corrects us when we stray. (Colossians 3:16)
- Memorizing Scripture inspires you to sing about God.
(Colossians 3:16) - Memorizing Scripture generates faith as we quote it. (Romans 10:17)
- Memorizing Scripture helps you overcome the wicked one.
There are ten more benefits, but I will wait to share them next week, along with a challenge for your consideration.
Our theme verse for this year is Ephesians 4:4-5 – There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.
How about starting with these two verses? I will do it with you.
By Christ, for Christ, with Christ,
Bill Welte, President/CEO
America’s Keswick
Written by Bill Welte, President/CEO of America’s Keswick: Bill has been married to his childhood sweetheart for 40+ years and has four married kids and 12 amazing grandkids. He loves music and is an avid reader.
Think About This: “Yes, your life is messy and hard, but that’s not a failure of the plan; it is the plan. It’s God working to complete what he’s begun in you.” ―
The Daily Bible Reading: Genesis 6-8; Matthew 3| You can download our 2022 Daily Bible Reading Plan by clicking here.
