“There are those that read the Bible and then there are those that believe it.”
When I was young, my father would sit at our dining room table with stacks of Bibles and Bible Commentaries.
From the NIV to ASB, we had most versions.
The table looked like it was meant at a library, not a place to share meals.
Since he was the pastor of our church, he spent quite a bit of time reading and studying, especially on Saturdays.
I was encouraged to memorize verses growing up and can still recall whole chapters in Psalms today because of that. I’m so grateful to my parents for allowing God’s Word to be a part of our daily lives.
As many of you know, though, the rubber meets the road when you’re thrown a bunch of lemons in life and things get sour…
Yup- I can quote Psalm 91 to you, no problem….
But do I truly BELIEVE that I am safe when I drive on an icy road because God has commanded angels to guard me? (Psalm 91:11 NIV)
Psalm 23? I can probably quote the entire chapter in less than 2 minutes.
But do I truly BELIEVE that when I’m facing a difficult time at work that God’s goodness is going to follow me through it? (Psalm 23:6 NIV)
Psalm 103 is one of my favorites…
But when I’m down on myself for some mistake I’ve made, do I truly BELIEVE that he has removed my sins as far as the east is from the west? (Psalm 103:12 NIV)
Memorizing Scripture is extremely important. It’s part of our armor: the Sword of the Spirit. We need it to navigate through all the enemy’s schemes and to comfort us when we are low.
However, it’s not enough to memorize it or even hang it on your wall in pretty calligraphy. Let it sink into your soul and KNOW that you KNOW that you KNOW that you are TRULY:
Loved and Cherished: “I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with unfailing kindness.” (Jeremiah 31:1 NIV)
Created for a purpose: “For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.” Ephesians 2:10 (NIV)
Safe: “He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.” Psalm 91:4 (NIV)
Reading God’s Word should permeate our daily lives. The question is: Do you believe it?
~Elizabeth/Betsy