prayer

I adore Pinterest. It is my go to for relaxation and information. Have you noticed how many pins promise 10 easy steps for something? Everything from changing your mood to changing a room decor can be found with the click and swipe of the finger.

However, there are a few things that just can’t be accomplished any other way except the old fashion way.

One of those things is memorizing scripture. You just can’t swing the sword of the spirit without knowing it.

STOP… do not click out of this blog!

I know you have heard the lectures before… but …what if… I had something that would change your mind and light your passion for it? Wouldn’t you want to know it?

 Hang in here with me.

I know what your thinking. I have done the same thing when someone encourages scripture memorization. I smile and with good intention nod and walk away wondering how in the world I have time for that and wondering if it even matters.

You will have time because when I show you these truths you will make time. And it does matter. It matters big time to your marriage, your children and a generation that you have been called to nurture. Friend we are all in a battle. It is good vs evil and we are in it whether we like it or not.

Ok that’s my sales pitch. Hope your still with me because the next thing I have to say may seem harsh or over dramatic but it is at the core of what should motivate you know scripture.

News flash– the devil hates you. He hates your kids. He wants to destroy your man and your marriage. He despises the church and he hates God. He is the god of this world and it may seem that this world of humans is completely defenseless against him.

Have I got your attention? Good.

It may seem like we are defenseless but we are NOT. We have God and He has provided help and protection for us.

Perhaps we don’t know the depth to which God goes to protect us. But we can know this: He loves us. He died for us. And He didn’t leave us alone. He left us the Holy Spirit and His Word to comfort and guide us.

It’s important to know that He didn’t just leave the Bible for us to read it. He left it so we would use it. It is essential for discerning right from wrong and speak truth to every lie.

Yes I realize this is a serious topic from a usually peppy blogger. Maybe I  should have warned you about this post. Something like… Alert: Heavy Blog Post. Ha. And I realize I probably wrote the first Pinterest paragraph to pull you in. Forgive me but this sword slinging is a big deal. Bigger than a pin or 10 easy steps.

Memorizing Scripture Brings Power

Did you realize that knowing scripture, praying it and saying it, is one of the most important things you could do as a woman? As believers we can have the tendency focus only on the flowery comforting scriptures of God’s word. Don’t get me wrong; we need these wonderful scriptures too. But, He left it for so much more.

#1 It is tool of Protection

Used as a tool to protect myself and my family from the enemy. When the he hears the word of God coming out of your mouth it is as if God himself is saying it. Because they are God’s words and they have power. He is defeated at every syllable. Cut down to size. That’s why it’s called the sword of the spirit. There is nothing. NO THING more powerful than God’s word coming out of your mouth.

Love this quote from John Piper on the importance of scripture memorization. In Piper style he puts it perfectly.

“To hit the devil in the face with a force he can not resist. What are you hitting him with?He’s a million times stronger than you and he hates you and your family. How anybody walks through this devil ruled world without a sword in his hand is beyond me.”

I remember well the first time this fact became real to me. My mother’s heart was aching. One of my children was being led astray. I didn’t think there was anything I could do. I was praying searching for peace for myself. Tears and thoughts of disaster whirled in my head.

Then the Lord brought these two scriptures to my mind. It was like a light blub went off. I grabbed my Bible and wiped my nose and started to claim these scriptures for my child. Faith rose in me. Yes it was loud and yes it felt a little awkward but strength was in God’s word coming out of my mouth. I could feel them. And you know what? Did my child change the next day? Nope. But I kept praying and eventually they did!

But in that coming day no weapon turned  against you will succeed. You will silence every raised up to accuse you. These benefits are enjoyed by the servants of the Lord; their vindication will come from me. I, the Lord, have spoken! Isaiah 54:17

“So is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.” Isaiah 55:11

#2. It’s a Lie Detector

Just like a metal detector goes off when it detects a source of metal. Scripture in my mind sets off a truth alarm when lies try to hide in the ground of my life.

God’s word brings truth to every lie. The devil likes to take small truths and “wick” it like a wicker chair. But when God’s words are in my mind I can see there are holes in that half-truth. That airy lie can’t hold up next to the solid truth abiding in my heart.

I fall into believing lies just like you. So these scriptures help me remember there is a liar and there is a truth giver

“He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies.” John 8:44

“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness” 2 Timothy 3:16 

“You will know the truth and the truth will make you free.” John 8:32

#3 It is a Strengthener

Scripture abiding in my heart is quickly accessed and quickens my resolve when I am tempted to sin. The word of God reminds me I don’t have to sin. I can lean on God’s love and foundational truths to get through anything.

I hide these scriptures in my mind to remind me I don’t have to have all the answers. I don’t have to be alone in my struggles. And when I say them to myself or out loud. I can feel peace calming me down and strength rising up.

“That I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.” Philippians 4:13

“Do not be anxious for anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus”.  Philippians 4:6-7

I am praying that this post will ignite a desire in you to memorize scripture. I challenge you today to look at scripture as a tool for defense and wisdom from a God who knows how to provide both.

This week was the “why it matters” post. Next week we will get unique & practical answers to “show you how” to memorize scripture and teach your kids how to too.

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