Devotional Thoughts Update, Continuing

The Word for You Today


1.  The benefits of memorizing scripture:

• prayer life strengthened
• witnessing more effective
• counseling more in demand
• changed outlook
• mind becomes more alert
• enhanced confidence
• faith solidified

2.  How to memorize scripture:

• choose a time free from outside distractions
• repeat the reference every time you repeat the passage
• read each verse several times, as a whisper and out loud
• break passage into natural phrases, learn one phrase at a time, adding phrases 
• learn a portion perfectly rather than a long passage poorly
• review verse throughout the day, several times
• use the verse, speaking it orally in conversations, in opportune moments, in your daily situations

3.  God Will Bring You Through

• you must listen to God, not man
• God's purpose overcomes man's plans
• whatever you've lost, God can restore

4.  Empowered for a Purpose

• you must spend time in God's presence building a relationship with Him, then carry His Word to those hurting around you
• God has only one reason for filling you with His Spirit, that's to pour you out in service to others

I Chronicles

• ...get to know the God of your fathers.  Worship and serve Him with a clean heart and a willing mind, for the Lord sees every heart and understand and knows every thought.  If you seek Him, you will find Him. (28:9)
• ...who will follow my example?  Who will give himself and all that he has to the Lord?  (29:5)
• Everything we have has come from you, and we only give you what is yours already!  For we are here but for a moment...our days on earth are like a shadow, gone so soon, without a trace.  (29:4-5)

Romans

• We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials for we know that they are good for us---they help us to learn to be patient.  And patience develops strength of character in us and helps us trust God more each time we use it until finally our hope and faith are strong and steady.  Then, when that happens, we are able to hold our heads high no matter what happens and know that all is well, for we know how dearly God loves us, and we feel this warm love everywhere within us because God has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love.  (5:3-5)
• ...the more we see our sinfulness, the more we see God's abounding grace forgiving us.  (5:20)

Psalm

• Lord, who may go and find refuge and shelter in your tabernacle up on your holy hill?  Anyone who leads a blameless life and is truly sincere.  Anyone who refuses to slander others, does not listen to gossip, never harms his neighbor, speaks out against sin, criticizes those committing it, commends the faithful followers of the Lord, keeps a promise even if it ruins him, does not crush his debtors with high interest rates, and refuses to testify against the innocent despite the bribes offered him---such a man shall stand firm forever.  (15:1-5)