The late evangelist Byron Spears was known as the “Walking Bible” because of his amazing ability to quote as many as 100 Bible passages in a single sermon—all from memory! It was incredible and life-changing for audiences to hear him thunder off Bible passages convincingly and with confidence without an open Bible before him.
No doubt, such a skill takes lots of time to grow and hone, but it is well worth the effort! Here are the top five reasons you need to be memorizing Scripture today …
5. It will help you overcome temptation.
“Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee” (Psalm 119:11). Remember that Jesus overcame the devil’s temptations by proclaiming, “It is written” (Matthew 4:1–11). When you are tempted to sin, you will be empowered to do the same if you’ve memorized empowering Bible passages. The Holy Spirit will bring to mind the Scriptures you have stored in your heart, working like the “sword of the Spirit” to defeat evil; this sword is the Word of God (Ephesians 6:17).
4. It will increase your awareness of God’s will in your life.
“Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path” (Psalm 119:105). Whenever you are faced with a choice—big or small—you can know that the Holy Spirit will bring to mind Scriptures that will help lead you in the way God wants you to go. The Word of God is His will for you—so do everything possible to fill your mind with Scripture.
3. It will help you and others thrive during times of trial.
“Thy word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart” (Jeremiah 15:16). Are you or someone you know tired, lonely, afraid—but you don’t have a Bible sitting around nearby? Sometimes when we’re discouraged, it’s hard to do anything—even to pick up God’s Word—except dwell in our own sorrows and worries. So imagine the joy you can bring to someone by spontaneously speaking His beloved promises, for his or her exact need, from your heart!
2. It will make you a better witness.
“Sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness” (1 Peter 3:15). Sometimes a witnessing opportunity can catch us off guard, without a Bible or a sharing resource in hand—and memorizing Scripture about important Bible truths and the power of the gospel can make all the difference in a witnessing opportunity scheduled by God!
1. It will strengthen your relationship with God.
“All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works” (2 Timothy 3:16, 17). The Word of God changes you in every way. Every moment you spend in God’s Word is another moment in communion with God. What better thing to do than to prayerfully focus on a Scripture, to focus on the mind of God, and solidify His Word, His will, and His heart into you own heart?
Coming Soon to the Amazing Facts Blog—Surefire Tips to Memorize Scripture
What do you think? Let us know why you're storing up God's Word in your heart in the comments below!