I recently read about Corrie ten Boom - she and her family were taken from their home during the horrific reign of Hitler. She, alone, survived the prison camp. Before they were taken, her family ripped pages from the Bible and stuffed the page in their shoes. Her father, sister and Corrie would ask one another what they were standing on... They would reply with whatever page was in their shoe - 1 Corinthians, Acts 2... It truly was how they stood, and how Corrie survived!
When Clay was four, our pastor was leading a sermon series on Psalm 23, so appropriately, he challenged our congregation to memorize the entire Psalm. Dutifully we challenged our family. Partly because we spent an enormous amount of time in the car then, Clay and I practiced ... And practiced... And practiced more! He couldn't wait to share his recitation with our pastor. Graciously Pastor Les listened intently to Clay's rendition of the passage, then joyfully suggested that Clay join him at the pulpit the following Sunday to encourage our church members with his memorized work!
Now remember, friends, this was during the same time that this "psalm-memorizing" preschooler had made the mature decision to stick his head in a toilet because of a friend's dare! Understandably these proud parents were a bit leery of his attendance on the pulpit. After much discussion.. And reminders about appropriate behaviors ... And let's be honest, a few strong threats of consequences of unbecoming behaviors, the morning came, the service began, the call for Clay was issued. We videoed it and somewhere in the recesses of a box of important paraphernalia, it exists! You will have to trust me when I beam about his word for word, didn't miss a beat, precious 4-year-old fidgety little self that "performed to perfection". We breathed... The pastor thanked him and headed Clay toward exiting the stage. OH NO!!! We had not discussed nor practiced the exit!!! There were five steps leading up or down from the stage... Without a pause or a thought, he perfectly executed his dismount - not touching one step as he leaped "Spider-Man style" offering spiderlike landing on hands and feet! The gracious crowd cheered and "amened" even more vigorously than before! Hmm, maybe we should all feel as invigorated after memorizing and reciting scripture!
That is the challenge for this week, friends. Our perfect model and leader (we do desire to be Christlike, yes?!), Jesus, knew scripture well. Likely he had learned from the synagogue school and practice at home with Joseph and Mary. It is not easy, but there are some reasonable strategies to help us. We have the luxury of Bible apps, Bible on speaker with phone or computer, and there is still the archaic, nonetheless popular, 3 x 5 index cards! :)
What is your very favorite scripture today? Mine has certainly changed during circumstances and just how God is speaking to my life, but one that has rung in my ears for years is from Zephaniah 3:17, if we were live, I would quote it...
The Lord your God is with you,
He is mighty to save,
He will take great delight in you,
in His love He will no longer rebuke you,
BUT WILL REJOICE OVER YOU WITH SINGING!
So would you share your favorite... you don't have soar off the platform... you might just stash it in your shoe... you might just tuck it away on the visor above the drivers' seat... you might just praise our precious Lord for HIS word to you! I'd love for you to comment here and encourage me and others. Either way, challenge yourself, just a verse.... this every week! We are WALKING on HIS word!!
I have thought about your question all week and I always come back to Psalm 46:10 "Be still and Know that I am God" Being still always calms me and allows me to hear. The other one I think of is Jeremiah 29:11 "For I know the plans I have for you" declares the Lord…Again I suppose that comfort and knowledge I am not in control is where I am at this moment. Sending much love your way. Jill
ReplyDeleteThanks Jill, love both of those, as well! We are so NOT in control... and that's the best news! :) Love you too!!
DeleteI have always liked Hebrews 12:1-2 "Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, 2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God." What an encouragement no matter what we face.
ReplyDeleteThanks Kevin! I love that reminder... no matter FIX our eyes on Jesus! That involves action on our part! Love you!
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