“22 But don’t just listen to God’s word. You must do what it says. Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves. 23 For if you listen to the word and don’t obey, it is like glancing at your face in a mirror. 24 You see yourself, walk away, and forget what you look like. 25 But if you look carefully into the perfect law that sets you free, and if you do what it says and don’t forget what you heard, then God will bless you for doing it.”—James 1:22-25 (NLT) 

Having a Bible in my home doesn’t mean I am a Christian. That Bible isn’t effective in learning God’s Word if it is on a table collecting dust. The Bible is our Guidebook, but it isn’t going to help us if we don’t ever open it.  I am thankful to have access to so many different versions that help me to better understand it. I can’t believe I didn’t own a study Bible until a few years ago.

Knowing scripture is not enough. Praise be to God that we have the Holy Spirit as our Guide to help us understand it. Over the years, through church sermons and Bible studies, I have increased both my head and heart knowledge of who God is. Daily Bible reading plans have helped me as well.

My initial title of this post was Head vs Heart Knowledge, but as I continued to write, God revealed to me that it isn’t one of the other but both. We are to serve and love our Lord and Savior with both our hearts and minds. I can’t just think about scripture, I also need to be living it.

God’s Word not only teaches us. It corrects, guides, trains, deepens our faith, and also renews our mind by breaking strongholds which transforms us more into the likeness of Jesus. That is a powerful reminder of how my life has changed by staying in His Word. It continues to shape me to live a more Spirit filled life.

When I am reading my Bible, I have a desire to learn more about who God is and to love more like Jesus. There is power when I live out what God’s Word teaches me. Scripture gives clarity, instruction, and assurance. It leads, prompts, warns, counsels, encourages and strengthens me. I don’t know of any self-help books out there that do the same. 

Over the past few years, God has laid it on my heart to be memorizing scripture. I know if I can impress His Word on my heart that I will be able to bless others with it. I will be honest; I am not very good at it. There are days I can recall a verse (usually a paraphrase not verbatim) I have memorized but can’t tell you where it is from in the Bible. Other days, I may draw a total blank. God knows my heart. Being a Christian isn’t about how many scriptures I have memorized but living a life loving God and others.

With that being said, I do have a few verses that are ingrained in my head and heart that I won’t ever lose. Is learning scripture ever on your list? If not, give it a shot and start with an easy one such as Luke 1:37, But nothing is impossible for God."(GW) or join me as I continue to memorize “And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works,”—Hebrews 10:24.

Dear Lord,

Thank You for Your Word. Forgive me when I take this gift for granted. Direct me to people this week to share Your love; whether it be a hand knit gift, smile or kind word that will lift their spirits. Help me to put Your Word into practice in my daily life this week. It is in the name of Jesus that I pray these things. Amen. 

August Memory Verse:

Memorizing Hebrews 10:24 is a reminder for me to be thinking of ways I can encourage others in my small groups.

“And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works,”—Hebrews 10:24

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