August 2 Hide God’s Word in Your Heart, NOW! 2 Timothy 3:16-17
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “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 complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.” (2 Timothy 3:16-17)
From the time that I was able to read, my parents insisted and encouraged me to read my Bible. There were times, I would read the scriptures and thought that it was worthless for me to habitually read these same words, over and over. Amazingly, there was a situation that presented, and I immediately thought of a scripture that was appropriate for the issue. Wow! How did that happen? Mama used to tell me that, “the more that you learn, the more you will want to learn!” Why? She would follow up with some abstract answer like, “it will light your path!” She would say, “Read Psalm 119:105: Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.” How did she know that? I began to reflect on my early life, and I remember both of my parents, spending time in God’s Word and always encouraging me to do the same. Now, at 65 years old, I may not be able to recall the amount that Mama could, however, I continue to store up His Word, in my heart, and continue to strengthen my knowledge of Him. (Psalm 119:11: Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.) Just recently, a dear friend and Prayer Partner, were discussing the necessity of memorizing the scriptures, and doing it as much as possible, with the purpose of being ready to take on the wiles and ways of Satan. When we hung up the phone, I thought of another reason to “Hide His Word in Our Hearts!” Sadly, I thought, of all, of those amazing saints of God, that I have ministered to, over the years, and the sad reality of their situations. Many could not remember who they were, and did not recognize their own children, yet; they could quote scripture; chapter and verse, as if they had just read it! That conversation with my wise prayer partner, and her words of wisdom, inspired by the Holy Spirit, ministered to my Spirit, and has caused me to desire, even greater, the hiding of His Word, in my heart and mind! 2 Timothy 2:15 provides a great reason for doing just that, every day and in everything: Hebrews 4:12, “For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” Read God’s Word, Study God’s Word, Memorize God’s Word, Live God’s Word, BE God’s Word, Share God’s Word!!! My words are limited and time sensitive, but His Word is limitless and eternal and will last forever!! I get so excited about what is to come when I am, deeply, into His Word and the Holy Spirit reveals the intent and the power for living, that is mine, when I am “IN HIS WORD AND LIVING IN HIS WILL!” If you end your earthly days with the inability to recognize your family or to remember who you are or remember what you did 5 minutes ago, what do you want to remember? I choose to remember MY GOD’S HOLY SCRIPTURES. So, while you can, store up that precious word! DO IT NOW!!!! Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!