I have hidden Your word in my heart that I might not sin against You. Praise be to You, Lord; teach me Your decrees. With my lips I recount all the laws that come from Your mouth. Psalm 119:11–13 (NIV)
My young children have recently joined a program where they are encouraged to memorize Scriptures. It’s so adorable for them to work so hard to memorize the words. Maybe they’re doing it because they remember that they’ll get a sticker or a piece of candy for each one they know.
Maybe they work so hard because they see the smile on my face and the joy in my eyes as they try. Recently, I found my six-year-old daughter trying to teach her brother John 3:16, “For God so love the princesses that He gave His only begotten Son.”
I corrected her, but I had to smile. Yes, Jesus died for the princesses, too. I know that my children are working hard for immediate rewards, but I also know that they will receive other, more long-range rewards too. How do I know?
Like them, when I was little I memorized Scripture verses so that I could pick out pink plastic rings and miniature chocolate bars from Miss Margo’s treasury box. Those treats were soon broken, lost, or eaten, but the words remained, and in my teen years when I was living far from Jesus, those words returned to me, and they brought me back to Him. Psalm 37:31 (NIV) says, “The law of their God is in their hearts; their feet do not slip.”
There are many things of this world that will cause us to tumble, but the words of Jesus will be like stepping stones on a slippery path. It’s a wonderful thing for us to hide God’s Word in our heart. And if we get a sticker, it’s a bonus. But we are never too young—or too old—to work to plant His Words deep.
Faith Step: Choose a verse to memorize this week. Psalm 119:11 is a great one to start with!
Read the original post at Guideposts.org. Want more devotions? Check out Mornings with Jesus 2016.
Put the world on hold and step into the presence of Jesus, who gladly takes our burdens and stress and restores them with “the peace that surpasses understanding.”
This uplifting daily devotional book includes 366 short five-minute readings that help you rest and recharge your spirit by putting your focus on the Living God. Each page begins with a Scripture quote, followed by and uplifting devotion that demonstrates how Jesus’ life and teaching apply today. With humor, humility, and grace, the writers share insights that are easily relatable. A Faith Step is also included for you to practice throughout the day. The Faith Step will inspire and challenge you to apply the day’s message to your life.
For those who are seeking a deeper experience in their relationship with Christ, Mornings with Jesus 2016 offers a fresh perspective of who Jesus is and what that means for day-to-day life. As you focus on His truth, you will experience an abundance of blessings that spring from your ever-growing personal relationship with Him.
With a warm and friendly voice, 366 short devotional writings on the character and teachings of Jesus encourage you to greet each day by drawing near to Him and inviting His presence into your day. Spend time with Jesus at the beginning of each day and experience His nearness and peace in a new way throughout the year.
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