I wrote yesterday about the curriculum called Every Man a Warrior. An assignment within it is to memorize a scripture it gives you for each session. We then recite it to a partner in the group and they do the same with you. Each session adds a new scripture and one is to recite the previous ones too in order to keep them in long-term memory. I have to admit this was my personal reason to not want to use this material. I STRUGGLE with memorizing and I’d much rather put hard work into other learning. However, God has gently kept me on track and this morning is another session. (We meet every other Saturday due to the men’s work schedules). 

As I have grown older I have realized the solid truth that God never changes. I went through this memorizing issue when I was asked to start the counseling ministry. It is biblical counseling and so I thought I’d have to memorize scripture so I could quickly quote it when needed. My fears wanted to rule my actions. God gently kept me on tract and now 1.5 years later I realize even more how God’s Holy Spirit prompts scriptures when needed in counseling sessions. He is not wanting to punish me, He is working to continue growing me into more of His likeness. There is nothing more concrete for us to grab ahold of than God’s Word–The Bible. The Word not only shows us the substance of God, but it enables us to be more like Him when we “guard it in our heart”. 

OK, I’m going to quote my memory verse this morning. I, more than anything, want to please God, not try and manipulate my way out of obedience.