I’d like to re-introduce to you one of the most rare and uncommon ancient practices that may drastically improve your life – physically, mentally, emotionally, spiritually and relationally.
Some of you might have heard of it before and for others it may be a new concept. As the title suggests, I am referring to the practice of meditating on the scripture.
Perry’s message on Sunday offered us insight in the power of meditating on the scripture. He gave us four promises that have come from his experience with meditating on the scripture (Proverbs 3:1-10). He emphasized that this is a foundational word for the next generation.
- Long & Prosperous Life
- Favour & Good Name
- Healthy Body
- Overflowing Fruitfulness
The key here is to have Faith & Trust in God!
Proverbs 3:1-10 (NIV)
1 My son, do not forget my teaching,
but keep my commands in your heart,
2 for they will prolong your life many years
and bring you peace and prosperity.
3 Let love and faithfulness never leave you;
bind them around your neck,
write them on the tablet of your heart.
4 Then you will win favor and a good name
in the sight of God and man.
5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart
and lean not on your own understanding;
6 in all your ways submit to him,
and he will make your paths straight.
7 Do not be wise in your own eyes;
fear the Lord and shun evil.
8 This will bring health to your body
and nourishment to your bones.
9 Honor the Lord with your wealth,
with the firstfruits of all your crops;
10 then your barns will be filled to overflowing,
and your vats will brim over with new wine.
We don’t need to look far to see how these promises reign true in the lives of Perry & Catherine. If you haven’t already, take a read of Perry’s book Seasons of Change to see the impact of scripture in his life. It may be in our best interest to follow in the examples of the people who have walked before us and clearly display a life of fruitfulness.
The pastoral team has been memorizing scripture for years now. Here is a list of scriptures that we are memorizing and it continues to grow:
- Matthew 22:36-39 (Greatest Commandment)
- 10 Commandments – Exodus 20:1-17
- Galatians 5:22-23
- 2 Peter 1:5-8
- Philippians 4:8
- 2 Timothy 1:7
- Micah 6:8
- Psalms 139:23-24
- Matthew 7:13-14
- 1 Corinthians 10:13 NIV
- Isaiah 41:13 NIV
- Isaiah 55:6 NIV
- 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 NIV
- Romans 12:2 NIV
- 1 Corinthians 11:23-26 NIV
- Proverbs 10:22 NIV
- 1 John 3:16-18 NIV
- Hebrews 12:1-2 NIV
- 1 Peter 2:9-10 NIV
- Ephesians 2:8-10 NIV
- Deuteronomy 6:5-9 NIV
- Proverbs 22:6 NIV
- Hebrews 5:12-14 NIV
- Joshua 24:14-15 NIV
- 3 John 1:3-4 NIV
- Deuteronomy 6:10-12 NIV
- James 1:5-8 NIV
- James 1:2-4 NIV
- Proverbs 3:5-6 NIV
- Romans 12:9-13 NIV
- Numbers 6:24
- John 15:5-8 NIV
- Matthew 6:19-21 NIV
I’m not sharing this to boast, but to show you that we are learning to not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God (Matthew 4:4).
Let me share with you a secret. Gabe tricked us. We thought we were just memorizing scripture, but in reality we were learning how to not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of God (Matt. 4:4). He is teaching us how to feed our spirit and equip ourselves with the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, for the battles we face (Ephesians 6:17), not to mention all the promises that come from keeping the Lord’s commands in your heart.
I don’t know about you, but I don’t carry a physical Bible with me everywhere I go. I do have the ‘Bible App” on my phone when needed, but recalling scripture from memory seems faster when you are in need of the truth.
Father, I thank you for YOUR word. I pray that you would teach us how to feed on your word. May we cling to your truth in every area in our lives. Help us to have faith in your word and trust in your promises. Holy Spirit come and fill us as we meditate on your word. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen!