Hiding God's Word in Their Hearts and Ours

"I have hidden your word in my heart
 that I might not sin against you."
Psalm 119: 11 (NIV)


I want my grandkids to know God's Word so they can be obedient to the LORD"s commands. When my oldest granddaughter was five, I explained  our hearts are like a treasure box, and God wants us to store His Word in our "treasure boxes" - our hearts. Then God's Word will be there when we need it, and we can "get it out" and use it (apply it) to our lives.

 

To help her memorize Bible verses, we made an "ABC" memory verse scrapbook. She memorized verses beginning with each letter of the alphabet. Next we made a  page including that letter, the verse, and a photo to illustrate the verse. Upon completion, she has a special keepsake filled with Scriptures she's hidden in her heart.

 

Now that Sparkles is five, it's her turn to make an "ABC" Bible verse album. Only this time, the project will require a bit more creativity on my part. God help me! Sparkles has a different personality. She's somewhat of a "free-spirit". Her attention span is shorter, and she's less interested in learning. But, that girl loves to sing!

 

So that's my strategy....we're going to have to sing those verses. And I won't dare tell her she's learning and memorizing Bible verses! That will be my secret... for a while anyway. We're starting with the "Y" verse (You can go in alphabetical order if you want) - "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path." Psalm 119: 105. Using the tune from Amy Grant's version of "Thy Word", we sang the verse over and over again. Even little brother sang along! Then, each child sang it alone. Last, we turned the verse into a simple prayer: "Thank you, God for giving us your word that is a lamp to our feet and a light for our path. Thank you that your word directs us and guides us. Help us to obey your commands. In the name of Jesus, amen."

 



 

And while Sparkles is hiding God's Word in her heart, I'll do the same. Twice a month, and with my sisters. Click here  to join Beth Moore's Scripture Memory Team 2013.

Have a blessed day! May the LORD plant his word deeply in the hearts of our grandchildren.

 

Filling Our "Jars"

As a reminder of life's priorities, our Bible study leader presented an illustration using rice, walnuts, and a jar. The jar represents our time.  The rice represents activities that consume our time- things such as a career, cooking, cleaning, laundry, exercise, appointments, hobbies, and social networking. The walnuts represent the most important things- God's Word, worship, and prayer. When the teacher filled the jar with rice first, the walnuts (the most important things) didn't all fit. 



 

Then, she demonstrated that when the walnuts are placed in the jar first, the rice (things of lesser importance) fits as well.

 



 

Jesus was asked, "Which is the greatest commandment in the Law?" He replied, "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind." (Matthew 22:36-37). We demonstrate our love by obeying His commands (John 14:15).

 

Our relationship with God is our greatest priority. As we begin this new year, let's fill our "jars" with the most important things- reading and studying God's Word -the Bible, worshipping the LORD, and prayer- first, and the other things will fit also.

 

Lord God, help us to put You first every day. Give us wisdom to keep our priorities in line with Your will. In the Name of Jesus... amen.

Seekers



"You will seek me and find me

when  you seek me with all your heart."

Jeremiah 29: 13

Following the star, the Magi sought the king of the Jews. When they found the Christ child, the wise men worshipped him and gave him gifts ( Matthew 2: 1-12 ).

We have the assurance that when we wholeheartedly seek God, we will find him.

One way we seek God is through his Word. Inspired by a teacher who reads the entire Bible each year, I desire to seek God by reading Scripture every day in 2013.  I'd love for you to join me. Let's commit to pray for and encourage one another as we read and meditate on His Word.




Bible reading plans are available online. Find a plan that works best for you. The plan I've chosen includes reading each day from the Old and New Testaments, Psalms, and Proverbs.

Bible Study Tools offers these tips for daily Bible reading:

1. Start today.
2. Set aside a specific time each day.
3. Read to learn.
4. Pray first for the Holy Spirit to give you wisdom and understanding. Be refreshed by what you read.

God's Word is a lamp to our feet, and a light for our path (Psalm 119: 105). Let's read and grow in God's Word, and experience His blessings!


Father God, thank you for your word! Give us the desire to read and meditate on your word in 2013. Help us to make Bible reading a priority every day. In the name of Jesus, our Savior, amen.


What Bible reading plan will you choose? Please tell us in the "Comments" section.