A Powerful Tool for Change

I and a couple of friends are taking the challenge to memorize Philippians by Easter.  Yep, the whole book.  It wasn't something I had planned on doing, but I came across a challenge to do so, and it appealed to me.  My friends?  Maybe they're just gluttons for punishment.  But honestly, there are some terrific benefits to memorizing scripture.  So, 8 verses into chapter 1, here's what I've gained:

• Love, affection, passion.  Paul is unabashed in expressing his feelings for the church in Philippi.  A mushy guy!  It's okay to be mushy sometimes.
• The local church had government.  Right in the first verse, Bam!, elders and decons are mentioned.
• A little something I like to call togetherness. 

Paul and this church were truly joined together.  He uses words like "partake" and "partnership" when describing them.  No matter what, they have been joined together for one cause: the gospel of Jesus Christ.  And this togetherness, this unity, has deepened into an affection that causes Paul to yearn for them.  There's comfort, joy, and gratitude in their relationsip.

The word is changing me

Each day as I review what I've memorized the day before, it moves further away from being merely an exercise, with the simplest verse taking on deeper meaning in my spirit.  The Word is changing me, softening my heart even more to love the local church.

In closing, I quote Paul, in all his mushy goodness:

"I thank my God in all my remembrance of you,

always in every prayer of mine for you all,

making my prayer with joy"

Philippians 1:3-4

The Word of God is relevant for our lives today. You don't have to memorize it to reap the benefit, but read it, meditate on it, let it begin to seep into the core of who you are and let it transform you.  I cheer you on!

As for my memorizing buddies - you rock! You truly love the Word and I love that we are on this journey together.

May you read and prosper!