Friday, July 2, 2010

I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sing against you

I had lunch with a friend a couple days ago. During our lunch I was amazed to discover that he had memorized the entire books of Galatians, Ephesians, Phillipians, and Colossians, and Philemon. He wasn't showing off or bragging, he was simply showing how useful and wonderful it can be to have entire sections of scripture memorized. Not only did he know verses, he could get them in the context. I loved it!. It produced a twofold emotional response. I was happy for my brother, and slightly embarrassed that I hadn't attempted to memorize any scripture myself. During this lunch conversation I rememberd a previous desire of mine start memorizing scripture. I also listened to a sermon recently imploring me to take the matter of scripture memorization seriously. So my loyal readers I'm here to annouce that I am going to memroize some. I'm going to take up the daunting task of memorizing Psalm 119. Now for those of you who don't know, Psalm 119 is the largest chapter in the bible, containting 176 verses. The main theme of Psalm 119 is the word of the Lord. This entire chapter is dedicated to expressing our love for God's word. I will post the Psalm for you hear. I could just cut and paste, but I figure it will be better for me to type it out and get it in my head.

Psalm 119: 1 - 32
Blessed are those whose way is blameless, who walk in the law of the LORD! Blessed are those who kep his testimonies, who seek him with their whole heart, who also do no wrong, but walk in his ways!
You have commanded your precepts to be kept diligently.
Oh that my ways may be steadfast in keeping your statutes!
Then I shall not be put to shame, having my eyes fixed on all your commandments.
I will praise you with an upright heart, when I learn your righteous rules.
I will kep your statutes; do not utterly forsake me!
How can a young man keep his way pure? by guarding it according to your word.
With my whole heart I seek you; let me not wander from your commandments!
I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin agianst you.
Blessed are you, O LORD; teach me your statutes!
With my lips I declare all the rules of your mouth.
In the way of your testimonies I delight as much as in all riches.
I will meditate on your precepts and fix my eyes on your ways.
I will delight in your statues; I will not forget your word.
Deal bountifully with your servant, that I may live and keep your word.
Open my eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of your law.
I am a sojourner on the earth; hid not your commandments from me!
My soul is consumed with longing for your rules at all times.
You rebuke the insolent, accursed ones, who wander from your commandments.
Take away from me scorn and contempt, for I have kept your testimonies.
Even though princes sit plotting against me, your servant will meditate on your statues.
Your testimonies are my delight; they are my counselors.
My soul clings to the dust; give me life according to your word!
When I told of my ways, you answered me; teach me your statutes!
Make me understand the way of your precepts, and I will meditate on your wondrous works.
My soul melts away for sorrow; strengthen me according to your word!
Put false ways far from me and graciously teach me your law!
I have hcosen the way of faithfulness; I set your rules before me.
I cling to your testimonies, O LORD; let me not be put to shame!
I will run in the way of your commandments when you enlarge my heat!

1 comment:

Ryan Bell said...

get at it ole buddy! I hope God uses it to teach you many knew things about him and his word.