Project 52 – Weekly Scripture Memory // Hebrews 4:12

For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to the dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.

I’m starting a new project today. It’s Project 52. For the next 52 weeks, I am going to memorize key verses from God’s Word to the tune of one per week. And since you’re reading this, I’m assuming you are going to join me in this project. If that assumption is premature, I hope that at least you’ll consider it.

The reason I’m doing this is two-fold:  First, as I’ve prayed about my personal walk with Christ, I sense the Holy Spirit urging from me a greater dedication to God’s Word. Second, I know of no single greater resource for a closer walk with Christ than reading, reflecting on, and obeying God’s Word.

And what better instrument for reading, absorbing and living out God’s Word than committing it to memory. That’s why I’m doing this—and I am excited about the potential Project 52 holds, both for you and for me.

I appreciate what Chuck Swindoll said about Scripture memory:

I know of no other single practice in the Christian life more rewarding, practically speaking, than memorizing Scripture…No other single exercise pays greater spiritual dividends! Your prayer life will be strengthened. Your witnessing will be sharper and much more effective. Your attitudes and outlook will begin to change. Your mind will become alert and observant. Your confidence and assurance will be enhanced. Your faith will be solidified.

Think about it: There is no more powerful, transformative tool that we have been given than the Word of God. The words of God are why we exist in the first place—for he spoke and the worlds came into being. The words of God, spoken through and recorded by both Old and New Testament prophets, reveal what we are to do, direct where we are to go and show how we will get there. The words of God—both recorded in the written Word and revealed in the living Word, Jesus—unfolds who God is and how we can be in right standing with him.

For those reasons, the Word of God is unlike any other word, spoken or written. As the writer of Hebrews says, God’s Word is living—even if we’re only viewing it on the pages of an ancient book. Moreover, God’s Word is active—it doesn’t just provide us with more information about God, it catalyzes transformation within us. And thankfully, God’s Word not only comforts us, it discomforts us, too.  When we read it and hear it, because it is living and active, it penetrates right to the core of our being, and like a surgical implement, exposes our selfish, sinful flesh to the cleansing, healing, restoring light of God’s eternal truth.

Yes, God has spoken through his Word—thank God for that!

So I think it’s pretty obvious why, among other practices we ought to engage in as it relates to God’s Word, we ought to make committing it to memory a top priority.

I’m going to.  I hope you will, too!

Reflect and Apply:  Are there any “thoughts and attitudes” that you need to confess to God and allow him to cleanse in your heart by the washing of his Word?  Now would be a good time to do that.  And while you’re at it, reflect on the last few verses of this chapter, Hebrews 4:14-16. I think you will be encouraged.