For week seven of the 52 Verses Challenge, we continue memorizing 1 Corinthians 13.

Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. -1 Corinthians 13:6

It’s week 6 of the 52 Verses Challenge. Congratulations! This is our second week memorizing God’s plan for love from 1 Corinthians 13. Happy Valentines Day!

It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. -1 Corinthians 13:5

It’s the beginning of February. Over the next two weeks we will be inundated with unhealthy messages about love. Valentine’s Day brings forth all of our false cultural notions of love. This is the perfect month to remember God’s design for love. For the next few weeks we will memorize God’s perfect description of love from 1 Corinthian’s 13. We begin this week with verse 4.

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. – 1 Corinthians 13:4

Most of my family has been sick at some point during the last month. We’ve had the sickness that lingers with fever and cough, leaving you exhausted for weeks. Even those that avoided this round of illness are tired. This week for the 52 Verses Challenge we will memorize Jeremiah 17:14, a reminder that healing comes from God.

This verse is set in a lament about the consequences of Judah’s sins. The nation had turned away from the Lord; now the people are instructed to write, in dramatic fashion, a list of their sins. This is to remind them of the serious consequences that come from trusting one’s own desires and turning away from the Lord. However, there is great blessing found in trusting the Lord and following His way.

Jeremiah 17:14 reminds us that healing and salvation come when we turn from our selves and fully surrender to the Lord. Healing is much more than physical. It involves our bodies, and illness, but extends to God setting right everything that is broken in our lives – body, mind, and soul.

Heal me, Lord, and I will be healed;
save me and I will be saved,
for you are the one I praise.
-Jeremiah 17:14

For week three of the 52 Verses Challenge we’re memorizing Joshua 1:9. I’m currently preaching a series on this amazing promise: God is always present with us. More and more, fear drives North American culture. People are becoming more discouraged. But this is not the dominate realty for Christians. The more aware of God’s presence we are the more peace and hope we can have in moments of difficulty. We can have strength and courage because God is present with us. Always.

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go. – Joshua 1:9

This week’s memory verse reminds us why we are undertaking the 52 Verses Challenge. We are joining the writer of Psalm 119 in hiding God’s word in our hearts so that we may not turn from God’s best plans for our life. God’s way leads us into the best life possible; we memorize scripture so that we may stay on this path.

I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.
-Psalm 199:11

We always seem to be looking for a magic solution, that one trick that will let us rise above the difficulties and conquer all that life throws at us – while smiling the whole time.

There are no magic solutions.

But there are some core disciplines common among people who rock at life. For followers of Jesus, scripture memorization is one of these core disciplines.

Psalm 119 is an extended meditation on the beauty of God’s law found in scripture. Following God’s way in the world, as revealed in the Bible, is the most sure path through life. It is the way to the best life possible.

Memorizing Scripture allows us to carry God’s word with us at all times, allowing us to access God’s promises and guidance at just the moment we need them.

The psalm writer has discovered that God’s word is the light that can guide surely along the path.

Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path. -Psalm 119:105

Imagine having memorized scripture passages that can light your path in a moment of decision. God brings the right verse to mind at just the right time to help yo do just the right thing – because the verse is already placed in your memory. It’s like carrying a flashlight when you most need it.

So that he might stay on the right path, following God’s will in all things, the psalm writer hides God’s word in his heart.

I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you. -Psalm 119:11

What a great way to think about memorizing scripture: hiding God’s word in your heart!

Want to become wise? Keep the commands of God with you at all times.

Your commands are always with me and make me wiser than my enemies. -Psalm 119:98

The 52 Verse Bible Memory Challenge

Every night my family recites a memorized bible verse and prays together before our evening meal. In 2016 we intend to hide more of God’s Word in our hearts, memorizing 52 new Bible verses – one each week.

We invite you to join us in the 52 Verse Bible Memory Challenge. Each week I’ll post our new memory verse on embracethegodlife.com so you can memorize it with us.

For week one, let’s memorize Psalm 119:105: Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.

Are you in? Let us know in the comments below.