John 11:35: "Jesus wept."

Have you ever run into an individual who seems to have the entire New Testament memorized? Well, maybe that is exaggerating, but we probably have all met people who really have an understanding of Gods Word. One of the reasons is that they have memorized Scripture. They have "hidden the Word of God in their heart."

We were taught the lesson even as a young person, werent we? In school, we memorized addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division tables. In chemistry, there was memorization involved. Why? So when we needed systems, we could recall them at a moments notice. They were tools that would be used throughout our entire lives. Isnt Scripture much more needed?

I am not talented at memorizing Scripture. I really have to struggle to get the exact wording down. To keep it in my "brain computer" is hard work. However, it is needed. As your heart yearns to be a man of God, I encourage you to begin memorizing Scripture. And, I would ask you to memorize first the above verse. Not only will it be an easy one for you, but it will keep your perspective right as you think of other verses you will learn. Dont get "puffed up" by knowledge, but realize that Jesus wept. He was our God who came to earth and had great compassion on men. He was not a cold-hearted authoritative figure - even though He could have been. He was not a hard taskmaster - even though He could have been. He was our Savior - and He had great compassion on the world.

Meditate On This!

In Ephesians 6, we understand that the "sword" in our spiritual warfare is the Word of God. How much Scripture have your memorized? Why not take a few moments right now and count the verses you know? How about categorizing them so that you will know which scriptures to recall for the spiritual battles that you are, or will be, involved in. If you are having a spiritual struggle now, why not write down six or seven and memorize them this week. God uses His Word to overcome those trials in our lives.

If you are on the other end of the spectrum, continue to memorize, but don't become puffed up in your knowledge. Humbly, before God, thank Him that He has given you victory in so many areas. This is not an academic venture. Remember, our God and Savior had compassion and wept.