Benefits
The Word of God is all-sufficient to transform weak, sinful human beings into sons of God. Following is a list of the benefits of hiding the Word in the heart:
Jesus commands Scripture memory. Our Saviour knows that human beings love the world more than they love Him. Since He comes into the life more fully with every verse learned ("The Word is God" John 1:1), He commands, "Lay up these My Words in your heart and in your soul" (Deuteronomy 11:18). Jesus wants His Word in your mind to seal your heart in love to Him.
The Word converts! Because Jesus comes into the heart more fully with every verse engrafted on the mind, the Word lifts you higher and higher until you are "born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the Word of God which liveth and abideth for ever" (1 Peter 1:23). The Word breaks the chain that ties you to the world and saves you in spite of yourself.
The Word cleanses sin! "Thy Word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against Thee" (Psalm 119:11). The Word brings you to Jesus in a weak, sinful state, then the same power begins a work on your heart to wash unchristlike habits from your life. The Saviour's presence becomes more real with every victory.
The Word Builds Faith and Prayer. The devil is most unhappy to see transformations taking place in your life, and he attacks more forcefully than ever. You become an instantaneous prayer warrior as you meet Satan by holding memorized verses before the Author in prayer: "If ye abide in Me, and My Words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will and it shall be done unto you" (John 15:7).
The Word Conveys the Holy Spirit. Conversion fills you with the Spirit, because you are filled with the Word. Jesus said, "The Words that I speak unto you, they are Spirit and they are life" (John 6:63). The early rain of the Spirit comes as you place the converting, cleansing power of the Word in your heart. Soon God will touch the oil of the stored Word with latter rain power. Then the earth will be lightened with the glory of the revelation of His character of love reflected in your life!
The Word gives Guidance. "Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path" (Psalm 119:105). Jesus draws you closer to Himself with His Word, so that moment by moment, He directs, inspires, and empowers you to live a "life hid with Christ in God" (Colossians 3:3). Meditation on chosen verses makes you sensitive to His guidance for every word you speak, every thought you think, and every place you go.
The Word Conveys Love for Jesus. "The love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us" (Romans 5:5). Every learned Scripture makes you acutely aware of the cost of salvation. You see Jesus hanging on the cross bearing sin as if He were the guilty one. Your love for Him grows to a "sweet madness," and you pledge every energy of your life to stop the sin of the world that brings such suffering upon the Saviour.
The Word Increases Intellect. "I have more understanding than all my teachers; for Thy testimonies are my meditation" (Psalm 119:99). The Bible has no rival in its power to discipline and strengthen the intellect, to purify and refine the character. Your mind will be strengthened as you hide God’s Word in your heart, giving you a greater intellect and a deeper love to witness for Jesus in these last days of earth’s history!
The Word Brings Health and Healing. Memorization of the Word brings to your mind the directions God gave at creation for the care of the body. In that same Word you find the power to overcome the habits that destroy your health, and to integrate good habits that bring healing. "He sent His Word, and healed them, and delivered them from their destructions" (Psalm 107:20). Health reform becomes part of your witness, a call to better health, greater wisdom, and deeper spirituality.
The Word Conveys Witnessing Power. "We cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard" (Acts 4:20). Scripture memory fills your heart with a love that makes witnessing natural. Love for the Lord compels you to tell everyone, "Hide His Word in your heart! It will save you in spite of yourself!"
The Word Builds Speaking Power. King Josiah spoke the Word to his people and there was a great turning back to God. The disciples "spoke the Word of God with boldness" (Acts 4:31). You too can memorize and speak the Word, and the same power can today bring a turning back to God.
The Word Implants the Truth. As you place the Word of God in your heart, you see truth revealed in God's Word. "Ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free" (John 8:32). As you change your life to embrace Biblical principals, confidence fills your heart. You identify fully with Martin Luther before the Diet of Worms in 1521, "Unless I am refuted by the clear testimony of the Scripture, I cannot and will not recant. Here I stand!"
The Word Finishes the Work. The thrilling message of Joel 2:11 proclaims that the work will be finished by the application of the Word: ". . . for he is strong that executeth His Word: . ." Like the disciples 2000 years ago, the Word gives you a burning love for Jesus that sends you forth to the battle. Again people take knowledge of you, that you have been with Jesus (Acts 4:13), as you turn the world upside down (Acts 17:6). And you hear them say, "They seem to have a 'sweet madness' for Jesus!" You can hasten that grand and glorious day as you set yourself to hide more Word in your mind to give you more love in your heart!
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