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It is our mission as a church to help people find and follow Jesus through a lifelong relationship with Him. He is the answer everyone needs. This is also my personal mission. What else could I give my life to that would be worth more than this?  

A key part of this life-giving walk with Jesus is found in knowing and living out His Word. It is how we hear from Him and learn to recognize His voice. He speaks through His Word; it is living and active. It is life changing and life-giving. It helps us through life and shows us how to have life. Through it, we find life itself.  

Memorizing His Word puts it into our life in a deeper and more transformative way. This is something followers of Jesus have done from the very beginning and something I want to get better at as well as helping others do the same. It can add a great deal of value to how we live and experience the life God has for us.  

Here are 5 Reasons to Memorize God’s Word:   

1.  So, we don’t do anything to disrupt our closeness with Him.  

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

2.  So, we can live it out and live the life God has for us.  

Joshua 1:8 - Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. 

3.  So, we have His Words close to us at all times.  

Deuteronomy 11:18 - Fix these words of mine in your hearts and minds; tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. 

4.  So, we can know how to pray and see God at work through our prayers.  

John 15:7 - If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. 

5.  So, we are prepared for the battles and challenges ahead, fully equipped, and ready.  

Ephesians 6:17 - Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. 

 

If I had to make a list of my top 15 verses that I would like to have in my heart and ready to go, it would look something like this: (Well, exactly like this)  

 

TOP 15

Proverbs 3:5-6 (Why? Because it’s my life verse. Why is it my life verse? Because it says everything I need to know for how to live)  

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and he shall direct your paths.  

John 3:16 (Why? Because it is the Gospel in a sentence)  

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. 

Isaiah 41:10 (Why? Because it reminds me that God won’t let me down.)  

So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. 

Philippians 4:13 (Why? Because at some time or another, I will need this verse.)  

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.   

Romans 8:28 (Why? Because I will sometimes wonder if everything is going to work out or not)  

And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to HIS purpose. 

Hebrews 13:8 (Why? Because we all need to remember that Jesus doesn’t change, ever.)  

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. 

Psalm 37:5 (Why? Because one time when I was in a spot where it looked like failure, right after I saw this verse, God stepped in and made it all right, something I will never forget.)  

Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him, and he will act. 

Jeremiah 29:11 (Why? Because it is a great reminder of God’s heart for His people and what He wants for us.)  

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. 

John 14:6 (Why? Because it reminds us of exactly who Jesus is and why we need Him so desperately)  

Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. 

Psalm 56:3 (Why? Because everyone is afraid of something at some time.)  

When I am afraid, I put my trust in you. 

Ephesians 2:8-9 (Why? Because it is so key to our understanding of exactly what God has done for us.)  

For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast. 

Lamentations 3:22-23 (Why? Because it is a great reminder that every day, we get to start over)  

The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. 

Romans 12:2 (Why? Because I want to know God’s will and plan for my life, and this verse tells me how to find it. One key way to renew your mind is through knowing the Word.)  

Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. 

Jeremiah 31:3 (Why? Because it just makes life better knowing this.)  

The Lord appeared to us in the past, saying: “I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with unfailing kindness. 

 

Okay, this is just a start. I could very easily have gone for the top 25 or top 50 or top 100, but this is a good start.  

How about you? Do you have a verse that you want on your list that isn’t on this one? Let me know what it is. Share your list with your family and friends and see how God uses them in your life.  

Keep following Jesus!