Speaking Truth into Memory - Martin Wiles

I have recited aloud all the regulations you have given us. Psalm 119:13 NLT

Truth and temptation have interesting ways of entering our minds, so speaking truth into memory is crucial.

During elementary school, my teachers introduced me to multiplication tables. Beginning with one times one, we learned up to twelve times twelve. When we had finally mastered the twelves, we stopped. We had reached our goal.

The teacher held up large cards with the equation. No overheads or projectors existed in those days. Only after each student had stood before the class and recited their respective tables did we move to the following number.

Although I hated standing in front of the class, I always had a good memory, so the practice wasn’t difficult, just embarrassing. More than fifty years later, I still remember my multiplication tables without really thinking about the answers. Because I spoke truth repeatedly into my memory, it stuck.

The psalmist knew the importance of memorization as well. He probably wasn’t concerned with mathematical facts, but he was with the principles of God’s Word. My parents and early childhood Sunday School teachers were also. I memorized the books of the Bible and demonstrated my knowledge by participating in sword drills. I also memorized special verses in the Bible that most Christians deemed important. Verses like John 3:16 and Romans 10:9–10. Many of the verses I memorized as a child have stuck with me.

Some years ago, I bought a pocket-sized notebook and began recording special Bible verses. Many of those I had memorized as a child. Verses reminding me of God’s promises, love, and provision when facing troublesome times. Before long, I had filled the book. I keep it beside my favorite chair. Periodically, I’ll look through the book and recite the verses.

God’s Word doesn’t automatically enter our minds, but we can speak it there. Repeating verses aloud speaks truth into our memories. Doing it often speaks it into our long-term memories where it remains.

When we firmly implant it, God will use those verses to guide us through the challenges of everyday life. Regardless of the situation or emotion we face, a verse will fit.

Are you speaking truth into your mind? It’s never too late to start.

Prayer: Father, may Your word be so crucial that we would speak into our memories. 

Tweetable: Are you speaking truth into your memory? 

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Meandering Monday - God Multiplies Differently - Martin Wiles

Welcome to Meandering Monday, where we take a trip back to an earlier post and enjoy it again.

Give, and you will receive. Your gift will return to you in full—pressed down, shaken together to make room for more, running over, and poured into your lap. Luke 6:38 NLT

My wife’s way of doing multiplication isn’t the method I learned.

PVCs had driven her to the emergency room on several occasions. As she waited to be seen, she noticed a twenty-dollar bill in the seat beside her. Knowing it belonged to someone, she took it to the receptionist (who probably pocketed it later).

When she told me what she’d done, I questioned her actions. We needed that money. The fuel in our car was nearing empty, and payday was a few days away. She defended her honesty by reminding me it was the right thing to do.

Fast forward one month. While I attended the Asheville Christian Writer’s Conference, my wife and two friends went “junking” at thrift stores. Knowing I had been looking for a copy of Eugene Peterson’s The Message, my wife quickly spotted a copy at one of the stores. When she asked how much it was, the salesperson said it was free.

As I prepared to add this Bible to my collection, I noticed a bank envelope nestled inside. Seeing a twenty-dollar bill, I took it to my wife, thinking she had stashed left-over money from our trip there. Imagine our surprise when twenty-four fifty-dollar bills and four twenty-dollar bills emerged. The twenty had multiplied.

We’ve always believed in Jesus’ promise that he will give back to us if we faithfully give to him. And what he gives will far surpass the amount we initially gave. Granted, this is the only time we’ve experienced an incident like this—and we certainly don’t expect it to happen again—but God’s faithfulness has abounded in many other ways. We’ve never lacked food, drink, clothes, or a place to stay.

And may I admit, I love my wife’s—and God’s—way of multiplying better than the way I learned in school.

Be trustworthy in giving, and God will be faithful in returning.

Prayer: Father, prompt us to give out of love for you as we trust you to supply our needs. 

Tweetable: Have you experienced God's way of multiplying? 

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