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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Walk-on Wednesday - Don’t Forget God - Martin Wiles

Welcome to Walk-on Wednesday. By Hump Day, we are struggling, but we believe a good devotion can strengthen us to finish the week strong. 

But that is the time to be careful! Beware that in your plenty you do not forget the Lord your God and disobey his commands. Deuteronomy 8:11 NLT 

Forgetting can be embarrassing and aggravating.

I once could memorize things, names, and events easily. Having a college professor who required memorizing long lists of answers to numerous questions wasn’t a problem. Despite having a good memory, I’ve always carried several calendars. Then I turned forty, and life changed. Names were the first thing to go. I could look at people I’d known for years and forget their last names—and sometimes their first. I still record scheduled events, birthdays, anniversaries, and a “to do” list on several calendars, but now I need to. These memory lapses disturb me, but I’ve accepted them as a part of the aging process.

God’s Old Testament followers tended to forget as well, but it wasn’t due to age. Instead, they usually forgot because they turned their attention to something else—often idol worship. Or because things were going so well they didn’t see the need for God anymore. God cautioned them to be careful.

Forgetting God is never something I intend to do, but it happens just the same. If things go too well in my life, I begin thinking I have life under control and can handle anything that comes my way. So, God sends or allows a little adversity to remind me I can’t handle life without him—at least not without messing it up.

Things can easily distract us: relationships, material things, hobbies, sports, substances, etc. 

When distracted, we’re more apt to focus on the distraction than on the God who wants our undivided attention. 

Taking precautions is necessary if we’re to focus on God and obey his commands continuously. God is behind every success we enjoy, and he will see us through every adversity we encounter.

Don’t forget God along life’s journey.

Prayer: Father, may we never forget loving and serving You are the most essential things in our lives.

Tweetable: Have you forgotten God? 

 

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Throwback Tuesday - What Will Your Bio Say? - Martin Wiles

What Will Your Bio Say?

At the end of my life, what will my biography say? Will I be proud or ashamed?

My bookshelves house a number of biographies about famous individuals. People who were presidents, people who held high-ranking political offices, people who occupied notary positions, and people who simply made their mark on history. 

I doubt a biography about me will ever be written, but whether my biography ever makes it into print is immaterial—I’m writing it every day. And like a written biography, it includes such things as where I’ve worked, who belongs in my family, and the accomplishments I’ve made. More importantly, what I’ve done for others, my moral stance, and my emotional reactions will also be recorded. Read more...

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Throwback Tuesday - Remembering - Martin Wiles

Remembering

While walking recently, I came upon an unusual sight that led to a flood of memories.

China Berry trees are uncommon in our area, so seeing one was quite surprising. The gentle leaves and placid bark brought back memories of lazy summer pre-teen days spent with my cousin. We wiled away the time hanging from their branches while watching the hogs in my grandfather’s pen mull around beneath us. And in our devilmented moments, we removed their limbs, shaved the bark, pointed the ends, and used our homemade spears to menace the hogs. Read more...

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