It’s been over a week now since I said goodbye to my BFF (Best Furry Friend), Gidget. Gidget had been in my life for nearly fifteen years, so you can imagine the void in the Kempton household without her. This big change in our lives got me thinking about different phases of life and how we each adapt to whatever comes our way. Some choose to go to college after high school, then marriage, possibly a family, a home, and yes, even a pet. As life goes on, there are so many things in our lives along the way that we don’t really stop to think about it. Perhaps we even take things for granted at times.

I saw a headline this week that was talking about cyber warfare and about how there are plans in place that would help restore the Internet should our systems be overtaken by the enemy. Thinking about that change in life literally put me into a panic and it didn’t even happen! Just the thought of how many things in my life would be affected without the Internet made me shudder. There would be no blog, no book sales, no Facebook, no Twitter, no Linked-In, no email, no systems for my real estate business, and on and on and on. Yes, some of these things are just for entertainment, but others have a huge influence on my business and income as a realtor, author and blogger. Not to mention the worldwide destruction that would be possible.

Reflecting on this I was drawn to consider spiritual things as well. What would I do if someone took away my small group, my church or even my Bible? Would I be as sad as I am when I lost Gidget or as panicked as I was with just the thought of losing the Internet? I diligently try to read my Bible every day and have a daily prayer time. I was convicted however when I compared its loss to other things in my life. There are times when I go for several days in a row and don’t read the Word. However, I am ashamed to say, I didn’t grieve over the days missed or break out in a sweat thinking about it—even though I probably should have. I think it is just one of those things in my life that I’ve taken for granted. Every one of us in America probably has more than one Bible in maybe even more than one form. We pick it up at any given time, read it and then we put it back on the shelf. If you’re like me, some weeks I can’t get enough while other times, I unfortunately forget it is there. It’s not something that we would even imagine not being available to us so perhaps we don’t cherish it as we would if we thought itmight be taken away. However, in other countries, it’s actually been banned and illegal to own, so why don’t we take it seriously?  Often it is when something is taken from us or threatened to be taken from us that we realize just how greatly important it was in our lives.   Think about it. Do you understand the privelege we have to own a Bible and be free to read it whenever we so choose.  How would it affect you if your Bible were taken away from you today? Would you be prepared?

Over the years, I have taken the time to memorize many scripture verses. I find great joy when I am in need or someone I know needs encouragement from God and I can quote a scripture from memory. We are instructed in the Bible to hide God’s Word in our hearts. I have decided to make it a point to step up my memorization and learn a new verse by memory every couple of weeks. I put a longer timeframe on it than some may take, but I am old and sometimes it takes longer to sink in and stick! If I have God’s Word hidden in my heart, I am not only being obedient; but, I can also be at peace should there come a day when a Bible is no longer available to me at every turn heaven forbid.

My challenge this week is that you will join with me in memorizing scripture. I can provide a scripture for us to memorize together or perhaps there is one that God has laid on your heart that you haven’t yet committed to memory. I don’t care what you memorize, just memorize something! Will you take this challenge? How has God blessed you through memorizing scripture? Please share with us so that we can all be encouraged and reminded of the importance of doing this.

Lord, as we go about our busy days, please never allow us to take You or Your Word for granted. Please help us to learn and remember the words You want us to know and never forget. Thank You for helping us and forgiving us when we have fallen short. May we be changed by this reminder and encouraged by the scriptures You’re going to give us in the days ahead. In Jesus Name, amen.

This is my memorization scripture for the next two weeks. If you feel like a challenge, join me in this.

Psalm 119: 9-16
9How can a young man cleanse his way?
By taking heed according to Your word.
10 With my whole heart I have sought You;
Oh, let me not wander from Your commandments!
11 Your word I have hidden in my heart,
That I might not sin against You.
12 Blessed are You, O LORD!
Teach me Your statutes.
13 With my lips I have declared
All the judgments of Your mouth.
14 I have rejoiced in the way of Your testimonies,
As much as in all riches.
15 I will meditate on Your precepts,
And contemplate Your ways.
16 I will delight myself in Your statutes;
I will not forget Your word.

If you’d prefer a more simple verse, try this one.

Psalm 119:11 Your word I have hidden in my heart, That I might not sin against You.

Have a blessed week!