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by James M. Thomas (Author)
Jesus taught that the highest possible goals for spiritual growth are to love God with all that we are, and to love others. Bible meditation and memorization can help us in doing these. As we fellowship with God by meditating on Scripture, the Holy Spirit opens our hearts to experience the depths of His love and helps us to understand "how wide and long and high and deep" is the love of Christ (Ephesians 3:18). The meditation and memorization of Bible passages lead us to more fully experience "the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit" (2 Corinthians 13:14). Through the meditation and memorization of Scripture, we internalize the truth of God's Word and we are strengthened by the Holy Spirit to obey it. Obedience to the teachings of Scripture is a love-motivated response to God. Bible meditation and memorization can strengthen us for love-empowered obedience, especially in areas where we are weak. We all struggle with thoughts, words, and images that we wish had never entered our minds. But the Holy Spirit can use Scripture to renew our minds so that we are transformed (Romans 12:2). Through the meditation and memorization of Scripture, we invite the Holy Spirit to do this. UNDER THE FIG TREE: FOUNDATIONS FOR BIBLE MEDITATION AND MEMORIZATION provides a starting point for Bible meditation and memorization. You can begin today, with God's help and guidance. Draw closer to God and desire to obey His will. Be transformed. Be sanctified. Be in perfect peace. In short, memorize and meditate upon God's Word.
