READING: Matthew 4:1-11
In this year’s devotional plan, Sunday is designed to be a catch-up day. My plan is to use this day each week to offer practical suggestions for walking with Christ and carrying out spiritual disciplines.
In Matthew 4:1-11, Jesus quoted the book of Deuteronomy three times in response to the enemy’s temptations. He who is the Word knew the Word, and He used the Word to stand against the enemy. In memorizing and following the Word, you and I can also live in victory. Here’s a simple strategy for memorization:
- Memorize out of your quiet time (that is, choose the text to memorize from what you’ve read during the week). When you’re memorizing a text that caught your attention in your reading, you’ll be more inclined to want to learn it.
- Write the text somewhere where you can read it many times each day. I still write my texts on an index card to keep in my pocket, but others use other electronic means. The goal is to have the text in front of you at all times.
- Read it, read, and read it again. Read it during breaks. Read it when you’re sitting in a doctor’s office. Read it when you’re standing in the grocery store line. If you read it enough times in the day, you’ll memorize it just by reading it.
- When you’ve memorized the text, share it with others. Teach them what God has taught you.
- Use every other week for review of previously-learned verses. That way, you’ll memorize and retain about 25 scripture texts per year.
- Stand on the Word anytime temptation occurs.
Prayer: “Father, help me to treasure Your Word in my heart, that I might not sin against You” (Psalm 119:11).
Tomorrow’s reading: Genesis 16-18, Matthew 5:38-6:15