Some words stay with you.

Several years ago, I was struggling to get into the habit of reading the Bible. Not only did I not know where to begin, but I also lacked the discipline to stick to a regular routine. I asked a leader in my church for some guidance, and he quoted Galatians 6:7 to me: “whatever one sows, that will he also reap.” In the moment, it seemed a bit harsh, but I knew what he meant by it. He was saying, “If you want to experience the blessings that come with regular Bible study you have to put in some effort.” His words made an impact.

In addition to my leader’s words, many members in my church inspired me to read and memorize the Bible. Their lives as well as Christians throughout history served as shining testimonies that made a big impression.

These experiences worked together to encourage me to get started. I decided to read two chapters per day: one from the Old Testament and one from the New Testament. Slowly but surely I began to work my way through the Bible. It soon became an increasing source of help, strength and guidance for my daily life. I didn’t realize the impact this would have on me, but looking back I can see the fruit that was borne as God’s word began to take root in my heart.

One moment stands out in particular: Fast-forward several years to my wedding day. I was experiencing ever-increasing anxiety as the day approached. So I recited the words of Isaiah 26:3 over and over until they took root in my heart. “You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you.” During the wedding, with no access to the Bible, these words remained with me and brought comfort.

My mind frequently returns to that encounter I had with my leader at church. It was the spark that ignited a turning point for me. Since then, the practice of knowing Scripture better has ebbed and flowed, but I have seen the fruit it has borne in my life. There is much progress I still need to make, but the words of Scripture have served as an important encouragement to me since that time.

As Psalm 1 says, “But his delight is in the law of the LORD and in His law he meditates day and night. He shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of waters that brings forth its fruit in its season, whose leaves shall not wither and whatever he does shall prosper.”

Below are some verses that have helped me see the intersection of Scripture in various spheres of my life. I hope they help you too.

Work.“Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men.” – Colossians 4:23

Speech.“Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight oh LORD, my strength and my redeemer.” – Psalm 19. “…but whoever restrains his lips is prudent.” – Proverbs 10:19

Conflict.“Bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive.”
– Colossians 3:23.

Marriage. “Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her.” –Ephesians 5:22

Parenting.“Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.” –Ephesians 6:4

Neighbor.“Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” – Matthew 5:16.

Citizen.“Be subject for the Lord's sake to every human institution, whether it be to the emperor as supreme, or to governors…” –1 Peter 2:13-14

Church.“And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, ²⁵ not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.”
–Hebrews 10:24-25

Need help memorizing the Bible? Check out the free app BibleMinded, which offers an easy way to pick up the habit of memorizing the Bible.