Page 79 - First Steps 2023

But we’re here to tell you that even if you memorize just a few verses,
they’re going to serve you well. Why do we think that? Because it’s what
Jesus did and he had them at his disposal when Satan was coming at him
while Jesus was at his weakest.
We’re not asking you to memorize right now—that’s between you and
Jesus.
We’re asking that you stretch a bit by looking up (no shame in us-

ing the table of contents in the front of your Bible—that’s why it’s there)
Mathew 4:1-11 and reading it—aloud.
Find a quiet spot where you won’t be interrupted or overheard.
Then read the passage aloud several times. Put yourself in the
scenes. Smell the scorching sand beneath your feet, feel your stomach go
queasy as you peer down at a hard, tiled courtyard from the highest peak
of the Temple.
Listen to Jesus counter Satan using the power of Scripture.
Then ask yourself: Why wouldn’t you want to have some strategically
chosen passages tucked in your pocket (and memory), too?

Stretch
Activity Meditating on God’s Word
Two
Some Christians get very, very anxious when
they see the word “meditate.”
They wonder if it’s navel-gazing, or if it’s an attempt to clear one’s
mind or dive deeper into oneself. In short, to explore and experience your-
self rather than God.

Meditating on God’s Word is anything but those approaches to medi-
tation. It’s simply quieting your mind, the mad-dash of plans and passions
that are usually swirling behind your eyeballs and to focus on something
God’s said.
And then to let it sink deeply into you where he can use it to trans-
form you.

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