Ep. 109 | Practicing, Practical, Practices: Scripture

There are three key components to a healthy Scripture practice:Acts 17:10-11 tells us about the Bereans who "received the Word in all eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see if things were so." They investigated and studied what was then Scripture (the Old Testament) to confirm what the apostles taught.The church today, especially in the West, does well with studying. We have Bible studies, book clubs, and Sunday schools. We should be studying Scripture every day.Psalm 119:10-11 says: "With my whole heart I seek you. Let me not wander from your commandments. I have stored up your word in my heart that I might not sin against you."When we memorize Scripture, it gets locked into the recesses of not just our mind but our being. Some people memorize by book, chapter, and verse references. Others memorize through the narrative of what's happening in the passage. Find whatever method works for you.Memorizing Scripture is the intentional practice of retaining truth so it's easily accessible in every moment of every day. When we stop thinking of it as text on a page and start seeing it as truth—even truth we don't fully understand—memorization becomes easier.Psalm 1:1-2 says: "Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers. But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night."The Hebrew word for "meditate" is "hagah," which means to murmur, to utter softly, to ponder. It describes an animal chewing its prey—making an audible eating sound. It's about reveling in the truth and beauty of Scripture until it vibrates within us.Meditating on Scripture is like savoring a perfect bite of cheesecake. You're not worried about anything else in that moment—you're just overwhelmed by the goodness.1. Study Scripture Daily2. Memorize Scripture3. Meditate on Scripture