Top o’ the Mornin’ to Ya!
TLDR: Discover why intentional Scripture memorization becomes a lifeline for Kingdom Family Leaders facing temptation and seeking direction. Learn how hiding God’s Word in your heart provides both defense against sin and guidance for your path.
What?
“Thy word have I hid in mine heart that I might not sin against thee.” That was the first scripture I intentionally chose to memorize as an adult. Growing up, mom and dad had us memorize scriptures at meals. We would recite them and memorize them. But it didn’t land in my heart.
After my addiction cycle and recovery, I started memorizing scripture. The second verse I memorized was Psalm 119:105 “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path.” That gives me direction – avoiding sin and knowing the path to take as I step forward in life.
During that season, I memorized the entire Sermon on the Mount – Matthew 5, 6 and 7. Why? Because “Thy word have I hid in my heart that I might not sin against thee.” I was inspired by a speaker in prison who stood up and portrayed the Sermon on the Mount as if he were Jesus. He knew the whole thing and shared it with us in conversation, in character, in flow. It made an impact on me.
When’s the last time you spent time in the Word? Is this the only Word you read today? Scripture tells us to spend time in God’s Word and it transforms us.
Why?
Kingdom Family Leaders need more than good intentions and willpower to resist temptation and live righteously. The difference between childhood religious obligation and adult transformation is intentionality rooted in personal need. When you’re recovering from addiction or facing real temptation, Scripture becomes a lifeline rather than a chore.
Hiding God’s Word in your heart only transforms you when you’re desperate for what it offers. When you know your weakness, Scripture stops being information and becomes intervention.
Lesson
“Thy word have I hid in mine heart that I might not sin against thee” isn’t about earning God’s approval through Bible knowledge. It’s about creating internal resources that activate in moments of temptation or confusion. When Scripture is hidden in your heart, it’s available instantly.
The two verses create a complete framework: Psalm 119:11 provides defense against sin, while Psalm 119:105 provides direction for your path. You need both – protection from what to avoid and guidance for where to go.
The transformation happens when the Word moves from external obligation to internal treasure. When that speaker embodied the Sermon on the Mount, he demonstrated what happens when Scripture becomes part of your identity rather than just information you know.
The question “Is this the only Word you read today?” cuts to the heart. If your only exposure to Kingdom truth comes from consuming content about the Bible rather than the Bible itself, you’re building on sand. Scripture itself has power that commentary cannot replace.
Apply
Choose one verse this week to intentionally memorize: Psalm 119:11 and Psalm 119:105. Write them on cards, set phone reminders, repeat them throughout the day. Notice when these verses surface in moments of temptation or decision.
Assess your daily Word intake honestly. How much time in actual Scripture versus content about Scripture? Challenge yourself to spend at least 10 minutes daily reading the Bible itself. Consider memorizing a complete passage like the Beatitudes or Psalm 23.
You be blessed!
Thy Word Have I Hidden: Why Scripture Memorization Transforms Kingdom Leaders
