“My son, keep my words and store up my commands within you.”

Scripture memory is not my strength. Any kind of memorization has always been a challenge for my ADD mind. I lost a close brother, mentor, and pastor a couple of days ago. He seemed able to instantly recall any scripture at any time. He was a gifted communicator of God’s truth, which I believe came from his years of immersing himself, dwelling in God’s Word. “Dwell” means to live or reside in a place, like a home, or to think about something at length, often lingering on a particular thought or issue. That’s the picture here. At lunch a couple of weeks ago, he shared with me that he listened to a number of sermons every day. He told me he went to sleep with scripture on his mind. I confess that I go to sleep with the latest Grisham or Ludlum story on my mind most nights. That is going to change. As Solomon tells us, the only way to keep God’s commands is to know them—and the only way to know them is to live in His words, to dwell there. In this verse, “within you” means to deeply internalize God’s words and commands, not merely to know them, but to treasure them in your heart, mind, and actions, making them precious. Today, do as my friend did and dwell in God’s truth so it can dwell in you. #BeTheEdge

“Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.” Joshua 1:8 NIV