Our team’s first week of ministry was organizing a sports camp at a school in Simonstown under the direction of Bradley Barnes. Each day we used sports and games to build relationships with these kids. After each game, we would pull the kids aside to intentionally spark conversations which would make clear connections between the physical skill they were learning and biblical truths.
On Wednesday afternoon, I was leading teams through a game of “Ninja.” In this game, each participant must keep their feet on the ground as they dodge their opponents’ attempts to get them out. Simple game, foundational truth. During our discussion I brought the girls to Psalm 119:11: “I have stored up Your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.” David knew God’s word well; he read, studied and memorized Scripture so that his heart would be overflowing with the words of the Lord. Through knowing what Yahweh has said, David was able to align his heart with the Lord and dodge temptations.
Using my own life as an example, I shared how knowing parable of the unforgiving servant (Matthew 18:21-35) has kept my heart willing to forgive even when it seems impossible. Three of the girls in my last group listened to my story and began sharing their own experiences about the people who have wronged them and how they view forgiveness. Even though their anger seemed justifiable, they allowed me to take them to the Bible to show them more about forgiveness and relationships. One girl in particular truly allowed the Lord to speak to her through Scripture as she realized the importance of forgiveness and how memorizing Scripture will enable her to dodge the temptations of gossip, anger, unforgiveness and bitterness.
It was in that moment that the Lord convicted my heart to be more intentional about memorizing Scripture. I know a lot about the Bible, but I have relaxed in memorizing passages as a part of my spiritual growth so that I may stand firm against temptation. In response to my own challenge, I began memorizing Romans 8 so that I may keep my mind focused on the life that I have in Christ.
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