Over the last four months, I have more greatly realized the value of memorizing the Word, both in my life personally and in my ministry. This was also an emphasis that I tried to make in the pastoral theology class that I taught in September. As I have had occasion to share what I have memorized in Swahili with the Bible Institute students and church leaders, I have been really encouraged with the response. One man has decided to start memorizing 1 Thessalonians 1, another 1 Corinthians 1, another 1 Peter 5.
This is really exciting to me, because in an oral society, one of the most powerful ways that the Word can be delivered is when it is quoted, not simply when it is read. Pray with me that these efforts would continue, mine and those of the men, so that we would be more capable and qualified ministers of the Word.
after a sentence or two i wondered what language you were memorizing...swahili...nice!
Posted by: jon | 29 October 2011 at 02:45 PM
Dan, keep it up! That is so good to hear and a good reminder to me. How important and powerful to hide God's Word in our hearts. I guess the irony, though, is that once "hidden" It blessedly spills out into our thoughts, words, and actions. Praise God!
Posted by: Diana | 31 October 2011 at 08:05 AM