What stood out to you most during your study of Scripture? Which memory passage challenged you, encouraged you or helped you? In what way have you grown since you started your Discovery Journal?
I believe that trusting God is one of the most important things we, as believers, can ever learn. I’d like to challenge all of us to NOT let the seed of God’s Word fall on stony ground. Do not let it be snatched away when trials arise. Hold fast to His truth.
Grab a journal and write down the key points you would do well to remember. Trust me, they will help you all of your life if you remember them and choose to live by them. Write down a few of your passages and make a plan to review them, even if that just means reading them out loud once a week.
The awesome thing about the National Bible Bee is that it is ALL about God’s Word, and in Isaiah 55 it says that God‘s Word NEVER returns void (verse 11). Don’t stop doing what you did as a participant in the National Bible Bee just because the season is over. Good news! God‘s Word NEVER ends and neither should our pursuit of Him. Make a plan and stick to it.
Personally, I aged out of the National Bible Bee a few years ago, but I have chosen to make it a habit to proclaim God’s Word out loud, either by memory or even by reading it, almost every day. Why? Because I believe God when He says that His Word is “living and powerful” (Hebrews 4:12), that His Word is “the light that guides our feet” (Psalm 119:105), that His Word guards against sin (Psalm 119:11), and that it is completely relevant for all of life, no matter the circumstances we are facing.
The more you fall in love with God’s Word, the more you fall in love with God. And the more you fall in love with God, the more you’ll be ready to obey Him and to walk in His ways.
So, what are you waiting for? If you haven’t already, make a plan to stay in God’s Word no matter what season you’re in. Ask a family member or friend to keep you accountable.
Personally I love the Psalms. The Psalmist is honest with God about whatever he is going through, and then proclaims the truth of who God is and praises His holy Name! The Psalms encourage and steward closeness to God. During the month of September, my friend and I read one Psalm a day out loud, and the ones I knew by heart, I would recite throughout the day. This was powerful and refreshing.
Follower of Christ, I encourage all of us to “…hold fast the pattern of sound words…” which we have received (2 Timothy 1:13). Later in his letter, Paul exhorts: “But you must continue in the things which you have learned and been assured of, knowing from whom you have learned them, and that from childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus” (2 Timothy 3:14-15).
That pretty much sums it up, continue in the things which you have learned. For they are able to give you the wisdom you need to have faith in and follow our Lord Jesus Christ unto salvation.
Written by NBB Alumna: Rebekah Marlowe
