by Barb Schumacher

Thy Word have I hid in my heart, that I might not sin against Thee. (Psalm 119:11)

 

In 2016 a little four-year-old boy from Tyler, Texas became a YouTube video star when his father posted a video of him. What was little Tanner Hemness doing in the video? Well, he was reciting Scripture verses from A to Z. Yes, within six months Taylor Hemness taught his son, Tanner, (yes, from Tyler, Texas…lots of “Ts” here!) 26 Scripture verses—one for each letter of the alphabet!

 

My friend, Bonnie Fuhrman, urged our Ladies’ Bible study group to do the same—memorize! UGH! While I was totally impressed with little Tanner, I knew that I would not be so successful at this memorization thing. And at this writing, I am nowhere near my goal…..but I am trying. And I would like to encourage you to do the same. And what better season to “hide God’s Word in our hearts” than Lent.

When I first started this exercise, I was planning to write just one verse for each letter. This project has now grown to at least one and many times three or four for each letter. But I must tell you that the greater blessing that has come from all of this Scripture reading, writing and memorizing is the blessing, the joy, the peace, the gratefulness and the change in me that comes from my devotion time as I read these ancient words.

 

I pray that you, too, take up the challenge to “hide God’s Word in your heart” and to be blessed during this Holy Lenten season.

Dear Lord, help me to delight in your Word, to meditate on your precepts and your truths and hide your Word away in my heart, so that I will not sin against you. Help me to share these truths from your Word with others, as I strive to be Your light in a dark world. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

 

 

 

To view little Tanner and his scripture memorization go to: https://www.biblegateway.com/blog/2017/01/4-year-old-recites-abcs-using-bible-verses/ At the bottom of the article, you will see the listing of the verses that he has recited and the Scripture references.