Memory All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness… 2 Timothy 3:16 The cards were laid out on a table in five rows and 10 columns. Pairs of cards scrambled and hidden face down. Turn two over and try to memorize where each card was. The goal was to pick up as many pairs as you could! I always played with high hopes…but rarely came out on top. Memorizing didn’t seem to be a strong suit for me. A few years ago, I read "Hidden in Christ," a book that challenged me to memorize Colossians 3: 1-17. And so over the course of several days, I committed this passage to memory. It was remarkable…not only that I was able to commit it to memory…but that I began to see how these verses informed and guided my everyday life. To this day, they continue to speak to me. I want to encourage you to take a go at memorizing a verse or two (or more) of scripture. This is a great opportunity to allow God to write his word in our hearts. Doing so can help us to know God in a deeper way, renew our minds, and encourage others. You might start by memorizing a few of the following verses that are timely and true for our current times: Isaiah 41:10 "Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand." Deuteronomy 31:8 "The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged." 1 Corinthians 13:4-8a Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never ends. Philippians 4:6-8 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Blessings,
Matthew+ Almighty and everlasting God, in Christ you have revealed your glory among the nations: Preserve the works of your mercy, that your Church throughout the world may persevere with steadfast faith in the confession of your Name; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen (BCP p. 235) | 
