Biblical Baddie

I grew up in Awana. I lived for Wednesday nights at church. It was there that I learned how to memorize Scripture. It was there that I learned how to quickly navigate my way through the Bible. Each Wednesday night, I would recite the Bible verses to get the jewel and move up. I couldn’t wait for the Bible trivia and sword drills. I ended up winning the highest level possible before transferring to Youth ministry. Looking back now, those moments really fed my pride. I was never really prepared before Awana began. I would hurry to memorize the Scripture while the teacher was with another child. I was just really good at bingeing the verses and holding the memory. I was so proud of myself. I thought I knew so much of the Bible. In other words, I thought I was a Biblical baddie. I mean, I can roll the Romans Road right off my tongue along with other popular verses. I probably know about 50 Scriptures very well. In comparison to how many Scriptures are in the entire Bible, that’s really not impressive.

As believers, we talk about wearing the full armor of God. In that armor, the only offensive weapon we have is the Bible. Do we know this? Do we really believe this? Yet so often, we unconsciously make it to be just an old book full of incredible stories and a plethora of thees and thous. The truth is, we need the Word to fight off the attacks from the enemy. We need the Word to affirm our own identities and strength. We need the Word to encourage and uplift one another. We need the Word to win. In order to win, we need to get ready before the battle begins. Just like the example above, it was really imperative that I was ready before Awana. My lack of readiness created a bad habit. In the same way, we have to prepare or else, reap the consequences. Finding Scripture and standing strong in the middle of the storm is not impossible, but the storm might be a little easier to endure if the Word was deeply rooted in your hearts before the storm began. I can imagine God upstairs shaking his head saying, “Aaqila, I already told you we win. I already told you to trust Me. I already told you that I’m working all things together for your good.” But if I don’t open His Word, I can’t truly know what He says. I can’t be assured in His promises. I’ll be like the house that was built on sand.

I can definitely see a difference in other areas also.

Whenever I am lacking spending time in Word, it always shows up in my life. My days are more chaotic. My anxiety is on ten. My patience is non-existent. My kindness is underwhelming. My joy is tainted and there seems to be little peace. But when my time in Word in consistent and daily, opportunities surface for God to show up with His peace, His patience, His kindness, His love, His goodness, His faithfulness, His joy, His strength. We need the Word to win.

All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness,

so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.  2 Timothy 3: 16-17 NIV

 There are so many tools in addition to the Bible at our disposal. I like to use the Bible Gateway app. I prefer writing in my Bible, but with this app, I listen to the dramatized readings. Sometimes, I am able to receive and think about the Scripture differently when I hear it rather than reading. It is also really good while driving. I have a long commute to work and it’s awesome to listen to in the car on my way to work and help prepare my spiritual self for the day.

Another great tool is the Jesus Calling devotional series. Each day, there is a verse highlighted with a blurb of encouragement or challenge. I have gone through the same book for a few years and every time I reread a day, I get something different and new, remembering that God’s Word is alive and breathing and extremely relevant for whatever season or circumstance that we are in.

What additional tools do you use?

Just remember that while these apps or books are great, NOTHING takes the place of the Bible. Last year, I started doing weekly Memory verses again. It’s so important to hide the Word of God in our hearts. It truly helps us along this faith walk. God commands us to meditate on His Word and that is a little easier when we know it. Feel free to join in and let me know what they mean to you in the comments section!

I have hidden your word in my heart,
    that I might not sin against you. Psalm 119: 11 NLT

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