The Engrafted Word

Many years ago, I had the great privilege of meeting, and then getting to know, the dear Florence Turnidge.  That meeting and subsequent friendship would become for me a living example and enduring encouragement.  Florence had such  a love for the Word of God and a zeal for the truth.  My only regret was not meeting her sooner — well, that, and not keeping the habit of regularly memorizing scripture.  To this day I find, stashed throughout our home, evidences of her ministry:  Bible memory cards — key verses printed on cards for memorization.

After I began memorizing Scriptures, I came to realize the great benefit and blessings the come through the engrafted Word.  I came to see that it’s the only Word one can read in the dark—and it’s been, in the darkest days, powerfully realized.  So, why haven’t I devoted more time and attention to Bible memory work?  Slackness.  My own slackness — and I see it so clearly when I face situations and react or respond in fear rather than in faith. 

And then I consider that the Lord is not slack–no, not at all.  And as I seek to be like Jesus, I remember that I must determine to know Him and His ways and that this is a daily walk, this walk of faith.  So I think of His admonitions: “Be ye strong therefore, and let not your hands be weak: for your work shall be rewarded.”  –2 Chronicles 15.7  

And I reckon this with more of the Lord’s character: “The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.”  —2 Peter 3.9

 So I wonder again: why have I not spent time diligently engrafting the Word of God?  I know I must — I run into situations all the time where I need to instantly bring to mind the Truth as so much error is vaunted as “truth” and so much “religion” is presented as “biblical.” 

“Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls.” –James 1.21

While we were attending a recent conference, I made a note to memorize a particular chapter and even highlighted my note to do so.  That note, tucked into many pages of notes would perhaps have been forgotten unless one of the men in our prayer meeting had mentioned he’d had a real prompting to memorize Scriptures.  Ah… my own notes came back to mind.  Isn’t it interesting how the Lord works when He’s prompting something in us–it’s often accompanied or confirmed by another witness.  And then, just yesterday, I had yet another affirmation to hide His Word in my heart as I was seeking to be an encouragement to another sister regarding guarding the heart and mind from the subtle attacks of the enemy.

Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.  Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.  For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.  Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.  Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;  And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;  Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.  And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:  Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;  And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel,  For which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.”  Ephesians 6.10-20

O, and the latest  passage that was impressed on my heart?  Isaiah 26.  And I will press on to engraft that word on my heart.  Thank you for reading today… may you always be blessed.