M.E.A.L.S.

On Sunday night, Joe taught on the importance of staying in the word and scripture memorization. Here's what he has to say in his blog about it...

"Our night event at church each week for the high school students is called NEXT. I taught last night in the youth pastor's absence...

I basically taught the students (and leaders) my post from three weeks ago or so where I shared all the Scripture that speaks of God's word and food in the same context. I told them that I think God uses that illustration to tell us that as often as we eat for our bodies, our spirits need his word that much also. So many people only read the Bible at church. Yet none of us eats physical food only once or twice a week.

I handed out to everyone two different Bible reading plans and my Bible reading tips (scroll down on the right hand side of my front page of the blog to find the Bible reading tips). I threw a lot at them. I asked seniors to identify themselves and then told them they only have months left with us and that statistically speaking in two years three out of every four of them won't be Christians anymore and that I don't want that to happen. They need to develop a habit of being in God's word every single day.

I exhorted the students to develop a habit of being in God's word at least five days a week - knowing that we all miss days. If they are already doing that, then start memorizing with regularity. I encouraged them to get a buddy to do this with. Two are strong than one in accomplishing this kind of thing.

I threw a lot out to them in a short time. I told them I don't expect them to act on everything I offered. It's too much. But I told them I would like them to purpose to DO SOMETHING (that's something Pastor Jeff tells everyone all the time). Do one thing! You aren't in the word outside of church? Start eating daily. You're in the word daily already? Add memorization!

One of the best ways to do this is instead of sitting down and trying to read five chapters at one time is to read one chapter at each meal. Break it up during the day. You've got five minutes? Read one chapter.

I hope each of the students does something. One student afterward told me that they were glad I pushed this. This student got a buddy that night to start reading through the harder of the two plans I offered. Who's the buddy? One of the adult leaders! This is great. They can both hold each other accountable to keeping up. I also know that they will discuss from time to time what they are reading.

Do you need a buddy to help you do this? If you don't have one, I'll be glad to be one for you."

To read his post on the scripture that compares the bible to food, go to http://blaugmenting.blogspot.com/2008/08/menu-for-week-of-august-25th.html


He did a great job! Thanks a lot Joe!
~Lola~