Following the MAP

[In our Christian walk we must be aware that we are follow God. It takes a consious effort on our part--submission to His leading. Or without realizing it we'll be directing our own path with biblical ideals. Following takes hearing and attention to God's words. In a daily time with God we must find a portion of Scripture relevant to our problem or find one that deals with the Bible truth we wish to master. And always meditate on Scripture that the Holy Spirit "highlights" as we are reading His Word.]

Memorize the Passage

During temptation we must know exactly what God has said "word for word." Merely having a general idea about what is right is not enough when dealing with the deceptive nature of our own heart. A man who cannot remember God's exact words is in danger of leaning on his "own understanding" like Eve did in the Garden of Eden when Satan twisted God's words.

Analyze the Passage

Study the passage, asking the Holy Spirit to give us a thorough understanding of its message. Do a more extensive study and pray that God will illuminate our understanding of what He wants us to know from the Scriptures.

Personalize the Passage

Plan concrete changes in our life that are consistent with our understanding of the passage. Be not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the Word. We are to continue as long as it takes to make sure we don not forget what we have heard.

"But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed." --James 1:25

[This is an excerpt from Changed In His Image.]

A tip for memorizing verses--write the first leter of each word in the verse. For example..... Psalm 119:105-- "T w i a l u m f, a a l u m p."

This gives us enough of a prompting so that we can recall the word but since the whole word is not present, you will not find yourself merely reading the words mindlessly. So how did you do with Psalms 119:105? "Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path."

God will help us with these things if we only ask.