Last night I did not have a thought for today.  For the first time, in many weeks, there was a break in my routine.  I knew it was time to “interrupt my pattern”.  This is one definition of break. I was to enjoy a short break in writing on the life-bringing Word of God.

God’s Word is the bread of life.   Jesus, who was himself the Living Word and the Bread of Life said, “It is written in the Scriptures, ‘A person lives not on bread alone, but by everything God says’” (Matthew 4:4). God’s word is sustenance received that is not accessed through any other means.  As we spend this break together, we do not want to neglect that which continues to sustain each one of us. I invite you to spend the break in a way that keeps us in the Word while bringing a challenge. 

My challenge is to memorize a scripture with me.  Before you say, “I can’t memorize things.” or “I’m too old for that” or “that sounds like too much work” I invite you to try alongside me.  I read just this week that “We used to think that only young brains could grow and develop.  We now know that the adult brain can and does develop, adapt and change.  The dreary wisdom that people can’t change is scientifically incorrect” (Hallowell).  So here we go!  I look forward to hearing that you have memorized it!

We will separate the scripture, breaking it into pieces. Each day, for 7 days, I will seek to send the scripture as a reminder, assisting us in the memorization process.  You will need to read it a few times each day focusing on a certain portion!  Perhaps you might print it out or write it out, posting it in a significant place.  When memorizing, to assist me, I also like to listen to it read.  This is easily done on the phone or computer. If you have children, memorize it together.  Actions also are a great way to help with memorizing!  Here it is!

Ephesians 3:14-21

For this reason I kneel before the Father,

from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name.

 I pray

that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power

through his Spirit in your inner being,

 

so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith.

 

And I pray that you,

 

being rooted

and established in love ,

may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people,

 

to grasp

   how wide

         and long

            and high

                 and deep       is the LOVE of Christ,

 

 and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—

that you may be filled to the measure of all the FULLNESS of God.

Now to him who is able to do “i m m e a s u r a b l y” more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us,

to HIM be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus

throughout ALL generations, for ever and ever! Amen.

Thank you for joining me in taking a break from our usual routine, allowing the Word to speak as we memorize.  I end with the following thought; the word ‘break’ can be defined in many ways.  It also means “to make known : tell”.  May the Lord, by his Spirit, continue to ‘make known’ the bread of life to us, helping us to understand the depths and riches contained within.  Longing for the Word is articulated in the words of this song. Sing/say them with me as a prayer.

802: Break Thou The Bread Of Life

1. Break Thou the bread of life,
O Lord, to me,
As Thou didst break the loaves
Beside the sea;
Beyond the sacred page
I seek Thee, Lord;
My spirit pants for Thee,
O living Word!

2. Thou art the bread of life,
O Lord, to me,
Thy holy Word the truth
That saveth me;
Give me to eat and live
With Thee above;
Teach me to love Thy truth,
For Thou art love.

3. O send Thy Spirit, Lord,
Now unto me,
That He may touch my eyes
And make me see;
Show me the truth concealed
Within Thy Word,
And in Thy Book revealed
I see the Lord. 

“Now to him, who is able to do immeasurably more than we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever!  AMEN”