Keep the WORD Close!

I love that LBC has a whole patch program that encourages campers to memorize Scripture each time they come to camp. They hear the gospel from a Speaker, they get a gospel conversation with a cabin leader, and we hope they will go home having memorized a set of Scriptures that speak to the Good News of Jesus Christ.

Last Summer’s theme, Jamestown, was built around the book of James. During our TCL (Training in Christian Living) sessions I encouraged the TCLers to memorize the whole book. A few of them have done so.

I personally feel like the use the word “memorize” begrudgingly. Most adults I talk to about memorization get turned off about the prospects of memorizing. It’s too hard or it takes too much time. I actually prefer the concept of “Keep it Close”. Memorizing is the process of drawing God’s Word close to your heart. If you just get it in your head, you know it but it doesn’t change how you live. If you keep it close, then the Word of God is ready to use. It has affected your heart, and thus your heart is now using the Word to direct the actions of your hands to do good.

Scripture memorization is one of the best things you can do to grow in your relationship with God. It is one thing you can do with your time and you know it is not a waste. I love teaching the youth at camp to memorize because I know that God will use His Word in their heart to change the usage of their hands.

When I taught the TCL to memorize James this Summer, we made each q-time morning different to help keep the engagement in the Word and to show them that we can vary how we approach the Word each day. However, we should do whatever we can to spend time in the Word and to let God use that time to teach, train, and correct our hearts.

If you would like to spend the next 5 to 8 weeks going through the book of James, use the quite-time guide I put together for the TCL. The book of James is full of practical truths that point us to the gospel each and every day.

If you finish memorizing James—or even if you memorize one chapter, let me know. I’d love to hear that you’re putting the effort into bringing God’s Word close to your heart.

-Daniel Jensen
Director of Camp Ministries
Lakeside Bible Camp