Deuteronomy 11:18 English Standard Version (ESV) You shall therefore lay up these words of mine in your heart and in your soul, and you shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes.

How many bible verses have you placed at your disposal to ward of attacks of the enemy? Perhaps you have a few that give you peace or joy. We have favorites that are easier to recall than others. Few of us have the whole bible memorized. Most of us do not have total recall. There is a scientific name for it but I don’t remember it. That is why I have a computer.

Our phones are mini computers and handy for looking up passages but this is a memory test. If you have some favorite scripture that is readily available for you to quote, what is it? Everyone knows John 3:16. It is so often quoted that even non-believers reluctantly know it. They don’t believe it but they know it.

So here is the test. Quote one that is at the forefront of your mind. Got it chapter and verse? Good.

Now what is the next verse? If you know it great. Now look them up and check for accuracy.

For those of us that could not recall the next line, look it up and ask yourself this question: Is it an important verse worthy of remembering? Does it contain value?

Here is my failed attempt to remember. “I love you, O Lord, my strength.” I failed to remember there is no Psalm 17:16 and the next verse in the bible is Psalm 18:1.

Deuteronomy 11:18 says to place His Word in our hearts not our minds. The mind is flesh and subject to decay. We often condemn ourselves for not memorizing enough scripture as if it was what makes a difference. It is not. It is those verses we take to heart with loving care that changes us.