This week is brought to you by the letter m, and the word muscle. Well, technically muscle memory. But first let's talk about building muscle. There are a few simple steps you must initiate and perpetuate in order to gain strength and improve power. 

The essentials are —

• frequency: once a month isn't going to cut it — optimal results happen often and consistently

• volume: this is NOT about quality over quantity — quantity matters! Bulk is what builds.

• intensity: you don't want it to be too easy — power comes by being pushed a little

• progression: development happens by doing more — every week, every month, every year

Now, let's be real. All the above must occur to build muscle, but it's also necessary to know God's voice. Most believers express that they want to hear the Lord's voice often and with clarity. But few linger in God's Word. 

The Bible is not just full of truth, promises, and comfort — it is the voice of our Savior. By reading it we discover His cadence, recognize His resonance, and identify His intimacy. It becomes a familiar voice we know.

Consequently, the frequency, volume, intensity, and progression of our time in God's Word is the only way we build that muscle.💪

[Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.]
Joshua 1v8

After reading through the entire Bible several times, the Holy Spirit prompted (actually, He kind of pushed me) into memorizing large portions of Scripture. I did it — annoyed, angry, and with a little bit of kicking and screaming. He didn't care. He wanted obedience.

Because of the strength training I had already done in reading, the retention wasn't as tough as expected. Don't get me wrong, it wasn't easy. And... it also required frequency, volume, intensity, and progression. Therefore, my car became my classroom. I would recite — out loud — the Scripture I had put to memory. Every week.

Until this past month. Pain, meds, fatigue, and my driving restriction interfered with my recitation rhythm. But today, I drove again. And today, I spoke again. Today muscle memory allowed me to voice Romans 8, Psalm 23, and Psalm 16.

The “renewing of our mind” [Romans 12v2] is a scientific and Biblical truth which is incredible. I want to implore you to read the Bible. I want to beg you to read it more than once and stretch that muscle. I want to petition you to implant it deep into your mind, so you don't have to search on a phone or Google a verse, but what is hidden in your heart becomes an automatic movement for your life.

Begin training. Build muscle. Boost memory. 
I promise, it works!

Share this with a friend and start “body building” together! My Bible plan, From Discipline to Delight, is a great way to read through the entire Bible.

grateful —