When I was oh, about 14 years old I was introduced to the pastor of the church our family attended. His name was Rev Dr Miles Dawson. As a member of the church sponsored Boy Scout Troupe I needed to complete an assignment from him to memorize John chapter 1. Off to a great start but soon I realized there were 51 verses. Fast forward all these years and they have impacted my total world view.

This is the church at 4th and G streets in San Bernardino, California. Found it on the internet in what appears to be from a post card because the building was white. I know it well because my grandmother lived across the street.

            Now's the time to share the beginning of those 51 verses.
1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was in the beginning with God. 3 All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made. 4 In him was life, and the life was the light of men. 5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. 6 There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. 7 He came as a witness, to bear witness about the light, that all might believe through him. 8 He was not the light, but came to bear witness about the light.
9 The true light, which gives light to everyone, was coming into the world. 10 He was in the world, and the world was made through him, yet the world did not know him. 11 He came to his own, and his own people did not receive him. 12 But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, 13 who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God.         English Standard Version (ESV)

This describes Jesus the son of God sent to provide an eternal life for each one of us. Some time ago I heard from my Pastor Tate Crenshaw, "God dwells in heaven and wants us to join Him, but that is our decision, not His."

I continue a study of leadership as described in the Bible and enjoy further instruction from the MAXWELL leadership Bible where we read, " Leadership Begins with Identity: Jesus Led from Who He Was in John 1,14: The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth."  ​New International version.

As I look back I realize my Christian world view certainly has been impacted from that exercise those many years ago when I was required to memorize the Bible. It was not because I wanted to, but was required to. How about you? Might spending time reading and studying the Bible impact how you spend your time? It certainly has mine. I continue to serve, sharing the love of God in meaningful and measurable ways. Take a look at the ministries shared on this site.