Interview | Pastor Ben Courson

This week Daniel talks with his friend Ben Courson, the hope-full and hope-filled founder and director of Hope Generation, an international ministry including television, radio, podcast, YouTube and Instagram. He also pastors in Medford, Oregon. And he memorizes a LOT of scripture. In this lesson, Ben talks about how he does it and why it’s important. What motivated him to get started memorizing scripture? Growing up as a pastor’s kid and listening to scripture songs started Ben on this lifelong practice of memorizing scripture. “It’s just easier if it’s set to music.” What does the Bible have to say about the power of God’s word in our hearts? Psalm 1 speaks of the blessing that comes with meditating on the law of God day and night. It gives you strength. So what is the key to memorizing scripture? You just have to do the work. The Bible talks a lot about diligence, sticking with something. Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men (Colossians 3:23) Ben himself followed the 10,000 hour principle of mastery, devoting that amount of time over a 5-year period to studying, memorizing, writing and teaching about God’s word. But you start where you’re at. If you have an hour a week, memorize one scripture. Sometimes you don’t have anyone around to encourage you. David encouraged himself in the Lord. You can, too. Ben’s favorite verse? Psalm 37:4: Delight yourself in the Lord and He will also give you the desires of your heart. Follow Ben at www.bencourson.com. Here is the link to his YouTube video: www.bencourson.com/hope-generation-creative-1/1/21/2017/promises  
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“The Hebrew idea of meditation, in contrast with the Eastern concept of emptying your mind, is about filling your mind. So the biblical authors are saying you ought to fill your mind with the word of God.” -Ben Courson

“Faith can move mountains but don’t be surprised if God hands you a shovel.” -Ben Courson

“Success only comes before work in the dictionary.” -Ben Courson

“If you’re constantly speaking scripture into your soul, you’re going to be a lot more joyful, you’re going to be a lot more spiritually healthy, you’re going to be more physically healthy because the book of Proverbs says “a merry heart does good like medicine.” -Ben Courson

“Even start with one verse and just repeat it until you know it backwards and forwards for a week and you watch how it will galvanize you for the saying of words and the doing of deeds for the kingdom.” -Ben Courson