“I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.” Psalm 119:11
WHAT IS A HIDER?
Hiders are those who “hide” God’s word in their hearts by memorizing and meditating on Bible verses – one or two at a time. The Hiders ministry began in November 2007 to encourage people to memorize Bible verses so they could experience God in a personal and transforming way. Based on the belief that the Holy Spirit speaks personally through scripture, Hiders memorize short Bible passages using memory aids called Hide-its. They pray for personal insight and meet with other Hiders for accountability.
WHY BECOME A HIDER?
We live in a time of constant communications and activity, jostling for our attention. It is difficult to seek a quiet spot to think on spiritual things. And even if we do take time to read the Bible, it can be quickly replaced and forgotten. In scripture we are told that the sword of the Holy Spirit is the word of God. When we memorize scripture and hide it in our hearts, the Holy Spirit will use it to speak to us and give us wisdom to overcome our circumstances. Jesus Christ was able to answer and overpower the attacks and challenge of Satan by using only God’s words as his defense. Becoming a Hider will help you to meet the difficult challenges in your own life.
WHAT DO HIDERS DO AND HOW CAN I BECOME ONE?
- Hiders memorize Bible verses – only 1-2 at a time: You can choose your own verses to memorize (see #6 below) or you can sign up to receive a monthly scripture passage already printed on Hide-its for quick use. To sign-up for monthly Hide-its: info@hiders.ca
- Hiders use Hide-its as a memory aid. Hiders tip: The Hide-its template will enable you to bring these verses into your every day environment until you have “hidden” them in your memory. Place the Hide-its in your car, your office, your wallet, your purse – any place where it will grab your attention. Remember to recite the verses out load, when you are alone. This will provide auditory support for your memory.
- Hiders meditate on the verses to make them personal. Hiders tip: Look for any promises that God makes to you, as you think on the words. It is not just about memorizing – you must meditate on the meaning of the words and their significance for your own life. Look for any qualities of God that show God’s character. The more you discover about God, the more you will know what is available to you when you depend on God.
- Hiders pray the verses. Hiders tip: Say the verses, you are trying to memorize, to God through prayer in the context of a promise, such as this: “God, you say in these words……….now help me to trust this promise and your character today.” Pray what you are learning. This will begin a wonderful conversation with God.
- Hiders meet with other Hiders. Hiders tip: When possible recite the memorized verses out loud to another Hider and share what you have learned from God. This step will enable accountability and strengthen your commitment.
- Hiders may choose their own Bible verses. Hiders tip: Choose a translation that you find easy to understand or one that captures your attention. While some choose modern language, others may choose the majesty of the King James Version. Visit www.biblegateway.com to compare different versions and to find verses by topic to meet your personal need. Then copy and paste them in the Hide-it template. You may also decide to join other Hiders as they memorize the assigned verses together. To sign up for the monthly Hide-its: info@hiders.ca
WHY USE HIDE-Its?
- The Hide-its template provides a memory aid to keep with you throughout the day.
- Hide-its are sized to ensure your memory work is done in bite-sized pieces and so you do not feel self conscious about your activity.
- Hide-its can be placed throughout your daily environment to remind you of God’s special words for you.
- Hide-its can be divided up and placed – in a pocket, in a wallet, in a purse, in the car, in your desk drawer, or on the refrigerator….
- Sometimes you will immediately respond to the verses chosen for the Hide-its. At other times, you may question why it was chosen for memorizing. Be patient. God will reveal to you its meaning in your life.
- Hide-its, which are memorized, can be kept for review. They are also a continual reminder of the special message from God that you have hidden in your heart and mind. Try filling a small photo wallet with your monthly Hide-its. To receive Hide-its from the past: info@hiders.ca
WHY MEDITATE OR PRAY?
- We need God’s supernatural help to understand what we are trying to memorize.
- We need God’s supernatural help to understand how it relates to our own personal lives.
- Ask God for help and watch for God’s insight.
WHY SHARE WITH OTHERS?
- Meeting and sharing with other Hiders will increase your commitment to memorizing scripture and encourage accountability. Statistics have shown that follow-through is enhanced by a shared endeavor.
- Praying for one another will supernaturally enhance your ability to understand and hear from God as you memorize your chosen Bible verses.
Memorizing scripture is a powerful way to hear God speak to you personally.
For more on information on HIDERS: info@hiders.ca or visit: www.hiders.ca
