Wandering through a used bookstore one day, I picked up a copy of Pensées (French for “thoughts”) by Blaise Pascal. At the time I didn’t know much about him, but for some reason I was drawn to this book. I soon learned that he was a French mathematician and physicist who had a dramatic encounter with God one night—it lasted two hours and changed his life forever. Pascal wrote about his experience on a piece of paper and sewed it into the lining of his coat. Whenever he changed what he was wearing, he transferred the paper so that he always had it with him. I don’t know what the full text was, but I know it included, “Fire. God of Abraham, God of Isaac, God of Jacob,” and it concluded with part of Psalm 119:16, “ ‘I will not forget thy word.’ Amen” (KJV).
As I thought about Pascal’s lifelong commitment to carry with him a reminder of this holy experience, I wondered how you and I could incorporate something similar into our lives. What truth has He revealed to us, and how could we make an effort to remember it?
When I was baptized as a sixteen-year-old in my little Baptist church in Scotland, this verse was read as I entered the water:
You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give it to you. (John 15:16 ESV)
Since that day, whenever I have questioned my ability or the effectiveness of my ministry, I have leaned on that truth. God chose me, He appointed me, and I can leave the rest to Him.
Perhaps a particular verse deeply impacted you at some point in your life. Maybe you chose a verse on a significant occasion like your baptism, wedding, or recommitment to Christ. Or when you were in a dark, difficult place, God gave you a verse that was a lifeline until morning came. If you don’t really have a special verse, ask God to guide you to one. He wants you to walk through life mindful of Him and His love for you. And He can use His Word to make that happen.
Five Minutes in the Word 
On my bed I remember you; I think of you through the watches of the night.
Psalm 63:6 NIV
I recall all you have done, O LORD; I remember your wonderful deeds of long ago.
Psalm 77:11
I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.
Psalm 119:11 NIV
Blessed are those whose ways are blameless, who walk according to the law of the LORD. Blessed are those who keep his statutes and seek him with all their heart—they do no wrong but follow his ways.
Psalm 119:1–3 NIV
“Make them holy by your truth; teach them your word, which is truth. Just as you sent me into the world, I am sending them into the world.”
John 17:17–18