People Reminder

 

People Reminder

Hebrews 13: Keep on loving one another as Christians. ² Remember to welcome strangers in your homes. There were some who did that and welcomed angels without knowing it. ³ Remember those who are in prison, as though you were in prison with them. Remember those who are suffering, as though you were suffering as they are.

 

============

 

“Remember where you came from” was a suggestion given to me from a person who left his neighborhood in pursuit of “success.” I was trying to escape the neighborhood I grew up in, never to look back. But after a number of years, I looked at my old neighborhood with a different view.

 

• I cared only about myself when I left.
• I could not wait to leave and not help anyone else.
• I could not understand why it was important to help those who never once thought about me or helped me.

 

Paul, the assumed writer, gives some great advice. He mentions how to treat people. He may have given this advice to help people remember those who are in need.

 

My Observations:

• It is easy for me to forget that I was placed here for other people.
• It is easy for me to forget that other people have needs beyond mine.
• It is easy for me to forget that perhaps GOD may want me to serve others, even when it is inconvenient.

 

Helping people is sometimes hard. I mean, people need help when I need help. They may even need the same resources I need and desire. GOD loves when I remember to serve people and HE provides something extra when I am willing to serve strangers. HE may test my resolve of helping others by sending an angel I am not aware of.

 

This selfless act may translate to the angel reporting back to GOD what has been done. Not that GOD does not know anyway. Each selfless act turns into a reward in heaven that cannot be stolen and will never tarnish. I am glad HE gives me people to remember.

 

Challenge

• Do you hear empathy from the writer?
• Do you like being remembered or recognized by people?
• Will you remember to serve strangers, shut in, prisoners and people who are suffering today?

Necessary Reminder

Necessary Reminder

Hebrews 10: The Jewish Law is not a full and faithful model of the real things; it is only a faint outline of the good things to come. The same sacrifices are offered forever, year after year. How can the Law, then, by means of these sacrifices make perfect the people who come to God? ² If the people worshiping God had really been purified from their sins, they would not feel guilty of sin any more, and all sacrifices would stop. ³ As it is, however, the sacrifices serve year after year to remind people of their sins. ⁴ For the blood of bulls and goats can never take away sins.

 

============

 

After realizing my life needed to change, I stopped hanging around certain “friends.” I also stopped doing some things that I felt were detrimental to my relationship with GOD. Things got much better. I attributed it to “my” cleansing efforts and felt others needed to do the same.

 

• I was “proud” of myself for turning “my” life around.
• I thought I had “arrived” at being holy.
• I judged those who were still struggling with sins “I” had overcome.

 

Paul, the assumed writer, addressed piety and self-pride. While the Law was extremely useful, it is not the “full and faithful model of the real things.” In fact, the Law was to be used to show how futile our efforts are to be clean. Traditions, and following the rules, would never ever cleanse sin.

 

My Observations:

• My efforts to be clean are similar to a full diaper.
• Only JESUS can make me clean because my thoughts are never on HIM.
• When I remember what JESUS did, I am also reminded that I need HIM daily.

 

Sin doesn’t go away because I act good from time to time. I mean, if I think my “good” efforts merit GOD doing something different, I am in a world of trouble. HE says “Your righteousness are like filthy rags.” I can never do or say anything that is “clean” to HIM because the Law is not the “real thing.”

 

JESUS is the real thing. HE took away my sin and declared me holy. Only through HIM am I seen as clean. HE makes my pitiful efforts righteous and enhances my words to draw people to HIM. I am glad JESUS did it all so I do not have to think I need to save the world.

 

Challenge

• What does the writer mean by “faint outline?”
• Have you ever been proud of yourself for not doing the same sin on a particular day?
• Will you stop looking at your own efforts to please GOD and know HE loves you dearly as much as HE can and HE is willing to live inside you with full love today?

Forever Remembered

Forever Remembered

Hebrews 7: This Melchizedek was king of Salem and a priest of the Most High God. As Abraham was coming back from the battle in which he defeated the four kings, Melchizedek met him and blessed him, ² and Abraham gave him one tenth of all he had taken. (The first meaning of Melchizedek's name is “King of Righteousness”; and because he was king of Salem, his name also means “King of Peace.”) ³ There is no record of Melchizedek's father or mother or of any of his ancestors; no record of his birth or of his death. He is like the Son of God; he remains a priest forever.

 

============

 

Encountering a stranger, I remember a guy wearing sunglasses, driving an expensive sports car, zipping in front of people and giving them “the finger” as he passed each. This enraged me, but I could not catch him.

 

• I remember how his actions affected me.
• I did not stop to think how my actions affect other people.
• I realized later that I want to be remembered differently than that.

 

Paul, the assumed writer, explains Melchizedek, who was a king and a high priest. No one knew when he was bon or when he died. He represents how JESUS has no beginning or end. Melchizedek is remembered for his goodness.

 

My Observations:

• Every action I do is either for GOD’s kingdom or against it.
• I have the opportunity to speak about GOD or to do harm to myself and others.
• I can choose what I want people to remember me by.

 

JESUS said “Remember ME.” This mean remember HIS goodness and HIS love. HE faced insurmountable odds by not sinning and at the same time, healing a multitude of people. HIS deeds and words are remembered forever. But what about you and me? GOD has us too.

 

If I give a child a cup of cool water to drink, GOD remember my kindness and loves it! HE enjoys the smallest of service I perform, even if it is just a smile. GOD sees anything I do for HIM and remembers it forever. I am glad GOD cares for you and me.

 

Challenge

• According to the writer, what is Melchizedek remembered by?
• Have you ever wanted to “act out” in public, only to regret what people will remember you by?
• Will you not worry about your reputation and simply serve the way GOD wants you to serve by encouraging someone today?

Agreed to the Plan

Agreed to the Plan

Galatians 2: ⁸ For by God's power I was made an apostle to the Gentiles, just as Peter was made an apostle to the Jews. ⁹ James, Peter, and John, who seemed to be the leaders, recognized that God had given me this special task; so they shook hands with Barnabas and me, as a sign that we were all partners. We agreed that Barnabas and I would work among the Gentiles and they among the Jews. ¹⁰ All they asked was that we should remember the needy in their group, which is the very thing I have been eager to do.

 

============

 

Overwhelming devastation was all around us. Some houses had an “x” painted on them to show a fatality. Others were dilapidated beyond repair. “How do you even start helping in something like this?” I thought to myself. The hurricane had torn through this particular city and help was needed everywhere.

 

• I could not do the work by myself.
• I had to work with others to get something done.
• I had to agree on what needed to be done first and add my calling from GOD to the plan.

 

GOD carved a niche for Paul to be an apostle to the Gentiles. This was a huge ocean of people who needed to hear the message of salvation just as much as the Jews. But where do you start? Paul and Barnabas started with agreement to the plan with the apostles who were sent to the Jews.

 My Observations

• GOD wants me to accept HIS calling to seek those HE wants to draw to HIMSELF.
• GOD wants me to be part of the solution and agree with others who are trying to do the same.
• GOD wants me to look beyond my capabilities so I will not become overwhelmed.

 

“Remember the needy” was the request from a mature set of leaders to Paul and Barnabas. They may have been burned before by those who got caught up in spreading the message without ever helping people in need. There is a huge ocean of people who are devastated and could use a “cup of water.”

 

GOD wants us all to be messengers of the Gospel of JESUS. HE wants us to tell people about salvation, BUT HE also wants us to serve the needy when we can. Break the bread in half every once in a while and serve someone who is hungry. I am glad GOD owns the ocean of people who are in need and rewards me for giving even “one cup of water” to one person.

 

Challenge

• What do you think is the “special task” of the writer?
• Have you ever been in a planning session to discuss what needed to be done?
• Can you remember a time when you worked together to help out people in need?
• Will you spread the Gospel of JESUS and help the needy without burning yourself out today?

Why Remember?

Why Remember?

! Corinthians 11: ²³ For I received from the Lord the teaching that I passed on to you: that the Lord Jesus, on the night he was betrayed, took a piece of bread, ²⁴ gave thanks to God, broke it, and said, “This is my body, which is for you. Do this in memory of me.” ²⁵ In the same way, after the supper he took the cup and said, “This cup is God's new covenant, sealed with my blood. Whenever you drink it, do so in memory of me.”

 

============

 

Hurt by the circumstance, I had forgotten all the good times when laughter ensued from the house. Bitter attacks and missing people left five individuals wounded and seemingly, forever separated. The enemy had devoured us, or so he thought.

 

• There have been circumstances in my life that attempted to erase the good that happened.
• There have been situations in my life that tried to remove the great memories that happened.
• There have been obstacles, barriers and thieves, that tried to steal the wonderful things that happened.

 

Paul addresses divisiveness by giving the training he received directly from JESUS. “Remember ME.” Paul mentions the teaching of JESUS as HE spoke to HIS disciples before HE was crucified. JESUS knew times would get difficult and Satan would seek to divide by turning up pride, hidden lies and hardened hearts. HE wanted them to remember what HE had overcome.

 

My Observation

• JESUS wants me to remember that HE overcame all my sins, when I sin.
• JESUS wants me to remember that HE loved me more than any human could ever love me.
• JESUS wants me to remember that HE sent the HOLY SPIRIT to comfort me and I am never alone regardless of how things may seem.

 

Remembering JESUS is extremely important. I mean, if I think “I” did things on my own, then pride would creep in. Remembering JESUS controls pride. If I dwell on the hurt and the pain, I forget that HE felt pain and hurt, just for me. When I remember that JESUS died and was raised from the dead, my hurt and pain stings less.

 

When I feel all alone, I remember that JESUS sent the HOLY SPIRIT to comfort me. HE begs for forgiveness of my sins and provides the right words when I need them. Remembering the good helps heal my wounds.

 

Challenge

• What good things do you remember that the enemy is trying to steal from you?
• Do you think remaining stuck on the circumstance, even for years, will help you heal from wounds?
• Will you remember the good and especially what JESUS did for you so the HOLY SPIRIT can provide the comfort you seek today?

Then I Remembered

Then I Remembered

Acts 11: ¹³ And he told us how he had seen an angel standing in his house, who said to him, ‘Send men to Joppa, and call for Simon whose surname is Peter, ¹⁴ who will tell you words by which you and all your household will be saved.’ ¹⁵ And as I began to speak, the Holy Spirit fell upon them, as upon us at the beginning. ¹⁶ Then I remembered the word of the Lord, how He said, ‘John indeed baptized with water, but you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit.’ ¹⁷ If therefore God gave them the same gift as He gave us when we believed on the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I that I could withstand God?”

¹⁸ When they heard these things they became silent; and they glorified God, saying, “Then God has also granted to the Gentiles repentance to life.”

============

Trying to cross the pool seemed like a daunting task but it was required for the grade. As I jumped in, things seemed to be okay, but halfway through, I started losing momentum. Then I remembered what the instructor said about relaxing, turning my head face upwards and breathing through my mouth each stroke. I made it to the other side.

• There were some things I had to learn in order to apply it.
• There were some things that were taught to me that did not come in handy until I applied it.
• There were some lessons I discounted until I really needed them.

Peter continued explaining why he was speaking to another race about JESUS. He wrapped up the amazing recount of events with something that happened in common with those who questioned him. He said “Then I remembered the word of the LORD.”

• GOD teaches me so I can have the right words at the right time.
• GOD teaches me so I can have the right behavior at the tight time.
• GOD teaches me so I can believe, apply and teach what HE wants me to teach.

The HOLY SPIRIT brings things to my remembrance. When I read about GOD, the HOLY SPIRIT places the words in my heart. Someone else comes along to water the seed planted in my heart. The seed grows into a tiny bit of faith, or mercy or love, depending on the seed.

Eventually I am faced with a situation where I need to give someone a word of encouragement. Then I remember what GOD has planted in my heart from the lesson HE taught me. I am grateful for the HOLY SPIRIT, who leads and guides me.

• Are you trying to live life without learning who GOD really is?
• Are you busy learning everything else but not spending time learning about the ONE who cares about you?
• Will you take some time to learn about JESUS and what HE has done for you today?

Have to be told

Luke 22: ¹⁴ When the hour came, Jesus and his apostles reclined at the table. ¹⁵ And he said to them, ‘I have eagerly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer. ¹⁶ For I tell you, I will not eat it again until it finds fulfilment in the kingdom of God.’

¹⁷ After taking the cup, he gave thanks and said, ‘Take this and divide it among you. ¹⁸ For I tell you I will not drink again from the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes.’

¹⁹ And he took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, ‘This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me.’

²⁰ In the same way, after the supper he took the cup, saying, ‘This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you.

============

“An apple?” I questioned in my mind. I mean I wanted some doughnuts or something good to eat and this “old” person hands me some fruit. “Say thank you” another adult commanded me. “Why should I be thankful?” I questioned in my head. Not too long after, the lady passed away.

• Many times I had to be told to be thankful.
• Many times I had to be pointed in the direction of what someone had done for me.
• Many times I had to have my eyes open to the blessings that have been poured out on me.

JESUS tells HIS disciples something they could not understand. HE thanked the FATHER then explains that HE would be murdered for them so please remember HIM when you eat. HE then said “This cup is the new covenant in MY blood, which is poured out for you.”

• GOD had to tell me to be thankful otherwise I would not see HIS blessings.
• GOD had to tell me what HE has done for me otherwise I would be full of complaints.
• GOD had to tell me HE rescued me otherwise I would think that I am responsible for all my blessings.

“Remember ME” is what JESUS tells me when I try to manipulate GOD into giving me what I want. I mean HE sees when I am trying to be good so I can ask for something I want to have. During those times, HE wants me to remember HIM and what HE did for me.

When I am doubtful of HIS love, “Remember ME”. When I am feeling low “Remember ME.” When I have just about had enough “Remember ME.” JESUS doesn’t give me elaborate instructions to build a temple with my bare hands. HE simply wants me to remember HIM.

• Have you forgotten what GOD has done for you?
• Do you think you deserve more than you have?
• Will you praise JESUS today and remember what HE has don for you?

Remembering is Important

Isaiah 22: ¹⁰ You counted the buildings in Jerusalem
    and tore down houses to strengthen the wall.
¹¹ You built a reservoir between the two walls
    for the water of the Old Pool,
but you did not look to the One who made it,
    or have regard for the One who planned it long ago.

============

Night after night I worked hard on the project. When I finished I was invited to attend the convention. “My” project was such a success that they gave me a reward and a huge bonus. “I” did it, I thought to myself.

• Sometimes I think I am the one who accomplishes things.
• Sometimes I think I am the one who deserves accolades.
• Sometimes I think I am the captain of my fate, master of my soul.

When I put in a tremendous amount of effort I tend to forget GOD. I mean I know HE is there, yet I forget to turn and acknowledge HIS involvement.

• GOD wants me to acknowledge HIS presence every step of the way.
• GOD wants me to see HIS miracles daily so HE can do marvelous works around me and possibly through me.
• GOD wants me to thank HIM for the tiniest things this way I will be appreciative of larger things.

Many times I thought “I” was the one who deserved the pat on the back, so I poked my chest out. BUT GOD was gracious enough to take the back seat for a while. HE was patient with me and made me realize that I need HIM not the other way around. HE should get all the accolades for every accomplishment I get. GOD is awesome!

• Do you think “you” accomplished what you accomplished?
• Do you think “you” are being held back by someone?
• Can you stop and acknowledge GOD in your plans today?
• Will you turn and thank HIM for all HE has done in your life?

Ingredients for Deliverance

Psalm 78: ¹¹ They forgot what he had done,
    the wonders he had shown them.
¹² He did miracles in the sight of their ancestors
    in the land of Egypt, in the region of Zoan.
¹³ He divided the sea and led them through;
    he made the water stand up like a wall.
¹⁴ He guided them with the cloud by day
    and with light from the fire all night.
¹⁵ He split the rocks in the wilderness
    and gave them water as abundant as the seas;
¹⁶ he brought streams out of a rocky crag
    and made water flow down like rivers.

¹⁷ But they continued to sin against him,
    rebelling in the wilderness against the Most High.
¹⁸ They willfully put God to the test
    by demanding the food they craved.
¹⁹ They spoke against God;
    they said, “Can God really
    spread a table in the wilderness?
²⁰ True, he struck the rock,
    and water gushed out,
    streams flowed abundantly,
but can he also give us bread?
    Can he supply meat for his people?”
²¹ When the Lord heard them, he was furious;
    his fire broke out against Jacob,
    and his wrath rose against Israel,
²² for they did not believe in God
    or trust in his deliverance.

============

As I pondered “GOD’s deliverance” I noticed that when I get nervous or think GOD isn’t moving fast enough, I start telling HIM what to do. I mean I tell HIM how much, when and sometimes why. BUT GOD wants me to think differently.

• GOD wants me to understand the trial so I can go in a different direction.
• GOD wants me to hold onto HIS ways so I can follow HIS lead.
• GOD wants me to remember HIS deliverance from the past and trust in HIS deliverance now.

“Grow up” is GOD’s calling to me. HE wants me to stop remaining feeble and hold on to GOD, who has all the power!. Instead of fretting through a trial, HE simply wants me to remember.

• Have you lost your trust in GOD?
• Do you tell HIM what you need and when you need it constantly?
• Can you ask HIM for forgiveness and look back to remember HIS deliverance?
• Will you add trust to your day and let GOD bless you?

Remember what has been done

1 Chronicles 17: ⁷ “Now then, tell my servant David, ‘This is what the Lord Almighty says: I took you from the pasture, from tending the flock, and appointed you ruler over my people Israel. ⁸ I have been with you wherever you have gone, and I have cut off all your enemies from before you. Now I will make your name like the names of the greatest men on earth. 

⁹ And I will provide a place for my people Israel and will plant them so that they can have a home of their own and no longer be disturbed. Wicked people will not oppress them anymore, as they did at the beginning ¹⁰ and have done ever since the time I appointed leaders over my people Israel. I will also subdue all your enemies.

============

“How am I even alive?” I thought to myself today. I mean I should have been hit by the car I stepped in front of. I should have fallen from the factory I climbed on. The car I drove at high speeds with bald tires should have flipped over. I should have been brutally mauled by the thugs who robbed me or shot by those who pointed guns at me. But I wasn’t.

I should still be in the neighborhood I grew up in, cowering under my bed because it has gotten worse and worse. I should still be wearing holey pants and eating an occasional mustard sandwich. But GOD said different.

• GOD says to me “I took you from meager beginnings and appointed you over many in the business world.”
• GOD says to me “I have been with you wherever you have gone, and I have cut off your enemies from before you.”
• GOD says to me “Now I will make your name like the names of the greatest men on earth.”

Yes I was terrified of writing that last sentence. I asked GOD over and over, “are you sure you want me to write that?” I mean Joseph declared some pretty lofty things and seemed so naive. Also, I have taught many people to focus on humility and let GOD worry about which title HE wants to give you.

I also don’t feel like I deserve “greatness.” I mean I’m a sinner just like anyone else. What if I’m just hearing my own sinful desires to be a conqueror of nations? What if it’s just the greed speaking?

• GOD said to me “Let me handle the definition of ‘greatness’ not man.”
• GOD said to me “Seek my kingdom first and foremost and I will add much to you.”
• GOD said to me “My yoke is easy and my burden is light” so I won’t have to “try” to please GOD because HE is already in love with me.

I guess I was looking at the word “greatness” with sinful eyes. Humans think greatness is a title, fancy car and huge bank accounts. I don’t know… maybe GOD will allow me to have some of that stuff, but the GREATEST human who walked the planet never sinned, never asked for a title and was murdered for something I did. JESUS is the “greatness” my life should point to.

• Are you seeking greatness?
• Can you modify your definition of greatness to focus on “kingdom” greatness?
• Can you focus your life on the ONE who is great, namely JESUS?

Never Take Credit

Judges 8: ²² The Israelites said to Gideon, “Rule over us—you, your son and your grandson—because you have saved us from the hand of Midian.”

²³ But Gideon told them, “I will not rule over you, nor will my son rule over you. The Lord will rule over you.”

============

Graduating with average to pitiful grades was not something to brag about, yet working at the only company that would accept me made me feel superior enough to become entitled. I did not leave when everyone else left because I was studying. Soon I became the best programmer in the department, or at least that is what people told me.

I felt I needed a raise and a promotion otherwise I would take my brilliant mind elsewhere. When I interviewed for another company I didn’t get the job and had to sit humbly at my desk.

• When I think too highly of myself I start comparing what I do to others.
• When I think too highly of myself I become deserving and entitled.
• When I think too highly of myself I forget where I came from.

Gideon knew where his strength came from. I mean 300 men fought and won battles against 150,000 or more. The odds were definitely not in his favor and upon return he rejected the Israelites request to become a ruler. This is a wonderful example to me.

• GOD wants me to point my life to HIM rather than taking credit.
• GOD wants me to tell people about HIM rather than trying to subdue HIM and pretend HIS power is mine.
• GOD wants me to know where my strength comes from instead of thinking I have any power.

Low self-esteem is not what I’m shooting for. I believe GOD made me beautifully and wonderfully. HE loves me with my many flaws and accepts me as I am, but I should not get to the point where I think even the tiniest blessing comes from me. All good things come from GOD!

• Are you comparing yourself or your church or your group to others?
• Do you think “that person” or “that group” is the problem?
• Do you feel you can do or say “it” better?
• Can you reduce your focus on “you” and point your life to GOD today?

GOD is powerful

Joshua 4: ²¹ He said to the Israelites, “In the future when your descendants ask their parents, ‘What do these stones mean?’ ²² tell them, ‘Israel crossed the Jordan on dry ground.’ ²³ For the Lord your God dried up the Jordan before you until you had crossed over. The Lord your God did to the Jordan what he had done to the Red Sea when he dried it up before us until we had crossed over. 

²⁴ He did this so that all the peoples of the earth might know that the hand of the Lord is powerful and so that you might always fear the Lord your God.”

============

A fresh coat of wax was the final step in making sure the car was clean for the trip. With passengers loaded we set off on our trip. Rain poured down but I didn’t worry. The wax would protect the car. Suddenly I hit a very large puddle. The car went into a skid and we found ourselves sideways sliding down the road.

Somehow I was able to gain control. “Wow, we didn’t slide off the road and there were no cars around us in all three lanes” I thought to myself. Wax didn't protect the car after all!

• It’s ashamed when I doubt GOD.
• It’s too bad when I don’t trust GOD.
• It’s unfortunate when I lose my faith over little trouble.

It seems no matter how many miracles GOD does, I still have days where I wonder where HE is. I mean “what has HE done for me lately” is my abysmal attitude when I ask for something HE isn’t giving me. The gentle, kind, loving GOD reminds me of a few things.

• GOD is powerful enough to get rid of any problem, HE is also powerful enough to put some in my way.
• GOD is powerful enough to speak everything into existence, HE is also powerful enough to curse the earth and watch over me as I toil.
• GOD is powerful enough to speak HIS promises and keep them, HE is also powerful enough to know when I won’t keep mine.

The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom. GOD doesn’t want me to be so frightened of HIM that I don’t want a relationship with HIM rather HE wants me to know just how powerful HE is and fear trying things on my own.

When HE parted the Jordan HE wasn’t looking to brag nor did HE punish anyone. HE simply wanted everyone to remember HE can fix ANY problem with trust in HIM.

• Are you trying to fix things yourself?
• Do you think your plans will work without GOD?
• Can you put your trust in the LORD fearing that without HIM all plans will fail?

Will I forget GOD?

Deuteronomy 6: ¹² But be careful that you don’t forget the Lord. Remember that he brought you out of Egypt. That’s the land where you were slaves.

============

Nervous that GOD would use a lightning bolt to strike me down, I refused to work on a Sunday, at least until this particular boss told his team to go in and set up the convention.  This was the first time we tried a convention of this nature so it was all hands on deck. We worked through the weekend and I realized GOD hadn’t struck me down and I got a bonus for my efforts!  You mean I could have been doing this all along?

• The worlds’ rewards seem gratifying but make me forget where I came from.
• The worlds’ rewards seem worth the effort but require me to forget who I belong to.
• The worlds’ rewards seem great but the greatness is only temporary which leaves me in the bondage of slavery to seeking the next victory.

Many times I speak about GOD’s love and HIS grace and mercy but I rarely speak about HIS wrath, authority and jealousy. Yes, GOD is a jealous GOD and refuses to have anything placed above HIM. It seems when I am in times of plenty I tend to forget GOD and the need to communicate with HIM.

• GOD wants me delivered out of anything that takes my eyes off of HIM.
• GOD wants me to remember the great things HE has done for me throughout my life to build up my trust in HIM.
• GOD wants me to believe HE has the best plan for me no matter how strange HIS plan appears to be.

When I am in times of plenty, there is no need for me to cry out to GOD and beg HIM for mercy. When things break, I can just go out and get five more. My thankfulness diminishes into complaints about other people. GOD wants me to remember HIS mercy during plenteous times, keeping praise and worship on my lips.

• Are you in times of plenty?
• Do you find you have less and less time for GOD?
• Is work stressing you out to the point where you have no time for GOD?
• Can you add a little time for GOD on your schedule and increase it each day?

Remember and Respect

Deuteronomy 4: ⁹ Don’t be careless. Instead, be very careful. Don’t forget the things your eyes have seen. As long as you live, don’t let them slip from your mind. Teach them to your children and their children after them. 

¹⁰ Remember the day you stood at Mount Horeb. The Lord your God was there. He said to me, “Bring the people to me to hear my words. I want them to learn to have respect for me as long as they live in the land. I want them to teach my words to their children.”

============

Slippery and slushy snow caused my footing to fail as I slipped under the oncoming bus. The wheels stopped and I was unscathed. Dark back roads, sitting on the trunk of my broken down jalopy not knowing where I was, a couple picked me up and asked me if I believed in GOD.  I was safe and only 10 miles from the city.

Sirens blared as I stood outside finishing my hard work and when I turned my head a tornado was two blocks over. Our house was untouched.

• Sometimes I forget what trials I have been through.
• Sometimes I forget what scary moments I have encountered.
• Sometimes I forget what difficulties I have faced.

Looking back, I see GOD has been there all along even when I was too scared to notice HIM.  It’s not a testament to my faith at all, only GOD. In all the situations I had no control of the outcome nor did my talents or abilities make a difference. It was GOD that brought me through the trials.

• GOD wants me to respect HIS power that HE’s used to protect me over and over.
• GOD wants me to respect HIS word and keep it to the best of my ability even though I sin.
• GOD wants me to respect HIS decision because HE is sovereign.
• GOD wants me to respect HIS SON for HE is GOD who died for me and was raised to life.

Remembering and respecting GOD is quite important to HIM. I believe it’s because HE doesn’t want me to fear the unknown because HE holds it. HIS ways are far above mine and HIS power shines through any circumstance!

• What has GOD taken you through?
• Do you remember a situation where you know only GOD brought you through it?
• Can you respect GOD’s power to bring you through this trial?
• Won’t you teach others what GOD has done for you?