Always Remember--Never Forget

11:25 AMHeather

I've noticed that this last week or two, there have been a plethora of television specials about 9/11.  Even my local news has been featuring a little segment daily on reflections from that day.  Personally, I think it's wise to remember and mark such occasions.  I am pleased to see us as a country reflecting on that day as the 10th anniversary looms ahead.  Although, I also wonder about all the other anniversaries between the first one and this one, when I think we've been a bit too lazy in marking this day in history?  

In any event, I have found it true in my own life that remembering even the hard milestones can be encouraging--a vivid reminder of the pits that I've been redeemed from, the wounds that have healed, even if a scar is left in their place.  As Beth Moore says, sometimes we need to go back to see God as Lord of our past so that He can truly be Lord of our todays and our tomorrows.  He is, after all, the same YESTERDAY, today and forever.  


Last night, as I was flipping through my Bible during Bible study, my eyes went to a particular verse in 1 Samuel.  I marked it as one to share with my children on their nightly Bible verse index cards that I leave on their pillows.  


24 But be sure to fear the LORD 
and serve him faithfully with all your heart; 
consider what great things he has done for you. 
1  Samuel 12:24

I write my children a little note on the back of their cards, adding my insight or thoughts for the verse.  Today, I wrote this same verse for all 3 children, and as I wrote their notes, something occurred to me.
You see, when we stop and consider, or remember, all the GREAT things He has done for us, day by day, year by year, I believe we are all the more motivated to serve Him faithfully with ALL our heart.  It brings us to a point of awe and reverence of--or fear of--the Lord.  I don't know if you are like me.  But, let me be honest.  Some days, I just don't fear him enough.  I don't revere him enough.  I don't love him enough.  And, I certainly have many the day that I serve him half-heartedly--or not at all.  Some days, I just don't want to serve Him.  I get so side tracked on serving my own needs and agenda.

At first glance, I saw the first half of that verse, and felt a small sense of dread.  Ugh--yes, I am to serve Him faithfully, with all of my heart.  I often find that hard to do.  But, then I saw the second half of that verse, and saw a key to my ability to serve Him faithfully with my whole heart.  When I stop and consider all the great things he has done for me--I love Him more.  I am in awe.  I am drawn to repentance by His lovingkindness.  I am drawn to whole hearted service.

INTENTIONAL challenge:  Today, I am asking the Lord to help me remember and consider all the great things He has done for me.  Things he's done in the past.  Pits from which He has rescued me.  Even small little ways that He shows His great faithfulness to me in this day.  Like seeing the blue skies and feeling the cooler temperatures and considering them love notes to me from my Great Creator.  I am praying for eyes to see--I am asking him to help me choose to see--his hand in all the good and bad.  In this, may I be spurred to serve Him faithfully with my whole heart.  Even as I do the dishes, put away the laundry, and remind my children for the millionth time about picking up their belongings.  May I do it all faithfully--with my whole heart!  For the One who does great things for me.

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