Today we’re continuing the message on remembering. Last time we focused on the Old Testament and now we’ll focus the New Testament.
Before we start with that, however, I’d like to share some things that can help us to remember.
If you’ve been reading my messages for a period time, you might know one of my favorite verses:
Joshua 1: 8 Study this Book of Instruction continually. Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in it. Only then will you prosper and succeed in all you do.
Here are some ideas to get the most from reading and for meditation:
Discuss it with someone
This would be the second most important tip. This can be very exciting and everyone learns when spiritual truths are revealed and ideas are exchanged.
Matthew 11: 30 For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.”
Now for the rest of the message…
Luke 17: 31 On that day a person out on the deck of a roof must not go down into the house to pack. A person out in the field must not return home. 32 Remember what happened to Lot’s wife! 33 If you cling to your life, you will lose it, and if you let your life go, you will save it.
Here we see Jesus reminding His audience about Lot’s wife. Many people even today know about Lot’s wife. When reading about her in Genesis it is shocking and it may not be obvious why it happens, but this verse illustrates the meaning and He uses it for application. If you don’t, I won’t spoil it, you can read about her in Genesis. Read Genesis 18-19 to read the account.
Luke 22: 19 He took some bread and gave thanks to God for it. Then he broke it in pieces and gave it to the disciples, saying, “This is my body, which is given for you. Do this to remember me.”
Hebrews 10: 10 For God’s will was for us to be made holy by the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ, once for all time.
Hebrews 10: 35 So do not throw away this confident trust in the Lord. Remember the great reward it brings you! 36 Patient endurance is what you need now, so that you will continue to do God’s will. Then you will receive all that he has promised.
And then in chapter 12 the author has this to say…
Hebrews 12: 5 And have you forgotten the encouraging words God spoke to you as his children? He said,
“My child, don’t make light of the Lord’s discipline,
and don’t give up when he corrects you.
6 For the Lord disciplines those he loves,
and he punishes each one he accepts as his child.”7 As you endure this divine discipline, remember that God is treating you as his own children. Who ever heard of a child who is never disciplined by its father? 8 If God doesn’t discipline you as he does all of his children, it means that you are illegitimate and are not really his children at all. 9 Since we respected our earthly fathers who disciplined us, shouldn’t we submit even more to the discipline of the Father of our spirits, and live forever?
Who wants to live forever? Count me in!
I’ll leave you with just one more verse on remembering:
3 John 1: 11 …Follow only what is good. Remember that those who do good prove that they are God’s children, and those who do evil prove that they do not know God.
If we can only remember what we read, we can then meditate on it and that leads to a life changing process.
What will you remember?
“Dear God, Please help me retain your Word so that I will follow you more closely. You are the Bread of life and I never want to take you or your Word for granted. Thank you for leading me into your Truth and for the grand journey ahead. In Jesus’ name, amen”
Photo by Ivana Cajina on Unsplash