What Do You Remember? part 2, Loving God, part XXXII

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.
I love this verse. It’s so clear. This is one verse I’ve remembered. Have you ever read the Word in the morning and thought about it in the afternoon only to forget what you’ve read? It’s like watching a movie one night, then completely forgetting about it the next day. Apparently it didn’t make a lasting impression.
So the question is, “How can we take what we read and make it last so that we are thinking of it later in the day?”  I realize that the impression the content makes may vary from book to book. Reading Numbers 2 is nothing like reading Luke 2. Although I am convinced that there is something to be learned from each of the 1189 chapters in the Book, some are more interesting than others. This is understandable, learn what you can where you’re reading.

Here are some ideas to get the most from reading and for meditation:

Invite the Teacher to join you and open your heart
This is by far the most important tip. This is a great way of clearing our mind of whatever thoughts we might have as we open up our Bibles. When we are serious about seeking God, He will acknowledge it and see to it that we hear His voice. Simply pray “Lord, help me to focus on your Word. Please open my heart and give me understanding.”

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.

 What version are you reading?
If you are reading the King James Version and have a hard time with King James English, like me, then maybe it’s time to find an updated version. My preference is the New Living Translation. The book of Job went from somewhat confusing (reading the NASB) to an incredibly beautiful and thought provoking book when reading the NLT.
Expect to learn something
Even when reading the most familiar passage, there is always something new to be learned or at the very least it will be fresh in your mind and may be of use to share with a friend that day.
Ask questions
Don’t just gloss over the text, try to understand it. For example:
Matthew 11: 30 For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.”
What does this mean anyway? I think I understand it, and even if I do, do I find this to be the truth in my life? I truly think that few Christians completely understand this and experience it.
Highlight or underline verses
As the questions are asked and the revelations are made, highlight the intriguing verses and put question marks in the margins. For many years for whatever reason I chose not to mark up my Bibles, I’m glad I broke that rule!
Keep a journal
What are you learning from your reading? How is it being applied to your life? What questions will you ask God when you see Him?
For more tips visit the website: TheBibleTeam.com

 Now for the rest of the message…

Here are some things to remember from the New Testament…
 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.”
 The practice of communion is all about remembering the work that Christ did on the cross. God is a practical God and it’s not just some religious thing to do, but it should remind us of this:
 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.
 Isn’t this a great verse to remember?
Later in that same chapter:
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