Memorial Weekend- a chance to remember and reflect. I think we don't remember and reflect enough because its too painful. So we keep ourselves busy and fill each waking moment with something to keep us from remembering. I think about the times when I am alone at the house or driving in my truck by myself. All of a sudden I find myself thinking, remembering and reflecting on different aspects of my life. When it gets overwhelming I turn the radio on because I don't want to think anymore.
But its good to remember. The Bible talks about God remembering His people and that is a good thing. To be remembered by God is a grace thing. The thief on the cross said, "Lord remember me in your kingdom." And here's the grace part- Jesus answered, "today you will be with Me in paradise." In other words, Yes I will remember you!
The Book of Zechariah means, "God Remembers" Zechariah helped Israel to rebuild their lives after their time in captivity. His message was this- God is remembering you even in your time of exile and now He is bringing you out to rebuild! Could the same words be spoken to you?
If you believe that everything works out for the good to those who love God (Romans 8) then the same words are being spoken to you. Maybe it hurts to remember too much because it is a reminder that you are still in exile or a period of waiting. Maybe you are ready to build again and move on. Or maybe you are moving on but every once in awhile you remember something from the past and it makes you sad. Either way you have a Father who loves you and knows your pain. And He longs to see you smile again and you will! He remembers you!
This weekend let us take time to remember those who have given their lives for us. Let us also remember Jesus who gave His life on the cross so that we could know that our time of exile will turn to a time of everlasting joy. We will then experience what it means to be remembered by God for all eternity.
In Christ,
Pastor John
1 comment:
Its so true about not taking enough time to reflect. We need to because its so easy to forget the most impaortant things in life.
The enemy is so sneaky with keeping our minds busy and full of stuff that doesn't amount to a hill of beans. I hear something that I forgot or something that makes so much sence but by the time Im to apply it, my mind is occupied with other junk. The enemy uses this technique on me daily and Im finally understanding his tactics.
Today I was driving in the country with no radio and no distractions, quietly listening for God to speak to me. It was about every 5 seconds my mind would wander and fill with nothing that mattered. It was so difficult to focus because its so easy to be distracted. But with out a doubt the Lord opens your eyes if you are looking or listening for his quiet still voice. A giant bill board flashes in front of your vehicle that has nothing to do with church or being saved, but the writing on it speaks very LOAD to second what he has been telling you for months. It really pays off to turn off the outside junk and to try to filter it to reflect.
I realized today that I don't do this enough. With prayer and help from Jesus Christ he will filter the enemy for me and I will hear and see more of the directions for my life and not to be to busy or preoccupied to forget or miss these things. It also reminds me that Jesus Christ is my HERO and he is remembered everyday. He never forgets any of us and how many heros can do that.
Thank you all service members and their families who are so easily over looked. I Thank God for you and pray for many blessings upon you. THANK YOU!!!
Blessing
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