"Only give
heed to yourself and keep your soul diligently, so that you do not forget
the things which your eyes have seen
and they do not depart from your heart all the days of your
life; but make them known to your sons and your grandsons.
Deuteronomy 3:22
It is vital that we constantly rehearse in our minds the many things we
have seen God do in our lives. It must be personal. This is how you stay
moving in faith. This exercise must be practiced "all the days of your
life." Truly, this is a daily spiritual exercise routine that is to be a
lifetime regiment. "Only give heed to yourself and
keep your soul diligently." As we do this, we are
to make these things known to the next generations. Employ all means possible
to do so - prayer journals, diaries, family devotions, etc. Make them known so
that your posterity can stand on your shoulders and go farther in faith than
you have gone.
"Boast no more so very
proudly, do not let arrogance come out of your mouth; for the Lord is a
God of knowledge, and with Him actions are weighed... the Lord makes
poor and rich, He brings low, He also exalts." 1
Samuel 2:3-7
Our culture of arrogance and pride and it has its effect on us. Our
television shows seem to place the highest value on those who display the most
outrageous arrogance. Saturated in such an environment, we must strictly
monitor our attitudes or we will buy into the lie that, "everyone is here
to serve me, after all, I deserve it." We need to get a life! It is only
when we humble ourselves and serve others that we find true meaning and
purpose. Get off the pride and arrogance train. Tell the person in the mirror
to remember that the universe does not revolve around them.
"Hitherto hath the Lord
helped us." 1 Samuel 7:12
I love the way this phrase sounds in the old English and I love this
much-needed reminder. So often I have needed it. Many times this little
Scripture has caused me to stop my negative thinking and once again regain
hope. Like a runner who temporarily slows to catch his or her breath, this
Scripture, put to memory, can renew your strength. This quick reminder of all
that God has done for us thus far will carry us far into our unknown future.
Are you having a hard time holding on to hope? Then just keep repeating this Scripture
to yourself, “Hitherto hath the Lord helped us.”
"Moses spoke to the
children of Israel, according to all
that the Lord had commanded him to give them." Deuteronomy
1:3
We need more preachers like Moses who will preach the whole counsel of God. There is no
portion of the Bible that is to be omitted. The Gospel is offensive to those who choose to not abandon their sin. To attempt to remove all
offense from the Gospel is to preach another gospel. John the Baptist preached the truth and it
cost him his head. How many preachers today are so committed? Ask yourself this question, "Does my pastor challenge me?" The answer needs to be a resounding YES.
"And blessed is he who does
not take offense at Me." Matthew 11:6
"And they took offense at Him But Jesus
said to them, "A prophet is not without honor except in his hometown and
in his own household." Matthew 13:57
"Then the disciples came and said to Him, "Do You know that the
Pharisees were offended when they heard this statement?"
Matthew 15:12
"Be sure your sin will
find you out." Numbers 32:23
"Nothing
in all creation is hidden from God's sight. Everything is uncovered and laid
bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account."
Hebrews 4:13
How foolish to believe that we can cover up and hide our sin. There is
only one solution for sin and that is to repent of it and forsake it. Alone we
cannot accomplish this, but by His grace, we are enabled to abandon our sin.
Grace is our teacher, it "teaches us to say NO to sin.
"For the grace of God that brings salvation
has appeared to all men. It teaches us to say "No" to ungodliness
and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives
in this present age, while we wait for the blessed hope—the glorious appearing
of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ." Titus 2:11-13
"But if you do not drive out the
inhabitants of the land from before you, then it shall come about that those
whom you let remain of them will become pricks in your eyes and as thorns in
your side, and they will trouble you in the land in which you live."
Numbers 33:55
When one begins to follow Christ there will be habits and relationships
that must be abandoned along the way. Many do not wish to change their
environment when they themselves have been totally changed, born again. Yet
God's warning to the Israelites is applicable for all of us today. Like the
Israelites traveling from Egypt (which represents our old sinful nature),
followers of Christ are on a journey to the "promise land" (heaven).
Along the way there will be people and things that we are asked to lay aside.
We must remember that though it may be painful to do so now, it is for our
good. There are consequences we will not enjoy if we do not obey. Once again,
here is God's warning:
"But if you do not drive out the
inhabitants of the land from before you, then it shall come about that those
whom you let remain of them will become pricks in your eyes and as thorns in
your side, and they will trouble you in the land in which you live."
Numbers 33:55
