Week 28 Devotions

July 9 - - “How soon we forget.” How many times have you heard people say that? How many times have you said it? The fact is, we all have a problem with our memories, so don’t be too critical and don’t be too hard on yourself. And even though God has blessed us with minds that can compete with even the most complex of computers, we still demonstrate an incomprehensible ability to forget even the simplest of details. Prior to entering into the Promised Land, Moses spent a great deal of time reminding God’s people of the many, marvelous miracles God had performed in their lives. “Be careful never to forget what you have seen the Lord do for you. Do not let these things escape from your mind as long as you live! And be sure to pass them on to your children and grandchildren” (Deuteronomy 4:9). That theme is repeated throughout scripture. “Give thanks to the Lord and proclaim His greatness. Let the whole world know what He has done. Sing to Him; yes, sing His praises. Tell everyone about His miracles” (Psalm 105:1&2). “Think of the wonderful works God has done, the miracles and the judgments He has handed down” (105:5). Unfortunately, “our ancestors in Egypt were not impressed by the Lord’s miracles. They soon forgot His many acts of kindness to them.....how quickly they forgot what He had done!” (105:7,13). Miracles take place around us every day. Unfortunately, like some of the Israelites, we do not seem to be impressed by what the Lord is doing. Maybe, we don’t see His miracles. Maybe, we attribute His miracles to medicine, science, or fate. But, like our spiritual ancestors, we need to open our eyes. We need to remember what God has done. And, we need to share God’s miracles with our children and grandchildren. Why? Because if we don’t, not only will we forget, but so will our descendants. And history has proven the horrible consequences that come to those who forget God’s miracles in their lives. July 12 - - The Hebrew writer tells us, “the Word of God is full of living power. It is sharper than the sharpest knife, cutting deep into our innermost thoughts and desires. It exposes us for what we really are” (4:12). How can that be? How can the Word of God be as relevant for us today as it was for those who first read it many centuries ago? How is it possible that the Word of God knows me so well and when someone uses God’s Word or quotes from God’s Word, it often seems as though they are speaking directly to me? It’s because “nothing in all creation can hide from God. Everything is naked and exposed before His eyes. This is the God to whom we must explain all that we have done” (4:13). We need to understand that God’s Word is not a collect-ion of writings from the mind of man. Peter says, “Above all, you must understand that no prophecy in Scripture ever came from the prophets themselves or because they wanted to prophesy. It was the Holy Spirit who moved the prophets to speak from God” (II Peter 1:20& 21). The God who sees all and knows all, is the same God who inspired human beings to record His infinite wisdom so that we might find true life by following His Word, which is His will. The individual who was inspired by God to write what we know of as Psalm 139, spent 176 verses reaffirming the importance of God’s Word. This is the longest chapter by far, in the entire Bible. Listen to the many things the author says about God’s Word. “Happy are people of integrity, who follow the law of the Lord” (vs.1). “Oh, that my actions would consistently reflect your principles!” (vs.5). “How can a young person stay pure? By obeying your word and following it’s rules” (vs.9) “I have hidden your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you” (vs.11). “Open my eyes to see the wonderful truths in your law. I am but a foreigner here on earth; I need the guidance of your commands” (vss.18&19). “Your laws are all I want in life” (vs.39). “Your law is more valuable to me than millions in gold and silver!” (vs.72). “I will never forget your commandments, for you have used them to restore my joy and health” (vs.93). “Your word is my only source of hope” (vs.114). “Your promises have been thoroughly tested; that is why I love them so much” (vs.140). “Those who love your law have great peace and do not stumble” (vs.165). Jesus Christ said of himself, “I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life” (John 14:6). He also said, “you shall know the Truth and the Truth shall set you free” (John 8:32). Love the Word of God. Read the Word of God. Memorize the Word of God. Live by the Word of God, and the Word of God will be the lamp and the light that helps you successfully navigate your journey through life (vs.105).