present

Memories

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Job 29:2
“Oh, that I were as in months past, As in the days when God watched over me”

My phone currently contains over 900 photos. Each one reminds me of something from the past few years. Most are pictures of my family or some fun activity we did together. Whenever I travel, I find myself scrolling through those photos and remembering the times we spent together. Job has a similar experience, in the midst of his trial, he begins to look back at a time in his life when things were much better. He reminds himself of how things used to be and longs for those days to return. Looking back, especially in trying times, can be very helpful, but it is important how we look back.

As Israel walked with God, they experienced some pretty amazing things. They received tablets written by the finger of God, had manna miraculously appear on their doorstep each morning, and saw the Jordan part. After each of these events, they were instructed to memorialize them. The tablets and manna went into the ark, and an altar was built near the Jordan crossing. Each of these events was to remind them of how God had worked in the past. There is great value in looking back at how God has ministered to us, and the ways we have served in times gone by. When we find ourselves drifting from the Lord, it can be helpful to look to a time when we were tight with Him, and repent and do our first works.

That being said, looking back can also be detrimental. Paul declared, the secret to his success in following Christ was his refusal to look back. That does not mean he had no memories, but that he did not live in the past. Bruce Springsteen sang about the glory days, portraying a person who let past experiences be the best days of their life. I do not think our best is behind us. No matter what your past may have been like, God desires to do a work in your present, and your future. Rather than always looking back, take some time to look up and receive your marching orders for today.

Pastor Jim

 

Remember When…

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Joshua 12:1

“These are the kings of the land whom the children of Israel defeated, and whose land they possessed on the other side of the Jordan toward the rising of the sun, from the River Arnon to Mount Hermon, and all the eastern Jordan plain:”

 

This chapter recounts the kingdoms that Joshua and the children of Israel overthrew. In a few cases, there are some minor details recorded, but in most, a simple list of victories is given. All in all, thirty-one kings were conquered by Joshua and the armies of Israel. Each one of these victories represents a great obstacle for Joshua, as well as a giant leap of faith, and his finding God to be forever faithful. 

 

I wonder what we might discover if we took time to recall the victories we have seen in our walk with God. All of us should be able to recount the amazing grace God extended to us that resulted in our salvation. Then, we should be able to walk through times of God giving us victory over certain personal struggles, like unforgiveness, lust, anger, a foul mouth or some level of prodigal living. Finally, we should be able to recall times when we took great steps of faith and began to serve the Lord by reaching out to minister to others. We should be able to list people whose lives have been impacted by the way we chose to live out loud for the kingdom of God. 

 

While there is great benefit to looking back we should do so only to propel us forward. Whatever stories you have of God’s faithfulness in your yesterday’s, be sure to add to those stories by how you live for Him today.

 

Pastor Jim 

 

 

 

 

Blessed

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Genesis 49:22-24
“Joseph is a fruitful bough, a fruitful bough by a well;
His branches run over the wall.
The archers have bitterly grieved him, shot at him and hated him.
But his bow remained in strength, and the arms of his hands were made strong by the hands of the Mighty God of Jacob
(From there is the Shepherd, the Stone of Israel), . . .”

2015/01/img_1374.jpgAs the day of his death rapidly approached, Jacob gathered his children together and spoke regarding what lay ahead. The writer of Hebrews summed up this chapter by saying,

“By faith Jacob, when he was dying, blessed each of the sons of Joseph, and worshiped, leaning on the top of his staff.” Hebrews 11:21

When he finally comes to his son, Joseph, instead of looking forward, he looks back. He does not speak of what is to come, but of what has already transpired. The story of Joseph, remains one of the most amazing stories ever told. A young man, who fell victim to the bitter envy of his brothers, was sold into slavery, falsely accused, thrown into prison, and forgotten; he is somehow raised to the highest honor in the land of Egypt. This great prince, instead of becoming bitter and seeking revenge, uses his position of power to rescue his family, and restore their relationship. It was important to Jacob that Joseph remember the secret of his great strength.

“But his bow remained in strength, and the arms of his hands were made strong by the hands of the Mighty God of Jacob . . .”

The only way Joseph survived and excelled, was the strength of God. Even to the most casual observer, it is clear, the hand of God was upon Joseph, as he overcame obstacles and opposition. In the same way, it was the mighty hand of God that prevented him from abusing his power, and retaliating against his brothers.

It is so important for us to recollect what God has done for us if we are going to move forward successfully. Don’t ever forget, the mighty hand of God delivered you from the pit of sin, and the taskmaster of the Law. Don’t ever forget, it was the Son of God, whose work on Calvary, raised you from bitter slavery, made you a child of God, and a joint heir with Jesus. No matter what lies ahead, when we remember that our hands are made strong by the hands of the mighty God, we can overcome.

Pastor Jim