July 2, 2021

A Good Memory
Are you feeling like David today? Not when he was king & mighty, but rather when he was young and about to go up against Goliath. Do you have battles in your life? It sure seems like we all do lately. So many people with health issues. I can’t tell you the number of people I speak with who are dealing with real health struggles! Maybe you have bills that are piling up, maybe you have a loved one on drugs, a crumbling marriage, unsaved loved ones…. The list goes ON! Whatever your battle is today, God tells you to have a good memory. Make a list of His blessings. Make a list of answered prayers. The song we sing in worship “Evidence” speaks to me every time. “…. I see the evidence of your goodness ALL over my life, I see your promises in fulfillment ALL over my life…”. Doesn’t it help you to remember what He has gotten us through and realize that He will get us through these things too?
I have heard it said that when we worship we have a “mountain top” experience. We feel so close to him, uplifted & high. Isn’t that a wonderful feeling? I want to be there ALL the time, but think about it, a mountain has snow on it’s peaks. There is no growth there. It is in the valley’s that we grow. Valleys are green & lush with growth. Every day we should be growing towards God. Growing in our faith and growing to be more Christ like. (remember, I am always preaching to myself, I need much work!!) This past year has made me realize that I need that growth and I want that growth. I also believe that most growth comes from the trials, the adversity we face daily.

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18: Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.

Phil. 6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; 7 and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

Psalm 100:4-5. Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise; give thanks to Him and praise His Name. 5 For the Lord is good and His love endures forever; His faithfulness continues through all generations.

Some days it’s even hard to open that gate & enter His courts for prayer time. OH, but HOW He greets us! His arms are open wide, and He beacons us to come near. Remember ALL that He has given us, done for us, made for our enjoyment and go to Him with your arms open, He alone, will give you rest and peace.