WATCHWORD:
He hath made his wonderful works to be remembered: the LORD is gracious and full of compassion. Psalms 111:4
Meditation:
Remembering God
A farmer was showing his visiting city-dwelling friend around his farm. “Watch this!” he said. He gave a whistle and his little dog came running from the house, herded the cattle into the corral, then latched the gate with her paw. “Wow, that’s some dog — what’s her name?” The forgetful farmer thought for a minute and then asked, “What do you call that red flower that smells good and has thorns on the stem?” “A rose?” “That’s it!” The farmer turned to his wife. “Hey Rose, what do we call this dog of ours?”
Yesterday’s Watchword dealt with worry and forgetfulness. Funny how we forget things, isn’t it, even in the face of gratitude? We chalk it up to being human, but I’m not so sure God finds it all that funny! Think about those times when we have been the recipients of God’s graces which we accept without so much as a thank you, Lord. Unfortunately, that is more common than we know.
For example, when we think about the Israelites traveling through the wilderness for 40 years, during which time God provided miracles for them, feeding them daily and guiding them by a pillar of fire at night and the cloud by day. They even accepted the parting of the Red Sea without so much as a thank you Lord?How is it, then, that they became so very hard hearted toward Him? Over time, I think those miracles just became commonplace and they began to take them for granted!
I wonder if that’s like you and me. We acknowledge that God’s graces fall around us and we may express that gratitude during our prayers, but do we act it out, do we share the marvelous works that the Lord is doing in our lives? We get anxious when things aren’t going quite the way we hoped, don’t we? We may call on the Lord and want immediate results. We may even call those ‘unanswered prayers’ on one hand, while declaring, on the other, that God answers all prayers.
Recall a miracle of God in your life. Remember the joy you felt? When my doctor told me “Your lungs are cancer-free” I can’t tell you the relief, the happiness and joy I felt. I can’t describe how it actually felt, but I can recall it myself, and I thank the Lord each time when I do! Relive your joy today! The miracle of God’s new birth in us and the many other miracles God has done are not ones to be quickly forgotten. We need to relive them daily!
But, then again, when I look back on my life, I do see some ingratitude, and I can’t really blame those Israelites. It happens to the best of us! God has done miracles in our lives and I’m sure he’s done many in each of yours as well! We never want to become cold toward God! Let’s spend some time remembering the miracles and blessings He has done in our lives and strive to trust Him through the trials we face today! If you can’t remember, just ask … what’s her name? Rose! Amen.
Bulletin Board:
One beautiful Sunday morning, Reverend Barnard announces to his congregation, ‘My good people, I have here in my hands three sermons…… A $100 sermon that lasts five minutes. A $50 sermon that lasts fifteen minutes. And a $20 sermon that lasts a full hour. Now, we’ll take the collection and see which one I’ll deliver.’
Closing Prayer:
Dear God,
Thank you for your amazing power and work in our lives, thank you for your goodness and for your blessings over us. Thank you that you are Able to bring hope through even the toughest of times, strengthening us for your purposes. Thank you for your great love and care. Thank you for your mercy and grace. Thank you that you are always with us and will never leave us. Thank you for your incredible sacrifice so that we might have freedom and life. Forgive us for when we don’t thank you enough, for who you are, for all that you do, for all that you’ve given. Help us to set our eyes and our hearts on you afresh. Renew our spirits, fill us with your peace and joy. We love you and we need you, this day and every day. We give you praise and thanks, for You alone are worthy! In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
