Message from Scripture: 1/27/2021

Our message from Scripture today is Psa. 103:2; “Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits.”

One person once said, “Be careful what you allow in your life, because when you are old, you are a captive of your memories.” How many memories do we take comfort in, that bring a smile to our faces and make us feel good in remembering? Then, there are also those memories that we may wince at, that are painful to remember, that we try to bury deep in the recesses of our minds, hoping they never surface again.

What we really seek with our memories is peace, and unpleasant memories only destroy it. It is interesting that Paul, speaking to the church in Philippi about those things that we should think about, continues after that by saying, “The things you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you” (Phil. 4:9). Real peace comes only from God, and only a life centered in the Lord can provide peace. It is little wonder, then, that Peter encourages us to “live for the rest of the time in the flesh no longer for human passions but for the will of God” (1 Pet. 4:2). Life lived “for the will of God” offers peace and inner security.

As Peter said, we have already spent enough time in the past to store up a host of unpleasant memories (1 Pet. 4:3). Now is the time to live for God, and prepare a host of good and pleasant memories that will bring us peace. If we are to be captive to our memories, let them be good ones, which bring a smile to our face and warmth to our hearts, because they have been ordered by God. It is these memories that point the way to the joys of heaven. David asked of God, “Do not remember the sins of my youth or my acts of rebellion; in keeping with Your faithful love, remember me because of your goodness, O LORD” (Psa. 25:7). May we have that same desire. Have a great day today. God bless.

Robert