What the Heart Remembers

The things that our hearts remember affect our lives today. Emotions flood our souls when we remember significant events, victories, defeats, joyous occasions, sad circumstances, and life’s turning points. As the emotions rise, we feel different than just a moment before the memory strikes us, and then we act differently than we might have before.

Deuteronomy 4:9 says, “Only take care, and keep your soul diligently, lest you forget the things that your eyes have seen, and lest they depart from your heart all the days of your life.” One way to protect our souls is to make sure that we remember all the good things that God has done for us and the truths He has taught us.

Standing Can Be An Action

We often think of the verb “to stand” as a passive verb, meaning action is not taking place. But many times, standing can be an action. For instance, if we face opposition, standing is the action of holding our ground and defending our cause. Standing is also an action when we are guarding what is true and dear to us. As a action verb, to stand means to firmly fix and adhere firmly to something.

I Thessalonians 3:8 says, “For now we live, if you are standing fast in the Lord.” The fulness of life is received only by standing fast in the Lord. We can do that by having our faith rooted deeply in Jesus, and by having our faith constantly adhered firmly to Him.

It’s Raining

As I was walking this morning, it began to rain. My first thought was about where I could find covering to protect me if the rain got heavier. We seek protective coverage in many ways and at various times in our lives. We may try to build a financial nest egg to cover emergency needs. We seek out like-minded people for encouragement and support. Both of these coverings, as well as others, provide immediate protection, but also long-term benefits.

Psalm 5:12 says, “For you bless the righteous, O LORD; you cover him with favor as with a shield.” God covers His people, not just for protection from evil, but also He covers us with grace filled blessings. We receive eternal salvation, hope forever, and steadfast love, among many other blessings.

Ultimate Sherpa

When we lived in Nepal, we became aware of the Sherpa people. They generally live in high mountain areas and are extremely strong. It is the Sherpas that carry most of the supplies and loads for mountain climbers. They also prepare the way for climbers.

Psalm 55:22 says, “Cast your burden on the Lord, and he will sustain you; he will never permit the righteous to be moved.” The Lord promises to carry our burdens and troubles. He knows that we will face struggles and be tempted to move away from Him, but if we give these troubles to Him, He will not let them come to the point of despair or helplessness. He is able to carry our burdens and desires to do so.

Intercessor

It seems that we are constantly calling doctors, insurance companies, service companies, physician offices, and others in order to get what they have promised to provide. Wouldn’t it be nice if you could hire someone to do that for you? They would have to be sincerely working for your good outcomes and insist on constant and open communication with you and those they need to deal with. Every candidate, however, would have one major flaw. They wouldn’t be able to do this for you forever. Death, retirement, and other inevitable occurrences would keep them from forever working for you.

Hebrews 7:23-25 says, “The former priests were many in number, because they were prevented by death from continuing in office, but he holds his priesthood permanently, because he continues forever. Consequently, he is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them.” Jesus is the perfect high priest for us, as His sacrifice was perfect and complete, offering salvation for all people and forever. He alone is able to draw us near to God, always living and bringing us before the Father and advocating for us. His intercession and advocating on our behalf continues forever.