Things Remembered

My family and I spent several days at Isle of Palms, SC. Last Wednesday was our first service back at South Knoxville since I responded to the invitation a couple of Sundays earlier. As I walked in the door Wednesday I was told I was in charge of that night's devotional.

In the few minutes I had to get ready, I thought of what I might say. I've been told I'm a good story teller. I know in my life I've experienced a lot of things that make for good stories. My first thought was that I could tell a good story about some person or experience that would have a moral thought behind it that people could benefit from. Then I realized that my situation from the past few weeks was exactly what I needed to talk about. When we can personalize our struggles and hopes I think it makes it more relevant for everyone. I talked about things I'd remembered.

I had been reminded of First John 1:9, a verse I've talked about on this site previously. In the past I've emphasised the point that this verse talks about continuing actions. It's true and it's important. From the original Greek it was written in, the verse tells us if we continue to confess our sins then Christ continues to forgive and cleanse us. What I remembered recently though was the word "all". He will, "cleanse us from all unrighteousness." I think sometimes our conscience has a hard time letting us digest that word when it comes to our own sins and shortcomings.

I was reminded of First Peter 4:8. It says, "And above all things have fervent love for one another, for 'love will cover a multitude of sins.'" When you have sinned, when you need to feel that love, it's an awesome feeling when it's extended to you. Whose love? The love from other Christians, the love of Christ and God the Father, the love of a good wife, the love from your family.

Another thing I'd remembered was what James told us in James 5:16. "Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much." My dad used to say that if "the effective, fervent prayer" of one righeous man accomplished a lot, imagine the power behind the prayers of many people. I know many people have been praying for me over the last couple of weeks and I appreciate it very much. I know I always pray for others both publicly and privately. Isn't it an incredible humbling and encouraging feeling to know when others pray for you?!

Like I said previously about another point, it's important that we know these points for the facts they are. When we consider ourselves, our struggles, our needs and our relationship with God it's even more important to remember the importance of these points in a personal and life changing way. I hope this helps you.