REMEMBER WHEN

I will remember the works of

the LORD;  surely I will

remembesr Your wonders of old.

Psalm 77:11

Years ago, I used to hear older folks talk about how the older they had gotten, the shorter their memories.  That just didn't compute for me at the time.  However, I've come to look at things from a different angle now.  So many folks my age are often mistaken as having dimentia or some form of it.  Now I logically look at the things I have a problem remembering and can feel for those ladies in years gone by. When in my younger years, there just wasn't as much information stored in my memory as there is now with so much info to recall now.

When we get down to all the remembering we do, we often leave our Heavenly Father out.  We don't mean to because we have far more to remember about His love and provision than anyone elses.  We have spiritual things to remember, such as:  primary Sunday school, favorite pastors, day of our salvation, evening of baptistm, first Bible, church camp, and Chrisstian education.  

A little later came dating a godly man, marrying that godly man, privileged opportunities of serving the Lord using gifts He instilled in me for purpose, God's continued care and protection. These days, I remember my dear hubby who  is with Jesus and that God has provided for me to join along with a multitude of saints when He sees fit.  It's all a tribute to a wonderful and loving Heavenly Father. 

What would your spiritual memory list look like?  There's no way we can list every possible thing He's done and imprinted on our hearts, but as they come to recall, we should be a rejoicing people remembering God's goodness.  Let's choose to pause and remember how precious He's been and continues to be.

Father, You have poured the sweetest of things into my life through the years.  There have been the difficult things to remember but can remember how You brought me through them.  Thank You, Father, for the memories.  In Jesus name...Amen

COMFORT AND JOY

I, even I, am He who

Who comforts you,

Who are you that you

should be afraid.

Isaiah 51:12a

 It's odd the things that come to mind just out of the blue.  I was having breakfast this morning, a breakfast I never ate when Brian was here.  He wouldn't have liked it in the least, but may have eaten it out of courtesy.

Brian hadn't been gone very long when while getting my hair done in the home of a very dear friend, her husband walked into their kitchen to fix some breakfast for himself.  I asked what he was going to have and he told me he was fixing sausage gravy on biscuits.  I'm not really a biscuit person, but thought the gravy might be good on toast.  I asked where to get that toast topping and was directed to the gravy section of the grocery store.  I've never liked commercial gravy or mashed potatoes in a restaurant so had no idea what this would end up being.

Needless to say, I literally bit and made the purchase.  I was more than skeptical, so put extra butter on the toast before adding the topping.  With the first bite, a word came to mind....COMFORT.  I've heard folks speak of comfort food, but haven't thought of food in that way very often.  This comfort delight is something I can eat any time of day.  It warms the body, soul and spirit

I've been thinking how God's Word is our comfort food beyond what physical food can produce for us.  We are more than encouraged in so many ways to find comfort in it that can result in a joy we can't begin to imagine.  A Christmas carol refers to "tidings of comfort and joy" which became available to us upon the coming of Jesus.  We may avidly seek comfort and even joy from so many sources, but bottom line, He's our only real source of both of those things...no matter what someone might tell you about sausage and gravy.

I don't know, Father, what I could ever do without You in my life.  You are always giving, healing and comfort.  The topping You pour onto  my life is the joy You give in abundance.  Thank You so much.  In Jesus name...Amen

GOT'CHER  BACK

Fear not, for I am with you;

be not dismayed, for I am

your God;

I will strengthen you, yes, I

will help you with My

righteous right hand.

Isaiah 41:9,10

Growing up around lots of country relatives, I came to learn all sorts of phrases, slang and otherwise.  The above title was one of those statements that when young I didn't understand it.  I wondered how on earth anyone could just get your back  and what would they do with it when they took it from someone.

I came to know the statement as one that speaks of looking out for another person, no matter what situation could arise in the life of another.  Such a statement, however, is one of genuine commitment and even though crude in sound, is one a friend might take very seriously.

Defending or looking out after anotherone's best interest can be a serious undertaking.  People may feel the statement is more often a promise of financial help.  There are so many other ways, however, we can look out for each other.  It will begin with a genuine interest and love for a particular person.  Our concern for another may not mean huge undertakings.  It may not mean going to bat for someone that indicates some kind of conflict.

I've been a people watcher, not starer.  When with other Christian friends, faces or posture can indicate not feeling well, discouragement and yes, even abuse.  When concerned about another, I might say, "Well, what can I do for you today."  That doesn't mean they have to tell me a thing and will often say, "Pray for me."  I promise to do so and don't pry any further.

We're in a weary world where Christian friends often find themselves in situations they never saw coming.  Often, the best way to "got'cher backs" is to be caring, loving and praying.  Afterall, the only Person who really has our backs is our Heavenly Father and He's more than able no matter what's going on.

Father, You are so faithful in keeping me close when at times I don't even recognize it.  I'm so grateful for your care and attention to my every need.  Your power in my life means more than I can say.  In Jesus' name...Amen