5-26-2014

 Good Morning All,

         Psalm 77:11; “I will remember the deeds of the Lord; yes, I will remember your wonders of old.”   

       We spend a fair amount of time remembering things.  We remember our family member’s birthdays and anniversaries.  We mark these days with a time of looking back at prior times and prior events.  We often look back with a gladness and joy as we recall the love that we have with these people.  Today, throughout the United States, we are observing Memorial Day.  It is a day to remember.

    We take time to remember how God works in our lives.  We take time to remember that God uses his creation and his creatures to give us the blessing that we have.  Today we remember, that sometimes, very good men and women sacrifice their lives so that you and I can enjoy the blessings of freedom that we have.  So we remember, the deeds of the Lord, his wonders which we enjoy this day.

    Throughout the Bible, God tells his people to “remember.”  He tells us to remember the blessings that we have, to remember where we started (in slavery to sin), to remember where we are going (eternal life with him) and how we receive these blessings (by his grace).  So in all things, God tells us to remember; to remember that we are his people, the sheep of his hand, protected by his loving arm.  In giving us that protection, some were called to be willing to surrender all for that protection; some surrendered all in that service.

     It is often said that those who do not remember history are doomed to repeat it.  It is also true that those who do not remember, are not a people, united with each other; but are rather lost and lonely souls who will never know how God’s love works in their lives.  So take time today and remember.  Attend a Memorial Day service in your community.  Say thank you to a veteran or a member of the armed forces.  If you know someone who is away on active duty, send them a card or a letter.  Visit their family and offer to help them if they have need.  Remember the price they pay as well.

    Yet do not remember just today; remember every day.  Remember what God does for you every day.  He blesses his people day in and day out.  He blesses us through his sustaining word and his gracious mercy.  His blessings are not often with thunder, lightning or earthquake rather it often comes to us in a still quiet voice.  God works through his created works to bless his people.  Remember the deeds of the Lord; remember his wonders at all times.  Today, we should especially remember those men and women who have died in service to this nation.

Gracious Lord, no greater love has a man than to lay down his life for friend.  Keep us mindful of the multitude of blessings in our life and to remember the cost that these blessings sometimes incur.  Bless those who are defending us this day.  Keep them safe and give to their families the sure confidence of your grace.  In the precious name of Jesus, our risen Savior amen.

God’s Peace,

Pastor Bret