Deuteronomy 8

This is Memorial Day weekend and we are called to remember the soldiers and families that have gone on before us fighting for freedom and liberty. What does it actually mean though to remember? Many just think of it as another day off and the start of BBQ season. When we say never forget or remember the fall, I believe there is a challenge to live in a way that honors the fallen soldiers and families.

Too many times Christians remember the Lord by coming to church and feeling they have sacrificed and remembered the Lord. Some may even serve in the church and be part of communion. These are all good of course and I pray all would be involved some how in the church but remember the Lord involves a calling to serve the Lord through obedience. We remember the Lord in obeying His commands, Deut. 8.

This is repeated many times and the challenge is to remember the Lord through keeping His commands and obeying His leading. When we forget the Lord, scripture says we then turn to our flesh and act out according to our own selfish desires. When we obey the Lord we love the Father, John 14:21. The commandments of the Lord also are not heavy or previous, I John 5:3. In Obeying the Lord, we experience great peace, joy, and fulfillment.

What may be a little unsettling is the fact that God allows us to go through hardships and tests us and our faith. God desires us to love Him and to desire Him back. God is the perfect gentleman and never forces anyone to love or cherish Himself. We have to choose and at times it is easier than others. In the hard times when things do not make sense or we do not understand it can be very difficult. In those moments especially, we need to hang on to the hand of our Creator and closest friend, Jesus Christ.

We must also remember that God will not let us be overcome by the hardships and temptation, I Cor. 10:12, 13. There is always a way of escape and it is through the name of Jesus Christ. Will you remember Christ this coming week? What will the test prove concerning your faith and love for your Lord and Savior?