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Fighting Forgetfulness

The promised favors, various repair needs, volunteer obligations, and important recipe ingredients would be victims of neglect if not for my writing and posting notes. This is also the reason I am fanatical about putting items back after their use—so I’ll be able to find them!

Were you taught to memorize Scripture passages from childhood on? Or have you challenged yourself with this valuable habit as an adult? The blessings of filling our heart with His promises are abundant, especially as we learn to apply the Word to our lives.

But what if those Bible gems fade or disappear?

Like many people, my forgetfulness has increased with age. What can be done to retain and regain Scripture memory?

Thanks to the Holy Spirit’s nudging, my forgetfulness has motivated these assistive actions:

1. Participate. In order to pay more attention to sermons and Bible classes, I open and personalize my Bible, taking notes and underlining with my own color code.

Within your temple, O God, we meditate on your unfailing love.Psalm 48:9

2. Peruse.  Instead of my old habit of skipping familiar verses, I slow down, think, read some study notes, and review the context.

You study the Scriptures diligently… These are the very Scriptures that testify about me. (Jesus) John 5:39

3. Pre-plan. I realize the necessity of reviewing promises and proof passages before they are needed. If I wait for a crisis, or an unbeliever’s questions, my unprepared mind will probably go blank.

 Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. I Peter 3:15

Even as my faculties fade, I know my eternal heavenly Father does not forget the needs of his children. But thanks to Christ’s redemption, he has chosen to forget our sin. 

Thank you Lord, for this memorable comfort.

Remember, O LORD, your compassion and your mercy, for they are from eternity.  Psalm 25:6

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The Deception of Greed (A Confession)

Greed steals time from genuine treasure:

Time with loved ones, worship and grace.

It becomes an anxious passion

Pushing us on an endless race.  

The deceiver thrills to see the people

Attracted to greed’s web and caught

Ignoring pain that coveting causes

Forgetting lessons contentment had taught.

Healthy bodies, minds and souls

Require God-provided care

Yet choosing to seek daily wants

Not needs, leaves thirsty spirits bare.

Life’s purpose is not to glean possessions

Fun or attractive they may be

If homes are full but hearts are empty

What prompts us to live unselfishly?

Jesus called the greedy, fools

With overflowing surplus barns,

Not concerned with life eternal

Ignoring what the Savior warns.

 I thought that greed did not concern me

‘I am content” I sang with pride

Greed was not a big temptation

Along with sins I attempted to hide.

Because of love, and perfect justice,

Jesus exposed my false beliefs

Opened my eyes with Word-vision

Offered forgiveness, granted relief.

The curse of sin stops not just heaven

But also stifles blessings here

Lord, daily tell me of your goodness

Open my heart to show you’re near.

Pictures courtesy of Pixabay