FEBRUARY 22ND DEVOTIONAL

FEBRUARY 22ND DEVOTIONAL

February 22, 2016

Be careful that you do not forget the Lord your God, failing to observe His commands, His laws and His decrees that I am giving you this day.

Deuteronomy 8:11

 

As God’s people, we are no different than others in several ways. One is them the tendency to forget something. This is not in the best interest for us as it is essential to remember whether something at work, school or home. I find it to be an important part of our character. Let’s take a look at forgetting or what some label as backsliding.

In the noted verse, it should be a vital part of our day to remember what God has done within it. Unfortunately, because of our selfish thinking of only ourselves, God’s role is not important. This leads to what some call pride. We take credit for what was accomplished and fail to thank the Lord for what He did for us. Therefore, we need to remember God has given us everything.

The ancient Israelites thought only of themselves. They felt there was a “free ride” enabling them to do anything they desired. This applied to their beliefs whereas idols were more important than God Himself. One commentator notes this type of religion was “more attractive to the sensual nature and offered more short-term benefits.”

The book of James discusses this in another way. Anyone “who has wandered away is a believer who has fallen into sin-one who is no longer living a life consistent with his beliefs. James urges Christians to help backsliders return to God. By taking the initiative, praying for them, and acting in love, we can meet them where they are and bring them back to God and His forgiveness.”

One significant thought connected with forgetting is a powerful gift from God. He will never remember our sins. “Christ forgives completely, so there is no need to confess our sins repeatedly. As believers, we can be confident that the sins we confess and renounce are forgiven and forgotten.

Prayer: It is wonderful, Lord, that when we forget Your Son and what He did for us, we are showered with His love, care and most of all, Himself. Thank you. Amen.

Jeff Spang