Daily Encouragement Net (Archive/Print Edition)

Daily Encouragement Net Header (Sunrise over the Atlantic Ocean)

A daily, Bible-based perspective of hope, encouragement and exhortation.
Home About Us Archives Free email subscription

Listen to this message
Please donate to this ministry

Thursday, June 8, 2006

"Remember These Things"

"So I will always remind you of these things, even though you know them and are firmly established in the truth you now have. I think it is right to refresh your memory as long as I live in the tent of this body, because I know that I will soon put it aside, as our Lord Jesus Christ has made clear to me. And I will make every effort to see that after my departure you will always be able to remember these things" (2 Peter 1:12-15).

Photo of Doug getting Spanish language reminders!

I like this photo. Doug grew up in the church I pastored in northern Pennsylvania and is now serving as a missionary in Peru. This photo illustrates the frustration of his language training. His teacher is "hammering" the remembrance of the Spanish language into Doug!

We are so capable of forgetting. I saw a little abbreviation on a napkin that said, "I have CRS". When I asked what this meant the older man with the napkin referred to various diseases that are known by their abbreviations and then pointed out the initials on his napkin stood for, "Can't Remember Stuff."

If our forgetfulness is limited to the smaller, inconsequential stuff of life that's one thing, and that is somewhat frustrating. Even in our early fifties Brooksyne and I are having those "senior moments." But how critically important it is that we remember that which is of foremost importance.

The Apostle Peter is writing about this in his last letter which we know as 2 Peter. I find today's Scripture especially pertinent. It really shows the heart of a caring pastor. As this first generation believer was passing the torch of faith to the next and all subsequent generations he emphasized the vital importance of remembering the crucial, foundational truths of the faith that were known and firmly established in his initial readers.

Notice the repetitive emphasis; "So I will always remind you", "it is right to refresh your memory", and "I will make every effort to see that after my departure you will always be able to remember these things."

Today may the Lord help us all to truly remember that which is of first importance and to faithfully proclaim these truths to others! And never ever grow weary of being always reminded or being the one who reminds, which is good discipleship.

Be encouraged today,

Stephen C. Weber

Brooksyne's prayer: Jesus, would You impress on our hearts essential truths that You want us to remember. May they be seared into our conscience so that they not only guide our Christian walk but spill out to those we influence by our consistent example and frequent teaching of these principles. As we read Your oft-repeated principles and doctrines throughout the Bible help us not to ignore or overlook the familiar. Help us instead to know that it is repeated for emphasis and reminds us of the most important things You want to teach us. In my short time on this earth enable me to impress deeply upon others the elemental teachings that have forever impacted my life. And help me to repeat it often to all who will hear.

Today's message is well reinforced by a great old hymn, "I Love To Tell The Story"
Instrumental (this is really powerful!) This is from the website of Dennis Gwizdala

Vocal (HiFi, LoFi) This page also shows the lyrics and the last verse is especially relevant to today's theme.

In today's message I mentioned Doug. Here's a photo of him and his family.

One of the great joys of ministry is passing the torch and seeing others behind you carrying on the great mission of the Church. Doug's Mom and Dad, Mike and Kathy, are among our earliest friends in ministry and are to this day a tremendous inspiration and encouragement to us. They attended the very first service we had when we started the church in St. Marys, PA in 1977 and we stay in touch although they now live in North Carolina.

Comment on this encouragement message