Precious Memories #254

2 PETER 1:3,9,12-15 His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. 4 Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature, having escaped the corruption in the world caused by evil desires. 9 But whoever does not have them is nearsighted and blind, forgetting that they have been cleansed from their past sins. 12 So I will always remind you of these things, even though you know them and are firmly established in the truth you now have. 13 I think it is right to refresh your memory as long as I live in the tent of this body, 14 because I know that I will soon put it aside, as our Lord Jesus Christ has made clear to me. 15 And I will make every effort to see that after my departure you will always be able to remember these things.

How’s your memory? There are likely many things you remember with joy and happiness. Some of your remembrances hold pain and sorrow. The Apostle Peter reminds his readers that remembering is very important. In order to grow spiritually it is necessary to remember. He reminds them that they have received, at salvation, everything they will need to live a godly life through God who called them.

Remember he says that you have received the great and precious promises of God through salvation. Remember that you have escaped the corruption of the world because you share in God’s divine nature. Christ is in you and you are in Him. Don’t forget it!! Don’t forget that your sins have been forgiven.

He calls his readers nearsighted and blind when they forget the blessings of God’s redemption. You may not have ever thought of remembering as a spiritual discipline like prayer and Bible reading, but Peter’s emphasis is upon remembering for the sake of becoming all God desires of you. Take time to reflect upon your salvation experience. Think about those times when God was most real to you. Remember the moments when God spoke to your heart and gave you direction. God does desire for you to grow spiritually and has given memories as one of the ways to accomplish His will for you.  

_________________Today's personal note from Dennis

Greetings from Starbucks in beautiful Tempe, AZ

Have I mentioned to you lately that "GOD IS GOOD?" I am reminded everyday that God is holy, loving, forgiving, merciful and compassionate. He loves you and me alike and cares for our very lives. What a great God we serve. 

This past Sunday I had the privilege of preaching at the East Verde Baptist Church near Payson, AZ. What a delightful time with the wonderful people in that church. The church is located in the Pines on the Mogollon Rim. The setting of the church is just beautiful. 

Sandy and her two little grandsons, Johnny and Justin, tried at what appears to be scuba diving. They did not enter the water, but the googles were adorning their eyes for protection. Johnny thought it was exciting to see Grammie with her googles on. 

Collin leaves for California on Monday to visit his Dad. He is looking forward to camping, hiking, and spending time with him. Collin went in for his school physical this week. At twelve years old he is already 5' 5" and 123 lbs. His Dad is 6'4". I think Collin is on his way to that height. 

Sandy and I will be in MO to visit family and friends starting next week. I look forward to seeing my Dad. He is in a nursing home in Eldon, MO. This past Saturday our friends the Tuttleton's stopped in to see him. They had not seen one another for over 30 years. It was a great reunion. My brother, Steve, is in rehab the same nursing home. He has COPD and was having much difficulty breathing. He is receiving respiratory therapy. I will be preaching at the First Baptist Church in Eldon on the 30th. Looking forward to seeing lots of family and friends there. We also are having a mini-family reunion that afternoon. Can hardly wait. 

I will be preaching at Second Baptist Church of Lebanon on July 7th. Roger Marshall, a long time friend and college roommate is the pastor. It will be a joy to be with that church again. 

Fourth of July weekend Sandy and I will spend with her brother Sammy and his wife, Kathy. Sandy really is excited about that. We will also be seeing more of her family in the Kansas City area.

We will end up our trip in Arkansas where we hope to see our friends the Nobles. They were in our church in Nebraska in the early 70's. What a great vacation. We are driving and pulling our travel trailer, camping along the way. Sandy and I both are looking forward to our time together: ALONE!!

I do hope you are having a wonderful summer. Burke and Bennett are in youth camp this week in Glorietta, NM. They have texted a couple of times. Think they are enjoying themselves. 

When we return I will be speaking at the Men's Breakfast at First Baptist Church of Tempe on Saturday the 20th and preaching at Northpointe Baptist Church in Chandler, AZ on the 21st and the 28th. BUSY SUMMER!!

May God bless you with a great summer of reunions with family, friends, and with God. 

Blessings to you from our God who is so good.  ~ DGW