Greetings Saints and Friends,
​“Dolly, do you remember when the old Sears, Roebuck catalog would arrive?” “Oh, I certainly do. The dolls were all I wanted to see. But I can remember my father actually ordering a plow from Sears. And my older brother always yearned for one of those pocket knives. Oh, what memories that brings back. Times sure have changed, but those memories linger on. How about you, Polly, what do you remember from that time in your life?”
“I can recall coming home from school to the smell of Mama’s fresh baked apple pies. And, of course, there were chores to do. And the very special family time after dinner, when Father would read the Bible to us. Yes, I agree, times have changed, but memories linger on. Can you remember back to that first kiss from your then-future husband, Ollie?” “I will never forget that moment. I knew it was coming, so I put honey on my lips. When I wasn’t looking, that rascal put hot sauce on his lips! It was the sweetest hot kiss mankind may have ever imagined! O my, times have changed, but memories linger on.
Not long ago, Pastor Harold was talking to our Sunday School class. He said, ‘Memories are made in the present, to be remembered in the future. Today, is yesterday’s tomorrow. Tomorrow, we’ll have our memory of today. Over the years, and especially the last few, we have been challenged by many changes in our lives. But as Christians, we do not face these days alone. When we take time to look back on the memories we’ve been making, we can thank God, Who has been with us all along. Jesus said, ‘In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.’ John 16:33 Some of us are going through a tough time now. But as Christians, we daily overcome through Jesus, Who loves us, helps us, and is coming back for us! Paul reminds us – ‘Thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.’ 1 Corinthians 15:57
We receive the victory when we place our faith in Jesus as our Savior and Sustainer. Faith is the victory! Oh glorious victory, that overcomes the world!”
“I certainly agree with Pastor Harold, Dolly. When I think of God, I always remember how faithful He has been over all these years. And since He never changes, He will always be faithful. The Psalmist declared, ‘Your faithfulness endures to all generations!’ Psalm. 119:90 What else did Pastor Harold say?”
​“He said God is a great promise keeper. That from Genesis to Revelation, His Word is packed with promises to all people. For example, after Adam and Eve sinned in the Garden of Eden, God promised He would send a Savior – born of the Seed of the woman. Genesis 3:15 And God kept that promise when Jesus was born of Mary.” Matthew 1:23 “Whenever I think of how the angel came and delivered that promise to Mary (Luke 1:31), that she would be the mother of Jesus, I can only imagine how she must have felt – knowing all that she would go through for being faithful to God and trusting in Him. But I also remember how she faithfully responded to God’s promise: ‘Behold the maidservant of the Lord! Let it be to me according to your word.’ Luke 1:38 What wonderful memories Mary must have had to linger on as the years went by. She certainly had hard times, but she could look back and see how God continued to be faithful. She surely knew one of the greatest promises of all, ‘God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.’ John 3:16 Pastor Harold said we are making memories today. He asked us, ‘How do you want to remember today? As a day of victory or defeat? A day of faithfulness or false hope? A day of promises kept or broken abandonment? Remember, we have victory in Jesus! Today, you can choose the type of memories you’ll look back on. God makes it possible for you to remember days of victory, days of faithfulness, and days of promises kept.’ Pastor Harold made sure that everyone knows, the greatest memory to have in your heart is of the day you trusted Jesus as Savior. You can make that memory today. Tell Him: ‘Jesus, thank You for paying for my sins by Your death and resurrection. Help me to live each day for You. And let’s begin to make memories together. Amen’”