In Remembrance...

It's difficult to remember that which you haven't committed to memory.

This simply, profound truth is a courtesy summation of a point in John McArthur's sermon that I heard early this morning, in which He was talking about the promises that Christ gave before His ascension regarding the work and help of the Holy Spirit in our lives.

It's an amazing consideration... the lengths to which God went to restore relationship with His creation. As if Christ' death wasn't enough, He sent help; knowing full well we would need it. However, despite our desperate need for the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives, that doesn't negate our best efforts to attempt to get by and live without Him.

We attempt to get by on our own goodness, efforts, works and words. We focus on the quality of our relationships with others, while neglecting one with God. We have everything else in our hand and in front of our face than that which is necessary for spiritual growth, maturity and longevity.

How do I know this? I have a mirror... that I can envision without actually getting up and walking into the room where the physical mirror exists. Why do I know more quotes from my favorite show or song, rather than my favorite book and more importantly, God's book? Because I'm human.

And because you can't remember what's not already in your memory banks. So, I ask, the same question I'm asking myself.
What am I committing to memory?
What am I leading my kids to learn and remember?
In the battles and struggles that pastors face, what are they remembering and standing upon?
As they lead their own homes and families? As they help me lead mine? As they help lead my friends and families?

So, pray this #youthPastorWednesday, that God would draw all of us, but especially the pastors of this up and coming generation, that they would be people of the Word to an ever greater degree than ever. May they stand on the promises of God more than ever before; because they know and even more aware than they have ever been. Pray the battles and stresses of life would not cause them to disengage; but draw in closer, to the presence of God and the truths of His Word. Indeed, pray that the Holy Spirit would be their comfort and their guide. May they be led not only into all truth, but walk in the fullness of the promises of God.

Only by His grace.
And all for His glory.
To know Him
And by known by Him.
In all truth; for all time.

- PNC