The Power of Memory – Part 1

Memory is an incredible thing.  In many ways, it is our memory that enables us to function.  Every aspect of our daily routine is based on memory.  Four million people in the United States have Alzheimers, a disease that slowly robs one of memory.  Many of them cannot drive because they do not remember what the car even does nor do they remember how to crank it.  They forgot.  Many of them do not swallow their food because they forgot they were supposed to swallow.  Many of them do not bathe because they do not know they are supposed to turn off the faucet.  They cannot function because they cannot remember.    
On the other hand, other people in the world have incredible memories.  People like Marilu Henner can remember the day they bought a specific pair of shoes in the 1990’s.  They can remember the weather on a specific day from years ago and what they ate for dinner on that day.
(See: http://www.cbsnews.com/2100-18560_162-20071071.html?tag=contentMain;contentBody)
Since we obviously don’t want to remember everything, what do we want to remember?  Moses taught us about the importance of remembering in the Old Testament (Deuteronomy 6 to be precise): 
        When you have eaten and are satisfied, praise the LORD your God for the good land he has given you.  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.  Otherwise, when you eat and are satisfied, when you build fine houses and settle down, and when your herds and flocks grow large and your silver and gold increase and all you have is multiplied, then your heart will become proud and you will forget the LORD your God, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery.

The process is simple:  Abundance becomes Pride becomes Forgot becomes Disaster.

We must be careful that we never, never forget where it all came from. . .
(See The Power of Memory – Part 2)   

The Power of Memory – Part 2

  The greatest test most people face is rarely their adversity.  Quite often, it is their success.  Life can be more difficult when you succeed than when you fail.  When we achieve wealth, it becomes something else it was not intended.  Abundance can appear to be god-like.   

        Wealth can become our identity.  Our perception of others is often based on what they own or earn.  We judge people based on what they drive, how they dress and where they live frequently.  It is a natural response.  Our thoughts about people are usually founded on the decorations they have rather than the heart they possess. 
        Wealth can also become our security.  When couples marry, they often struggle financially.  And then a salary increase comes and they begin to feel more secure.  Then a job change brings a raise and an opportunity to buy a house & secure a 30-year mortgage.  Wealth becomes our security. 
        In a sentence, wealth gives the feeling of power & sufficiency.  And it is deceptive.  Wealth can come and wealth can go.  Our recent economic stall has proven that to be true.  The security that many people had in their incomes shriveled as their income did.  Now people are living in fear. 
        Wealth’s false impressions of security and identity are why GOD told us to be careful about success.    When wealth becomes the focus of our lives, we tend to leave GOD in the dust.  We end up being owned by their possessions rather than being free to follow GOD.  And that is a recipe for disaster.    
        Security is more than finances or health or relationships.   Security means having confidence even when life has taken a downward turn, perhaps in one’s health, finances, relationships or career.  When life has gone south, but you can still look w/ assurance into the future, then that is true security.  
        Security means living in the confidence that GOD is sovereign over all things – past, present & future.  Our security about tomorrow rests in the sovereign knowledge of GOD, not in the abundance of our personal affluence. 
        GOD has given us regular reminders that bring our hearts back to the reality that at the core of everything we are is a GOD who loves us and faithfully provides.  The Sabbath is a reminder that our days are from Him.  The tithe is a reminder that our dollars from Him.  The Bible is a reminder that everything is from Him.
Be careful then that you don’t forget.