Remember
Today is Remembrance Day. It’s a moment to pause and remember the service and sacrifice of many people who have defended our democratic freedoms and way of life.
It’s a time to think about those in the armed forces, the emergency services and innocent civilians who have lost their lives in conflict and acts of terrorism.
Remembering is important. It’s a conscious effort to think back to what has happened in the past with sadness and gratitude. Remembering shapes both our present and our future.
The Bible is big on remembering. It records things that God has promised to remember, such as never flooding the whole earth...
“I will remember my covenant between me and you and all living creatures of every kind. Never again will the waters become a flood to destroy all life.”
It also says that God will not remember some things...
“No longer will they teach their neighbour, or say to one another, “Know the LORD,”
because they will all know me, from the least of them to the greatest,’ declares the LORD.
‘For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more.’”
The Bible also instructs us to ‘not forget’ certain things too...
“Praise the LORD, my soul, and forget not all his benefits –
who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases,
who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion,
who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.”
If you feel that your past holds you back from your future, then there is some good news...
“Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.”
In other words, you do not have to live in memories of the past. God is wanting to do something new in you!
Also, why not check out our live stream service every Sunday at 10:30am, simply go to www.hopebasingstoke.org/livestream
Stay safe & God bless
Gary Bastin - Hope Community Church leader