Be Reminded

Sometimes we have great intentions only to vanish into a busy day, a distraction, or a legitimate activity that demands our time. God understands this, but wants us to be clear in our priorities:

“Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.”  Exodus 6:4,5

God wants your attention. He gives us His, and He wants ours. We don’t bury our faith in the shadows or put it on the shelf. We share it in our words and in our actions. God’s instruction continues:

“These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates.” Exodus 6:6-9

God knows we sometimes have good intentions but find it difficult to follow through so He gives us these suggestions of tangible, visual reminders to always keep Him in our thoughts and prayers throughout the day.

The beautiful statement of truth in verses 4 and 5 was called the Shema and was often written on a piece of parchment and placed in a decorative case and attached to the entrance doorpost of homes. Upon entering or exiting, one would touch the case (known as the Mezuzah) and be reminded of the truth it contained. How great to be reminded to “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength!”

This truth appears again in the New Testament of the Bible. Someone asked Jesus what the most important commandment was and He replied, “This is it: ‘Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one.  Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.”  Mark 12:29-31

Jesus quotes the Exodus passage as His answer! Also notice that Jesus’ answer involves three relationships: with God, with your neighbor (anyone around you), and one more. See it? Your relationship with yourself! We are called to love our neighbor as ourselves which implies we are to love ourselves.

In what ways does God remind you of His presence? Expose yourself to God’s Word. Allow God to work through the power of His Word. Use binders, notebook, laptops and online tools. Use visual aids similar to those mentioned in our  Exodus reference. That might be jewelry, a bookmark, a piece of art. It could be anything that helps you to remember God is always with you and calls you to loving relationships.

4832 Ponderings:  
What can you do to remind yourself regularly to love God, your neighbor and yourself?

Prayer:  Dear Father in heaven, it is a new year and a time for change and new hope. Remind us of Your promise that You do not treat us as our sins deserve. Rather, for as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is Your love for those who follow You. You have forgiven our sins and have removed our transgressions as far as the east is from the west. Through the power of Your Holy Spirit, empower us to live forgiven lives, full of love for all. In Jesus name, Amen.        Prayer adapted from Psalm 103:10-13