Message summary: Do you receive reminders of truth with joy?

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"So I will always remind you of these things, even though you know them and are firmly established in the truth you now have. I think it is right to refresh your memory as long as I live in the tent of this body, because I know that I will soon put it aside, as our Lord Jesus Christ has made clear to me. And I will make every effort to see that after my departure you will always be able to remember these things" (2 Peter 1:12-15).

Like many others, we often make excuses for our misstep or poor memory by saying, "I'm having a senior moment". We use it to describe brief lapses in memory which  increases for most as we age. A younger friend describes it as "data overload".

As we get older we all generally deal to some degree with memory loss (like forgetting where we put our wallet, coffee cup, car keys, cell phone, etc). We all need memory prompts to keep us on track!

We live in an age when the "new" is highly valued. I enjoy new stuff, especially technology. However I am typically several years behind "state of the art", which I recall a computer engineer friend in New England telling me was no longer "state of the art" at the time the device came on the market.

In regard to Biblical and spiritual truths I also appreciate a new insight, perhaps something in a Bible text I had never previously considered or a helpful spiritual concept.

Yesterday our message in church was on praying during times of adversity and the pastor made several points on the subject of lamenting that we had never considered (or at least can't recall ever considering).

As writers of Daily Encouragement we are foundationally committed to expressing and contending for the faith once for all entrusted to the saints.  Our goal is to highlight a truth that you might not have explored before or provide a refreshing thought regarding a timeless truth and its application in our lives.

But there's a tendency to have a view of "I've already heard that before" and this can lead to a negative, unreceptive outlook. It can also be dangerous as we may run after new "truths" that are really old errors being recycled to attract a new following.

Today we would like to consider the benefits of being reminded of important truths. Truths that teach, reinforce and remind us are indeed a blessing because:

In Peter's text notice the repetitive emphasis; "So I will always remind you"; "it is right to refresh your memory"; and "I will make every effort to see that after my departure you will always be able to remember these things".

Today we bring no new revelation, no teaching that will "tickle" itchy ears or bring about a large following because of our "unique" message. Instead we simply prompt you to consider the need for being reminded of that which is of first importance and encourage you to faithfully proclaim these truths to others! And never grow weary of being regularly reminded or being the one who does the reminding, which is good discipleship.

The daily text expresses an attitude we should have when we are reminded of familiar truths. Peter was confident his readers not only knew the truths he had shared, but they were also established in their hearts and minds. Nevertheless he pledged to be steadfast in reminding them of these things.

Today Peter might preface his message by saying, "I know I'm preaching to the choir. but...." He was determined to "make every effort to see that after his departure others would always be able to remember these things". That's a faithful minister of the gospel of Jesus Christ!

Do you receive the reminders of truth with joy? I recall the line in an old hymn that put it this way, "I love to tell the story, for those who know it best, seem hungering and thirsting to hear it like the rest". May we never lose interest or find ourselves yawning when hearing or reading of the foundational truths of the Gospel, even if it is the umpteenth time! May it instead reassure and refresh our spiritual appetite.

Be encouraged today, Hebrews 3:13

Stephen & Brooksyne Weber

Daily prayer:   Father, we thank You for the inspiration of Your Holy Spirit. May Your Words be impressed upon our hearts as we give regular attention to them through reading and memorizing the Scriptures. We don't want a casual attitude about Your Holy Word, but rather we want to be earnest students genuinely contending for the faith. Help us not to be absent minded when approaching the gospel truths but rather be wholly present that we might partake of all that You have to teach and show us in Your Word. May we never weary of the basics of the gospel or lose the awe and wonder of seeing a life that is changed when redemption takes place. We want to hunger and thirst after righteousness and not lose sight of the old, old story that will be our theme in glory. In Jesus name we pray. Amen.

Paul Hollinger worked for 52 years at WDAC, one of our local Christian radio stations, serving most of that time as the general manager. For over 20 years we've had an abbreviated "Daily Encouragement Minute" program on WDAC  and developed a friendship with several on the staff. Because we are able to produce the messages in our home, and send them in as an email attachment, it does not require our being at the station. But we occasionally drive down just to say "Hi".

Years ago I was visiting the station during an "Open House" and in Paul's office I saw a napkin on his desk that stated, "I Have CRS". Considering all the disease acronyms such as MS, COPD, ALS, OCD and so forth I thought it might be a disease I had never heard of so I asked him what it meant and he informed me it stood for, "Can't Remember Stuff".

"Yes I Will"   Watch on YouTube   Vertical Worship  A great song of resolve during times of testing. We sang this yesterday in our worship service.

"Even If"   Watch on YouTube  MercyMe  Another very candid song of resolve.