Tuesday, February 12, 2019

Straying From the Heart

Valentines is this week. We see hearts everywhere. Various forms of expressing love is all around us. I'm impressed by the thought that goes into some of these. Who will you show love to this week? Have you ever forgotten to love? Or, have you forgotten how much someone loves you?

I have often wondered how is it possible that a people could totally not remember that there was a God who loved His people so much that He brought them to Egypt to save their lives. They may have even known they were suppose to live there for 400 years, if their forefathers passed on the stories of old. But how could they have forgotten Him enough that they worshiped Egyptian gods as well. Is this even possible?

Then the leaders of this study reminded me that the Israelites were there 400 years. Looking back is always 20/20 hindsight, but if I look at it from today's perspective I get a totally different view.

Officially, the U.S. will be 243 years old this year. But, if you include the years of colonization and settlements then we are right around the 400 year mark. (410 from the founding of Jamestown.)

Just like the Israelites in Egypt, we too became a great nation with many riches and power. Of course, we had lots of infighting that has left a mark that remains even today. The saying that speaks of history repeating itself can sadly be seen in our country. We too have slowly forgotten the religious strengths and stands we had when we first arrived to this land.

For many, many years we have been known for being a God-fearing nation, but over the years we have embraced so many things that have pulled us away from our first drive. Now, we aren't too far from the Israelites. Sadly, I see it is possible to forget.

I hope that you and I will do what is needed to keep remembering who God is. He is our first valentine. And His love is never-ending. He is here for us. We only need to talk to Him and listen for His answer. The listening part is sometimes hard to wait for, but is so worth it when it happens. You know what I've said so many times in the past...there is always hope...in Jesus, with Jesus there is always hope to overcome whatever is in our path. He is the ultimate valentine gift.

Can't believe it. Second book in the series is coming.