"Remember"

U.S. Navy Veteran Ron White memorized nearly 7,000 words and more than 2,200 names. Let that sink in for just a moment. To put it in perspective that would be similar to memorizing Psalm 119! “The U.S. recorded the names of the military fallen from Afghanistan on a makeshift wall in downtown Fort Worth...And he did it all from memory” He said, “I have pictures in my mind for each name.” It took the veteran who served in Afghanistan in 2007 around ten months to memorize all of those names.

Despite the fact he has made the news and many people came to watch what he did, the veteran said he wasn’t doing it for the attention. “I would have done this in a field by myself if no one showed up, just because it’s something I wanted to do.”

To remember those who gave their life for our country in this way is very honorable. We are thankful for men like Ron White who have served our country and who know how to show appreciation. There are numerous ways that we remember those who have served us, those who have sacrificed for us, and the lives of those we love.

God has blessed us with the marvelous gift of memory and His Word has much to say about remembering.

"Remember the word that I said to you, 'A slave is not greater than his master.' If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you; if they kept My word, they will keep yours also.” (John 15:20)

“Remember that you were at that time separate from Christ, excluded from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world.” (Ephesians 5:12)

“I thank God, whom I serve with a clear consciencethe way my forefathers did, as I constantly remember you in my prayers night and day.” (2 Timothy 1:3)

“But remember the former days, when, after being enlightened, you endured a great conflict of sufferings.” (Hebrews 10:32)

“Remember the prisoners, as though in prison with them, and those who are ill-treated, since you yourselves also are in the body.” (Hebrews 13:3)

“Remember those who led you, who spoke the word of God to you; and considering the result of their conduct, imitate their faith.” (Hebrews 13:7)

“That you should remember the words spoken beforehand by the holy prophets and the commandment of the Lord and Savior spoken by your apostles.” (2 Peter 3:2)

“But you, beloved, ought to remember the words that were spoken beforehand by the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ.” (Jude 1:17)

“'Therefore remember from where you have fallen, and repent and do the deeds you did at first; or else I am coming to you and will remove your lamp stand out of its place—unless you repent.” (Revelation 2:5)

“So remember what you have received and heard; and keep it, and repent. Therefore if you do not wake up, I will come like a thief, and you will not know at what hour I will come to you.” (Revelation 3:3)

Is there someone you should remember and give thanks for today? How long has it been since you have said thank you to someone you need to remember? Do you remember those who have sacrificed for you by the way you live your life?

Maybe it’s your parents who gave us life, sacrificed so that we could enjoy life, or taught us the Word of God.

Maybe it’s the person who led you to Christ through the Word of God.

Maybe it’s our mate who has stood by you through the storms and trials of life.

Maybe it’s a friend who has been beside you through some particularly difficult time.

May I encourage you to take the time to remember someone who has been special to you? Take the time to express your gratitude to them. Take the time to show them your appreciation by the way you live your life. Take the time to thank God for all He has done. Remember.

Dear Father, thank You for the gift of memory. Thank You for those who have sacrificed to make our lives better. Thank You, dear God for the people who helped us learn about you. Help us to remember and to be thankful. In the Name of Jesus we pray, Amen.