October 31, 2023

Deuteronomy 11: 18 Fix these words of mine in your hearts and minds; tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them to your foreheads. (NIV)

We don’t usually need to be taught new ideas as much as we need to be reminded of old truths.*

Modern technology has provided us with many methods to remind ourselves of things we don’t want to forget, from Post-It Notes to phones that alert us that we have an appointment in ten minutes. I am pretty much old-school myself: a calendar in my purse; a calendar (from the funeral home) on my desk; and, even though I am not very busy these days, an occasional “to-do” list. We have pictures to remind us of loved ones and good times, and ceremonies to commemorate historic events.

God did not want his people to forget his commands or that his love for them was the purpose of his commands. He wanted them to remember the words in their heads and to treasure them in their hearts. Meditate upon the words. Be creative in devising methods to remind themselves of them. Tie them around their hands or plaster them across their foreheads if that’s what it takes. How about a tattoo?

There was nothing inherently wrong with the Jews’ literal interpretation of God’s figurative suggestion. If that’s what it took to fix God’s words on their hearts and minds, I’m sure God was pleased with their devotion. If only they could have maintained the purity of their intent! Instead, by the time Jesus came along, the symbols on their hands and foreheads had become nothing but a “a showy way of expressing spiritual pride.”* (see Matthew 23: 5)

But let’s not dwell on the literalism and self-righteousness of the Pharisees. Let’s look beyond the devolution of their devotion and search for our own methods of remembrance . . . because it is still vitally important today that we meditate on God’s word, store it in our hearts, and know how to apply it in our daily lives. Memorize scripture that speaks to your personal struggles. Take advantage of that modern technology I mentioned earlier – a Bible app on your phone allows you to read and research anywhere, any time. Make Bible study a part of your schedule every day. Know your Bible: memorize the books of the Bible. Become so familiar with scripture that you can say, “I don’t know exactly where that passage is found but I know it’s in there.” And then know where to start looking. Go to Bible study groups where you can discuss the word with others. And get a tattoo if you have to!

When people say they wish they could watch more football, or they wish they could spend more time on the Internet, most of them will actually find a way to do just that. But when . . . people . . . say they wish they knew the Bible better, will they actually set out to do it?*

October 30, 2023

Jonah 3: 5 The Ninevites believed God. (NIV) 

Are there individuals in our circles of influence who might be surprisingly receptive to God’s Word?*

Have you ever invited someone to church and they surprised you by showing up? Perhaps you had no idea they were interested in church. The invitation was unplanned – a long-shot. Sometimes these people are one-timers, but sometimes they become committed Christians. And where would these new believers be if not for someone’s off-hand suggestion that they go to church?

Jonah didn’t want to “invite” the Ninevites to "church.” He had a very bad experience when he tried to run away from his assignment. After all was settled between him and God, Jonah obeyed the word of God and preached throughout the city. And, lo and behold, they believed God. They fasted and prayed and repented from their wicked ways.

I don’t know how long the Ninevites stayed true to the Lord. Some may have remained faithful for life. No doubt many fell back into their old lifestyle. Just like our friends who show up at church – some stay, some don’t. But that does not relieve us of our duty to make the effort to lead them to the Lord.

Witnessing to the lost is often a daunting undertaking. We don’t know what to say. But sometimes it’s as easy as, “Hey, would you like to go to church with me Sunday?” If you’re like me, if you have had any conversations with the person at all, they already know how important your church family is to you. You have already witnessed to them. Inviting them to church is just the natural next step. Don’t be a Jonah and cause God to take drastic measures to get you to do your duty!

Never underestimate the power of God’s truth to penetrate and transform human hearts.*