Get A Grip

Look, I have taught you statutes and ordinances as The Lord has commanded me, carefully follow them for this will show your wisdom and understanding in the eyes of the people. Only be on your guard and diligently watch yourselves, so you don't forget these things your eyes have seen and so they don't slip from your mind as long as you live.

Deuteronomy 4:5-9

You should be an example to the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity. Give your attention to public reading, exhortation and teaching. Do not neglect the gift that is in you; Practice these things, be committed to them, so that your progress may be evident to all. Be conscientious about yourself and your teaching; Persevere in these things, for by doing this your will save both yourself and your hearers.

1 Timothy 4: 12-16

Years ago while in the NAVY in Boston around Christmas, I was walking down the street at night singing, "It came upon a midnight clear," when a man strode up beside me carrying a box with a lot of beer and liquor in it. We stopped at an intersection waiting on the light. "So I guess you are a Christian because you are singing with a lot of enthusiasm." I said, "Roger that, there is no enjoyment, peace or joy without Christ Jesus." He told me he too used to be a Christian but failed to be faithful to read, pray and get together with other believers. Now he was in a homosexual relationship and for him there was no going back to Jesus, we walked and talked a bit more before we parted ways. He said he hoped I made it, "I really do miss it," he said. He asked if I could remember him and pray for him. I offered to pray for him there and he said, "No way man, we're in a public place!" I still pray for Doug. I worked with another man in Woburn, Massachusetts, who told me another similar story. He said when he quit doing and going in Jesus Name, all his old friends came out of the wood work. He told me he would go back to Jesus, but he can't. There is an immeasurable amount of pain and sorrow that overtakes those who let the things of God slip from their mind and life. It causes God a lot of pain as well, not to mention the collateral damage of those around us.

Deuteronomy 28:15-68, Romans 1:21-22

"I had the experience but missed the meaning."

T.S. Elliot