Verse of the Day 8/31

Verse of the Day 8/31

Deuteronomy 4:9   "Only be on your guard and diligently watch yourselves, so that you don't forget the things your eyes have seen and so that they don't slip from your mind as long as you live. Teach them to your children and your grandchildren.  Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)

I've read today's verse many times before but as I read it today from the Hollman Christian Standard Bible, one phrase stood out for me, it is "so they don't slip from your mind".  How many things in life have we just let slip away, some of them very precious to us and we didn't realize that they had slipped away until it was too late?  We then wonder "how could I have prevented this?"  The answer comes from the verse.  We are to guard and diligently watch ourselves.  Pay attention, as Ephesians 4:15 says "walk circumspectly", with your eyes open, aware of what is going on around you.

In this fast paced society it is hard to do.  How many times have we told someone I'm sorry, I missed that one, or it just slipped through the cracks.  I know I have, unintentionally with things at work or at home.  Our minds are on overload or simply overwhelmed, and we need to maintain focus.  Spending time in the morning, noon over evening, whichever time you choose is important.  Teaching those same practices is important to pass on down, have them rub off on your kids.  They won't happen automatically.  They too are facing the same distractions and more.  If you doubt it have them go a day without cell phones, texting and social media.

These words were written in a slower time, so we think.  But man's heart, his attention span, his tendencies to wander and forget have not changed.  It just may be that it is easier to be distracted, but to blame society on our "slips" is a cop out.

The Message gives us good advice for today and until eternity in verse 9: "Just make sure you stay alert. Keep close watch over yourselves. Don't forget anything of what you've seen. Don't let your heart wander off. Stay vigilant as long as you live. Teach what you've seen and heard to your children and grandchildren."

Pay attention, keep watch, remember what you've learned, and don't wander, don't slip.

Blessings,

 Mike

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Deuteronomy 4:3-9The Message (MSG)

^3-4 You saw with your own eyes what God did at Baal Peor, how God destroyed from among you every man who joined in the Baal Peor orgies. But you, the ones who held tight to God, your God, are alive and well, every one of you, today.

^5-6 Pay attention: I'm teaching you the rules and regulations that Godcommanded me, so that you may live by them in the land you are entering to take up ownership. Keep them. Practice them. You'll become wise and understanding. When people hear and see what's going on, they'll say, "What a great nation! So wise, so understanding! We've never seen anything like it."

^7-8 Yes. What other great nation has gods that are intimate with them the wayGod, our God, is with us, always ready to listen to us? And what other great nation has rules and regulations as good and fair as this Revelation that I'm setting before you today?

⁹ Just make sure you stay alert. Keep close watch over yourselves. Don't forget anything of what you've seen. Don't let your heart wander off. Stay vigilant as long as you live. Teach what you've seen and heard to your children and grandchildren.