WHAT AM I THINKING?
Today's reading:  Mark 7

"And then he added, It is the thought-life that defiles you."  Mark 7:20 NLT

Jesus and the Pharisees had discussed doctrine--the washing of the hands.

Jesus and the disciples had discussed hygiene and healthy eating habits--the cups, the pitchers and the food.

Now Jesus presents to the rest of us the real issue, our thoughts.

Thoughts incite, inflame, infect.

Thoughts ignite into deeds.

Thoughts grow into actions.

Bitterness.  Anger.  Hate.  Lust.  Envy.  Distrust.  Jealousy.

Just as dangerous to us as any mass of cancerous cells.  Just as harmful as a vial of poison.  Just as deadly as venom.

So, I'm having to ask myself--Just what am I thinking?

NO CONTROL
Today's reading:  John 19

"When Pilate heard this, he was more frightened than ever.  He took Jesus back into the headquarters and asked him, Where are you from?  But Jesus gave no answer.  You won't talk to me?  Pilate demanded.  Don't you know that I have the power to release you or to crucify you?"  John 19:10-11 NLT

Oh, Pilate, you had no clue to whom you were speaking.

You stood before the Son, and still considered yourself to be someone special?

You thought, if only for the next few days, that the power you held was of any use, any value, anything to brag about.

I have 'Pilates' speaking to my head all day long.  Attempting to convince me that they rule me, they govern me, they are owed my allegiance.  I have an enemy who still believes his power over me is strong, his hold on me is tight, his chains bind my heart and soul.

The Pilate then, and the 'Pilates' of today are wrong, dead--and rose again, wrong!

My God lives!  He lives in me!  His power is evident in the saving grace I accepted from Him that day in the little country church and in the living grace I exhibit each and every day of my life since then.

No 'Pilates' rule over me!

ALMOST BUT NOT QUITE
Today's reading:  Deuteronomy 32-34

"Then Moses climbed Mount Nebo from the plains of Moab to the top of Pisgah,across from Jericho. There the Lord showed him the whole land—from Gilead to Dan,2 all of Naphtali, the territory of Ephraim and Manasseh, all the land of Judah as far as the Mediterranean Sea, 3 the Negev and the whole region from the Valley of Jericho, the City of Palms, as far as Zoar. 4 Then the Lord said to him, “This is the land I promised on oath to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob when I said, ‘I will give it to your descendants.’ I have let you see it with your eyes, but you will not cross over into it." Deuteronomy 34:1-4 NLT

I think of Moses as the end of the year nears.  As the 365 days of 2014 come to a close.  As this calendar year ends.  

You see, I don't want to only be allowed to see God's blessings for me--but to experience them.

I don't want to fall short of His expectations for me.

I don't want to stand before Him one day and Him reveal to me what might have been if only I had...

As the year ends, I don't want to be almost who He wants me to be.  I don't want to be found lacking.  I don't want to be the one standing in the way of some momentous things He has planned for me, or for anyone else.

Thinking about the end of the year is like looking out over the Promised Land.  

WHERE IS HE?
Today's reading:  Matthew 2

"Where is the newborn king of the Jews?  We have seen his star is it arose and we have come to worship him.  Herod was deeply disturbed by their question, as was all of Jerusalem."  Matthew 2:2-3 NLT

A simple question had the ruler of the time and the entire city in an uproar.

Where was Jesus?

I am wondering what upset them so about the magi's inquisition...

-Was it that they were 'out of the loop'?  Too busied by the things on their calendar that they hadn't noticed the star or heard the talk of the town?

-Was it that they had all, especially the king, considered himself to be enough-why would anyone look farther than him?

-Was it the fear of having to humble themselves before another king?

-Was it, and I personally believe this was the problem, they were embarrassed that this Jesus wasn't to be seen in anything they said or did?

There have been times, ashamedly so, that Jesus was not in me--in how I responded, how I reacted or in how I chose to look at another down my nose.  To have another believer lovingly point that out to me was embarrassing to say the least, but very appreciated.

I do not want it asked of me, Where is this King you've been talking so much about?

I BELIEVE GOD
Today's reading:  Acts 27-28

"So take courage!  For I believe God..."  Acts 27:25 NLT

You and I have seen a lot happen over the past year.  We laughed, we've cried, we've scratched our heads wondering how in the world God's ever going to make sense over what's happened.

And we've worried.  Yes, both of us.

And there are tendencies to worry about what 2015 will bring--or not bring.

That's why I love this verse!

Whatever happens, or doesn't...I believe God.

That, dear friends, will walk us through life with a hope in our heart!

CHRISTMAS CONTINUES
Today's reading:  Matthew 1

"The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel, which means God with us."  Matthew 1:23 NLT

The trees have lost their sparkle.  The ribbons, wrapping paper and boxes have been collected and now sit by the curb.  The feasts have become leftovers boxed up in the fridge.  The shopping lanes have become desolate, unless they have been changed to return counters.  The cantatas have been sung.  The yule logs have been burned to ash.  The little ones who arose so early yesterday morning are sleeping in a little today.  The elves have been put to rest.  

But, God is with us.

That is the hope of the season, the joy of the world, the love that is eternal, the peace that passes all understanding, the real meaning of the season.

For some of us, those with the Baby in our hearts, Christmas continues!

YOU WILL
Today's reading:  Luke 2

"...you will recognize him..."  Luke 2:12 NLT

The angels were speaking directly to the shepherds about the little Jewish baby they would find wrapped in rags lying in a feed trough, but I believe they were speaking to us, too.

We will recognize Him in the twinkle of the stars.

In the acts of the church.

In the wrinkled hands of the saints.

In the muttered words of a prayer warrior.

In the faces of children.

In the laughter around the table.

In the silence of grace.

In the power of the read Word of God.

We will recognize the Baby--if we look.

HE CAME
Today's reading:  Psalm 147

"He heals the brokenhearted, binding up their wounds."  Psalm 147:3 NLT

The Baby came for us.

Those of us whose plans have gone awry.

Those of us whose life has taken turn after turn for the worst.

Those of us hurting over loved ones in sin.

Those of us who have received diagnoses that scare.

Those of us approaching the holiday with an empty spot in our lives and hearts.

Those of us whose knees are calloused from prayer.

Those of us who call out in emergencies--and are still heard.

The Baby came for us.

AGAIN AND AGAIN
Today's reading:  Esther 6-10

"And once again Esther came before the king, falling down at his feet..."  Esther 8:3 NLT

Again, on behalf of my man-sized boy.

Again, for a diagnosed friend and her family.

Again, for an issue waging war in my heart and my head.

Again, because I need specific instructions before I mess things up or miss a God-sent opportunity.

Again, because He is owed more praise than I could possibly give in this lifetime.

Again, because I've sinned.  And again, because I have sinned.  And again, and again.

Again, for I find safety, peace and boundless love at His feet.

And once again Malinda came before the king, falling down at his feet...

CHRISTMAS
Today's reading:  1 Peter 3

I've thought about it long and hard.  I've played it over and over in my mind.  I've tried to word it on paper with pen.  I'll just put it out there--hoping He uses it in a way that most glorifies Him...

I cannot wish you a Merry Christmas.

Oh, I'm not at all against Christmas.  It's not that I'm wishing ill-will upon you during this glorious time.  The thing is, 'merry' seems to not be the right word.  It seems too superficial, too simple.  It seems like a flippant adjective to place next to such a dramatic word like Christmas.

I wish you a Hallowed Christmas.  One that causes you to pause and think about the Gift.  A special season when O Holy Night brings tears to you eyes and the phrase 'the Great I Am' in Mary Did You Know stirs your heart in a magnificent way.

I wish you a Humbling Christmas.  One that gives you time to stop and think over all that you're holding on to.   A time to re-think what you're storing in your heart.  Mary stored the things that the angel spoke to her--we're not usually that spiritual.  Ask God, during this special time, to release your heart from what doesn't need to be there.

I wish you a Christmas that astounds you.  One that slows you down.  One that speaks to your heart about the fact of the matter--it's not the wrappings we've put on Christmas that matters.  One that reminds you of the Baby.  One that re-aligns your priorities.  One that causes you to see the lights, the tree, the Manger from a child's eyes.  One that puts the gifts, the food, the hurriedness to the side for the real reason of the Season.

So, I cannot wish you a Merry Christmas--because I want this special time of the year to be so very much more than just merry!

ALL GLORY
Today's reading:  Jude

"All glory to him, who alone is God our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Yes, glory, majesty, power and authority belong to him, in the beginning and forevermore.  Amen."  Jude 25 NLT

The churches will be decked out in greenery with the trees sparkling with lights.

The congregants will sport their finest red and green.

The visitors will cram into the pews for their one out of two Sundays this year.

The kids will be wearing their best, and itchiest, Christmas-y attire.

The choirs will be tuned up and ready to praise.

The plays will go off with few if any hitches or hiccups.

The red-suited man will visit many a house of God.

The house of God.

May we not forget as we gather this Lord's Day before the celebration of His birth that it is all about Him.

May all glory be to Him alone!

APPOINTED
Today's reading:  Acts 25-26

"Now stand up! For I have appeared to you to appoint you as my servant and my witness. You are to tell the world about this experience and about other times I will appear to you."  Acts 26:16 NLT

Saul/Paul was accounting his experience of lying on the Damascus Road to the emperor.

I'm sure the emotions were just as real that day as the day Paul lived it out.

I'm positive the account never left Paul's heart or mind.

I'm assured he remembered every word, even these years later.

What about you?

God's called you out of something into His work.

Do you remember your calling?  Do you remember the moment?  Do you recall just how it felt to stand up out of your gutter, your issue, your bad time to go about proclaiming His name?

You have been appointed by the Creator to serve Him and speak of His greatness...are you doing it?

JUST
Today's reading:  Revelation 12-17

"...Great and marvelous are your actions, Lord God Almighty.   Just and true are your ways, O King of the nations."  Revelation 15:3 NLT

Discipline hurts.

Punishment, duly deserved punishment, is not pleasant.

What we bring on ourselves due to disobedience is painful.

But He is always just.

His ways always benefit us in the end, when we learn from them.

He knows we deserve much worse than He gives us--and He wants so much more for us!

NONE
Today's reading:  Song of Solomon 5-6

"...None can rival him."  Song of Solomon 5:15 NLT

The thoughts are those of a young woman in regards to her handsome prince.

She has full faith in him.  She admires him.  She depends on him to keep her safe.  She is not afraid when she is near him.

Rival-(verb) to be as good as or almost as good as something or someone.

Is that how you feel about God?

Do you truly believe none can compare to Him?  He has no equal?  He cannot be defeated by anyone or anything?  Are you safe in His care?

Are you certain, absolutely certain, none can rival Him?

You should be.  Yes, we should be.

HOW GREAT

Today's reading:  Psalm 146-148

"How great is our Lord!.."  Psalm 147:5 NLT

Chris Tomlin said it best.  Well, second-best, after this psalmist...

The splendor of the King

Clothed in majesty

Let all the earth rejoice

All the earth rejoice

He wraps Himself in light

And darkness tries to hide

And trembles at His voice

Trembles at His voice

How great is our God-Sing with me

How great is our God-All will see

How great--how great is our God

As you think of all He's forgiven of you, don't you agree?

As you watch the seasons change, the snow fall from the sky and the grasses turn brown--with hope of a green spring, don't you agree?

As you watch the sleeping face of a child, don't you agree?

As you think of the prayers answered, don't you agree?

As you ponder the Manger, don't you agree?

BACKED BY PRAYER
Today's reading:  Esther 1-5

"...And then, though it was against the law, I will go in to see the king.  If I must die, I am willing to die."  Esther 4:16 NLT

What brave words from such a, in all estimation, young girl.

What courage she displayed.

What a valiant decision she made--and in the next few chapters, follows through on.

What gave her her courage?  How did she muster enough bravery and grit?  How did she do it?

"Then Esther sent this reply to Mordecai, Go and gather together all the Jews of Susa and fast for me.  Do not eat or drink for these three days, night or day.  My maids and I will do the same..."  Esther 4:15-16 NLT

The gal was backed by prayer.

She knew folks were praying for her.  She made a need known to her prayer warriors.  She asked for prayer.

And then she depended upon the power of it!

Being backed by prayer places you in one of the most powerful positions there are.

 SECRET TO SUCCESS
Today's reading:  Deuteronomy 29-31

"The Lord your God will delight in you if you obey his voice and keep the commands and laws written in this Book of the Law, and if you turn to the Lord your God with all your heart and soul."  Deuteronomy 30:10 NLT

Finally, the secret to full and lasting success.

No, it's not that the Lord will drop in your lap every thing on your wish list.  Or that your path will be rose-covered and lacking in potholes.  Or that the aches and pains will leave you on this side of glory.  Or that life will be easy.  Or that everyone will like you.

Success, true success, is having God delight in you.

To have His favor.

To know He is proud of you.

To have Him acknowledge you as His. 

To have His peace resting solidly in your heart.

To know His joy despite the circumstances.

Isn't this kind of success what you want out of life--for yourself and for those you love?

HEALTH
Today's reading:  3 John

"Dear friend, I am praying that all is well with you and that your body is as healthy as I know your soul is."  3 John 2 NLT

As you choose to nibble on the Christmas goodies this season, are you also choosing to nibble on the Word of God?

As you select gifts for your shopping cart for those near and dear to your heart, are you selecting to use your spiritual gifts to impact the world?

As you push your way through the hustle and bustle of the holiday crowds, are you making the effort to push aside all the things that vie for the attention God is wanting to give you in your quiet time?

There's no better time of the year than the time set aside to honor the Baby's coming to think about whether or not your heart and soul are as healthy as your body!

STANDING BY
Today's reading:  Acts 23-24

"But the following night the Lord stood by him and said, Be of good cheer, Paul; for you have testified for Me in Jerusalem, so you must bear witness at Rome."  Acts 23:11 NKJV

Accusations.

Arrest.

Incarceration.

Trial.

Paul faced, and would continue to face, times we only imagine in our nightmares.  He was called to stand strong amid horrible situation.  He was asked to remain faithful in dire straights.

How could he have done it?

"...the Lord stood by him..."

In the night when Paul was alone with his thoughts, his fears and his doubts--God was there.  When his accusers were asleep in their beds but hurtful words were still reeling in his mind--God was there.  When the chains hurt his wrists and ankles and the bread and water left his stomach rumbling--God was there.  When the darkness crept in with the sounds of rats and roaches--God was there.

He is there for you, too!

MEASURED
Today's reading:  Revelation 7-11

"I was given a reed like a measuring rod and was told, Go and measure the temple of God and the altar, with its worshipers."  Revelation 11:1 NIV

I don't know who gave Paul his 'yardstick', but I will assume it was either God himself or one of His angels.

It was from heavenly stock, though.  It was pre-approved by the Creator.  It was the standard of measure God would use.  It was true.  It was right.

Paul was asked to use it to measure up the church, the altar and the worshipers.

I'm not so sure we shouldn't be doing the same thing today.

Are our churches measuring up to God's standards?  Are our altars being used fervently, solemnly, often?  Are we, as His church, worshiping--or just attending?

We are to use God's units of measure.  His standards.  His scales.  His ideas.  His basis.

Not the world's.

Not our own.

Not another church's.

Not according to what is comfortable or appealing to the masses.

Not another denomination.

Not based on what would look good as it is fed across the World Wide Web.

Are we, are our churches, is the altar we use measuring up to what God intends, desires or wants it to be?

SEARCHING FOR GOD
Today's reading:  Song of Solomon 3-4

"One night as I lay in bed, I yearned for my lover.  I yearned for him, but he did not come.  So I said to myself, I will get up and roam the city searching all its streets and squares."  Song of Solomon 3:1-2 NLT

Maybe from your computer chair you are yearning for God.

Quite possibly you need Him more desperately than you've needed Him before.

Tough times?  Heartbreaking news?  An emptiness in your heart?  A decision needing to be made?  Something un-repented sitting like a ton of bricks on your heart?

For whatever reason, you're needing God.

But He isn't where you are.  You cannot sense His presence.  You do not see Him in the events occurring around you.

You have the same options our young Shulammite friend had--sit and wait or get up and find Him.

God is at work somewhere.  Go out looking for Him.

Maybe it will entail getting out of the pit you've dug for yourself.  Choosing to stand up.  Refusing not to remain curled up in the fetal position any longer.  Opening up your Bible.  Attending worship services.  Changing your radio from eclectic noise to Christian music.  Stopping a bad habit and picking up a new one.  Tossing time-wasters.  Getting up a few minutes earlier than usual for prayer time.

If you so desperately want Him--Go out and look for Him!

Or just sit there.

 

GIVE ME REASON
Today's reading:  Psalm 143-145

"Cause me to hear your lovingkindness in the morning, for in you I trust.  Cause me to know the way in which I should walk, for I lift my soul up to you."  Psalm 143:8 NKJV

"Let me hear of your unfailing love each morning, for I am trusting you.  Show me where to walk, for I give myself to you."  Psalm 143:8 NLT

I'm a hard-headed gal.

God knows that.  Boy, oh boy, does He know that.

You also know, I usually steer away from King James Version, due to my allergy to it--it tends to make my tongue swell, my head spin and my thoughts scatter like sheets in the wind.

But this morning?  This morning, the King James Version has caught my eye.  It spoke to my hard head...

God has to get my attention some days, He 'causes' me to see things differently.  He places things, unmovable things, in my path.  He knocks the pedestal out from under me.  He places me flat on my back with no where to look but up.  He puts people and happenings in my day that 'cause' me to seek Him.

He doesn't just 'let me hear' or lovingly 'shows me where to walk'...no, He has to 'cause' me to experience Him!

Maybe you're a lot like me.  

ROYAL ORDERS
Today's reading:  Nehemiah 10-13

"They were under royal orders, which determined their daily activities."  Nehemiah 11:23 NLT

Nehemiah has watched as the broken down walls of Jerusalem have been restored and the worship of the Lord re-instituted in the hearts and lives of God's people.

He is now getting down to the job of re-organizing the 'church'.  He is organizing the priests.  He is selecting, according to God's original laws, the choirs, the singers and the servants for the Temple.

He is reminding the people, who have been exiled and separated from each other, what it means to worship together again.

So amidst all this, I find it very interesting that the above verse sums up their instructions--and ours.

We are under royal orders, if we serve the King of Kings.

We have been given instructions that no one but the saved are enabled to do.

We are being called to a much higher calling, as His, than the rest of the world.

For us to do His work, we must follow His plans.

So, are these orders affecting our daily activities?

SELF-CHECK
Today's reading:  Deuteronomy 26-28

"Because you have not served the Lord your God with joy and enthusiasm for the abundant benefits you have received, you will serve your enemies whom the Lord will send against you.  You will be left hungry, thirsty, naked and lacking in everything.  They will oppress you harshly until you have been destroyed."  Deuteronomy 28:47-48 NLT

I've got to honestly ask myself how things are going in my life...

Am I experiencing victory?

Am I seeing prayers answered?

Am I living in peace?

Am I filled with joy?

Am I excited (enthused) to be doing life for Him/with Him/beside Him?

How's my attitude?

God has given me opportunities ten-fold to do His will, to see His mercies, to experience His power and to share His grace.  He has provided me platforms to show love.  He has placed before me people needing to know the Savior I love.

How I'm doing will depend a whole lot on my heart attitude.    

BELIEVE
Today's reading:  1 John 2

"Many deceivers have gone out into the world.  They do not believe that Jesus Christ came to earth tin a real body..."  2 John 7 NLT

There's alot of talk this time of the year about believing...

Believing in Santa.  Believing in his elves.  Believing in the North Pole and it's toy workshop.  Believing in flying reindeer.  Believing in being good and not naughty.

Do not be deceived, it is about believing--but it's not about believing any of those things.

It's about believing in the Baby born in Bethlehem.  His ministry as a Good Shepherd.  His death on a cross.  His resurrection and His life after death.

It's about believing!

  

CHOSEN
Today's reading:  Acts 21-22

"Then he said to me, The God of our ancestors has chosen you to know his will and to see the Righteous One and hear him speak."  Acts 22:14 NLT

Imagine being Saul/Paul.

Knowing what you'd spent your entire life, up to that point, doing.

Knowing the stands you'd taken, the life you'd selected to live, the position you'd stood firmly on.

And to now be chosen by God?

Oh wait, we do all know how that is.

We know what it's like to be chosen, as undeserving and unworthy as we are, to know Him, to hear Him, to be in His presence!

DAY AFTER DAY
Today's reading:  Revelation 1-6

"...Day after day and night after night they keep on saying, Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty-the one who always was, who is, and who is still to come."  Revelation 4:8 NLT

The angels repeat it, why shouldn't we?

When our past haunts--Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty...the One who always was!

When our day overwhelms--Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty...the One who is!

When tomorrow frightens--Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty...the One who is still to come!

MY BANQUET TABLE
Today's reading:  Song of Solomon 1-2

"He brings me to the banquet hall, so everyone can see how much he loves me."  Song of Solomon 1:4 NLT

I can imagine this young shepherd girl's eyes as she stepped into the dining hall of the king.

Tables heavy with food.

Enormous clusters of grapes-shined to perfection and decoratively piled high on silver platters.  Baked goods, the likes of which she has never seen. Roasted meats and vegetables steaming hot and beckoning with sensual aromas.  Pitchers filled to the brim with rich thick milk.  Jars of the best wines to be found.  Delicacies like dates, pomegranates and figs-all for her taking.  Tastes that overwhelm her palate and smells that draw her deeper and deeper into the platters and bowls.

I can imagine she doesn't know where to start.

I can imagine because right now as I begin to think of all the ways God has shown me He loves me, I do not know where to begin.

Would I begin by listing my family?  My wonderfully, godly family?  A comfortable home filled with the warmest of memories?  A community of believers of whom I could call with out hesitation with the slightest need?  A workplace filled with Christians?

A pantry filled?  Bills paid?  A heart forgiven?  A future secure?  A hope that surpasses anything this world can offer?  A Book to comfort, guide, reprove, encourage and direct me?  An anytime invitation to sit on the Father's lap and cry, laugh, mourn, celebrate or rest?

I cannot begin to describe the feast He has given my heart and soul.  I have more blessings than I can list, more opportunities than I should ever be afforded, more grace given me than anyone deserves.

I am loved by the King--and it shows all around me!

SURELY
Today's reading:  Psalm 140-142

"Surely the godly are praising your name for they will live in your presence."  Psalm 140:13 NLT

The word 'surely' is in present tense and the words 'will live' are in future tense.  That tells me regardless of whether...

-things are going well for me.
-I feel good.
-my plans are being followed.
-I understand everything.
-my ducks are in a row.
-my plates are all spinning effortlessly.

...He deserves praise!

My Bible cross references today's verse with another verse...

"But because I have done what is right, I will see you.  When I awake, I will be fully satisfied, for I will see you face to face."  Psalm 17:15 NLT

Today is practice for praising Him tomorrow--and for eternity.

I'M BUSY
Today's reading:  Nehemiah 5-9

"...But I realized they were plotting to harm me, so I replied by sending this message to them:  I am doing a great work!  I cannot stop to come and meet with you."  Nehemiah 6:2-3 NLT

Allow me to set the stage...

Nehemiah has busied himself with the repair of Jerusalem's wall.  He has been granted monies from the government officials, has organized work crews, has set straight some sinful habits of God's chosen people coming back from captivity.  Now, amid all the work, he receives a note from his enemies, Sanballat, Tobiah, Geshem and their cronies asking him to meet them at an assigned place, 'just to talk'.

Nehemiah, with God's leading, knew better.

And I love his response:  Busy about God's work!  Can't stop it now!

I'm going to start telling satan the exact same thing.

I'm going to deny his request to lead my mind on a wild goose chase of things already covered by God's forgiveness.  I'm going to pass on his offer to take my mind into the gutter.  I'm going to refuse to be led astray, physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually, by his ploys to do me harm.

But in order to do it in the right way, I'll also have to be busy doing something for God.  Praying, perhaps?  Opening my Bible for a few minutes more a day?  Jotting down a note to a struggling Christian sister?  Choosing to think on what is lovely, pure, perfect and right?  Preparing for the Bible study I joined?  Re-reading the sermon notes from Sunday?  Giving my child the better part of my day?  Spending my time and money on others instead of myself?

Yes, I'm going to be so busy doing what God asks me to do that I cannot give satan the time of day!

REMEMBER
Today's reading:  Deuteronomy 23-25

"Never forget what the Amalekites did to you as you came from Egypt."  Deuteronomy 25:17 NLT

Do you know what the Amalekites did?  Remember the account?  The children of Israel were attacked as the entered Amalekite territory.  The crowd was worn out and stopping for a drink of water from the rock at Meribah where they had tested the Lord.

Moses, Aaron and Hur climbed to a hilltop where the famed battled was waged by Moses holding his staff up for victory.  Aaron and Hur had to help him when he tired.  As long as the staff was held high, the Israelites gained on the enemy.  When he tired and it dropped down, they were overcome by the Amalekites.

So, in this passage, is God wanting the children on the way to the Promised Land to remember what the Amalekites did--or what God did to the Amalekites?

Are there times when He needs you to recall a time of testing in order for you to remember all He did, all you saw Him do, all you learned about Him during the trial?

Is He asking you to remember something that will encourage you, guide you or remind you of His greatness?