"The Power of Remembrance"

Triumphant Victorious Reminders
Inspired by The Holy Spirit
Written by: Teresa Criswell

"I will remember the works of the LORD: surely I will remember thy wonders of old."
~ Psalm 77:11 ~

The constant wind within my heart that stirs the fiery passion for God is consuming.

I remember that specific day in 2004 being in a women's bible study. Every woman was asked to share a brief testimony of how they encountered a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. The testimonies were incredibly amazing, revealing the power of God in ways the greatest novel could not romanticize.

I think back upon that moment. It was my turn to share God's testimony in my life's story. I had just surrendered my life to Jesus a year prior and there was a fiery zeal for the Lord that was exceedingly overwhelming. I can still remember that moment when one of the ladies I highly respected said, "O Teresa, that is so amazing. I remember when I had a zeal like that for the Lord. Just embrace it now, because one day that zeal will slowly fade away."

I was so taken back by this saddening comment. I was disappointed as I thought, "I don't want this trust and belief in God to go away."

It was a critical moment. Sitting in my chair, I felt I was the only one in the room. That was the moment I told myself, "I will not lose this passion for God, this is not a man made passion; this is truly God's passion through me."

I must say that upon looking back on this, I shake my head laughing remembering that very moment. I was intensely on fire for God, yet many times I allowed the burdensome, religious lies to come in as I became insensitive to others.

I call to remembrance that very moment which allowed me to be intentional in serving God in ways I never thought possible. I can see God's faithful patience over me as I have continued to grow in Him, which is a constant and continual process with His ability through me.

Incredibly amazed, the pursuit of God's heart is more than I could have ever imagined for myself. I believe the key was truly realizing that God gifted each of us who believe in Jesus. The power of God's Holy Spirit reveals Jesus to us, in us and through us as we allow the Holy Spirit of God to lead us into all truth.

With that reminder and now, leading to right now, I was lovingly reminded of the moment I finally said, "Yes" to being rescued as I surrendered my heart to Jesus.

It seems that as I take a moment to look back on that momentous day; the falling in love with God is rekindled all over again. I love His reminders, so that as we remind Him of what we are grateful for; it is not only a passing thought of His goodness, but I remember that He is The All-Consuming fire that burns so fervently on the inside of us as we are powerfully reminded of Who He Is.

This dynamic tool of remembrance reminds me of how we can do the same for the ones we are married to. Many times the daily grind of life, the difficulties of life, and the what seems like 'mundane' routines of life can be a vice which can strain a marriage; especially when allowed. May we intentionally think back on the day we fell in love with our spouse. As you remind yourself of that day you fell in love, may it rekindle that love that has fallen asleep; and let the remembrance become the kiss that awakens the deep sleep of your love for one another.

Remembrance is also a great tool to utilize when it comes to our children. Even through the bickering, arguing, whining, crying, the tugging, the sassy'ness', and the abrupt disrespect, the daily vices that ware on our last nerves, may we intentionally remind ourselves to look back on the day we first met our children. As we remember, may it awaken the love deep within the reservoirs of our hearts as they come home today from school, or if they are in the other room destroying your 'Tupperware' cupboard, or clanging on the pots and pans. Perhaps they just started to drive to and from school. Wherever they may be, no matter the season of their lives; may we embrace them as we did the first day we met them.

Let us embrace our God and bless His heart to desire Him, because of Who He is. Desiring Him, to be more like Him and to run after Him! Let us utilize the tool of remembrance for God's glory;. The purpose is so that we progress, advance and proclaim through our lives and with our mouths the greatness of God!