Deuteronomy 4...

       "Hear now, O Israel..." (4:1).

Observation: Why did God keep commanding them to listen? Because they had a hard time doing it!
Application: I MUST build time enough into my life that I can be STILL and LISTEN, not just TALK to God!

"...don't forget the things your eyes have seen or let them slip from
your heart as long as you live..." (4:9b).

Observation: God wanted them constantly remembering and reciting all the miracles God had done in their midst in the past. It would give them reason to celebrate and encouragement for the future!
Application: Some amazing things I've seen that I believe God doesn't want me to forget:

Personal: IN my life and family, these are some of the things my eyes have seen:

• God led me to "Tricia Greene" 18 yrs ago @ Samford University in an English Literature class!
• God gave me three healthy, beautiful children!
• God surprised us with a third child, which just so happens to be a future QB at the University of Alabama (Yes, I know he's only 3!)
• God has provided for me financially through some extremely tough financial times, since planting this church. In the mean time,  we have always been able to give atleast 15% of our income back to God!
• God led me to Cumming, GA through David Putman!
• God has given me a church that I, my wife, and my kids LOVE!

Ministry: At Mountain Lake, over the last 8 years, these are some of the things my eyes have seen:

• God has moved us from a Primary School; to a High School; into a building on a 32 acres campus; into an expansion of THAT building; and toward another building now! WOW!
• Dozens of marriages healed in places where no one gave them a chance
• Hundreds of people experience financial freedom and begin to honor God in their finances
• Our Ministry Team has grown from 2 to nearly 20.
• We have become a church with multiple campuses.
•  We have more volunteers today than we had people in our church in 2003.
• Over 800 people have gone public with their faith though baptism!

What are the things YOUR eyes have seen, that you need to stop and recite?

Comments

[tricia lovejoy]

Why are we so quick to forget the good things in our lives, but we can hold onto bad experiences for a lifetime? God knows us and our ways, and so He reminds us OFTEN to remember what He has done for us! Moses gave 2 warnings in chapter 4: don't forget what God has done and don't look to anyone or anything else to help you! I spent time today reading through my journal and reliving some things God has done in my life. I never cease to be amazed at what happens in my heart when I walk down memory lane with God. I become more attuned to His activity; I am encouraged to take risks for Him; I feel INCREDIBLY favored by God; and, I gain a strong sense of spiritual purpose. I had to take a moment to focus on the 2nd warning, though: am I relying on anything or anyone other than God? Great evaluation. So, here's my application: REMEMBER what God has done and RELY only on Him!

[lloyd owens]

WOW! So much I dont know where to begin. He has taken diabetes from by body, totally healed! He has blessed me with the most amazing wife and family a man could ask for. He has provided for us financially in ways only God could. He surrounded me with pastors like Shawn to encourage and grow me in my pursuit of His calling on my life. After a miscarriage in Dec., He has seen fit to uphold His promise as we are now 17 going on 18 weeks pregnant. He has forgiven me of my past, washed me and made me brand new. There is NO greater love!!!!!

[Amy Denney]

I have really enjoyed reading through Deuteronomy, and your comments are another way for me to look at what God is trying to tell me. I think my favorite part of reading this week is looking at the comments from your wife. I feel like she has been talking directly to me. So, thank you Tricia for setting such a wonderful example of your spiritual journey. It gives me great hope in my journey with God and my family as well. I will look to God and rely on HIM.:)

[caroline hinton]

Shawn, I am so glad you issued this simple challenge at church on Sunday. I have not been in the habit of reading my Bible consistently and your offer to read through Deuteronomy with us made it so easy to get started. I believe God can change me through his Word.

I have so much to be grateful for in my life. I am really living a life today that I only dreamed of many years ago. Taking the time to remember how far God has brought me reminds me of His LOVE, mercy, and patience.

Your application above about making the time to be still and listen in addition to talking to God is key. I do desire a closer personal relationship with Him and am very grateful to attend a church that encourages me to do this and provides practical ways to do this.

THANK YOU!