What personal "memorial stones" can you establish to remember God's past deliverance? Setting the Scene: Israel’s Stones of Remembrance “Therefore these stones will be a memorial to the sons of Israel forever.” (Joshua 4:7) Twelve river-bed rocks stacked on the west bank of the Jordan screamed one message: “God did this!” Every time a child asked, “What do these stones mean?” parents could retell the story of dry ground, parted waters, and a promise-keeping God. Why Personal Memorials Still Matter • Memories fade; God’s wonders don’t. (Psalm 103:2) • Rehearsing past rescue fuels present faith. (Lamentations 3:21-23) • Testimonies become weapons against fear and accusation. (Revelation 12:11) Practical Ideas for Modern “Stones” Pick any that fit your life and personality: • A Pocket Stone Keep a small smooth rock in your pocket or purse. Each time you feel it, whisper, “The LORD delivered me from ______.” • Journal of Deliverance Date, headline, and briefly describe every clear answer to prayer. Re-read entries when doubt creeps in. (Psalm 77:11) • Framed Verse or Photo Hang a picture of the hospital exit, the baptism day, the reconciled family—labeled with a verse like 1 Samuel 7:12: “Thus far the LORD has helped us.” • Milestone Playlist Create a worship playlist titled “Jordan Crossings.” Each song marks a specific rescue. Play it on anniversaries or rough mornings. • Annual “Ebenezer” Meal Once a year cook the food you survived on in a lean season—beans, ramen, whatever. Around the table tell the story of how God carried you through. (Deuteronomy 6:12) • Digital Memory Box Start a private photo album or note folder on your phone. Snap or type every time God shows up—job offer email, negative medical scan, generous gift. • Craft or Hobby Marker Knit a square, carve wood, paint a canvas—let the finished piece sit where you’ll see it. The art itself becomes the sermon. • Giving Forward For every major deliverance, give a specific dollar amount to missions or benevolence. The check stub or bank record reminds you: “He provided then; He’ll provide now.” Keeping the Stories Alive • Tell them—especially to the next generation. (Joshua 4:6) • Thank God aloud whenever the “stone” catches your eye. • Update the memorials; add new ones. Yesterday’s miracle wasn’t His last. Your personal memorial stones don’t earn God’s favor; they anchor your heart to what is already true. Stack them high, point to them often, and let every glimpse reignite confidence in the God who still parts rivers. |
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