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Ralph Hirschfelder |
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Stones of Remembrance
by Ralph Hirschfelder
All of us have some memories of the past, hopefully more positive and
good ones rather than not-so-good ones. We remember the victories in
our lives, special days, whether they be birthdays, Christmases,
promotions, wedding days, or anniversaries. As we get older we like to
reminisce about things we have done or special people from our past.
All this remembering makes me wonder why it is so easy for us to
forget the good things, the blessing which God has brought into our
lives. In James 1:17 God tells us how all good things come from God …
but do we remember this, or do we assume it is by our own wonderful
self sufficiency that we did whatever it may be?
Many times in scripture God tells His people to take steps to help
them remember the things He has done. In Exodus 16:32 God tells Moses
to place a container of manna in the Ark so future generations will
remember God’s provision. In Exodus 17:14-16 God instructs Moses to
write down as a permanent record how the victory over the Amalekites
was won. In Deuteronomy 4:9 God tells the Israelites to be very
careful to never forget what they have seen the Lord do, and he takes
it a step further by telling them to be sure and pass it on to their
children AND grandchildren. In Joshua 4:1-9 God instructs Joshua to
build a memorial with stones from the Jordan so future generations
will be reminded of God’s help.
God loves to take care of his children and bless them much more than
we even do our own children. Yes, sometimes out of love -- which may
result in needed discipline -- or sometimes the same love which
results in God wanting to grow us into someone much better and
stronger in faith than we currently are, He will allow difficult
circumstances in our path. It is as we do take the time to remember
God’s working in our lives which makes it easier the next time
difficult circumstances arise. As we share these remembrances with our
children, they can also see hope and faith in us which can strengthen
them and help to relieve their worries. Hopefully we try and seek God
in these times and praise him for whatever he is doing.
I like how God used the stones for a memorial with Joshua. We too can
and should have different things to help us remember the blessings and
lessons which have been given to us. It could be a stone from our
first home together, or a picture of a friend who came at just the
right time, or a note that someone gave us when we needed
encouragement. Maybe a dollar bill which signifies God’s unexpected
provision in a time of need.
God obviously placed a huge value on the importance of remembering,
out of respect, honor and love to Him who gives all things and holds
our very breath in His hand. We should go out of our way to take steps
to help us remember Him.
May God continue to bless you all.
Ralph Hirschfelder
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