Thank you, Jonathan Crask, for today's meaningful sermon.
Today's message came from Joshua 4 and 1 Samuel 7, where we are reminded of the importance of remembering what God has done and why God's people were called to mark those moments in visible ways.
In Joshua 4, after the Israelites crossed the Jordan River on dry ground, God instructed Joshua to have twelve stones taken from the middle of the river and set up as a memorial. One stone for each tribe of Israel. These stones were placed so that future generations would ask, "What do these stones mean?" The answer would be a testimony of how the Lord faithfully led His people through the waters and into the land He promised them. The stones were not just for the people who crossed that day, but for their children and generations to come, so they would always remember the power and faithfulness of God.
In 1 Samuel 7, Samuel set up a stone and named it Ebenezer, saying, "Thus far the Lord has helped us." This stone marked a moment of victory and deliverance, reminding the people that it was God who had brought them through hardship and fear. It served as a reminder to look back at what God had already done and trust Him for what was still ahead.
We talked about how these stones connect to our own lives today. Just like the Israelites, we are encouraged to set reminders of God's faithfulness. These reminders help us when we feel discouraged, when goals seem out of reach, or when we feel like we have fallen short of our resolutions. When that happens, we can look back at our own Ebenezers and remember that God is still with us, and we can always begin again.
Our worship today reflected that same spirit of remembrance and commitment. We lifted our voices together singing "Stand Up, Stand Up for Jesus," boldly affirming our faith. We sang "Amazing Grace," a powerful reminder of God's mercy and saving love. We closed with "Who Is on the Lord's Side," calling us to faithfully follow Him, and were sent out with the gentle blessing of "Edelweiss," carrying peace with us as we left.
As we step into this new year, may we keep this promise close to our hearts: "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God." (Philippians 4:6)
May God be with you, guide you, and give you peace as you move forward, remembering all He has already done and trusting Him with what lies ahead.