Through the Bible in 2012

Readings:

Joshua 4, 5, 6

Comments:

We all have things that cause of to remember the past. Just today I had a former student from East Central University in Ada visit me in Ponca City. He is working on a second degree at OSU and had time to get away since it is Spring Break. While having lunch, he mentioned an event we had been a part of in Tulsa, probably around 2005. It was something I had completely forgotten.

The stones that the Israelites placed as a memorial were to help them remember and recall God’s faithfulness. What things do we do today to help us remember? Holy Communion is one of those events, something we do, which helps us never forget God’s love for us and the sacrifice of Christ.

In our homes, we have pictures of our loved ones. Sometimes we collect mementos such as movie stubs, or postcards, or gifts given to us by friends. All of these help us to remember a person or a time we don’t want to forget.

Sometimes we feel very far away from God. We need things in our lives to help us remember God’s love for us and God’s faithfulness to us. That is why we turn to the Bible time and time again. It is why we are encouraged to worship on a regular basis. For many of us favorite songs are just the thing we need to turn from sorrow to joy.

When I walk through the church and I see little plaques on pieces of church furnishes and I see the names of people I never knew, I know that God was moving in the lives of those who have gone before us at Albright.

But when I hear the footsteps and laughter of children and youth, I am also reminded that God is moving today.

As the Israelites move into the promised land, they need to remember what God has already done in their lives.