A devotional by Patricia Russell
Then Jacob made this vow: “If God will indeed be with me and protect me on this journey, and if he will provide me with food and clothing, and if I return safely to my father’s home, then the Lord will certainly be my God. And this memorial pillar I have set up will become a place for worshiping God, and I will present to God a tenth of everything he gives me.”
– Genesis 28:20-22 (NLT)
Do you picture big buildings, lots of cabinets and expensive items behind glass?
I often remember my childhood. During my elementary school days, we went on field trips to the museum located downtown. Those trips were made of long bus drives, a packed lunch and lots of warnings from our teachers that started with the words "Do not". After telling us what not to do, our teachers would say, “Have a good time!” But I was too busy keeping track of the all of the things I wasn't supposed to do, so having a good time would get lost in translation.
Once we entered the building, the atmosphere was quite somber. Museums house memories of things that most people may not be interested in, but I have grown to learn the importance of these memorials because they allow us to learn about situations and events that we were not personally involved. Situations such as The Holocaust, World War I and World War II, The Civil Rights Era, slavery and many other events.
Memorials are educational and help us gain a better understanding of what happened, how people lived, how they were treated and some of their experiences during these events.
Merriam-Webster dictionary defines “memorial” as “something that keeps remembrance alive”. When we look in God’s Word (The Holy Bible), we see that memorials are huge in the mind of God. I think that’s probably because He knew how quickly we forget. Most likely, He wants us to remind future generations about the life lessons learned during those times as well as the importance of remembering those lessons.
One example of a memorial and its importance is found in Scripture (Genesis 28:20-22) when Jacob had a vision. It was such a powerful vision that Jacob set up a pillar to commemorate this. He made an altar to worship and acknowledge what happened.
When something makes such a mark on your mind and life, it’s not a bad idea to write it down, take a picture or create something and place it somewhere where you can reflect on the experience. Do not make it an idol but do have something that you can remember it by.
Most of us celebrate the day we were born, the day we completed a course, a wedding or an anniversary. We see statues made and placed in cities where people can read about the person or the event they contributed to. The Bible is filled with memorials. These are only a few examples: God told Israel to remember the day of deliverance by putting the blood of a lamb over their doorposts (Exodus 12:1-14). The names of the sons of Israel were engraved on stones as a memorial (Exodus 28:11-13). Jesus broke bread and drank wine encouraging them to continue to do this “in remembrance” of the new covenant he was making through his sacrificial death (1 Corinthians 11:24-25).
Can you think of some noteworthy events in your life that are worth remembering and sharing with your family and friends? What are the lessons or significant issues you can pass on? If you’ve never considered doing this before, you might start journaling them. Here’s an idea to help you start: Journal to share what was happening when you decided to trust God with your life and allow Jesus Christ into your heart. Now, that’s a day worth remembering!
Let’s Pray: Heavenly Father, thank You for the many memorials that we can read about in The Bible. Thank you for all You have done for us. May we always remember You. In Jesus’s name I pray. Amen.
~*~
Note from Alexis: Patricia’s devotional message today reminds me of the song “Remember Me” by Mark Schultz. Listen to it here.
~*~
Author Bio:
Patricia is an encourager. She passionately uses her gifting as an author, speaker, pastor, recording artist, worship leader and coach.
Memorials are educational and help us gain a better understanding of what happened, how people lived, how they were treated and some of their experiences during these events.
Merriam-Webster dictionary defines “memorial” as “something that keeps remembrance alive”. When we look in God’s Word (The Holy Bible), we see that memorials are huge in the mind of God. I think that’s probably because He knew how quickly we forget. Most likely, He wants us to remind future generations about the life lessons learned during those times as well as the importance of remembering those lessons.
One example of a memorial and its importance is found in Scripture (Genesis 28:20-22) when Jacob had a vision. It was such a powerful vision that Jacob set up a pillar to commemorate this. He made an altar to worship and acknowledge what happened.
When something makes such a mark on your mind and life, it’s not a bad idea to write it down, take a picture or create something and place it somewhere where you can reflect on the experience. Do not make it an idol but do have something that you can remember it by.
Most of us celebrate the day we were born, the day we completed a course, a wedding or an anniversary. We see statues made and placed in cities where people can read about the person or the event they contributed to. The Bible is filled with memorials. These are only a few examples: God told Israel to remember the day of deliverance by putting the blood of a lamb over their doorposts (Exodus 12:1-14). The names of the sons of Israel were engraved on stones as a memorial (Exodus 28:11-13). Jesus broke bread and drank wine encouraging them to continue to do this “in remembrance” of the new covenant he was making through his sacrificial death (1 Corinthians 11:24-25).
Can you think of some noteworthy events in your life that are worth remembering and sharing with your family and friends? What are the lessons or significant issues you can pass on? If you’ve never considered doing this before, you might start journaling them. Here’s an idea to help you start: Journal to share what was happening when you decided to trust God with your life and allow Jesus Christ into your heart. Now, that’s a day worth remembering!
Let’s Pray: Heavenly Father, thank You for the many memorials that we can read about in The Bible. Thank you for all You have done for us. May we always remember You. In Jesus’s name I pray. Amen.
~*~
Note from Alexis: Patricia’s devotional message today reminds me of the song “Remember Me” by Mark Schultz. Listen to it here.
~*~
Author Bio:
Patricia is an encourager. She passionately uses her gifting as an author, speaker, pastor, recording artist, worship leader and coach.
Patricia sings! She has released two CDs titled Draw Me Nearer and Lord I Trust You.
She also travels to speak to audiences internationally.
When she is not ministering to save souls in God’s Kingdom, Patricia enjoys reading, writing and connecting like-minded people who can sharpen each other in the journey to their dreams and goals.
As a two-time breast cancer overcomer, her desire is to coach others to live life to the fullest by understanding their gifting from God and using it.
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Connect with Patricia:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/patrussellsings/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/patrussellonline
Twitter: https://twitter.com/patrussellsings
Email: patrussellsings@gmail.com
