A stone and a sharpie / God’s never-failing faithfulness

May 19, 2020

A Rock of Reminder

It had been a bad period for the Israelites. The priesthood had been corrupted by the high priest Eli’s wicked sons, and idol worship was rampant in the land. As a result, God had allowed the nation’s army to be twice defeated by the Philistines—the second time leading to the Ark of the Covenant falling into enemy hands. The Philistines soon discovered in very painful ways that God was not looking for a new home down by the Mediterranean coast. This led to a game of “hot potato” with the Ark, as town after town was afflicted with excruciating tumors and attacked by voracious rodents. Soon the chastened Philistines sent the Ark back to Israel with a sizable offering of gold as an apology gift.

This began a time of national soul-searching in Israel led by the judge and prophet Samuel. Revival broke out, the people put away their idols, and they returned to the Lord. To celebrate this reunion with the God of all mercy, Samuel summoned Israel to a place called Mizpah. Once there, he led the nation in corporate repentance before their holy God.

Meanwhile down in Philistia, word reached the enemy that the people of Israel were vulnerable. It was the perfect scenario for a murderous sneak attack. Quickly they strapped on their weapons and marched toward Mizpah. As they approached, they were spotted and the alarm went up. The Israelites knew they were in an impossible situation. They cried out to the Lord for help, with Samuel joining in the prayers. The Lord answered with a thunderous sound that completely disoriented the Philistines. While the enemy soldiers were trying to gather their wits, the small army of Israel attacked. Through the mighty hand of the Lord, the Philistines were soundly defeated. In response to this great work of God, Samuel set up a memorial stone. He called it Ebenezer, meaning “stone of help,” telling the people, “Till now the Lord has helped us” (1 Samuel 7:12).

Why a stone? A stone has permanence. Samuel wanted to do more than just make a onetime statement recognizing God’s protection. He knew that words come and go—what is powerful and important today is often forgotten tomorrow. Although God gave the Israelites protection from the Philistines for the rest of Samuel’s life, the prophet knew that future generations would face helpless situations just as the people of his time did. That rock would stand there year after year as a testimony that God can be trusted no matter what.

I remember hearing of a church that had gone through a difficult time. When the situation finally began to settle, the pastor called a solemn assembly of the people. As they gathered, he passed out small river rocks and Sharpies to the congregation. He asked each person to write the word Ebenezer on their rock with the reference 1 Samuel 7:12. Then he challenged them to take the rock home and place it on a dresser or a windowsill—some place that they would regularly see it. There it would remain as a reminder of the faithfulness of God no matter the situation.

In Israel we are beginning to open up again. Recently I was able to take my family down to Tel Aviv to enjoy a day at the shore. I even had the opportunity to invite some friends over for a barbecue at our house. The Lord is starting to bring us out the other side of this pandemic. It is very evident today how he has protected us, cared for us, and provided for us. Even when times reached their worst, we still knew that he was always with us. The question is will we remember his faithfulness when the next great crisis arises? Will our first reaction be trust or panic, faith or fear? Maybe employing a rock, a Sharpie, and a prominent windowsill today will help you remember God’s never-failing faithfulness when the next crisis comes along.

—Joel

May 19, 2020

A Rock of Reminder

It had been a bad period for the Israelites. The priesthood had been corrupted by the high priest Eli’s wicked sons, and idol worship was rampant in the land. As a result, God had allowed the nation’s army to be twice defeated by the Philistines—the second time leading to the Ark of the Covenant falling into enemy hands. The Philistines soon discovered in very painful ways that God was not looking for a new home down by the Mediterranean coast. This led to a game of “hot potato” with the Ark, as town after town was afflicted with excruciating tumors and attacked by voracious rodents. Soon the chastened Philistines sent the Ark back to Israel with a sizable offering of gold as an apology gift.

This began a time of national soul-searching in Israel led by the judge and prophet Samuel. Revival broke out, the people put away their idols, and they returned to the Lord. To celebrate this reunion with the God of all mercy, Samuel summoned Israel to a place called Mizpah. Once there, he led the nation in corporate repentance before their holy God.

Meanwhile down in Philistia, word reached the enemy that the people of Israel were vulnerable. It was the perfect scenario for a murderous sneak attack. Quickly they strapped on their weapons and marched toward Mizpah. As they approached, they were spotted and the alarm went up. The Israelites knew they were in an impossible situation. They cried out to the Lord for help, with Samuel joining in the prayers. The Lord answered with a thunderous sound that completely disoriented the Philistines. While the enemy soldiers were trying to gather their wits, the small army of Israel attacked. Through the mighty hand of the Lord, the Philistines were soundly defeated. In response to this great work of God, Samuel set up a memorial stone. He called it Ebenezer, meaning “stone of help,” telling the people, “Till now the Lord has helped us” (1 Samuel 7:12).

Why a stone? A stone has permanence. Samuel wanted to do more than just make a onetime statement recognizing God’s protection. He knew that words come and go—what is powerful and important today is often forgotten tomorrow. Although God gave the Israelites protection from the Philistines for the rest of Samuel’s life, the prophet knew that future generations would face helpless situations just as the people of his time did. That rock would stand there year after year as a testimony that God can be trusted no matter what.

I remember hearing of a church that had gone through a difficult time. When the situation finally began to settle, the pastor called a solemn assembly of the people. As they gathered, he passed out small river rocks and Sharpies to the congregation. He asked each person to write the word Ebenezer on their rock with the reference 1 Samuel 7:12. Then he challenged them to take the rock home and place it on a dresser or a windowsill—some place that they would regularly see it. There it would remain as a reminder of the faithfulness of God no matter the situation.

In Israel we are beginning to open up again. Recently I was able to take my family down to Tel Aviv to enjoy a day at the shore. I even had the opportunity to invite some friends over for a barbecue at our house. The Lord is starting to bring us out the other side of this pandemic. It is very evident today how he has protected us, cared for us, and provided for us. Even when times reached their worst, we still knew that he was always with us. The question is will we remember his faithfulness when the next great crisis arises? Will our first reaction be trust or panic, faith or fear? Maybe employing a rock, a Sharpie, and a prominent windowsill today will help you remember God’s never-failing faithfulness when the next crisis comes along.

—Joel

May 19, 2020

A Rock of Reminder

It had been a bad period for the Israelites. The priesthood had been corrupted by the high priest Eli’s wicked sons, and idol worship was rampant in the land. As a result, God had allowed the nation’s army to be twice defeated by the Philistines—the second time leading to the Ark of the Covenant falling into enemy hands. The Philistines soon discovered in very painful ways that God was not looking for a new home down by the Mediterranean coast. This led to a game of “hot potato” with the Ark, as town after town was afflicted with excruciating tumors and attacked by voracious rodents. Soon the chastened Philistines sent the Ark back to Israel with a sizable offering of gold as an apology gift.

This began a time of national soul-searching in Israel led by the judge and prophet Samuel. Revival broke out, the people put away their idols, and they returned to the Lord. To celebrate this reunion with the God of all mercy, Samuel summoned Israel to a place called Mizpah. Once there, he led the nation in corporate repentance before their holy God.

Meanwhile down in Philistia, word reached the enemy that the people of Israel were vulnerable. It was the perfect scenario for a murderous sneak attack. Quickly they strapped on their weapons and marched toward Mizpah. As they approached, they were spotted and the alarm went up. The Israelites knew they were in an impossible situation. They cried out to the Lord for help, with Samuel joining in the prayers. The Lord answered with a thunderous sound that completely disoriented the Philistines. While the enemy soldiers were trying to gather their wits, the small army of Israel attacked. Through the mighty hand of the Lord, the Philistines were soundly defeated. In response to this great work of God, Samuel set up a memorial stone. He called it Ebenezer, meaning “stone of help,” telling the people, “Till now the Lord has helped us” (1 Samuel 7:12).

Why a stone? A stone has permanence. Samuel wanted to do more than just make a onetime statement recognizing God’s protection. He knew that words come and go—what is powerful and important today is often forgotten tomorrow. Although God gave the Israelites protection from the Philistines for the rest of Samuel’s life, the prophet knew that future generations would face helpless situations just as the people of his time did. That rock would stand there year after year as a testimony that God can be trusted no matter what.

I remember hearing of a church that had gone through a difficult time. When the situation finally began to settle, the pastor called a solemn assembly of the people. As they gathered, he passed out small river rocks and Sharpies to the congregation. He asked each person to write the word Ebenezer on their rock with the reference 1 Samuel 7:12. Then he challenged them to take the rock home and place it on a dresser or a windowsill—some place that they would regularly see it. There it would remain as a reminder of the faithfulness of God no matter the situation.

In Israel we are beginning to open up again. Recently I was able to take my family down to Tel Aviv to enjoy a day at the shore. I even had the opportunity to invite some friends over for a barbecue at our house. The Lord is starting to bring us out the other side of this pandemic. It is very evident today how he has protected us, cared for us, and provided for us. Even when times reached their worst, we still knew that he was always with us. The question is will we remember his faithfulness when the next great crisis arises? Will our first reaction be trust or panic, faith or fear? Maybe employing a rock, a Sharpie, and a prominent windowsill today will help you remember God’s never-failing faithfulness when the next crisis comes along.

—Joel

May 5 2020

26 April 2020

Seven weeks ago when the COVID-19 sequestration began, I noticed that “special” things were happening each day.  In the beginning it was a telephone call from someone who had not previously called me…from the Rotary, from a dear friend with whom I hadn’t spoken in months, response to a job application (although they are not able to move forward at this time). Other days there were envelopes in my mail, a bag of fruit on my mailbox (x2) Last week it was a construction paper heart from an acquaintance in Arizona, Saturday it was a hand-written note on pretty stationery from someone with whom I’ve recently become a FB friend (and who writes with a beautiful cursive!); today it was a personal letter from a missionary friend in Romania (!)

The first week (when everything was “new” and “novel”) I thought I should start a blog to record these special events.  Now—with 6 weeks (43 days)—behind me, I REALLY wish I had followed that instinct.

Our Life Group at North Coast Church had just finished a group study of a book on TRUST.  Only God could have orchestrated the timing! We went on our spring break and straight into COVID-19. Because our group has grown so close, one of our members established a “Group Me” account which has enabled us to share thoughts from our individual daily devotions, and personal prayer requests.  This has been a period of “deep waters” with one of our members losing a parent, and another having to close a family business. How very special that we had just been learning about the sovereignty of God.

In these 6 weeks I have watched the roses outside my kitchen window grow from new leaves on long (24 – 36”) stems, to opening buds, to full-blown blossoms with amazing fragrances. Now some of them have shattered and need to be deadheaded. The freesias in my carport bloomed in an attention-grabbing spray of bright yellow followed by the purple, but less showy, version.   In recent days the warmer temperatures have encouraged leaving windows open which allows the enjoyment of morning bird songs. I have a mockingbird visitor with an amazing repertoire; in addition to the sparrows and finches who are regulars at the feeder, and the occasional hummingbird who comes for a splash in the waterfall.  And, yes, it wouldn’t be complete without mentioning my newest visitor—a chunkin’ big raccoon—for 2 days in a row.

Throughout this 6-weeks I have kept hearing the same message in various phrasing: Be still, led beside still waters, wait and see.  By nature I am a “do-er” so sitting and waiting require intention.  I have been waking early most days to enjoy my quiet time (and the bird songs!)  In the first few days I struggled with anxiety, but find that has diminished as I work on trusting more. And as I experience provisions, it is becomes easier to trust for what comes next.

One of the interesting observations is that my meal menu has been varied.  I don’t like to eat left-overs. Between trading containers with my sisters on whichever day one of us cooks for 4 (or more), I have enjoyed a variety of dishes.  I am appreciative that in addition to being fed (ie. provided with daily manna) my penchant is being indulged with a surprising variety—corned beef & cabbage, meatloaf on a couple of occasions, shepherd pie, pot roast with potatoes & carrots, and the list goes on.

Last week I needed to order some non-essential items from the pharmacy but somehow in the wonderful world of electronics, the order didn’t leave my “shopping cart”.  By the time I followed up and made certain it was “sent”, the acknowledgment said it would be delivered on May 5^th. Wow! Glad it was non-essential!  Then this morning, as I was using the last of the existing supply, I found a message that my order was shipped yesterday… and it was delivered on my doorstep this afternoon.

Monday, May 4^th  Beginning of Week #8

The “amazements” continue…  Just a few minutes ago I removed the protective cover from a journal in which I’ve been recording my 2020 prayer-time Praises and Requests.  Want to guess what is embossed on the actual cover?  “be still”  (Of course!)  And on the fly leaf I had copied a quote when I started the journal on January 5^th:  “Sometimes our lives have to be completely shaken up, changed, and rearranged to relocate us to the place we’re meant to be happy”   https://www.dailyinspirationalquotes.in/2016/02/s

Be still my heart!

I would say that shaken up, changed and rearranged well describes the last 7 weeks… and who saw THAT coming? I was grateful to have just spent the previous week having my emotional cup filled by sharing spring break with my Arizona family (20 of us when we sat down to Derek’s birthday dinner!) and two weeks prior with Valerie and Brantley (to celebrate his 4^th birthday). 

I am going to wrap this up so I can include a printed copy with cards going out this week to those with whom I don’t have electronic communication. As our world looks at “getting back to normal”, I pray that I will not lose this sense of wonder and the enhanced observation that feeds it… along with the gratitude that follows.

Speaking of mailing cards reminds me of the topic of postage stamps.  About 10 days ago while I was straightening up I found a box that said it was sheet protectors and since those have a designated “home”, I was headed to put them away when I discovered that while there were, indeed, sheet protectors in the box, several of them contained a sheet of postage stamps. What followed was consultation with my E-bay friend to determine that the vintage stamps have no intrinsic value beyond their purchase price. I have NO idea when the stamps came into my possession or from what source, so I can only conclude that they were intended to encourage me in sending notes to those whose paths cross mine.  Considering the cost of postage, that is another item for my gratitude journal.

Tuesday, May 19th  Week 10                                                                                                                    For those who have been following my blog about my daily surprises during sequestering: this morning I discovered this beautiful amaryllis blossom hiding in the ficus tree in my carport. A case of "bloom where you're planted"... or perhaps more aptly, where your flower pot gets set down. Right now a lot of our "flower pots" are put down in unusual places.

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