Raise An Ebenezer // Mark Davies // December 29, 2024

Faith

Raise An Ebenezer

1 Samuel 7:7-13 (ESV)

“Now when the Philistines heard that the people of Israel had gathered at Mizpah, the lords of the Philistines went up against Israel. And when the people of Israel heard of it, they were afraid of the Philistines. And the people of Israel said to Samuel, ‘Do not cease to cry out to the Lord our God for us, that he may save us from the hand of the Philistines.’ So, Samuel took a nursing lamb and offered it as a whole burnt offering to the Lord. And Samuel cried out to the Lord for Israel, and the Lord answered him. As Samuel was offering up the burnt offering, the Philistines drew near to attack Israel. But the Lord thundered with a mighty sound that day against the Philistines and threw them into confusion, and they were defeated before Israel. And the men of Israel went out from Mizpah and pursued the Philistines and struck them, as far as below Beth-car.”

“Then Samuel took a stone and set it up between Mizpah and Shen and called its name Ebenezer, for he said, ‘Till now, the Lord has helped us.’ So, the Philistines were subdued and did not again enter the territory of Israel. And the hand of the Lord was against the Philistines all the days of Samuel.”

Ebenezer Means “Stone of Help”

Joshua 4:21-24 (ESV)

“And he said to the people of Israel, “When your children ask their fathers in times to

come, ‘What do these stones mean?’ then you shall let your children know, ‘Israel

passed over this Jordan on dry ground.’ For the Lord your God dried up the waters of

the Jordan for you until you passed over, as the Lord your God did to the Red Sea, which

he dried up for us until we passed over, so that all the peoples of the earth may know

that the hand of the Lord is mighty, that you may fear the Lord your God forever.”

Remembering 2024

What Remembrance Does

1. Remembrance guards you from straying from the Lord.

2. Remembrance anchors you in the truth about God’s character.

Romans 8:28 (ESV)

And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called to according to His purposes.

Now it’s your turn. What things do you need to take a closer look at, and intentionally remember?

Ways we can set up an “Ebenezer” in our lives:

• Write it down in a Journal.

• Buy a memento and place it in a visible place or a keepsake box.

• Create a video blog and tell the story of his faithfulness.

• Find a relevant scripture and highlight, date, and annotate it with memorable information.

• Put a sticky note on your bathroom mirror.

• Print a photo book and keep it out where you can see it.

• Collect songs and make a playlist (Mix Tape)

• Paint a painting or create a piece of art.

• Plant a tree.

• For next year: Set aside a Memory Jar, write down the good and bad things that happen on a regular basis, and review these at the end of the year.

Ultimately, the goal is that we take the time to reflect on God’s goodness and his character, highlighting his abundant goodness and desire for the situations we have had to walk through.