From: May 9, 2023
‘Samuel then took a large stone and placed it between the towns of Mizpah and Jeshanah. He named it Ebenezer (which means “the stone of help”), for he said, “Up to this point the Lord has helped us!”’ (1 Samuel 7:12 NLT).
Samuel called the Israelites to Mizpah for an assembly of repentance and recommitment, but the Philistines heard about their gathering and attacked. God fought for Israel and they overcame the Philistines for the first time in a generation. There, Samuel set up a large stone to remind them of God’s help, calling it “Ebenezer,” meaning “stone of help.”
Samuel understood that we are a forgetful people and need reminders. Some of us journal, writing it down when God rescues. Some carry a chip to commemorate their years of sobriety. Some keep a photo or certificate. Others compose a song, like “Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing,” singing: “Here I raise mine Ebenezer; hither by thy help I’m come; and I hope, by thy good pleasure, safely to arrive at home.”
Do you have an “Ebenezer” to remember what God has done for you? If not, get one. Then, raise it high today! Remember and be encouraged!
PRAYER: Dear Father, we are often forgetful. Help us to remember all the great things You have done for us. Above them all, help us to look to the cross, the “Ebenezer,” that reminds us of the most costly thing You’ve done for us by giving us Your Son, Jesus, to die for our sins. We look to Him and remember that we have received a great salvation. Now strengthen us to tell others of Your great love. In Jesus’ name, amen.
From: May 9, 2016
Samuel called the Israelites to Mizpah for an assembly of repentance and recommitment, but the Philistines heard about their gathering and attacked. God fought for Israel and they overcame for the first time in a generation. There, Samuel set up a large stone to remind them of God’s help, calling it “Ebenezer,” meaning “stone of help.” Samuel understood that we are a forgetful people and need reminders. Some of us journal, writing it down when God rescues. Some carry a chip to commemorate their years of sobriety. Some keep a photo or certificate. Others compose a song, like “Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing,” singing: “Here I raise mine Ebenezer; hither by thy help I’m come; and I hope, by thy good pleasure, safely to arrive at home.” Do you have an “Ebenezer” to remember what God as done for you?
From: May 9, 2015
Samuel called the Israelites to Mizpah for an assembly of repentance and recommitment, but the Philistines heard about their gathering and attacked. God fought for Israel and they overcame for the first time in a generation. There, Samuel set up a large stone to remind them of God’s help, calling it Ebenezer or “stone of help.” Samuel understood that we are a forgetful people and need reminders. Some of us journal, writing it down when God rescues. Some carry a chip to commemorate their years of sobriety. Others compose a song, like “Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing,” singing: “Here I raise mine Ebenezer; hither by thy help I’m come; and I hope, by thy good pleasure, safely to arrive at home.” Do you have an “Ebenezer” to remember what God as done for you?
From: May 9, 2014
Do you ask for a box for your leftovers? Jesus did. I wonder why. Was it to show that when He holds a banquet everyone eats their fill with food to spare? Was it to draw attention that even the leftovers were much greater than the original 5 loaves and 2 fish? And why record the basket count of 12 baskets full? Did this show that each disciple got a packed lunch to eat while Jesus slipped away into the hills? I can only speculate as to why Jesus commanded the leftovers to be saved. But certain things can be known for sure from this story: 1)When we trust Jesus with our small offering, He can multiply it to feed a multitude. 2)When Jesus feeds the hungry, they eat their fill with food leftover. 3) With Jesus nothing is wasted.