Have you ever walked into a room to get something and totally forgotten why you went in? Then, once you remembered what you were looking for, you forget where you put it. I know what you’re thinking . . . "you’re getting old Larry." Actually, I just think I’ve run out of RAM memory in my brain
. I used to have a photographic memory but I ran out of film long ago.Unfortunately, God’s people too often forget great things He has done for them. Last edition, I mentioned going to Israel and seeing the Jordan river. God worked a miracle (see Joshua 3:7-4:9) and parted the river like He did with the Red Sea. The Israelites were able to finally cross into the Promised Land. He told them to grab a stone from middle of the river bed and then pile them up. I personally imagine the little structure looking like a miniature temple. Thus we have the first Stone Temple Pile (long before the Stone Temple Pilots).
God had them do this because of our short memory. This would be a constant reminder of the miracle God worked. More importantly, it was a constant reminder that God was with them, loved them and was taking care of them.
I’ve heard it said that this generation hears with their eyes and thinks with their feelings. Our feelings constantly change. If we rely only on our feelings, we are bound to feel as though God has abandoned us or that He doesn't care about us.
So, this is the first Perihelion with homework. Right now, get a piece of paper or note card or poster and write down some of the incredible or miraculous things God has done in your life . . . maybe something that reminded you how much God loved you.
I’m waiting . . .
OK. I know you didn’t go get the paper yet . . . I’m still waiting.
All right . . . I’m serious, I’m gonna stop writing until you go get some paper . . . I’ve got all day.
OK. I’m back. It’s past midnight now and I see you finally got some paper.
Now go get a pen!! Don’t make me wait all night!
After you have written down a couple things (maybe like my modern day miracle on page 3) put it in a place you can see it so it can be a Stone Temple Pile -- a reminder of God’s greatness and His love, especially in those times when God seems distant, or you are not "feeling" the joy of the Lord. Then thank God for being faithful and trust Him in those tough situations BEFORE He "parts the water."
Our friend Stacy Kasimatis, who has been published in the Perihelion and worked hard putting many of them together, had a Stone Temple Pile miracle when she was on a
mission trip to Russia a few months ago. Her ministry took place in Kurumkhan where there was only one church and about 15 Christians in the entire city! In her words (except for the parts I added, changed or deleted):
"At the Moscow airport terminal #1 there are quite a few employees who speak English -- it is completely different at terminal #2. We go up to the counter to check-in and get our boarding passes -- or so we thought. It turns out they don’t have a reservation for us in their computer or on their paper roster and they won’t give us boarding passes. We are trying to communicate with English and they, with Russian. There is no interpreter, which mean no way to explain or talk ourselves out of this frustrating situation. We are totally unable to ‘help’ God out in the dilemma. All we can do is pray. Fingers are flashed in our faces indicating we need to wait. About 25 minutes later, an airport employee walked up to us, put 3 boarding passes in our hands -- one was even 1st class -- and showed us to the gate! God affirmed there are no language barriers (or ANY barriers) for Him, He was with us and did not need our ‘help.’ "
God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. So do not fear, for I am with you. (Psalm 46:1 & Isaiah 41:10a)