“So the people left their camp to cross the Jordan, and the priests who were carrying the Ark of the Covenant went ahead of them. 15 It was the harvest season, and the Jordan was overflowing its banks. But as soon as the feet of the priests who were carrying the Ark touched the water at the river’s edge, 16 the water above that point began backing up a great distance away at a town called Adam, which is near Zarethan. And the water below that point flowed on to the Dead Sea until the riverbed was dry. Then all the people crossed over near the town of Jericho. 7 Meanwhile the priests who were carrying the Ark of the Lord’s Covenant stood on dry ground in the middle of the riverbed as the people passed by. They waited there until the whole nation of Israel had crossed the Jordan on dry ground. 1When all the people had crossed the Jordan, the Lord said to Joshua, 2 “Now choose twelve men, one from each tribe. 3 Tell them, ‘Take twelve stones from the very place where the priests are standing in the middle of the Jordan. Carry them out and pile them up at the place where you will camp tonight.’” Joshua 3:14-4:3 NLT
Father God,
These were another generation from the ones who saw Moses part the waters (Exodus 14:22). Perhaps they had heard the stories but they would be just that. So Joshua told then to build a memorial, simply a pile of stones. But they would be reminded of Your miracle. You knew this would be an encouragement when they again faced difficulties.
I sometimes collect a pebble or a reminder when I have had a day by the sea or a special day. They bring warm memories. Do I remember all the things You have done for me? Sometimes I forget to say thankyou and I don’t always see Your hand in the little things. But You are there and I am sorry I do not always acknowledge You or Your provision. If I were to put stones in a pile to remind me of all the occasions You have blessed me, got me our of difficulties, kept me safe, led me forward I would run out of stones and a place to put them.
But it all started at the cross and with an empty tomb. I will never forget that. Keep me grateful, looking for the next way forward and not worried about how You will make the way forward.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Worship Monday 24th March 2025
I could not find a recording of this hymn but the words just become a prayer . . .
Looking back but moving forward,
Lord, our times are in your hand.
You’re the God who never changes,
God of every age and land.
You’re our End as our Beginning;
You were there when time began
and through all the years of history
you’ve been working out your plan.
Looking back but moving forward,
you have blessed us year by year.
Thank you, Lord, for those whose vision
built our church and served you here;
and successive generations
bearing witness to your Name:
yesterday, today, for ever
Jesus still remains the same!
Looking back but moving forward,
times have changed and much is new:
smart phones, lasers, transplants, space flight –
things our forebears never knew.
Yet you’re Alpha and Omega,
God of then and God of now.
As we serve the present age, Lord,
by your Spirit show us how.
Looking back but moving forward,
as we celebrate today,
giving thanks for all that’s past, we
pledge ourselves to walk your way.
Holy Spirit, lead us onward;
keep us faithful to your call.
May this ever spur our mission:
Jesus Christ is Lord of all!
Lyrics: Brian Hoare (b.1935) Jubilate Group