Looking Back

Joshua 4

Remembering what the Lord has done in the pass will help us get through the rough times
we will be facing at one time or another in our lives.

Joshua 4:1-9

The need to be reminded

1. We are forgetful people.
a. The message. (need to take notes)
b. The doctor’s appointment. (need to put it on the calendar)
c. peoples names (I remember faces)
d. Some of us forget to brush our hair, teeth, shave. (On the counter
toothbrush, hair brush, etc.)
2. Memorial Day. 1868
a. Decoration Day
b. Man’s sacrifice and accomplishments.

The LORD reminds us all through out the bible not to forget HIM yet how many of us
forgot what God has done for us?

Take 12 stones from the middle of the river

1. It was a glorious moment.
2. Something bigger than crossing the river took place.
3. It was about their TRUST in God.
4. Things will get even harder then crossing the river.

The Lord knows that we have short term memory.

Deuteronomy 6:12

Forgotten moments of the LORD

1. Finances.
2. Healing. (physical, spiritual, and mentally)
3. A full stomach.
4. Salvation. (the Love and Grace of Jesus)

I’ll admit that there are times I forget what the Lord has done for me and with me.

We need to build biblical monuments!

1. To remember what God has done for us.
2. A time of renewal.
3. It declares the power and grace of God.
4. It’s the boasting rights of God, not us.
5. Chuck Smith.
We may not use stone monuments, but we have our memories which remind us of the
works God has done in our lives.

1. Kapolei Elementary.
2. John.
3. Water Park.
4. Mel.
5. Nanakuli Elementary.
6. Nanakuli Ranch.
7. Waianae High School.
8. Our Home.
9. My car.
10. Today my son’s baptism.

When ever that had an experience with God they build a monument.

Another reason we build monuments

1. Our monuments become a tool in witnessing for Jesus.
2. Twice in this passage they are told to tell the children.

Deuteronomy 6:6-9, repeat it and repeat it write it everywhere so that they will never
forget.

We are living stones

1. Meant to build up each other. (Kalima’s, Batalona’s, etc.)

1 Peter 2:5

We the Church are all professing that Christ Jesus is who He said He is and we live by
His example and we walk in His spirit and through this relationship people will meet
Jesus.

Sunday is my greatest day of the week. Why?

1. I’m surrounded with evidence that Jesus is Lord.
2. I’m strengthened.
3. I’m encouraged.
4. I’m refreshed.

All of this happens every week because of each one of you, not because of this pulpit.

Joshua takes it a little further and tells the guys to get 12 more stones and build a
monument in the middle of the river.

This is symbolic of what we need to do.

1. We need to have the Lord in our hearts.
Jeremiah 31:33

The promise of the Holy Spirit living in us.

2 Corinthians 3:3

This is where it is necessary to look at the monument in the river.

What is that monument? JESUS!!!!

Remember the first time that you met Jesus and asked Him into your heart and declared
Him Lord and God.

Jesus tells us to remember the sacrifice at Calvary.

Luke 22:19-20

Today we will remember what Jesus has done for us and through His sacrifice see how
much we are loved by God.

Gang always look back at the wonderful things that the Lord is doing in and through our
lives.

But more than anything remember how He has made us right with the Father. Amen.