Theme:   People of the Second Chance - Real Change

This eDevotional was written by a volunteer from Timberlake Church.

READ:  Joshua 4:19-24

THINK:  Today’s scripture passage from Joshua 4 is about a time in Israel’s history when God did a significant thing—he parted the Jordan River to allow the Israelites to cross into the Promised Land.  The twelve stones that were left on the other side (one for each of the twelve tribes of Israel) were left as a memorial—or spiritual marker—for future generations. 

The bible encourages us to have these spiritual markers – which are usually a tangible object that we keep to remind us of something specific God’s done or was especially active in our life. When I first heard this concept, I thought it was interesting but I sort of filed it in the back of my brain.  That’s because I didn’t realize the challenges in my faith or the distractions that were ahead.

Baptisms are a critical spiritual marker in our lives because they are an outward symbol of our inner transformation.  First I was sprinkled as a baby, but then as an adult I was baptized at a retreat a few years ago.  It was a turning over a new leaf for me—what I consider a spiritual marker—with true friends who had been witness to the outward transformation that Jesus was working within me.  It was a big celebration for me.

It’s important to take these outward faith steps because we need to ‘identify’ or ‘record’ spiritual markers in our lives.  As I have walked on this journey with Christ over the years, I have had many spiritual attacks along with lots of doubts.  What has helped me to cling to my faith and the trust I have in God, is returning to the spiritual markers—the markers of God’s faithfulness. 

Some examples of spiritual markers in my life are:

• A stone that I picked up at the beach during a particularly peaceful time of prayer when I felt God’s presence in a really special way.
• A photograph of a special event that I felt God’s blessings on me or my family.
• Listening to a song that reminds me of a time when God spoke to me.
• Reciting a scripture that God gave me during a painful season of my life.
• Returning to my journal where I can read of past times in my life where God was with me and working in significant ways.

DO:  Reflect on instances in your life when you felt God’s presence in a significant way.  Journal about it or create some type of unique spiritual marker that will remind you of God’s faithfulness when you need it most.  If you haven’t been baptized and have given your heart to Jesus, then get baptized at the next baptism on October 30th.

PRAY: God I want to remember all you have done in my life... and tell You how grateful I am. Thank you for your love, your direction, your care for me. Today I remember, and today I give you all the praise and glory. Amen.