Creating Occasions for Remembering

Creating Occasions for Remembering

 

Memory Verse: Psalm 77:11 (NKJV)I will remember the works of the Lord; Surely I will remember Your wonders of old.

 

TEXT: 1 Samuel 7:1-15

 

 

 

INTRODUCTION:

 

 

Here I raise mine Ebenezer;

Hither by thy help I’m come;

And I hope, by thy good pleasure,

Safely to arrive at home.

ILLUSTRATION “What Have the Romans Ever Done for us” from  "Monty Python's Life of Brian:

 

http://youtu.be/ExWfh6sGyso

 

 

 

John Oatman Jr., the Hymn writer says:

 

1.

When upon life’s billows you are tempest-tossed,
When you are discouraged, thinking all is lost,
Count your many blessings, name them one by one,
And it will surprise you what the Lord hath done.

o

Refrain:
Count your blessings, name them one by one,
Count your blessings, see what God hath done!
Count your blessings, name them one by one,
*Count your many blessings, see what God hath done.
[*And it will surprise you what the Lord hath done.]

2.

Are you ever burdened with a load of care?
Does the cross seem heavy you are called to bear?
Count your many blessings, every doubt will fly,
And you will keep singing as the days go by.

3.

When you look at others with their lands and gold,
Think that Christ has promised you His wealth untold;
Count your many blessings—*money cannot buy [*wealth can never buy]
Your reward in heaven, nor your home on high.

4.

So, amid the conflict whether great or small,
Do not be discouraged, God is over all;
Count your many blessings, angels will attend,
Help and comfort give you to your journey’s end.

 

 

 

 

 

1.

Because of Answered prayers.

1 Samuel 7:3–10; cf. Psalm 66:18; Psalm 50:15; Lamentations 3:55–56

 

 

“No soul can attain to its goal, no Church can do its work and acquire purity and freedom, apart from sincere confession and deep humiliation for what is past.” --H. D. M. Spence-Jones, ed. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2.

Because of Divine Deliverance

1 Samuel 7:10–14; Jeremiah 15:11;  Psalm 3:8; 2 Kings 18:33–34

 

 

 

 

 

3.

Because of God’s help

1 Samuel 7:11–12; Psalm 121:1–2; 46:1

 

“Samuel set up a memorial, according to Jewish custom, and called its name Help-stone. In giving his reason for it, hitherto hath Jehovah helped us, there is a plain indication of the need of further assistance.”-- H. D. M. Spence-Jones, ed.

 

 

 

 

Isaac Watts 1719

Oh God, our help in ages past,
Our hope for years to come,
Our shelter from the stormy blast,
And our eternal home.

Under the shadow of Thy throne
Thy saints have dwelt secure;
Sufficient is Thine arm alone,
And our defense is sure.

Before the hills in order stood,
Or earth received her frame,
From everlasting Thou art God,
To endless years the same.

Our God, our help in ages past,
Our hope for years to come,
Be Thou our guard while troubles last,
And our eternal home.

 

ILLUSTRATION: Remembering His Experience

“I guess the Lord must have had something for me to do.”—Ministers Research Service