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We Are The Memorial Stones


            We give thanks to you, O God, we give thanks, for your Name is near; men tell of your wonderful deeds. (Psalm 75:1) 

            Like so many things, when I hear of what God has done in the lives of others, it tends to generate one of two responses: thankfulness or jealousy. I admit, I struggle with the jealousy. Some people seem to be so blessed with God's closeness. I don't want their closeness to disappear, but I'd like to have it, too. The reality is that I may not have their particular brand of closeness, but I have the sort of closeness that God knows is right for me. He protects me from the problems someone else's sort of closeness might cause: pride.
          When my heart is right, I am thankful for the stories of God's closeness to others because it means I can grow closer to Him, too. The stories build my faith, and allow me to see God through His work. In Old Testament times, God told the Israelites over and over: remember, tell one another about what I did, put up monuments so that when people see, they are curious and ask. In New Testament times, God didn't seem to be interested in mounds of rocks as memorials. Instead, Christians, themselves, are to be the memorials. People are supposed to see us and be curious. We are to "[a]lways be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. " (I Peter 3:15 b)          
  
            Thank You, Lord, for what You have done in the lives of so many. Hearing their stories can make us long to be closer to You and more willing to give up what comes between us. Work in us so that we tell our stories even when we don't use words.

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