Altar Of Remembrance And Thanksgiving

ALTAR OF REMEMBRANCE AND THANKSGIVING

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Joshua 4:6-7

Key Verse: “That this may be a sign among you, that when your children ask their fathers in time to come, saying, What mean ye by these stones? Then ye shall answer them, That the waters of Jordan were cut off before the ark of the covenant of the Lord; when it passed over Jordan, the waters of Jordan were cut off: and these stones shall be for a memorial unto the children of Israel for ever.” (Joshua 4:6-7 KJV)

Supporting Texts: Psalm 103:1-5, Deuteronomy 8:10-14, 1 Samuel 7:12, Luke 17:15-18

INTRODUCTION:

Every believer is called to a life of thanksgiving and remembrance of the Lord’s mercies. The Israelites, after crossing the Jordan, were instructed by God to take twelve stones and set them up at Gilgal as a memorial of His mighty deliverance. This was not just a physical structure, but a spiritual reminder of God’s faithfulness and covenant-keeping nature.

In our lives, God has given us countless testimonies of His goodness. However, when we fail to build altars of remembrance, we are in danger of forgetting His benefits and falling into ingratitude. Thanksgiving is the key that honours God and secures more blessings.

An altar of remembrance is not about stones or monuments alone, but about intentionally acknowledging and recording the mighty acts of God in our lives. It is a spiritual practice that helps us cultivate gratitude, faith, and generational legacy in Christ.

1. THE PURPOSE OF AN ALTAR OF REMEMBRANCE

Every altar of remembrance is built to give glory to God, to remind us of His faithfulness, and to pass on testimonies to future generations.

a) A place of testimony (Joshua 4:7): Altars preserve testimonies, reminding us that God who delivered us yesterday is still faithful today.

b) A covenant reminder (Genesis 28:18-19): Jacob raised a pillar at Bethel to remember God’s covenant and encounter.

c) A teaching tool for generations (Joshua 4:21-22): The stones were to serve as a sign for children yet unborn, teaching them about God’s wonders.

d) A shield against forgetfulness (Deuteronomy 8:11-14): Altars help us not to forget God when prosperity comes.

Biblical Example: Samuel raised an altar called Ebenezer saying, “Thus far the Lord has helped us” (1 Samuel 7:12). This altar stood as a permanent reminder of God’s help against the Philistines.

2. THE POWER OF THANKSGIVING

Thanksgiving is more than saying “thank you”; it is a spiritual force that provokes divine multiplication and lasting victories.

a) Thanksgiving glorifies God (Psalm 50:23): He who offers praise honours God and attracts more blessings.

b) Thanksgiving preserves blessings (Luke 17:15-18): Only the leper who returned with thanksgiving was made whole.

c) Thanksgiving multiplies resources (John 6:11): Jesus gave thanks over five loaves and two fish, and it multiplied to feed thousands.

d) Thanksgiving defeats the enemy (2 Chronicles 20:21-22): Judah’s enemies were defeated when they praised and gave thanks.

Biblical Example: Paul and Silas gave thanks and sang hymns in prison (Acts 16:25-26), and God shook the prison foundations, bringing deliverance.

3. BUILDING PERSONAL ALTARS OF REMEMBRANCE TODAY

Believers must intentionally build spiritual and practical memorials to preserve God’s acts in their lives.

a) Journaling and recording testimonies (Habakkuk 2:2): Writing down what God has done helps you never forget His mercies.

b) Celebrating God’s faithfulness (Psalm 103:2): Bless the Lord and never forget His benefits.

c) Sharing testimonies publicly (Psalm 22:22): Declare God’s goodness in the congregation, strengthening others.

d) Raising family and church memorials (Joshua 24:26-27): Families and churches should establish memorials of what God has done.

Biblical Example: The Passover was instituted as a lasting memorial of Israel’s deliverance from Egypt (Exodus 12:24-27).

4. BLESSINGS THAT FOLLOW REMEMBRANCE AND THANKSGIVING

When we raise altars of remembrance and live in thanksgiving, God releases new dimensions of blessings.

a) Continuous victory (Psalm 149:6-9): Thanksgiving is a spiritual weapon against enemies.

b) Divine multiplication (Jeremiah 30:19): Out of them shall proceed thanksgiving, and God will multiply them.

c) Generational blessings (Psalm 145:4): One generation shall praise His works to another.

d) Open heavens (Psalm 67:5-7): When people praise and thank God, the earth yields its increase.

Biblical Example: Hannah built an altar of remembrance by dedicating Samuel to the Lord (1 Samuel 1:27–28), and God gave her more children in return.

CONCLUSION:

Raising an altar of remembrance and thanksgiving is a spiritual discipline that keeps us rooted in God’s faithfulness. It ensures we never forget His mercies, it provokes greater blessings, and it passes on testimonies to future generations.

As we intentionally raise our own altars of remembrance, both personally and corporately, we must cultivate a heart of gratitude. Thanksgiving must not be occasional, but a daily lifestyle that acknowledges God as the source of our victories, provisions, and preservation.