MEMORIALS - Pastor James Hooper

Devotional

Day 1: Remembering God’s Faithfulness Through Memorials

God calls His people to set up memorials as tangible reminders of His faithfulness and mighty acts. These memorials, whether feasts like Passover or physical markers like the stones from the Jordan, serve to remind us and future generations of what God has done, anchoring our gratitude and trust in His ongoing work. When we look back at the memorials in our own lives—moments of deliverance, provision, or answered prayer—we are encouraged to give thanks and to share these stories with others, especially the next generation, so that God’s goodness is never forgotten. [03:47]

Exodus 12:14 (ESV):
“This day shall be for you a memorial day, and you shall keep it as a feast to the Lord; throughout your generations, as a statute forever, you shall keep it as a feast.”

Reflection: What is one “memorial” in your life—a moment or object that reminds you of God’s faithfulness? How can you share its story with someone younger this week?

Day 2: God’s Call to Remember, But Not Dwell in the Past

While God repeatedly reminds His people of His past deliverance, He also warns against living in the past or trying to figure out every “why” behind our hardships. Instead, He invites us to remember with gratitude but to look forward with hope, trusting that He is always doing something new. Even painful experiences can become sources of compassion and ministry to others, as God transforms our past into tools for present and future blessing. [18:41]

Isaiah 43:18-19 (ESV):
“Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.”

Reflection: Is there a painful memory or “why” question you’ve been holding onto? How might God be inviting you to release it and look for the new thing He is doing in your life right now?

Day 3: Embracing God’s New Work With Obedience

God is always moving forward, inviting His people to step into new seasons and opportunities. He calls us not to limit ourselves or Him by clinging to the past, but to act in faith and obedience when He leads—even when it feels uncomfortable or uncertain. When we move in obedience, God meets us with provision, blessing, and growth beyond what we could imagine, reminding us that He is our faithful partner in every new endeavor. [24:33]

Joshua 4:6-7 (ESV):
“That this may be a sign among you. When your children ask in time to come, ‘What do those stones mean to you?’ then you shall tell them that the waters of the Jordan were cut off before the ark of the covenant of the Lord. When it passed over the Jordan, the waters of the Jordan were cut off. So these stones shall be to the people of Israel a memorial forever.”

Reflection: What is one area where you sense God prompting you to take a new step of faith? What would it look like to act on that prompting this week, even if it feels uncomfortable?

Day 4: The Power of Spiritual Family and Community

God’s design for His people is not isolation, but family—a community that loves, supports, and fights for one another. The church is meant to be a place where everyone belongs, where burdens are shared, and where victories and struggles are faced together. When we embrace our role in God’s family, we find strength, encouragement, and purpose, knowing that we are not alone in building God’s kingdom and facing life’s battles. [35:01]

Romans 12:10 (ESV):
“Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor.”

Reflection: Who in your church family or community needs encouragement or support today? How can you reach out to them and remind them they are not alone?

Day 5: Partnering With God for a Life of Purpose

God invites us to partner with Him in building His kingdom, using our unique gifts, experiences, and even our challenges. No matter our age, status, or past, God has a purpose for us and empowers us by His Spirit to accomplish more than we could on our own. When we say “yes” to God’s call, we step into a life of meaning, fulfillment, and impact, trusting that He will guide, provide, and work through us for His glory. [31:13]

Ephesians 3:20-21 (ESV):
“Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.”

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you’ve been limiting what God can do through you? How can you invite Him to partner with you and take a step toward His purpose this week?

Sermon Summary

Today marks a significant milestone—87 years of God’s faithfulness to this church and this community. As we gather, we remember not just the history of a building or a congregation, but the living testimony of God’s goodness, provision, and purpose. Memorials matter to God. From the Passover in Exodus to the twelve stones at the Jordan in Joshua, God instructs His people to set up reminders of His mighty acts—not for nostalgia’s sake, but to anchor our faith and pass on the story to future generations. These memorials are not just about looking back; they are about fueling our gratitude and our sense of responsibility for the present and the future.

We honor those who came before us—those who planted, persevered, and prayed this church into being. Their faithfulness, like that of Ms. Clara and others, kept the doors open through lean times and challenges. Their legacy is not just a story to be told, but a foundation for us to build upon. Yet, God’s call is not to live in the past. While we remember and give thanks, we are not to dwell there or try to make sense of every hardship. God’s word through Isaiah is clear: “Do not call to mind the former things… Behold, I am doing a new thing.” The past is a testimony, but the future is a promise.

God is always moving, always creating, always inviting us to step forward in faith. He partners with us, not just to maintain what has been, but to embrace what He is doing now. Sometimes, the new thing God is doing feels uncomfortable or uncertain, but obedience is better than sacrifice. When we act in faith, God meets us with provision, direction, and blessing. Our family—both biological and spiritual—is a gift and a calling. We are called to be a family that welcomes, supports, and fights for one another, building the kingdom of God together.

No matter your age, your past, or your circumstances, God is not finished with you. He wants to use your story, your pain, and your gifts for His glory and for the good of others. The Spirit that raised Christ from the dead lives in you, empowering you to move forward, to build, to love, and to hope. Let us remember with gratitude, but let us also look ahead with expectation, ready to say “yes” to whatever God has next.

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Key Takeaways

1. Memorials Anchor Our Faith, But Don’t Define Our Future God instructs us to set up memorials—not to idolize the past, but to remember His faithfulness and to teach the next generation. These reminders are meant to inspire gratitude and responsibility, not nostalgia or stagnation. The past is a testimony, but it is not our destination. [03:47]
2. God’s New Work Requires Letting Go of Old Explanations While God often reminds us of what He’s done, He also tells us not to dwell on the past or try to make sense of every hardship. Instead, He invites us to trust that He is doing something new, even when we don’t understand the “why” behind our struggles. Our pain can become a tool for compassion and ministry if we let God redeem it. [18:41]
3. Obedience Unlocks God’s Provision and Direction God rarely lays out the entire plan before we step out in faith. When we act on His prompting—even when it’s uncomfortable or illogical—He meets us with provision, guidance, and blessing. Obedience is more powerful than sacrifice, and God honors those who move when He says “go.” [25:36]
4. Family—Both Spiritual and Natural—is Central to God’s Purpose God places us in families, both by birth and by choice, to support, encourage, and fight for one another. The church is called to be a loving, welcoming family where everyone belongs and no one fights alone. Our unity and love are a testimony to God’s heart for His people. [35:01]
5. God’s Spirit Empowers Us to Build and Move Forward, Regardless of Circumstance No matter your age, status, or past, God’s Spirit within you is more than enough. He can teach, guide, and empower you beyond your natural abilities. Don’t limit yourself or God—He is always moving, always creating, and always inviting you to partner with Him in building His kingdom. [31:52]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:20] - Celebrating 87 Years: Church Anniversary
[01:23] - The Importance of Memorials
[01:49] - Passover: God’s Call to Remember
[02:47] - Joshua’s Stones: Memorials for Generations
[03:47] - Why We Remember: Gratitude and Responsibility
[05:27] - What “Memorial” Means to God
[06:18] - Everyday Memorials: God’s Creation
[07:10] - God’s Pattern: Reminding Us of His Faithfulness
[08:44] - The Church’s Founding Story
[10:34] - Embracing Family and Community
[12:02] - Honoring the Founders and Their Legacy
[16:16] - The Danger of Living in the Past
[17:40] - God’s New Thing: Isaiah’s Prophecy
[21:47] - Turning Pain into Ministry
[24:00] - Acting on God’s New Direction
[28:08] - Moving Forward: Vision for the Future
[29:22] - Partnering with God in the Work
[31:13] - Building the Kingdom in Everyday Life
[35:01] - The Power of Spiritual Family
[36:18] - Prayer for Direction and Salvation
[40:25] - Blessing and Closing

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

Exodus 12:14 (ESV) — > “This day shall be for you a memorial day, and you shall keep it as a feast to the Lord; throughout your generations, as a statute forever, you shall keep it as a feast.”

Joshua 4:6-7 (ESV) — > “that this may be a sign among you. When your children ask in time to come, ‘What do those stones mean to you?’ then you shall tell them that the waters of the Jordan were cut off before the ark of the covenant of the Lord. When it passed over the Jordan, the waters of the Jordan were cut off. So these stones shall be to the people of Israel a memorial forever.”

Isaiah 43:18-19 (ESV) — > “Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.”

Observation Questions

In Exodus 12:14, what does God command the Israelites to do, and for what purpose?
According to Joshua 4:6-7, what was the reason for setting up the twelve stones after crossing the Jordan?
In Isaiah 43:18-19, what does God say about remembering the past and what is He promising to do?
The sermon mentioned the story of Ms. Clara and the church’s founding. What role did memorials and remembering play in the church’s history? ([12:02])

Interpretation Questions

Why does God want His people to set up memorials and remember His past faithfulness? How does this shape the way we view our own history as a church or as individuals? ([03:47])
What is the difference between remembering the past and living in the past, according to the sermon and Isaiah 43? ([18:16])
The sermon says, “Obedience is better than sacrifice.” What does this mean in the context of stepping into something new God is doing, even when it feels uncomfortable? ([24:33])
How does the idea of spiritual family, as described in the sermon, connect to God’s purpose for the church? ([35:01])

Application Questions

The sermon talked about memorials as reminders of God’s faithfulness, not as things to idolize. What is one “memorial” in your life (an event, a place, a story) that helps you remember God’s goodness? How can you use it to encourage someone else? ([03:47])
Is there an area in your life where you find yourself stuck in the past—either longing for “the good old days” or trying to make sense of past pain? What would it look like to trust God to do a new thing in that area? ([18:41])
The sermon shared stories of people whose pain became a tool for ministry. Is there a struggle or hardship you’ve experienced that God might want to use to help others? ([20:14])
When was the last time you sensed God prompting you to step out in faith, even if you didn’t have all the answers? What happened? How can you be more open to God’s direction this week? ([25:36])
The church is described as a family where “no one fights alone.” Do you feel like you belong to this kind of spiritual family? If not, what is one step you could take to connect more deeply? If yes, how can you help someone else feel included? ([35:01])
The sermon said, “No matter your age, your past, or your circumstances, God is not finished with you.” What is one area where you need to believe that God’s Spirit can empower you beyond your natural abilities? ([31:52])
Looking ahead, what is one “new thing” you sense God might be inviting you or our church to embrace? What would it look like to say “yes” to that? ([24:33])

Sermon Clips

However, God does not want us living in the past. He wants us to remember, but he doesn't want to live in the past. So much so that he told the, the prophet Isaiah, let's go to Isaiah chapter 43, Isaiah chapter 42. Remember, this is the God that every time he prophesied through one of these prophets says, I am the God that brought you out of Egypt. I'm the God that saved you. I'm the God that rescued. Listen, I'm the God that did what this, and then he told Isaiah through Isaiah prophesied, do not call to mind the former things or consider things of the past. Behold, I'm going to do something new. Now it will spring up. Will you not? Be aware of it. I will even make a roadway in the wilderness and rivers in the desert. [00:17:30] (45 seconds) #RememberButMoveOn

My mother had breast cancer in 1994. Yes, and then she had colon cancer in 2012, and then she just had a double mastectomy just a couple weeks ago because breast cancer back. Why? Why? Why? Why? Why? Because now she can help young ladies that are going through it. She has this radar that she can sense when she's in a restaurant and somebody is going through cancer treatments. And if they have a little thing on their head, a little bandana or a scarf on their head, and there's no hair coming out from under it, she knows what's going on. And she will automatically speak to them and encourage them, tell them, I'm a survivor, I'm a survivor, blah, blah, blah. We've done the Coleman Race for the Cure. So God wants us to understand, now I want you to not figure out why those things happen, but I want you to look forward. Remember what's happened, but don't stop. Don't stay there. Look forward. [00:20:41] (70 seconds) #CancerSurvivorSupport

So many people think God peaked in the old days. Oh, if we had the old-time religion. Listen, I was raised in that. It was pretty wild, okay? I can tell you, it was wild. I was not given to those reactions. I was a little more subdued as a person. But you could see all kinds of wild stuff. We could probably take a poll of people here, seeing some crazy stuff. I've seen a preacher preaching. I've seen people from standing on top of the pew preaching. I saw a guy standing up on top of the pulpit. I mean, I've seen people run and I've seen people, I've seen people do all kinds of stuff. And people say, oh, that's God. And they're acting like God peaked then. But God said, listen, I am a God that moves. I don't sit still. I'm a God that moves. God never said, well, that was the best we got. That's the only way you can do it. never experienced me is with that. No, you're limiting God. [00:21:51] (68 seconds) #LookForwardFaith

We will remember what God has done. Always remember where you came from. Always remember what God has done in your life. It encourages you, but don't dwell there because God wants you to grow beyond that. He wants you to be more than a conqueror. He doesn't want you to just be a conqueror. And all these things, Romans 8 says, you are more than a conqueror through Christ Jesus who loves you. He wants you to go above, above and beyond what you can think or ask, he says in Ephesians. Listen, don't limit God. Don't limit yourself. [00:26:41] (38 seconds) #ObedienceInAction

When you succeed in your life, in your work, in your family, when you succeed, you are building the kingdom of God as a child of God. When you parent, when you lead people at work, whatever you do, you are building the kingdom of God because the spirit of God that is in you is the spirit of God that raised Jesus from the dead will quicken you. And you have that spirit inside of you. You're not just limited to your own abilities. You're not just limited to your own skillset because he can teach you in a day more than you can learn in years. He can give you revelation about how to do your business better. He can give you revelation how to do your job better. He can give you revelation about how to parent better. He can give you revelation. He can do that. And all he wants you to do is just say, yes, let's go. Let's go. Just partner with him. [00:31:11] (57 seconds) #GodsCreationMemorial

All you got to do is say, I'm committed to the work that God's given me. I'm committed to this. I'm committed to what you have me to do. And if the devil comes to fight, just say, oh, whatever, whatever. Oh, you're going to attack my family. Please, please. We're going to, you're going to be so defeated and like this. And I got, I got a whole army of people with me when we do this. I got a whole army of people with me when we do this. I got a whole army of people when we do have issues. All of a sudden you can send out a text and all the prayer warriors are praying. It's because we've got one another. We're a family. We're a family that accepts anyone. We accept anyone. Anybody that's ever come to this church that I've brought to this church, they've told me this is the most loving place they've ever been in their life. [00:34:16] (56 seconds) #UnitedInFaithFight

We've got a work to do. We've got something to accomplish for the kingdom of God, but we're going to fight. We're going to work together. We're going to fight together. So when you have an issue, you have a problem with the enemy, you can ask for reinforcements and I'll work with you. And I'll pray with you. And I'll fight the battle with you because we are family. [00:35:40] (28 seconds)

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