Lessons from the Valley

“When all the nation had finished passing over the Jordan, the Lord said to Joshua, ‘Take twelve men from the people, from each tribe a man, and command them, saying, ‘Take twelve stones from here out of the midst of the Jordan, from the very place where the priests' feet stood firmly, and bring them over with you and lay them down in the place where you lodge tonight.’ … 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.” Joshua 4:1 – 3, 6 - 7

There are specific moments in life God calls us to REMEMBER!


In this valley, some things needed REMOVED.

“Since we were violently storm-tossed, they began the next day to jettison the cargo. And on the third day they threw the ship's tackle overboard with their own hands.” Acts 27:18 - 19

“…and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit.”John 15:2b

Reflection—What has God released me from that needs to stay gone?


In this valley, some things needed REKINDLED.

“A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another.” John 13:34

“Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up! Again, if two lie together, they keep warm, but how can one keep warm alone?” Ecclesiastes 4:9–11

Reflection—What relationships has God revealed that need to be restored?


In this valley, some things needed REFINED.

“Behold, I go forward, but he is not there, and backward, but I do not perceive him; on the left hand when he is working, I do not behold him; he turns to the right hand, but I do not see him. But he knows the way that I take; when he has tried me, I shall come out as gold.” Job 23:8 - 10

“Jesus answered them, ‘Truly, truly, I say to you, you are seeking me, not because you saw signs, but because you ate your fill of the loaves.”
John 6:26

Reflection—What has God revealed about Himself, about me, about life, that I want to hold on to?