6月22日

標　　題：屬靈的標記

經　　節：以色列人就照約書亞所吩咐的，按著以色列人支派的數目，從約旦河中取了十二塊石頭，都遵耶和華所吩咐約書亞的行了。他們把石頭帶過去，到他們所住宿的地方，就放在那裡。（約書亞記四章8節）

靈性的記憶在基督徒生活中，佔有重要的一席之地。每回神向你說話的情景，是否仍歷歷在目？倘若你急於超前自己基督徒的信心，卻忽略在生活中的十字路口，放下屬靈的標記，這是個悲劇。若沒有這些屬靈路標的幫助，你會迷失屬靈的方向。

以色列人曾經歷一段喧嘩漫長的旅行。由於懷疑神的大能是否帶來勝利，他們付上漂流曠野四十年的代價。後來，神行神跡，分開約但河水，讓他們過河，好繼續他們的征戰。神知道以色列人遭遇敵人的脅迫時，有時需要一些提醒，好相信神的大能足以保護他們。以色列人可能會受試探，認為進入迦南地是個錯誤。為了這個原因，神要他們在約但河畔立標記。他們無論任何時候回到此地，這標記會提醒他們神偉大的能力。這標記會鼓舞他們面對新的挑戰。

靈性的標記指出我們面對神清楚帶領的一段抉擇時光。你還記得自己成為神兒女的那一刻嗎？你是否記得祂呼喚你照祂的心意而活的那一刻？你是否能清楚指出，祂明確引導你作決定的時刻？你還記得祂曾以大能呼召你，向祂獻身嗎？要記錄這些人生的重要時刻！要定期回想這些重要時刻，並且察覺自己在神的帶領之下穩定的成長。這會幫助你瞭解神在你生命中的作為，也幫助你明白自己未來的方向。

Spiritual Markers

And the children of Israel did so, just as Joshua commanded, and took up twelve stones from the midst of the Jordan, as the LORD had spoken to Joshua, according to the number of the tribes of the children of Israel, and carried them over with them to the place where they lodged, and laid them down there. (Joshua 4:8)

Spiritual memory is crucial in the Christian life. Do you vividly recall times when you know God spoke to you? It would be tragic if, in your haste to advance in your Christian faith, you neglected to leave spiritual markers at the key crossroads of your life. Without the help of these markers, you will lose your spiritual bearings.

The Israelites experienced a tumultuous pilgrimage. Their doubt that God was powerful enough to give them victory cost them forty years of wandering in the wilderness. Then God miraculously parted the waters of the Jordan River so they could pass over and continue their conquest. God knew that at times the Israelites would face intimidating enemies and would need a reminder that He was powerful enough to protect them. The Israelites might be tempted to think they made a mistake entering Canaan. For this reason God instructed them to build a monument on the banks of the Jordan River. Whenever they returned to this spot, they would see the monument and be reminded of God's awesome power. This marker would give them confidence to meet the new challenges they faced.

A spiritual marker identifies a time of decision when you clearly know that God guided you. Can you remember the moment you became a child of God? Were there specific times when He called you to His ways of living? Can you point to times when He clearly guided you in a decision? Were there times when He spoke powerfully to you about a commitment you should make? Keep track of these important moments! Regularly rehearse them and notice the steady progression in the way God has led you. This will help you understand God's activity in your life and give you a sense of direction as you face future decisions.