I have had the privilege of studying The Word over the last few years as a participant in Bible Study Fellowship (BSF) International. I cannot say enough good things about BSF and the things I have learned though the studies of Genesis, Matthew and now the Life of Moses.
In my study of the Old Testament especially I have noticed a trend among the pillars of faith. Whenever God brought them through something big, they always stopped and built an altar. When the waters of the flood receded and it was safe for Noah and his family to leave the ark, an altar is built. (Genesis 8:20) At Mount Moriah, when God provides the ram instead of having Abraham go through with the sacrifice of his son, Isaac, an altar is built. (Genesis 22:9) When Joshua overcomes the Amelakites because Moses along with Aaron and Hur keep the staff raised, an altar is built. (Exodus 17:15). It seems that the purpose of the altar in these examples is to serve as a memorial where worship is offered up to God for what He has done.
When chemo was complete and my taste buds came back to life, we celebrated with a really nice dinner out with friends. When my journey was a good distance in our rear view, we took an incredible vacation to Hawaii with our family. Every July 29th (my diagnosis day) is reserved for celebration of life in some special way. I also have a spot in my home where a picture of bald me sits. These are a few of the altars I have chosen to build as a result of my breast cancer journey. They serve as memorials to me of what we experienced and I can’t help but offer up my worship for what He has done for us.
[…] Day 29: Encourage Her To Build An Altar […]