Thursday, 13^th November 2025

Alex Buabeng-Korsah

TOPIC: BUILDING ALTARS OF REMEMBRANCE

THEME SCRIPTURE: “Then Jacob took a stone and set it up as a pillar... He called the place Bethel.” — Genesis 28:18–19  

PREPARATORY QUESTION

1. What was the motivation for Jacob when he built an altar unto the Lord?

When Jacob encountered God in a dream at Bethel, he didn’t simply move on after the moment passed. He marked it. He built a stone pillar as a physical altar of remembrance— a place to return in mind and spirit when he needed to remember God’s promise and presence.

God often calls His people to mark divine moments: Abraham built altars (Genesis 12:7–8), Moses raised a memorial (Exodus 17:15), and Joshua commanded Israel to set up twelve stones after crossing the Jordan (Joshua 4:7). 

Beloved, why did men of old build altars to mark important moments? Because human hearts forget. In trials or prosperity, we drift from the memory of God’s mighty works unless we build reminders to anchor us.

An altar is not just a monument— it’s a declaration. It says: “Here, God met me. Here, I saw His hand. Here, He proved Himself faithful.” Whether literal or symbolic, altars recalibrate our souls.

For today's Christian, building an altar might look like documenting miracles, sharing a testimony, marking a Bible page, or commemorating a date of God’s intervention. Every altar is a personal proclamation that God is real, near, and involved.

Practically, how can one build an altar of remembrance?

1. Recognize the moment of encounter. An altar begins with awareness. Pay attention when God answers a prayer, provides in an unexpected way, etc. Don’t rush past it. Pause and say, “Surely the Lord is in this place.”(Genesis 28:16).
2. Record What God Has Done. Write it down—immediately. The faintest ink is stronger than the strongest memory. Like the psalmist, “I will remember the deeds of the Lord.”(Psalm 77:11).
3. Give It a Name or Title. Every biblical altar carried a name that testified to God’s character—Abraham called one“The Lord Will Provide”(Genesis 22:14);
4. Add a Tangible Reminder. Physical symbols can strengthen spiritual memory. You might frame a verse that marked your breakthrough.
5. Share the Story. Joshua told Israel, “These stones shall be a memorial… that your children may ask.”(Joshua 4:6–7). Testify. Tell your family, friends, or small group what God has done.

Charles Spurgeon wrote, “God’s promises are not exhausted by one fulfillment.” The God who met you before will meet you again. But in moments of silence or struggle, return to the altars. Let them speak when your feelings fall silent.

Remain blessed.

FURTHER READING: Genesis 28

Call to Salvation: Today is your day if you have not received salvation by turning over your life to Jesus Christ. Click here to do so.

QUESTIONS TO HELP YOU MEDITATE ON THE WORD

1. Where has God clearly intervened in my life, and have I marked those places?  

2. How can I create spiritual “altars” in my home, heart, or habits?  

3. What testimony of God’s faithfulness can I share with someone today?

PRAYER

Lord, thank You for meeting me in the places of both desperation and delight. Teach me to mark those moments well—not for nostalgia, but for faith. Help me build altars that remind my soul of Your nearness and keep my trust rooted in Your Word. Let my life be filled with testimonies that declare, “God was here.” In Jesus’ precious name. Amen.

One-Year Bible Reading Plan

Proverbs 2; 1 Peter 1; Job 22