I want to talk to you today about how to build a memorial that touches the heart of God.
[Acts 10:1-4 KJV] “There was a certain man in Caesarea called Cornelius, a centurion of the band called the Italian band, A devout man, and one that feared God with all his house, which gave much alms to the people, and prayed to God alway. He saw in a vision evidently about the ninth hour of the day an angel of God coming in to him, and saying unto him, Cornelius. And when he looked on him, he was afraid, and said, What is it, Lord? And he said unto him, Thy prayers and thine alms are come up for a memorial before God.”
Many of us are building many things but some of the things will rather stir the anger of God. The people of Babel had a vision and they pursued that vision but it rather led to confusion than favour. It is not just a matter of building; it is a matter of building a memorial or legacy that touches the heart of God. What legacy or memorial is your life building? What story is your life telling? We must strive to write and tell a story that touches the heart of God with our lives.
The simple secrets to building a memorial and legacy that touches the heart of God can be seen in the life of Cornelius. The Bible teaches in Romans 15:4 that the things that are written are written for our learning. Let take inspirations from the life of Cornelius. Let us follow men who through faith and patience inherited the promise (See Hebrews 6:12).
Though Cornelius was a devout man and successful in his career, there was a lack in his life. There were things he needed to overcome in his life. These were hidden things he did not even know of. But when he took the right steps, God did not only reveal but also helped him to overcome it. There are times when certain things are lacking in your life which you need God to help you overcome. Cornelius caught the attention of heaven, and heaven came to his rescue; but how did he do it?
There are three things God will not ignore; three things that build a memorial and legacy that touches the heart of God are:
- Living in the fear of God (See Psalms 112 and 128)
- Giving to both missions and charity
- Praying without ceasing
Let us continue to walk in the fear of the Lord.
I.will encourage you to continue to walk in the fear of the Lord because He sends His word to save, protects, and keeps those who fear Him. The Lord actually takes delight in them.
The bible tells us in psalm 147:11 that the Lord takes pleasure in them that fear him. The Lord taketh pleasure in them that fear him, in those that hope in his mercy. (Psalms 147:11 KJV). I pray that you will fear God and trust in his mercy. I pray that you will not lean on your own understanding. I pray that you will put your hope.andctrust and faith in God. God takes pleasure in those who trust and fear him.
We understand by the prophet Isaiah that if your fear the Lord and obey his servant and still things are not working well; just remember to keep trusting in the name of the Lord. God will not disappoint us. Keep believing and trusting. “Who is among you that feareth the Lord , that obeyeth the voice of his servant, that walketh in darkness, and hath no light? let him trust in the name of the Lord , and stay upon his God” (Isaiah 50:10 KJV). Praise the Lord!
The apostles teach us in Acts 13:26 that God sends his word to those who fear him. “Men and brethren, children of the stock of Abraham, and whosoever among you feareth God, to you is the word of this salvation sent”.
We also learn in Psalm 34:7 that “The angel of the Lord encampeth round about them that fear him, and delivereth them”. The Lord will.protect and keep you when you build this memorial before Him.
You should fear the Lord because the salvation of the Lord is near those who fear Him. “Surely his salvation is nigh them that fear him; that glory may dwell in our land” [Psalms 85:9 KJV]
Never stop giving
This is because Givers never lack; they live under open heaven; they are made fat, and God loves them.
When Mary gave her box of oil, she caught the attention of God and it built a memorial and legacy for her in all generations to come. Where ever the gospel is preached; she shall be mentioned.
[Mark 14:1-9 KJV] “After two days was the feast of the passover, and of unleavened bread: and the chief priests and the scribes sought how they might take him by craft, and put him to death. But they said, Not on the feast day, lest there be an uproar of the people. And being in Bethany in the house of Simon the leper, as he sat at meat, there came a woman having an alabaster box of ointment of spikenard very precious; and she brake the box, and poured it on his head. And there were some that had indignation within themselves, and said, Why was this waste of the ointment made? For it might have been sold for more than three hundred pence, and have been given to the poor. And they murmured against her. And Jesus said, Let her alone; why trouble ye her? she hath wrought a good work on me. For ye have the poor with you always, and whensoever ye will ye may do them good: but me ye have not always. She hath done what she could: she is come aforehand to anoint my body to the burying. Verily I say unto you, Wheresoever this gospel shall be preached throughout the whole world, this also that she hath done shall be spoken of for a memorial of her.
Never stop praying
In Luke 18, we are taught that if incessant and unfortunate prayer could move an unjust judge; then it will move the just and gracious God. Our ceaseless prayer will build for a memorial and legacy that touches the heart of God.
Pray indeed is the highest expression of faith. Men who pray show by works that they believe God. That is why prayer touches the heart of God.
I have no doubt that if you shall live in the fear of the Lord, give generously, and pray without ceasing; it will build for you a memorial and legacy that touches the heart of God.
I love you
Pastors Noah Simpe
