Saturday, September 13, 2014

TALMUDIM

Today’s Reading: Luke 6

Click scripture link to read online or HERE to listen online (then click the symbol of the audio speaker above the scripture portion on the right-hand side).

 

The hills above the north shore of the Sea of Galilee, near Capernaum. It's possible that Jesus walked this very hill to find His place of all-night prayer (Luke 6:12).

GOOGLE MAPS – To see where Reynold took the photo, click HERE.

Key Verse: Luke 6:12-13

Now it came to pass in those days that He went out to the mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God. And when it was day, He called His disciples to Himself; and from them He chose twelve whom He also named apostles…

 

The word in the Hebrew language for disciple is “talmudim.” In Israel, even the little child who started school a few days ago is a “talmudim,” a student, a learner. We are Jesus’ students. What can we learn from today’s reading? (1) Is it possible that the religious leaders would rather have left the man in his crippled state? Before we condemn these guardians of religious rules and regulations, let’s be sure we cannot find ourselves in their midst. How often have we prevented the moving of the Holy Spirit because what was happening did not fit into our existing structures? On the Sabbath day, Jesus healed a man and allowed His disciples to harvest some grain. We must not allow a religious spirit to trump the freedom of the Holy Spirit to do all He desires to do. (2) After rejecting the rules of the Scribes and Pharisees, Jesus gives His rules. These are the really difficult rules. These rules can never be obeyed apart from the Holy Spirit in us and upon us. You may want to read these again…verses 27 to 38. Can we keep these commandments on our own? Think about it. Be a “talmudim.”

PRAYER FOR TODAY:

Lord Jesus, for over three years You had “talmudim,” students under Your teaching. I am Your kindergarten pupil. Teach me today and empower me by Your Spirit to obey Your instructions. I ask these mercies in Jesus’ Name. Amen!

100 PERSONAL WORDS:

I’m painfully challenged by Jesus’ teaching and also His example. Before calling His apostles from among His disciples, He spent a night in prayer to God. How often I could’ve avoided poor decisions if I had spent more time in prayer. I’ve tried to take myself by the scruff of my neck and force myself to spend nights of prayer. Most times I have fallen asleep on my knees, but there were times when God the Holy Spirit moved so powerfully that I could not sleep if I tried. One was when President Jimmy Carter was at Camp David with President Anwar Sadat of Egypt and Prime Minister Begin of Israel. I can’t explain that night except for the empowering of the Holy Spirit on me to pray. Another time was when a precious baby was not expected to live the night. On both occasions God answered prayer with a “Yes.” Others were praying also, I’m sure, but I was part of a victory as a result of strong and prolonged prayer.

Yours for being students of the Teacher of teachers,

David

 

11 thoughts on “Saturday, September 13, 2014

  1. My time with You in the morning is precious. Still learning, Lord Jesus. Thank you taking me on as your talmudim and teaching me through the Word, study and prayer. Sadly, I continue to make mistakes but I am moving forward and humble myself before You. My daily bible study, time with and learning the Word and prayer is helping me to grow. I thank YOU, ever so! And thank you, dear saints, for your continued prayers, during my moving week. Bless you all, today!

    Be prepared in the morning, and go up in the morning to Mount Sinai, and station yourself for me there on the top of the mountain.—Exod 34:2 NET

    Still, still with Thee, when purple morning breaketh,
    When the bird waketh, and the shadows flee;
    Fairer than morning, lovelier than daylight,
    Dawns the sweet consciousness, I am with Thee.

    Alone with Thee, amid the mystic shadows,
    The solemn hush of nature newly born;
    Alone with Thee in breathless adoration,
    In the calm dew and freshness of the morn.

    As in the dawning o’er the waveless ocean,
    The image of the morning-star doth rest,
    So in this stillness, Thou beholdest only
    Thine image in the waters of my breast.

    When sinks the soul, subdued by toil, to slumber,
    Its closing eyes look up to Thee in prayer;
    Sweet the repose, beneath Thy wings o’er shadowing,
    But sweeter still to wake and find Thee there.
    —Harriet Beecher Stowe

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rVw-QNsyyj4
    by The King Heralds

    Streams in the Desert 1, Cowman, September 13

    • Wonderful words Beverlee, they brought me to tears.
      So wonderful to know our Lord is with us 24/7. I also have fallen asleep while praying, He knows our hearts desire is to always be in conversation with Him. Blessed day to all.

  2. David I thought I was the only one who fell asleep while praying or just being alone
    with God in his prescence it makes me feel awful I wish I knew how I could
    from falling asleep
    Renold’s picture above is very beautiful this morning
    Lianne Hogg

  3. I sense the presence of God as I read this blog this morning. Thank you David and fellow bloggers. I love being a talmudim of Jesus and you servants. As I looked at Reynold’s photo, I saw a picture of Jesus in a long white robe with a hood walking up the hill. Do you see it? Going to a funeral today and have an opportunity to put the Words of Jesus in action. The Lord be with you Beverlee. When do you go for your operation again?

  4. What a beautiful place to be alone with our God. No distractions and amazing silence. It’s difficult to find such solitude these days, although I can feel great comfort in viewing that scene. Have a blessed day.

  5. Yes, may we open our mind and heart to the teaching of Our Lord. Help us to unlearn any false truths and with the eyes and trust as a child, learn what Christ has to teach us. It’s really not that complicated, but it requires our full volition and faith in our loving Saviour. His strength and blessings, to all!

  6. Don’t understand why the Pharisees and lawmakers were so jealous and angry with Jesus for the miracles he performed. If any one of us watched a man, Jesus or not, perform a miracle in front of our very eyes, wouldn’t jealousy be our most remote reaction?
    Enjoying the study of God’s word so much Rev. DM. Thanks to all of you for your dedication.
    May God’s blessings brighten our day today.
    Praying for Rob Ford, his brother and their families. Also praying for the peace of Jerusalem.
    Shalom.

  7. Thank you Reynold for that photo; I see a figure in it, how special, imaging Jesus going up to pray.
    Thank you Jesus that your are my teacher, keep me in the Palm of your hands, that my heart be open to all you have to say.

  8. I think many of us have fallen asleep praying but God knows our hearts and our needs.

    It is wonderful to be a Student of THE TEACHER and to know through The Spirit He guides us each day. I love being a part of this blog with all of you.

    Thank you for that picture Reynold and yes it seems one can see or imagine Jesus climbing high up to spend time in prayer. I pray I can increase my time in prayer as we go through our blog daily together.

    Praying for you Beverlee in your move, be careful and I hope you have lots of help. Let us know of your surgery date. Blessings to all.

  9. I am thankful for the Word of God! WHEN IT COMES TO MAKING MISTAKES!!!!!!!!!!!!!I I believe I’m at the top of the list. I have said this before on this blog! I zag when I should zig and the other way round! HOWEVER at one time in my life I thought God wrote me off! Rather that’s how I was raised! BUT GOD spoke to me one day and assured me He did not write me off! He asked me if I was sorry about what I had done and said Yes I was, and God said real clear, Good, Now go and live! So many precious gifts from God and forgiveness is the best for me! As for jealousy, envy, be careful, I’ve often made judgments when I should definitely know better, I’ve spoofed other Christians! I know I have! I have confessed all this! I am well aware that the devil is ”
    right there” and he doesn’t miss a chance! HOWEVER THE WORD OF GOD IS STRONGER THAN ANY THOUGHT THE DEVIL COULD THINK!
    All that through the death and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ. WHAT A PLAN GOD PUT INTO PLACE FOR ALL MANKIND!

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