INAUGURATION

Suggested Reading: Numbers 27-28

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Two ladies re-enact First Century life at Nazareth Village in Nazareth.

Key Verse: Numbers 27:22-23

So Moses did as the Lord commanded him. He took Joshua and set him before Eleazar the priest and before all the congregation. And he laid his hands on him and inaugurated him, just as the Lord commanded by the hand of Moses.

Our reading begins with God’s concerns for women’s rights, and proceeds to document the protocol for choosing a new leader. The gracious way that Moses carried out the transfer is a testimony to the quality of his character. Instead of a desperate attempt to retain power, he prays for his successor and expresses concern for the welfare of the people. Moses had 40 years of wilderness travel, during which time his ability and reputation as a leader were frequently under fire. His character was not shattered by tough times, but rather strengthened. We can learn here that it is not success that builds character, but trials, tribulations and difficult circumstances. James 1:2-3 tells us to “Consider it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience.”

PRAYER FOR TODAY:

Lord God, I pray for Your will in my life so that, like Moses, I will experience the development of Godly character. Help me to learn to accept Your direction, denying my own desires, and submitting to Your desires for my life. Through Jesus, my Lord and Saviour, I pray. Amen!

100 PERSONAL WORDS:

I was 67 years old when I stepped aside from senior leadership of Crossroads Christian Communications Inc. and the Crossroads Television System (click on them to see the websites of these organizations). I continued as a board member of CTS, a network of TV stations, and accepted the “Social Concerns” portfolio for CCCI. I understand these concerns to be the weighty moral issues that impact us all in various ways. Recently, I saw a 3-D ultra sound photograph of our newest great-grandchild (see photo below). She is Ron and Ann’s granddaughter, and the daughter of Andrea and Jason. Her name is Jadice, and she is due to be born on January 1st. I’ve asked Ron to put that picture of Jadice on today’s blog. I ask the reader to look carefully at Jadice. Those who proclaim so-called, “pro choice” are willing to have that little one torn apart in a most cruel manner. I weep now as I contemplate the many lives, full of such great promise, that have been destroyed by abortion. I believe that this is the most important moral concern today. I’ve just read Jesus’ final prophecy to our tour group, here in Israel where I’m posting this blog. A great multitude of the people mourned as Jesus carried His Cross. Also the women mourned and He turned to them and said… (see Luke 23:28-31).

Yours for the development in us all of Jesus’ character,

David

3-D ultrasound of Ron & Ann's granddaughter, due on January 1st.

WEEPING

Suggested Reading: Numbers 25-26

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Salt deposits are abundant in the Dead Sea, which is 10 times more salty than ocean water. In the background, the sun is setting on the mountains of Moab in Jordan.

Key Verse: Numbers 25:3

So Israel was joined to Baal of Peor, and the anger of the Lord was aroused against Israel.

Just across the salt deposits pictured above was Moab. The Israelite men committed adultery with Moabite women. The idea was simple. If Balaam could not curse Israel, then corrupt them, and God will have to punish them. Sexual sin was followed by the Israelite men joining the Midianite women in worshipping their gods. The curse of yet another plague came on Israel. 24,000 of the people of Israel died. Severe judgement came on the people of Midian and Balaam himself was killed by the sword (Numbers 31:8). The effects of Balaam’s far reaching influence was still felt 1500 years later. Revelation 2:14 tells us that it was Balaam who taught Balak to put a stumbling block before the Children of Israel by introducing sexual immorality and participation in idol worship. The doctrine of Balaam was still believed and practised by some in the Church in Pergamos. The Lord tells this Church to repent or He will judge them severely.

PRAYER FOR TODAY:

Lord God, as you revealed sin in the churches of the Revelation, reveal to me any sin in my life, and I ask for the grace of true repentance. In Jesus’ Name. Amen!

100 PERSONAL WORDS:

As a boy, I read John Bunyan’s “Pilgrim’s Progress.” My imagination was captivated by a sketch of Pilgrim turning aside from his journey to the Celestial City to spend time in “Vanity Fair.” I thought, “No, no, Pilgrim. Don’t go there! You will risk never making it to Heaven. The pleasures of sin are destructive.” I had no radio or TV, only books, and I could see things in a creative way that was more powerful than any movie director could make them. I still see that picture and I cringe at the memory. I’ve just read Proverbs 2:10-22. The writer may have been thinking of the story in today’s reading. Proverbs 2:18, “Her house leads down to death, and her paths to the dead.” Surely this was the experience of the men of Israel with the Midianite women.

Yours for a single-minded pursuit of the “Celestial City,”

David

P.S. Yesterday we visited the Shepherd’s Fields (pictured below) and Bethlehem, which is part of the Palestinian Authority. We felt perfectly safe, even while the conflict continues between Israel and Palestinian Gaza. For those who have been asking about the safety of our tour group, let me quote the first words of the angel who appeared to the shepherds in that field…”Fear Not!”

BALAAM

Suggested Reading: Numbers 23-24

(click scripture link to read online)

The Grave of Oskar Schindler is in Jerusalem just south of the Zion Gate on the south side of the Old City wall. Stones are placed on the graves by visitors and loved ones.

Key Verse: Numbers 23:19

God is not a man, that He should lie,
Nor a son of man, that He should repent.
Has He said, and will He not do?
Or has He spoken, and will He not make it good?

Schindler saved the lives of many Jewish people during the Second World War. He was buried in a Gentile graveyard in Jerusalem with honour. The descendants of those he saved come annually to place stones of remembrance on his grave. Israel honours those who have honoured them. Balaam was one such person. Moses wrote Balaam’s story and prophecies in Holy Scripture. We believe that God is, and that “He is a rewarder of those who dilligently seek Him” (Hebrews 11:6). If necessary, God will speak in most unusual ways, as in the case of Balaam’s donkey. There are others, not from the chosen people, to whom God has spoken. Cornelius, commanding officer of the Italian regiment of the armies of Rome, is a prime example (Acts 10). We’ll arrive at the story of this outstanding man on December 1st. Numbers 21:17 encourages the singing of “Spring up, oh well” (click here to sing along).

PRAYER FOR TODAY:

Speak to me today, Lord God; I need to hear from you. You did it for Balaam, and dozens of others throughout the Bible record. I’m listening. Lord Jesus, You said, “My sheep know My voice.” Thanks for not restricting Your voice to spiritual giants but also to us average people. I pray this and praise You for revealing Your thoughts to me. Amen!

100 PERSONAL WORDS:

I’m here in Jerusalem where people say, “Pray… it’s a local call from here.” God has spoken most often in that “still small voice.” There was a once-in-a-life-time opportunity for me during the last ditch effort by U.S. President Carter to save the Camp David Accords, the peace agreement between President Sadat of Egypt and Prime Minister Begin of Israel. I was one of hundreds of reporters with credentials to cover Carter’s speech in the Israeli Parliament. Carter said, while looking directly at Begin, “The people want peace.” In other words, “Begin, you don’t really want peace.” Carter walked off the stage, requested Air Force One readied, and his bags taken from the Hotel to the airport. Buses gathered to transport the reporters to cover Carter’s departure. My associate, Jay Rawlings, and I stayed behind where we were approached by two live radio hosts, one Jew and one Arab. They asked, “Do you think there will be peace?” (in English, Arabic and Hebrew). Suddenly I heard God speak through me. Balaam knew what this was like. I said, “Yes, for the first time leaders of three different countries and three different religions prayed to the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. He has heard the prayers of many people and there will be peace between Egypt and Israel.” There is power over the evil in the world through a prophetic utterance. Carter stayed behind, went again to Egypt. The rest is history. I had the privilege of working beside Carter in a Habitat for Humanity building project. I wept as I told him this story. He patted me on the back and said, “There, there.”

Yours for hearing from God and speaking, while praying for wisdom, what God wants out there in the fight against evil and for the good of all His people,

David

P.S. As the photo below shows, our tour members enjoyed a camel ride just before we traveled up to Jerusalem yesterday.

LOOK

Suggested Reading: Numbers 21-22

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The mountains of ancient Moab, across the Dead Sea from Israel. The current tour group had a similar view today as they drove along the shore of the Dead Sea.

Key Verse: Numbers 21:9

So Moses made a bronze serpent, and put it on a pole; and so it was, if a serpent had bitten anyone, when he looked at the bronze serpent, he lived.

The serpent of bronze holds an prominent place in human history, primarily because of the dialogue of Jesus with Nicodemus (John 3:1-21). It’s the worldwide symbol for the medical profession (pictured below).

Medical Logo

The serpent that corrupted our first parents and the sin against God for which he bares responsibility, along with Adam, Eve, and all of us, has been nailed to the Cross. Jesus said, “As Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life” (John 3:14-15). The choice to look in faith brought life instead of death to the Israelites. Jesus declared the parallel truth in Himself. Later, the bronze serpent had to be destroyed because people began to worship it (2 Kings 18:1-8). Moses’ serpent happened long before Greek mythology introduced the symbol. Tomorrow, God willing, we’ll look at the attempt by Balaam to curse Israel.

PRAYER FOR TODAY:

Lord Jesus, You were lifted up on the Cross, and You have caused me to look to You, not with eyesight, but with insight. Thank You!!! I know, by faith, that I have the gift of eternal life, not through any goodness in myself, but because of Your clearly stated promise. You cannot lie! Therefore I live! The serpent’s venom cannot destroy me. Amen!

100 PERSONAL WORDS:

God told Moses to make the image of the serpent. Those who don’t think deeply enough would think God is against making a sculpture. There’s no sin here. The sin would be, according to the second commandment, in bowing down to an image and serving the image. People mess with God’s Word. For example, Norma-Jean and I, along with 103 wonderful people, are in Jerusalem today. It’s the Sabbath, a wonderful quiet day in Israel. In one area of Jerusalem on any day, if you try to take a picture of the successors to the Pharisees, they’ll smash your camera. They think you are making a graven image. Have you bowed down to a picture lately? I don’t think so! Have you served a picture lately? I don’t think so! Be sure you read and understand the Scriptures in context.

Yours for only bowing down to the One True God,

David

P.S. Below is our current tour group in the Negev Desert at the replica of the Tabernacle of Moses in Timna Park, Israel. Also pictured is a peek inside the Ark of The Covenant, containing the Ten Commandments, Aaron’s rod that budded, and a golden bowl with manna (Hebrews 9:4).

GOD’S GRACE AND MERCY

Suggested Reading: Numbers 19-20

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The olive grinding wheel at Nazareth Village.

Key Verse: Numbers 20:6

So Moses and Aaron went from the presence of the assembly to the door of the tabernacle of meeting, and they fell on their faces. And the glory of the Lord appeared to them.

The charge against Moses and Aaron was cruel and unjust (20:3-5). They turned in silence in the right direction. They prostrated themselves before the Lord. The result was that Moses was given a new vision of God and, at the same time, a command and a promise (20:8). Moses could’ve brought a message of the goodness and grace of God, but instead he was overcome with anger and seemed to forget God’s word to him. He called the people “rebels,” and became a rebel himself. Nevertheless, God provided abundant water so that His promise to the people of the Promised Land would eventually be realized. The deaths of Miriam and Aaron are sad and were followed by the passing of the entire generation who left Egypt, with the exceptions of Caleb and Joshua. God forgives our sins, but the circumstances which arise, because of our actions, are very unforgiving.

PRAYER FOR TODAY:

Lord God, I pray for total deliverance from past hurts, real or imagined, which may cause me to lose my ability to respond in Your way, with grace and obedience. In Jesus’ Name. Amen!

100 PERSONAL WORDS:

Suicide is unforgiving. In other words, once the act has been accomplished, there is no way back. Therefore, Crossroads is in the midst of a campaign to stop suicides, with an emphasis on Jr. High and High School students. Please help me and the entire team by making pocket-size books for teens available for distribution at $2.00 each for as many as possible (click here for info). Here’s a response to my blog I received here in Israel this week. I wept for joy at one life that was saved…

“Hi David, I wanted to say Thank you! About 35 yrs ago I was a young girl contemplating suicide. I was a Christian and feeling God’s whisper I wrote you a letter. You wrote me back! As a little girl I was in awe that you had taken the time to write me back! It was not a printed letter, it was handwritten. You gave me hope Mr.Mainse! I reread the letter many times. Years later I wrote you again in despair. I was constantly told by my earthly father how worthless I was. Again I received a letter from you. You helped me see my worth in my Heavenly Father’s eyes! I watched you everyday on T.V. My mom taped it. I pretended you were my earthly father. I love you! Thank you for taking the time to help a lost little girl. I knew I had worth and that Jesus loved me because of you! -Michelle

Yours for sharing the message of life and of obedience to God’s will,

David

P.S. Below is a picture of Ron, Ann, Norma-Jean and me recording a video in Israel for 100 Huntley Street. After this week’s military action between Hamas in Gaza and Israel, we felt we needed to assure our TV viewers that we are all safe and doing just fine on our tour. By the way, the picture was taken at the place where Gideon chose his final army of 300 men (Judges 7:1-8).

GOD’S CHOICE

Suggested Reading: Numbers 17-18

(click scripture link to read online)

Evening sets on the Eastern Gate, or Golden Gate, of the Old City of Jerusalem.

GOOGLE MAPS – To see where the photo was taken, click HERE.

Key Verse: Numbers 17:10

And the Lord said to Moses, “Bring Aaron’s rod back before the Testimony, to be kept as a sign against the rebels, that you may put their complaints away from Me, lest they die.

King David wrote, “Your rod and your staff, they comfort me” (Psalm 23:4b). The “rod” was the shepherd’s aggressive weapon. With this, leadership was established, both with the sheep and an attacking animal or person. This instrument of authority, the rod, was God’s choice as a sign of His authority. The dead stick, Aaron’s rod, sprouted buds, blossoms and ripe almonds. By putting this in the Ark, the leadership issue was settled once and for all. Chapter 18 has to do with the remuneration of those who served full time in the work of God on behalf of the people. It’s not so long ago that Pastors and Evangelists, serving in farming communities, were paid in a side of beef, vegetables, chickens, etc. During the 1930’s and into the Second World War, cash was hard to come by. No doubt it was the same in Israel’s case. Our guide on this current tour of Israel quoted yesterday, “You shall not muzzle the ox that treads out the corn” (1 Corinthians 9:9). We may want to read that entire chapter about caring for the needs of God’s full-time servants (click here).

PRAYER FOR TODAY:

Lord, if necessary to stop murmuring, give Your people a sign which confirms Your call on the lives of the leaders You have chosen. Enable me, O Lord, to have that inner witness of Your Spirit with my spirit, that my leaders are Your choice, whether or not I have a physical manifestation such as a dead stick that springs to life. In Jesus’ Name. Amen!

100 PERSONAL WORDS:

I was born in 1936, the height of the depression, and our family lived by the gifts of meat and other produce given by those great people called “farmers,” because my father was a semi-rural minister at the time. Every evening from about ’41 to ’45, I would run over to Mr. White’s farm across the field. I would carefully walk back as I was carrying a pail of fresh milk, still warm from the cow. The White family were of a different denomination than we were, but it made no difference. A portion of the tithe of the milk went to our family while my father served as a missionary in Egypt. Our family stayed behind in Canada because of the danger of the war raging in North Africa and Europe. When Daddy arrived home in December of 1944, Mr White, Chairman of the local School Board, asked my Father to take over teaching the 52 pupils from grades 1 – 8 in our one-room schoolhouse. He did, and believe me, there was absolutely no murmuring, particularly from me, about Dad’s authority and leadership.

Yours for obedience to God’s directions and loyalty to those He has chosen,

David

P.S. Below is a photo of me leading our tour group in prayer in Caesarea Philippi, where Peter responded to Jesus’ question, “Who do you say that I am.” Find Peter’s answer in Matthew 16:13-26.

LEADERSHIP

Suggested Reading: Numbers 16

(click scripture link to read online)

An inspiring scene on the southern shore of the Dead Sea.

GOOGLE MAPS – To see where the photo was taken, click HERE.

Key Verse: Numbers 16:9a, 10

Is it a small thing to you…that He has brought you near to Himself, you and all your brethren, the sons of Levi, with you? And are you seeking the priesthood also?

Twice in our reading, Moses fell on his face before God (verses 4 & 45) in intercession for the people. He was desperate for God’s mercy upon the rebellious people. The one thing we learn from history is that we don’t learn from history. First, the judgement of God came on those who coveted the positions of Moses and Aaron, and then by a plague that took the lives of 14,700 people. Earlier we read about the carefully crafted laws for the health of the people, and we don’t know what disease hit them. Perhaps, if those who rejected Moses’ leadership had left quietly, the tragedies could’ve been avoided.

PRAYER FOR TODAY:

Dear Lord, please help me to be loyal to the leaders you have chosen, and if I cannot support them, may I have the grace to leave quietly so as not to damage Your work in any way. In Jesus’ Name I pray. Amen!

100 PERSONAL WORDS:

Yesterday, Norma-Jean and I sat at lunch with a precious couple who were hurting. They have planted several churches in their years of ministry, and recently their leadership has been rejected by their latest church plant in a remote northern community. In order not to damage the congregation which they love, they moved about 50 miles away without making a fuss. I’m proud of them. It wouldn’t surprise me if they planted another congregation in the north. They are members of our tour group here in Israel. About three weeks ago, Don Simmonds, our Crossroads Christian Communications Chairman and CEO called me to announce that he had made an executive decision to send Ron and Ann Mainse to help lead the tour group throughout Israel. I’m ever so glad. Ron baptised about 60 people in the Jordan River this week. I realized that I would not have had the strength to do this. Thank you Don and Ron! I have a streak of royal blue loyalty up my backbone. I support totally the leadership God has sent to CCCI/CTS, as well as that in our local church.

Yours for recognition and support of God’s chosen leaders,

David

This is my son Ron in the Jordan River baptizing about 60 people from our tour group.

WWJD

Suggested Reading: Numbers 15

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Orthodox Jews at the Western Wall or "Wailing Wall" of the Old City of Jerusalem, which is part of the retaining wall of the ancient Temple Mount.

GOOGLE MAPS – To see where the photo was taken, click HERE.

Key Verse: Numbers 15:41

I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, to be your God: I am the Lord your God.

Religion vs. relationship!! There is a very big difference. Jesus brought us into a living and loving connection with God. The Pharisees, one of the denominations within Judaism, is still present. This movement, according to Jesus, practised an intricate observance of a multitude of details. We might do well to read now Matthew 23:1-33. According to Jesus, the Scribes and Pharisees claimed to “sit in Moses’ seat.” Today’s reading from Moses would’ve made them feel so “holier than thou.” Moses wrote of the man who died from stoning. Jesus said, “Let him who is without sin among you cast the first stone” (John 8:7). James, first Pastor of the Jerusalem church, wrote, in James 1:26-27, what true religion is.

PRAYER FOR TODAY:

I’m ever so thankful, Lord Jesus, for the “great exchange” as Martin Luther put it. I have given You my sin in confession and repentance, and You have put Your holiness, Your righteousness, on my account with God. Please give me Your grace so that I may live in a constant state of repentance and, as a result, a consistent assurance of my salvation. You’ve given me peace and joy. I’m eternally grateful. Amen!

100 PERSONAL WORDS:

I don’t mean to put down “religion.” The word comes from the same root word as “ligament.” Those are essential in order to keep our body together. I sought to identify what “religion” is in a presentation I made to the Radio and Television Commission a number of years ago. That hearing resulted in Crossroads being granted licenses for TV stations. “One’s religion,” I said, “is what a person holds as their highest value in life.” If that is true, James, who was also known as “the brother of our Lord,” nailed it right on. Perhaps we could sum it up with the WWJD campaign, What Would Jesus Do? What would He say and do with the man picking up sticks on the Sabbath in today’s reading? I’m thinking about it. I think He would probably lend him a hand. Jesus changes everything!

Yours for rejoicing in the fact that Jesus came to live as One of us,

David

P.S. Below is a photo from yesterday where I was speaking to our tour group at the place on the shore of the Sea of Galilee where Jesus, after His resurrection, asked Peter three times, “Do you love me?” Each time Peter affirmed his love, and Jesus followed up with “Feed my sheep” (John 21:15-17).

INTERCESSION

Suggested Reading: Numbers 14

(click scripture link to read online)

The Temple of Kom Ombo stands on the east bank of the Nile, right next to the river, about 4Km from the town of Kom Ombo. It was dedicated to two Egyptian gods, Horus and Sobek.

GOOGLE MAPS – To see where the photo was taken, click HERE.

Key Verse: Numbers 14:19

Pardon the iniquity of this people, I pray, according to the greatness of Your mercy, just as You have forgiven this people, from Egypt even until now.

How strange! The majority wanted to go back to Egypt. This, in spite of the Red Sea miracle, the water from the rock, the manna, the pillar of cloud by day, and the pillar of fire by night. Before we judge them harshly, consider how attractive the old world can be to us when the going gets tough. When Moses preached God’s judgement on backsliding, it’s amazing how quickly the plan was changed (14:35). Then they made another big mistake. They presumed that God would restore everything as it was (14:44). Not so! There are consequences to a rebellious spirit. Yes, they were forgiven and God did not destroy them. It’s true that God is great in mercy. Nevertheless, they had forfeited the Promised Land. I expect to meet most of these people in Heaven, but in this life there are God-given opportunities which, if missed, will never be ours again.

PRAYER FOR TODAY:

Lord God, I ask, by Your grace, as I daily submit to Your will, that I will not miss opportunities to follow Your plan. Help me to make You my #1 priority. In the Name of the One who always did what He saw You doing, the Lord Jesus Christ. Amen! (See John 5:17-20).

100 PERSONAL WORDS:

I gave my life to Jesus at 16 and at 18 decided to give myself fully to Him for His Ministry through me. In my early years, I struggled often with the assurance that I was doing the will of God. Then I learned Jesus’ secret as to where He found the will of His Father. Remember He never used His divinity to help Himself. He lived His life as a Man. His favourite name for Himself was “Son of Man.” Here’s the way Jesus did it. Read with me Mark 1:35…”Now in the morning, having risen a long while before daylight, He went out and departed to a solitary place; and there He prayed.” Also, Matthew 14:23…”And when He had sent the multitudes away, He went up on a mountain to pray.” Then Luke 6:12…”And it came to pass in those days that He went out to the mountain to pray.” I’ve just looked out the window of my hotel room here on the Sea of Galilee. There are hills all around that rise from 600 feet below sea level to well above. Jesus spent most of His public Ministry right here. My passion is to be like Jesus. With God’s help I’ve made early morning prayer a daily priority.

Yours for a consistent daily life in prayer and in God’s Word, so that knowing and doing God’s will becomes a way of life,

David

P.S. Check the new pictures below. Here in Israel, we’re 7 hours ahead of the Crossroads studios in Burlington, Ontario.

Looking out over the hills next to the Sea of Galilee.

Norma-Jean and I singing "Man of Galilee" in a boat on the Sea of Galilee.

MILK & HONEY

Suggested Reading: Numbers 12-13

(click scripture link to read online)

A Bee Keeper set up his operation in the north of Isreal at the foot of Mount Hermon - "A Land flowing with milk and honey."

GOOGLE MAPS – To see where the photo was taken, click HERE.

Key Verse: Numbers 13:30

Then Caleb quieted the people before Moses, and said, “Let us go up at once and take possession, for we are well able to overcome it.”

In Chapter 12, a very difficult lesson was learned by Moses’ brother Aaron and sister Miriam. God reaffirmed Moses’ leadership in no uncertain terms. Miriam had led the song and dance celebrating their deliverance from Pharaoh and the Red Sea (Exodus 15:20-21). Now she is punished temporarily with leprosy. Why not Aaron? Miriam was the leader in questioning Moses’ leadership. After all, she had cared for Moses when he was a little baby. No doubt she thought she had the right. Let’s learn the lesson of intercession. Aaron and Moses cried out to God for her healing (12:11-13). Nevertheless, she suffered the consequences given in Leviticus chapters 13 & 14. In seven days she was restored.

In chapter 13, there are 11 names that live in disgrace and two in honour. Back in Numbers 2, the men of war numbered 603,550. Of course they weren’t trained. Moses probably had military experience, having been raised as a son of Pharaoh. He could’ve trained them and ordered an attack on the Promised Land. But they waited until the younger generation was ready to believe God. When they entered the land, God fought for them. Only one tribal leader, Caleb of Judah, lived to see God at work. Also, Joshua, the personal assistant to Moses, who had been one of the spies, survived and succeeded Moses as leader.

PRAYER FOR TODAY:

Lord God, You promised a land flowing with milk and honey to Your people. May I be given the grace to believe You for the fulfillment of all Your promises that pertain to me. I ask these mercies in Your Name, Lord Jesus, and I claim the promised land of Your Kingdom. Amen!

100 PERSONAL WORDS:

I’m here in the land promised to the Israelites…Israel. There’s free wi-fi in the lobby where I’m typing this. Ron is attaching a picture taken by Ken and Marilyn Fehr from Outlook, Saskatchewan. They’re sitting across from Ron and me, also with their computer, doing their personal blog. What an amazing time to be alive. The old blessings are here too, with which this land “flows.” This morning for breakfast I had the sweetest honey ever and, from the milk of this land, I enjoyed 3 kinds of cheese.

Yesterday, we stopped in the Valley of Elah where David took on a giant and won. Joshua and Caleb, like David, were not afraid of giants. These two heroes returned with a huge cluster of grapes. Ron is attaching the symbol of Israel tourism, two men carrying grapes. I’d like to invite you to join us on a tour of Israel. Ron and Ann may lead one next year, God willing. We thank God for all who read this blog.

Yours for “Next year in Jerusalem” (Jews have been saying this to each other for centuries),

David

P.S. Over the last few weeks, there has been an emphasis on suicide prevention on the 100 Huntley Street daily telecast. (click here for info on our special book on the topic). Here’s a response to my blog from two days ago…

“Hi David, Thank you for the blog. It is my newest connection to 100 Huntley. Thanks for the series over the last couple of weeks. I was in a deep depression and contemplating suicide. I kept in touch with my Pastors but 100 Huntley was such a blessing to me every morning. I had watched before in the 70s when you were hosting but I was away from the Lord…I am praying for your healing ’cause we are not ready to lose you. My uncle is 93 and he has the same diagnosis. You are such an inspiration! God Bless You and Norma Jean and all the Crossroads staff!” -Mark

David and Ron Mainse working on the blog in Israel.

The symbol of the Israel Ministry of Tourism...giant grapes being carried from the Promised Land.