A HARD LESSON
Suggested Reading: Joshua 7
(click scripture link to read online)
The Ark of the Covenant was the only object in the Holy of Holies in the Tabernacle. The sacred Ark contained the two tablets with the Ten Commandments, the rod of Aaron that blossomed, and the pot of manna. The ark was covered by the "Mercy Seat" on which the high priest sprinkled the blood of the sacrificial goat seven times on the annual Day of Atonement. This photo was taken at the Tabernacle replica at Timna Park in Israel.
GOOGLE MAPS – To see where the photo was taken, click HERE.
Key Verse: Joshua 7:6
Then Joshua tore his clothes, and fell to the earth on his face before the ark of the Lord until evening, he and the elders of Israel; and they put dust on their heads.
Joshua, leader, Chief Executive Officer, was also a priest of the tribe of Levi. His advisers, in Church terms, elders, deacons, board members, whom he had appointed, gave him their opinions about conquering the city of Ai. Here’s one of those “if only” hindsight moments. If only Joshua and the elders, before their action, had prayed with the same fervency before their defeat as they did after, God would’ve given them their instructions, and they would’ve succeeded.
Yes, there are little matters where we can make decisions without the deep intercession required when lives and souls are at stake. The consequences of failure are not that great. But if we want God’s guidance in major decisions, we had better wait until we’ve heard from God. In a very real sense, we lie on our faces before the “Mercy Seat,” where God is seated in mercy in Heaven, God’s “Throne of Grace” (read Hebrews 4:14-16).
PRAYER FOR TODAY:
Lord God, please teach Your leaders in Your cause, in the church, in government, in business, to wait before You. Having prayed with the utmost sincerity, may Your appointed leaders move forward boldly. Romans 13:1-4 is important information. Help me to lead, support, or at the very least, step aside and encourage others to move forward. In Jesus’ Name I pray. Amen!
100 PERSONAL WORDS:
I’ve faced decisions where I cried out to God…where I spent considerable time in prayer before God’s “Mercy Seat.” I believe I heard Him say, “Get up…it’s time for action” (vs 10). I’ve gone to Norma-Jean and family members regarding our personal affairs and found their support was solid. I’ve gone to deacon boards and ministry boards of directors, and I’ve been amazed to receive their support for my leadership. At present, I don’t hold any position of designated authority in corporations charged with God’s work. However, as our Crossroads CEO, Don Simmonds, says, I still have influence. I back 100% of the decisions made by my successors in leadership. I pray for them by name and position every day with fervency.
I remember so well the occasion of the decision to move from a rather sleepy, small ministry, producing two half hours per week of TV, to the daily 100 Huntley Street live show, back in 1977. We had to build our own professionally equipped studio and move from Hamilton to Toronto. I recall vividly that having prayed much, I believed I heard God say, “David, stop praying. You make the decision.” I said, “No Lord, please, please give me more detailed instructions.” The board, of which I was chairman, voted unanimously, “yes.” Most of all, looking back, I know that God supported our decision, and many thousands of new believers were added to the Church of Jesus Christ. The work continues. Check out www.crossroads.ca.
Yours for much fervent, and sometimes desperate, prayer,
David
P.S. Today’s blog is rather heavy. Here’s a lift for the human spirit. Click here for the old spiritual, “Joshua Fit the Battle of Jericho.” Mahalia Jackson is introduced by Nat King Cole. It was recorded back in the 1950’s.
Wow! That Mahalia Jackson can sure sing a sweet tune, what a voice!
Thanks for your faithfulness in what you’ve accomplished over the years in ministry David. It would take a man of God and fervent prayer to tackle the giants that have come your way over the years. I realize that good council was also crucial in decision making. Good Godly council, prayer and a zeal for righteousness is what has led 100 Huntley & Crossroads all these years. God has directed, God has led. His will was done and continues to be done, by His grace.
Oh, the Mercy seat of God!
You’re in a position of authority, here, David, through this blog and the guidance you provide us–that we seek the Lord, and pray and read the gospel, every morning, every day, every evening, every possible moment. You continue to lead, reminding us to be in relation with God and to seek and be led by His Word, in everything. The example, you have given, this morning, about the Crossroads Ministry, is providence of that You started this ministry so everyone could commune with God and took it to the next step God was showing you, to make it a daily ministry. Praise God–it has now become an internet sensation!
Bless you, David!
Hi David
Thnak you again and YES you do have a lots of infuence daily
Great picture of Arc of Covenant by Reynold
Blesinmgs and prayers
Yours in Christ
AMAZING GRACE
Zeljko
The walls of Jericho could not withstand the trampling feet, the pitch of animal horns nor the loud cry of God’s holy people, any more than this world can prevail against fervent prayer and instant communication, echoing God’s Word. I too pray for our leadership, sensitive to the voice of our Lord, leading in God’s perfect timing and direction. May this blog continue to be inspired and directed by God’s holy providence. A beautiful and uplifting song by Mahalia Jackson! Thank you, David
Dear David,
Thank you for your faithfulness and your purity of heart.
We enjoy every morning the reading of your blog.
Please know you are in our daily prayers because we understand how important it is for you to listen and answer God’s message for all of us.
Your faithfulness has assisted so many of us and we pray God will continue to guide you until His return. The work He has assigned you is a great blessing to us all and He knows when He will return. Looking and listening to hear Him when He says: “Come, good and faithful David”. And we will be together forvever and forever. What a joyous day that will be! Amen!
Loved hearing Mahalia Jacksone again!! Thank you!!
You are truly under God’s leadership!!
Nancy
Good day everyone, Joshua 7 is a verying sobering passage but a reminder of how God views sin and disobedience. God is Holy above all else and loves us enough to warn us ,in His Word that obedience is imparative!!!!!!
If I had a nickel for everytime I had an “Ai” experience I would be a rich man. Why is it that our fervency in prayer is sometimes directly proportional to our desperation in crisis? I think perhaps that’s why God’s leadership institute works so well, God can use victory or crisis, good times or bad, to bring about his ultimate will in our lives, if we desire to truly follow Him.
Thanks for he incredible wisdom and encouragement, David.
50 years ago in kindergarden we were taught the song Joshua Fit the battle….that was in the Ottawa public school system. I had nobody to explain it to me as my family was unchurched. But I never forgot it. They would never be allowed to teach it now in public school. Praise the Lord it was one seed sown in my spirit and 30 years later I came to Jesus.
Linda
I have been told God can do great things through the person or persons who do not care who gets the credit, and so it is. God’s faithful Love abides forever.
Hi David, In our reading today it’s amazing that out of 3000 men,only about 36 men fell by the sword. God was very angry with Achans sin and the unnecessary death of 36 men whose families would be lost without them. |What a wake up call to us to realize that our sin effects not only us but lots of others around us too. God help us to stay on the right path with our Lord every day! Thanks for helping us to stay the course, and listen to precious Holy Spirit as he says ,”This is the way, walk ye in it”