GOD’S BOOKS
Suggested Reading: Joshua 9
(click scripture link to read online)
Jacob's Well lies in the crypt of a modern Greek Orthodox church at Nablus in the West Bank. It is located at the entrance to a mountain pass between Mount Gerizim and Mount Ebal (referred to in Joshua 8). It is often considered the most authentic site in the Holy Land, since no one can move a well that was originally dug more than 40 metres deep into solid rock. Jacob's well is where Jesus asked a Samaritan woman for a drink and offered her "living water" (John 4:5-42).
GOOGLE MAPS – To see where the photo was taken, click HERE.
Key Verse: Joshua 9:14
Then the men of Israel took some of their provisions; but they did not ask counsel of the Lord.
The leadership of Israel once again, as in the case of the first attack on Ai, did not wait in prayer before God for His guidance. They were in the Promised Land. Everything seemed to be going their way. There was no more manna to eat. They had grown or confiscated a wide variety of food themselves. While they never spoke the words, “We don’t need You anymore,” their decision about the Gibeonites showed an underlying attitude that resulted in Israel being deceived. Their decision, without consulting the Lord, resulted in heartache for the people of God in the years to come.
We may want to read about those who did consult God before taking action (Hebrews 11:30-40). This list of God’s heroes starts in the book of Joshua. God’s list is becoming longer and longer with the names of those who do His will. Amen!
PRAYER FOR TODAY:
Lord Jesus, when I stand before You at the judgement of believers, may I, by Your grace, find my name written in the Book of Life. As you spoke the name, “Mary” (John 20:11-16) just after rising from the dead, in the same way I’m anticipating the ultimate joy of hearing You say my name. Like those in Hebrews 11:39, grant that I may, “obtain a good testimony through faith.” Amen!
100 PERSONAL WORDS:
David Reynold, my eldest son, has just sent, by Internet, these pictures. He is continuing on into The Kingdom of Jordan where he’ll photograph many more places that will appear, God willing, with our readings in Judges and other historical books. My younger son, Ronald Wesley, has uploaded these photos and placed them here for us. Thank you, my sons, for helping your dad.
I wonder if Jesus will have a new name for me. God changed Jacob’s name to Israel. Jesus changed Simon’s name to Peter. The Prophet Daniel writes of names written in God’s Book, as does the Apostle John in the Revelation (Daniel 12 & Revelation 21). I love the promise of God written in Malachi 3:16-18. A Book of Remembrance is being written “For those who fear the Lord, and who meditate on HIS NAME!” That is what I’m praying many more will do because of this blog. I hope that this message will be forwarded to others, and as a result many more personal stories will be in God’s “Book of Remembrance.” YES!!!!! All we must do to qualify for this Book is to fear the Lord, speak to one another, and the Prophet says, “The Lord listened and heard them; so [as a direct result there is] a book of remembrance was written…” I think God’s writes, not on paper, but perhaps in cyberspace! I love to hear from those who read this blog.
Grateful with you that, by God’s grace, our names are in His book,
David
P.S. This picture below was just sent through cyberspace a few hours ago…
Underneath the Greek Orthodox church pictured above, visitors draw water from Jacob's Well. Jewish, Christian and Muslim traditions all associate this well with Jacob.
Joshua 9:14 reflects an example of one of God’s most important principles. Obedience brings blessings, disobedience brings curse. Isn’t that true of us today? When we fellowship with God and are in keeping with what His will is for us, we are blessed. However, when we break fellowship and go our own way and follow our own desires, we suffer loss through disobedience. God’s way is the best, He only wants what is best for His children … because He loves us. Unfortunately the leadership of Israel needed to learn this lesson in Joshua 9, it’s a lesson that had to be learned and re-learned throughout God’s word, even today we need to learn and re-learn this lesson. Obedience does bring blessing.
Your message today about asking God for guidance is similar to the message given at the inaugural prayer breakfast in Washington a few days ago by Jonathan Cahn. It can be heard on Youtube and was a very powerful message similar to those given by Jeremiah or Isaiah warning the people of the dangers of ignoring God’s will.
Love today’s photos of Jacob’s Well–just incredible! Thank you, Reynold!
I am looking over at the beautiful framed waterfall with the scripture verse:
“He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.” John 7:38 NKJV
It was sent to me from Crossroads many years ago–one of my favourite verses, that reminds me every day how alive Jesus is, in me. Amen!
Hi David
Incredible picture,s great teaching , John 7: 38
Blessings to you
Amazing Grace
Zeljklo
Thankyou our dear Lord in heaven for sending your servant David Mainse to us to bolster our courage to give us
Continued insight to Your Holy Word!!!!!
Thank you Lord for sending Your faithful servant David Mainse to help us understand Your Holy Word!
It is as biblical as it is scientific that, “For every action, there is a reaction.” The consequences of leading a spirit filled or mediocre life, rests on our fearing the Lord and meditating in His Name. Hebrews 2:18 “Because He Himself suffered when He was tempted, He is able to help those who are being tempted.” Our relationship with Christ simply relies on a relationship, communication and loyalty. Great pictures by Reynold, and thanks Ronald for helping your Dad by posting them!
Good morning David and everyone,
The pic of water coming from Jacob’s well “STILL”,
reminded me of the river of LIVING WATER, as clear as crystal,
flowing from the throne of God, which never shall run dry…
and the Lord invites us to come and drink and be satisfied.
Dear David,
If your name is not written in the Book of Life the rest of us a in deep trouble!
Shalom,
Graham & Vivienne (from the yellow bus).
The song Turn Your Eyes upon Jesus came to my mind in reading this passageand The Lord’s Prayer. Thankyou!
Good Morning, David!
Romans 8:28”And we know that all things work together for good , to them that know God, to them who are called according to His purpose.(KJV) When I first learned of your medical condition I was very sad, but now I can see the faithfulness of God in using you with this daily blog. God Bless you my precious ”Friend in Christ”. Jacob’s Well is a sweet reminder of God’s Mercy & Grace.
I wake up every morning and run to the computer to read this blog. Having your own private tutor to read and study through the Bible. AMAZING! Thankyou Thankyou Thankyou David
I too start my day with this blog. It’s is a daily gift of scripture, a study, a photo and a personal commentary of your relationship with God. I find here God’s love, witness His grace, His word shared so I can understand. Thank you for sharing all this as a friend, speaking it to me as a teacher and being a leader in how to follow Jesus. Thank you for the community it creates for others to be a part of. So many blessings! A visionary quest fulfilled in using a blog for God’s ministry. Thank you!
What lessons we learn from the book of Joshua today, David. The Israelites had just come through a great victory and were caught off guard. Isn’t that what happens? I have thought about that “Book of Remembrance” in the past. This blog helps us to focus more on the Lord everyday. Thank you, David!
More great photos from Reynold, added with Ronald’s help, and another wonderful message and prayer from you David! We are blessed to have you all as our ‘teachers’. As I read of the way the Lord was not consulted in this chapter, I think of the many times I too, have run ahead of the Lord and had to face the consequences for my disobedience later, some effects are so far reaching and lasting!
I agree with Graham, that if YOUR name is not written down David, then we all are in very big trouble!
Thank you David, for helping each of us stay grounded and in the Word every day.
What an awesome image of God we see in Malachi 3: 16-18. The Lord is paying attention, and a book of rememberance is written in His presence, concerning faithful believers.
Thank you for including these Scriptures in your blog.
May the Lord be with you one and all!
Thank you David, Ron, and Ronald for everything you do.
I hope everyone is keeping warm today I never felt this cold before s
Lianne Hogg
David, your radiant heart and soul shines the light of God over all of us – your faithful and grateful blogging fellowship! Just look at Arlene’s beautiful generous and grateful heart. As a matter of fact, I think that Arlene personifies perfectly the following insight from St. Francis de Sales:
“It is not those who commit the least faults who are the most holy,
but those who have the greatest courage, the greatest generosity,
the greatest love, who make the boldest efforts to overcome themselves
and are not immoderately apprehensive of tripping!”
I also want to echo the feelings of the others who appreciate so much the love, devotion, and rich talent that your sons, Ron and Reynold have for you, David. This is a powerful testimony of the good fruit cultivated from Christian virtue. Amen!
Thank you David , Reynold,Ron You’re daily blog as become so precious in my journey through the bible.
God bless you
Thanks for all the good work you do daily
Lord Jesus, when I stand before You at the judgement of believers, may I, by Your grace, find my name written in the Book of Life. As you spoke the name,
Lord Jesus, when I stand before You at the judgement of believers, may I, by Your grace, find my name written in the Book of Life. As you spoke the name,