Sunday, January 27, 2013

YOUNG AT HEART

Suggested Reading: Joshua 13-14

(click scripture link to read online)

 

Mt. Nebo is a 1,000 m (3,300 ft) high mountain located 10 km/6 mi NW of Madaba in Jordan, opposite the northern end of the Dead Sea. According to Scripture, this is the mountain from which Moses saw the Promised Land before he died (see Deut. 34:1-6).

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

Key Verse: Joshua 13:1

Now Joshua was old, advanced in years. And the Lord said to him: “You are old, advanced in years, and there remains very much land yet to be possessed…”

We know from our reading that Joshua’s spy partner, Caleb, was now 85. Joshua may have been older, perhaps 90. While in their 40’s, they had brought back a good report to Moses about Israel’s ability to move right away into the Promised Land.The great majority of the people did not believe them, and so they languished in the wilderness for almost 40 years more. But now, here they are setting boundaries for the land possessed by each tribe. It’s been said by farmers for centuries, “A good fence makes good neighbours.”

Caleb, at 85, speaks a classic line to his leader, Joshua: “Give me this mountain” (14:12). He is still not afraid to move forward in confidence. He still has a positive outlook on life, its challenges and opportunities. How could this be at his age? The answer is in these words (14:14b): “He wholly followed the Lord God of Israel.” The ancestors of Goliath were on that mountain. Taking over this land was no easy task. As Winston Churchill, already an old man when he took on Hitler said, “Never, never, never give up!”

PRAYER FOR TODAY:

Lord God, when I read the story of Caleb or think of Britain’s WW2 leader, Churchill, I feel empowered to go forward. I ask for your healing and sustaining presence for every minute. I need You Lord. Dear Jesus, You took on Mt. Calvary, and won the greatest victory by far through Your Cross. You finished the work You were called to do. I purpose in my heart to never give up. I expect You to be with me as You promised. In Your Name, Jesus, I pray, Amen! (click here for Matt. 28:16-20).

100 PERSONAL WORDS:

Joshua agreed to Caleb’s vision for the future. I believe that my Joshua, “Yeshua” in Hebrew, and “Jesus” in Greek, has responded to my desire to stay busy for Him, for my family, for the good of my precious brothers and sisters, for the whole family of God, and for those who don’t know Him yet as Saviour and Lord. This is why, since my official retirement, I’ve produced and hosted two TV series, which continue to be released on air on CTS in Canada. The first was Really Good Medicine and the second, A Living Witness to Amazing Grace. Today I fly to the Mayo cancer research center in Phoenix, Arizona. I have no intention of giving in to self pity, a defeatist attitude, or any kind of depression. With Jesus living within, how could it be otherwise? And then, my wife Norma-Jean absolutely refuses to tolerate any negative talk. Thanks to many readers who’ve promised prayer on my behalf. I’ve just searched for encouragement in www.crossroads360.com and came up with my son Ron and his “Encouragement for Seniors” video (click here). I found this under the heading “Courage.”

Yours for moving forward boldly in this life and then on into eternity with confidence in Christ!

David

 

The western view from the top of Mt. Nebo toward the Promise Land. Moses' final view before he died. Joshua led Israel from this point into the Promise Land.

 

29 thoughts on “Sunday, January 27, 2013

  1. Dear David and Norma Jean
    Praying for you as you head to the Mayo Clinic.. We are believers that believe.. and know that God is able to keep one of our most cherished Christian leaders with the ability to keep on “keeping on the great work’ during this health battle.! Keep on hanging on to the hem of His garment and do not let go . Love you guys so much!

  2. Praying for you as you travel today and also as you visit the Mayo Clinic. May you feel the presence of God and sense the encouragement and prayers of all your fellow bloggers. We are all praying for you. We are all part of the Family of God!!! Have a great Sunday everyone!!

  3. Good morning, David. May I suggest the book “Living The Full Catastrophy” by Jon Kabat-Zinn. I put this out here and you may find it suggested reading at the Mayo Clinic. It is quite helpful. You have a wonderful attitude and strength in our Father!

  4. Perception of a situation is how it is. We seek healing so we may find and have healing.. Looking for healing in every instance, we shall perceive healing. “Please Jesus, grant David a perception of healing in his journey today through faith in You.. Your faithful Love abides forever! Thank you.

  5. God morning David,
    When facing difficulties I would whisper “the cross before me, the world behind me” “the cross before me, the world behind me” over & over, fear left & hope arrived, simple but effective. We pray healing will arrive David, we all want to live. Our trust is in HIM.
    Blessings, Jack & Jane Verburg

  6. My prayers go with you today David and Norma-Jean. Safety in travel and wisdom for the doctors. Blessings to the ones who made this possible.
    OUR GOD IS ABLE!
    Thank you for the lesson today that no matter how old or physically ill we are OUR STRENGTH IS IN THE LORD!

  7. “Bless the Lord, oh my soul, and all that is within me, bless His holy name!
    Bless the Lord, oh my soul, and forget not all His benefits:
    Who forgives all your iniquities, who heals all your diseases,
    Who redeems your life from destruction,
    Who crowns you with lovingkindness and tender mercies,
    Who satisfies your mouth with good things,
    So that your mouth is renewed like the eagle’s.

    The Lord executes righteousness and justice for all who are oppressed.
    He made known His ways to Moses, His acts to the children of Israel.
    The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in mercy.
    He will not always strive with us, nor will He keep His anger forever.
    He has not dealt with us according to our sins,
    Nor punished us according to our iniquities.

    For as the heavens are high above the earth,
    So great is His mercy towards those who fear Him.
    As far as the east is from the west,
    So far has He removed our transgressions from us.
    As a father pities his children, so the Lord pities those who fear Him.
    For He knows our frame; He remembers that we are dust.

    As for man, his days are like grass; as a flower of the field so he flourishes.
    For the wind passes over it, and it is gone, and its place remembers it, no more.
    But the mercy of the Lord is,
    From everlasting to everlasting on those who fear Him.
    And His righteousness to children’s children, to such as keep His covenant,
    And to those who remember to keep His commandments to do them.

    The Lord has established His throne in heaven, and His kingdom rules over all.

    Bless the Lord, you His angels, who excel in strength,
    Who do His word, heeding the voice of His word.
    Bless the Lord, all you His hosts, you ministers of His, who do His pleasure.
    Bless the Lord, all His works, in all places of His dominion.
    Bless the Lord, oh my soul!” Psalm 103 NKJV

    We love you, David, and are praying for your strength, peace and comfort.

  8. Dear David,
    You are in God’s loving faithful eternal care. there is no better place to be! Praise God for His faithfulness! Our trust and hope is in the Lord.
    ” …yet I will rejoice in the Lord! I will be joyful in the God of my salvation! The Sovereign Lord is my strength! He makes me as surefooted as a deer, able to tread upon the heights. ( Habakkukk 3:18,19)
    I am praying for you, Norma-Jean, your family, and doctors, and placing you all in God’s care. In Jesus’ name Amen!

  9. I pray that you know God’s loving presence with you and your family, David, at this time. I admire you and Norma-Jean and I thank God for you, and your ministry.

  10. May you and Norma Jean be aware of His presence, His great love, His strength, His power, and His healing touch, David. He IS with you! Take heart, be encouraged. We all love you and stand with you in prayer.

    • David ~ I just finished listening to the video link you posted from Ron. What powerful, encouraging promises quoted from scripture along with his prayer, for you to hang on to and take with you today and every day. Bless you David. May you literally feel the touch of His hand upon you.

  11. praying for you and Norma Jean and your family as you walk through this valley together…..Psalm 23 The Lord is my Shepherd; I have everything I need. He lets me rest in fields of green grass and leads me to quiet pools of fresh water.
    He gives me new strength. He guides me in the right paths as he has promised. Even if I go through the deepest darkness, I will not be afriad, Lord, for you are with me, Your shepherd’s rod and staff protect me…..amen
    many blessings to you all!

  12. Our God is able! Joining with all the other prays! Thank-you so much for your faithfulness, David! I am very encouraged by your blog, and enjoy keeping on with many others! Love and prayers, Karin

  13. The sermon today was, “Be strong and of good courage…” Thought of you David and Norma-Jean. I love that passage,” Now give me this mountain…” even though the giants may be there, He can help us fight every foe. God bless you and keep you today, David.

  14. God’s Blessings David as you travel and receive treatment. Thank you for your steadfast serving our Lord Jesus, and your unwavering testimony of Jesus. Praying for you and trusting Jesus with thanksgiving.

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