The COHEN FAMILY
Suggested Reading: Joshua 21
(click scripture link to read online)
Petra is a world wonder and is without a doubt Jordan's greatest tourist attraction. It is a vast, unique city, carved into the sheer rock face by the Nabataeans, an industrious Arab people who settled here more than 2000 years ago, turning it into an important junction for the silk, spice and other trade routes that linked China, India and southern Arabia with Egypt, Syria, Greece and Rome. Entrance to the city is through the Siq, a narrow gorge over one km in length, which is flanked on either side by soaring, 80 metre high cliffs. Just walking through the Siq is an experience in itself. The colours and formations of the reddish rocks are dazzling. As you reach the end of the Siq you will catch your first glimpse of Al-Khazneh (Treasury). In ancient times, this was in the area of the Edom, mentioned several times in our recent blog readings. Edomites were descendents of Esau, who was the brother of Jacob (Israel).
GOOGLE MAPS – To see where the photo was taken, click HERE.
Key Verse: Joshua 21:45
Not a word failed of any good thing which the Lord had spoken to the house of Israel. All came to pass.
When we come across the Jewish name “Cohen,” we know they are from the line of Kohath, who was the second son of Levi (Joshua 21:20). They are hereditary priests. Moses and Joshua did not give the priests land like the other tribes in order to ensure the distribution of God’s priestly representatives throughout the land in an evenly placed manner. This may have served to retard Israel’s embrace of pagan cultures.
God’s Word will not fail. It may take time, but be assured of eventual fulfillment. Israel failed, not God’s Word. When God promised victory, they ran away in defeat. When God promised prosperity, they broke His rules so that God could not bless them as He wanted to. When God promised to be their leader, they begged for a king like the surrounding nations. When God promised to protect them from their enemies, they made their own unsuccessful battle plans. Are we as foolish as they were? Let us remind ourselves daily that God is totally committed to the fulfillment of all His good promises. Amen!
PRAYER FOR TODAY:
Lord God, I’m well aware that there are promises of judgement as well as blessing. Help me to key in on the blessing promises, obeying You in everything that applies to me as a follower of Jesus. I promise to do this, “So help me God.” Amen!
100 PERSONAL WORDS:
My long-time friend and beloved Gospel singer, George Beverly Shea, turns 104 years old TODAY! On yesterday’s 100 Huntley Street program, Moira Brown spoke with Bev on the phone to wish him a Happy Birthday. In case you missed it…click here. We just produced a documentary on his amazing life that will be airing on CTS this Saturday night at 7:00 pm (more info here). I had the privilege of narrating the documentary, which is also available in DVD at our Crossroads eStore here.
Another long-time friend is Cal Bombay, a former missionary in Africa and for many years our Crossroads Missions Director (He’s still a missionary in Sudan, check Cal out on line here). I remember Cal saying to me, “David, there is a simple rule to an overcoming, successful Christian life. It’s in the old hymn, ‘Trust and obey, for there’s no other way, to be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey.'” The great founder of Methodism took a page out of Joshua when he said to the hundreds of preachers he had raised up, “Put a church on every street corner!” I have been in communities where it looks like they may have succeeded. There are at least a dozen denominations today that were born in the fires of Methodist revival. From the Salvation Army to the Free Methodists (my roots) to the African Methodist Episcopal Church in which my friend Brian Warren is ordained. With Superbowl this weekend, I’m thinking of Brian. He’s a former New England Patriot and Toronto Argo football player. He started calling me “General” years ago and to get him back, I call him “Field Marshall.” To check up on what this hero of mine is doing today, click here.
Yours for trusting God and obeying God,
David
P.S. I’ll be sharing several of Reynold’s stunning Petra photos over the next few days!
Reynold walking through Petra's dim, narrow gorge, which winds its way approximately 1.2 km and ends at Petra's most elaborate ruin, Al Khazneh (The Treasury). Reynold is a one-man crew so he must have his camera on the tripod functioning automatically. Some believe that Petra is the fortress where God will hide and protect the remnant during the apocalypse.
I always look forward to your readings but your son Raynold had added another dimension to your blog, I pray for safe travels and that the Father commands His Angels for that hedge of protection around Raynold.Bless you and yours David.
Simply amazing photography Reynold, we’re all anxiously awaiting more!
Joshua 21:45b “…All came to pass.”
When I think on the promises of God and how He would bless and and also pass judgement, I also think of our own relationship with God. For as many who have entered into a relationship with the Lord, they are blessed; they have tasted the good fruit and have entered into a promised land through faith, by God’s grace. For those who refuse our Lord, they have already brought judgement on themselves and inevitable condemnation, for they (like all), will one day stand before a final judgement of our Lord, but because those stubbornly denied Jesus, they will fall into an eternal separation from God. Our Lord never breaks His promises, no not ever! It is our freedom of will to choose judgement or blessing. Let’s use the knowledge and the wisdom of the ages, God’s word, the Bible, to lead us into a secure and everlasting relationship with the Lord and His ways. Judgement or blessing is inevitable, as God’s word says …. all will come to pass.
Happy 104th Birthday, George Beverly Shea! “To be happy in Jesus is to trust and obey!”
Fascinating to see the detailed carving in the Petra rock. Imagining the planning and seeing the workers forging with tools, would have been quite a sight to behold! It is wonderful how stone sculpture retains its image and historic value for many thousands of years! Have a great day!
My prayer is the same as Claudette, and I also look forward to your personal
input everyday The pictures are awesome I didn’t know you could use a tripod for that.
Lianne Hogg
Hi David, You must be so proud of your son Reynold’s wonderful gift of photography. He gets some amazing and spectacular shots and always gets that clever angle that gets you there! Praise the Lord for adding this dimension to our great daily readings of God’s word.
Another wonderful blog today and the extraordinary photography. Thanks to Reynolds.
We must all learn to trust and obey and realize OUR GOD’s promises are always fulfilled.
Blessings to you David and your family, also our fellow bloggers. Keep warm!
Amazing Pictures !!!
The Hope Center – an absolutely wonderful place –
Trust and obey absolutely crucial to a walk with God.
I do not know where the Lord is leading me but I am committed to trusting and obeying.
Our Lord Jesus Christ has been moving in my life in such a powerful way.
When I think of His faithfulness I am astounded, encouraged, and challenged to live a life that glorifies His name.
Reynold has a wonderful gift. How awesome to be able to walk the world God created and take pictures. The one’s taken in Jordan are stunning. When I look at them I almost want to whisper.
The Hope Center has me excited in my spirit. I have saved it to my favourites. I will look at it later and ask the Holy Spirit what He wants me to do.
Blessings to all
In Christ
Your eternal sister
mellany
Hello David, We read your blogs daily, and we love them. We are with the same fellowship as you, and I think you and I are close to the same age. However, God has been so good to us and we know He has been to you. God Bless you and heal you as you continue.
Nina M. Lawrence (Virgil)