Saturday, February 2, 2013

JUST BETWEEN US

Suggested Reading: Joshua 22-23

(click scripture link to read online)

 

Al Khazneh ("The Treasury") is one of the most elaborate temples in the ancient Jordanian city of Petra. Like most of the other buildings there, this structure was carved out of the rock face. It has classical Greek-influenced architecture, and it is Jordan's most popular tourist attraction. In our recent readings this area is known as Edom or Mt Seir.

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

 

Key Verse: Joshua 22:28

Therefore we said that it will be, when they say this to us or to our generations in time to come, that we may say, “Here is the replica of the altar of the Lord which our fathers made, though not for burnt offerings nor for sacrifices; but it is a witness between you and us.”

With the land settled and secured, Joshua saw that it was time to allow the armed men to return from the west bank of Jordan to their families and homes in the east. Some of them perhaps returned to the area north of Petra. When they returned they took with them the blessings of God and the fruit of the Promised Land. Upon their arrival home, they built an altar as a witness to their children and future generations. However, their action was misinterpreted by the western tribes. They jumped to the conclusion that the eastern tribes were establishing a false religion.The tribes on the west bank were ready to go to war to stop such heresy. Wisdom prevailed and peace was restored. Later on we’ll discover that the northern tribes did establish a false religion, and this led to their total defeat.

We need to be aware of the serious problems that misunderstandings can cause. A premature or immature jumping to conclusions can cause divisions amongst God’s children which are completely emotional and irrational. We may want to read from the one-chapter book of Jude, verses 17-25. We are warned about those who cause divisions. Verse 20 of Jude states what we hope to accomplish by faithfully reading this blog: “building yourself up on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit.” Amen!

PRAYER FOR TODAY:

Lord Jesus, as Jude 21 encourages me, may I keep myself in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life. Amen!

100 PERSONAL WORDS:

Petra is an exceedingly strong fortress. It was next to impossible for an enemy to conquer that city. My security in Christ makes it absolutely impossible that I could be conquered by an enemy unless I allow him access through the narrow “siq” of my free will. (The siq is the entrance to Petra shown in yesterday’s blog. One excellent swordsman with the support of boulders from above could stop an entire army). The Doxology of Jude (verses 24 & 25) have for years been my impregnable fortress. God my Saviour keeps me by His mighty unbeatable power. He is wise, glorious, and majestic. He has dominion and power, both now and forever. Amen!!!!!!!

For approximately 5 years after I became a fully committed follower of Jesus, I struggled to live a Christian life. I was twenty-one when I grasped the fact that it was not up to me to keep from falling, but that God is totally committed to “keep you from stumbling” (Jude verse 24). I’ve relaxed in His strong arms ever since.

Yours for understanding all of God’s provisions for His children,

David

There are many signs of the ancient Nabataean civilization that once existed here in Petra.

 

15 thoughts on “Saturday, February 2, 2013

  1. Facinating chapters today. After all, everything is a witness to God’s creation. Joshua’s farewell address tells so clearly the results we can expect by maintaining our relationship with our Creator, and the consequences of deviating left or right. Once again, amazing photographs, which attest to the lives of those whom were inspired to create such works, by spirit and hand.

  2. “The Lord also will be a refuge for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble. And those who know your name will put their trust in You; for You, Lord, have not forsaken those who seek You.” Psalm 9:9-10 (NKJV)

  3. So blown away by today’s reading. It has put into words what I have been dealing with on a personal level, and struggling to sum up with scripture. So thankful to you, David, and your blog, for being the vehicle of God’s clarification to me.

    “And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
    John 8:32 ESV

    Wishing everyone a most blessed day, in loving the Lord.

  4. There are many Real-Life Angels around you David + Norma Jean. Just by your Posted coments we see. ” I have come across many Angels in my life.” You bouth are some of them .
    By Emilia Larson …. If you come across an angel it is important to let them know. Every day in the world around us, real-life angels are doing the things they do… and are bringing more smiles to the world around them… Real-life angels multiply your smiles and add to your integrity. They make you feel like “Hey, I really am somebody who matters.” Real-life angels build bridges. In truth they tend to be the ones who understand what you’re going through. If they sence you are hurting , they do whatever they can to help you. Real-life angels, take your hand in theirs when you could use a little reassurance. They walk beside you, they suport you. They incourage you. They love you. They care for you , David I could go on and on and on, here …. I already got off track of the poem I started with, you get the idea. ” You are loved,– David + Norma Jean.— By God and all who you have touched.”–” You are bouth God’s Real- Life Angels. In the fight for — youmanity.” Love and Prayers always. I personaly have loved and falowed you for over 30 years, as a soldier in God’s army of Love. Keep up the good fight My Friends. We are on the winning side Amen.

  5. Blessing David for another wonderful message and personal words. I love the scripture verses you mentioned of Jude verses 24 and 25. Thank you! I also liked the name of ‘sig’ as a narrow entrance of our free will.

  6. Hi David, How blessed we are to be feasting on the word of God every day together.We continue to pray for you and Norma-Jean, but not only you, but others who have no one to talk to and no shoulder to cry on because they have yet to meet our Lord and ask Jesus into their hearts and lives May our precious Lord grant to all of us those divine encounters to help those who are perishing

  7. Thank you David and Norma Jean for your commitment in sharing God’s Truth with us. I thank you for your Godly example in your own lives. Thank you fellow bloggers for your encouraging and insightful replies.

  8. Everyone loves what you guys tend to be up too. Such clever work and reporting! Keep up the terrific works guys I’ve included you guys to my personal blogroll.

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