THE MANY AND THE FEW

Suggested Reading: 1 Samuel 14

Click scripture link to read online or HERE to listen online (then click the symbol of the audio speaker above the scripture portion).

This is an Akkadian cuneiform writing clay tablet piece and is the oldest document to mention Jerusalem. It was discovered in the south wall area of the Old City of Jerusalem and is dated at 14th century BC.

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

Key Verse: 1 Samuel 14:6b

For nothing restrains the Lord from saving by many or by few.

PRAYER FOR TODAY:

…It is now 5:20 a.m. and I’m invigorated to face a new day which, God willing, will include the mid-week prayer meeting at our church. Pray this with me…

Lord Jesus, as I type these words and pause often to worship You, I’m conscious that I’m partaking of the sweetness of Your provision for me. Like Jonathan, my countenance has brightened. I pray that this energy level will continue in order that I may “fight the good fight of faith,” as I’ve read earlier this morning. In Jesus’ conquering Name I pray, Amen!

(I suggest 1 Timothy 6:11-16 as a New Testament reading for today).

100 PERSONAL WORDS:

In selecting the key verse for today, I thought of God’s provision over the years for the financial well-being of the Crossroads ministry. Sometimes God has used the many and sometimes the few. Without the participation of thousands of precious partners, this ministry, that has brought many to a saving knowledge of Jesus, would have shut down years ago. But the Lord has also used the few. Our former bank manager at the TD bank in downtown Toronto (gone to be with the Lord in Heaven now) knew the day that our lighting package for the new TV production studios arrived. I needed cash in order to have the shipment released. A line of credit had not been authorized. One of the “few,” whose name I do not know, sent through $50,000 directly to the bank, telling the manager that he could arrange a charitable giving receipt, but that I was not to know who it was that gave this money. The only information I was given was that it was someone from Ottawa who did not know of the need to pay for the shipment that very day but felt led of God to transfer the money. There are few who could give such a gift. Perhaps you are one of those God has blessed. We should perhaps read on in 1Timothy 6:17-19. One thing I’ve learned is that God uses BOTH the MANY and the FEW to support His work. When we sold the farm in which Norma-Jean, my wife, was born, we got to be one of “the few” one time, but every month we are one of “the many” that keep the ministry winning spiritual battles every day. That monthly offering, and the offerings of many more, are absolutely essential to the great cause to which God has called Crossroads. More of “the few” would also be a big help right now. God is leading the Ministry in new initiatives for the Gospel that need us all to take up the challenge of giving sacrificially. The funds are not sitting there in the bank to meet these new commitments. Crossroads continues to be a faith ministry. Click here to see a video clip of Crossroads’ CEO, Don Simmonds, sharing the vision for God’s work as we entered 2013.

Yours to encourage us all to be “the many,” and some of us to be “the few,”

David

A MAN AFTER GOD’S HEART

Suggested Reading: 1 Samuel 13

Click scripture link to read online or HERE to listen online (then click the symbol of the audio speaker above the scripture portion).

A rectangular ritual bath has been recently uncovered just beneath the southern wall of the Temple Mount in the Jerusalem Archaeological Park. You can see the Mount of Olives in the background.

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

Key Verses: 1 Samuel 13:13-14

And Samuel said to Saul, “You have done foolishly. You have not kept the commandment of the Lord your God, which He commanded you. For now the Lord would have established your kingdom over Israel forever. But now your kingdom shall not continue. The Lord has sought for Himself a man after His own heart, and the Lord has commanded him to be commander over His people, because you have not kept what the Lord commanded you.”

Understanding and obeying God’s Word is of eternal importance. Jesus said, “Heaven and earth shall pass away, but My Word shall never pass away” (Matthew 24:35). God’s Word is forever! God’s Word has the power to do good, to heal, bring judgement, and to save. The Word is like the laws of nature. King Saul failed to obey what he knew were God’s instructions, and now he must suffer the consequences. God would choose another King who would be careful to obey, both the letter and the spirit of the instructions he received. By believing and doing God’s Word, we, like David who is yet to come onto the scene, will experience the blessing of God. David would keep God’s Word and the result was that he became the father of an eternal dynasty through his descendant, Jesus Christ.

PRAYER FOR TODAY:

Lord God, I pray that You’ll help me to wait for You. My natural tendency, like Saul, is to be impatient and to run ahead of You, but Your supernatural grace to do what is right is available to me when I wait upon You. You meet me every morning as I read Your Word and pray. I can always count on Your timing. Thank You for the peace and joy this brings me. In Jesus’ Name, Amen!

100 PERSONAL WORDS:

Yesterday, I wrote about the made-for-TV mini-series called, “The Bible.” Today, I want to commend the producers for excellent scenes where they did get it right according to the Words of Scripture. The world generally has minimized the supernatural. This series treats the following stories as fact: Creation/The flood/The Angels appearing to Abraham and the destruction of Sodom/The waters of the Red Sea rolled back/The destruction of the walls of Jericho/David and Goliath/Saul’s death at his own hand/David’s sin, repentance, and his successful reign/The destruction of the Temple/The supernatural deliverance from the fiery furnace and the Lions/The restoration to Jerusalem/The conception of Jesus in a virgin, and the birth of Jesus/The deaths of the boy babies in Bethlehem and the escape of the holy family/The miraculous catch of fish, etc. I’m looking forward to this Sunday night on the History Channel for more.

No one has made the claim that this limited budget,10-hour series is on par with, or on the same level as, the Scriptures themselves. It’s filmed in Morocco, not Israel, probably for financial reasons, so the scenery is not accurate.There are areas where every Word of Scripture is not given. Ten times the budget would still not produce total accuracy, given the restrictions of making a movie. But what it is producing is an intense interest in the Bible by millions who have never taken the time to actually read the Bible. The materials available for home groups and churches are designed to bring huge numbers of people into reading the Bible, Word by Word, as we encourage in this blog. Here is a link to the Crossroads e-store where additional materials are described and can be purchased online for delivery to homes and churches (click here).

My New Testament reading for today is Philippians 4:4-9.

Yours for grace to “meditate on these things,” not putting down the efforts of others, but rejoicing in their efforts, as Paul did (Read Philippians 1:15-18),

David

GREAT THINGS

Suggested Reading: 1 Samuel 11-12

Click scripture link to read online or HERE to listen online (then click the symbol of the audio speaker above the scripture portion).

The Tomb of Samuel is the traditional burial site of the Biblical Hebrew prophet Samuel, atop a steep hill at an elevation of 908 metres above sea level. It is situated to the north of the Jerusalem neighbourhood of Ramot. On the site is a building containing a mosque, built in the 18th century, that was formerly a church (photo below). The tomb itself is located in an underground chamber where a small synagogue is located.

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

Key Verse: 1 Samuel 12:23-24

Moreover, as for me, far be it from me that I should sin against the Lord in ceasing to pray for you; but I will teach you the good and the right way. Only fear the Lord, and serve Him in truth with all your heart; for consider what great things He has done for you.

Israel now has a king. Samuel is still very much present as the spiritual leader of the people. Prayer “without ceasing” is the most important leadership quality if we want God’s will to be done. David will be king over the united tribes in about 10 years. A Psalm of David indicates his daily preparation to lead as he writes, “My voice You shall hear in the morning, O Lord; In the morning I will direct it to You, and I will look up” (Psalm 5:3). Psalm 55:17 tells us that David prayed at “evening, morning and at noon.” There is no record of Saul praying like Samuel and David did. Saul’s reign could’ve been so different.

As a New Testament meditation, let us consider 1 Thessalonians 5:17-18: “Pray without ceasing, and in everything give thanks.” This praying continuously is not as difficult as it sounds. It’s based on the knowledge that I am in Christ and He is in me. We are never apart. Therefore, we are to be ever aware of His presence.

PRAYER FOR TODAY:

Lord Jesus, Your servant Paul wrote, “We do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered” (Romans 8:26b). I pray that Your Spirit will constantly pray within me when my conscious mind is occupied in other necessary matters. I believe this happens continuously as Your promise states. In Your Name I pray. Amen!

100 PERSONAL WORDS:

For the last three Sunday evenings, I’ve been watching “The Bible” miniseries on The History Channel. For a small budget, compared to other Hollywood efforts, and limited to filming in Morocco, the producers have done very well. I know something of the challenges they faced, because of our participation in several World Expos with our Crossroads’ sponsored “Pavilions of Promise.” Some people could say nothing good about us, because we had to employ what is called “artistic license” in communicating the message on such a world stage. For example, we had male and female ballet dancers play the part of Adam and Eve in Theatre One. I could give other examples from our production that upset some people. The entertainment values guaranteed that millions of precious souls heard the Gospel in a way they could understand for the first time. In the overall effort at four Expos, we recorded over 100,000 first-time decisions for Christ, with their names, addresses, and telephone numbers. They signed up for the Bible correspondence course and were followed up in their home countries with diligence. One evangelist was very judgemental toward me, because of what he considered a lack of verse by Bible verse approach. He could not find it in his heart to celebrate with me the fact of thousands of people coming to know Christ. The follow-up materials, produced in cooperation with “The Bible” TV series, which thousands of churches and home groups are using, will be used of God for thousands who’ve never read God’s Word. It has been my experience that Christians who are currently successful personal soul winners understand what the producers of “The Bible” mini series are attempting. I think that tomorrow I’ll try to point out that while there are areas of “The Bible” production that we all can criticize, there is much more to praise in this heroic effort.

Yours for praying for “The Bible” series much more than we criticize,

David

Ruins surrounding the building that covers the tomb of Samuel.

FINDING DONKEYS

Suggested Reading: 1 Samuel 9-10

Click scripture link to read online or HERE to listen online (then click the symbol of the audio speaker above the scripture portion).

This Donkey is employed full-time in Petra, Jordan, helping to transport tourists over the difficult terrain.

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

Key Verse: 1 Samuel 10:9

So it was, when he had turned his back to go from Samuel, that God gave him another heart; and all those signs came to pass that day.

PRAYER FOR TODAY:

Lord God, how often I have been perplexed, frustrated in not finding what I think I’m looking for, when all along You had everything under Your guidance. I pray for a deeper understanding of Your overarching providence, and for a simpler faith in Your promise to “work all things after the counsel of Your will.” In Jesus’ Name, Amen!

I’ve just read all of Ephesians, chapter one as my New Testament reading for today. What assurance! (click here).

100 PERSONAL WORDS:

Yesterday was St. Patrick’s Day, and I’ve been thinking back on a Crossroads/100 Huntley Street outreach to Ireland called, “To Ireland With Love.” Violence was raging between ungodly Protestant and equally ungodly Roman Catholic factions, so we determined to send a team of Christians, RC’s and Protestants, to work with local groups of Christians who were fasting and praying for God to intervene. The churches were packed and hundreds came forward at the invitation to receive Jesus as Saviour and Lord. Not long after those days, the powers of hell were driven back and a time of tranquility and evangelism emerged.

I can’t remember why I was in Winnipeg back in 1976. I may have been “looking for donkeys,” but that was the occasion when I first met a local Jesuit priest. He had let it be known amongst the charismatic prayer meetings that he was to perform an exorcism and he wanted a Pentecostal Pastor to accompany him. I ended up being that Pastor. Before agreeing to accompany him, he gave me his testimony of personal salvation and I gave him mine. The Lord found a couple of donkeys, the priest and me, and that day, God delivered an immigrant man from Brazil, who had become deeply involved in voodooism.

Yours for God’s intervention while looking for donkeys,

David

A father and son tending their sheep and goats at Nazareth Village. This village, in modern-day Nazareth, is run by a Christian ministry and it depicts what life was like at the time of Jesus.

CONTENTMENT

Suggested Reading: 1 Samuel 7-8

Click scripture link to read online or HERE to listen online (then click the symbol of the audio speaker above the scripture portion).

Ruins of an ancient Roman amphitheatre in Bet Guvrin at the Maresha National Park in Israel.

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

Key Verse: 1 Samuel 8:5

…and said to him, “Look, you are old, and your sons do not walk in your ways. Now make us a king to judge us like all the nations.”

PRAYER FOR TODAY:

Lord God, may I be given grace every day to be content. You are my King, my absolute Monarch. I want to obey You in all things. I receive my instructions from You. I pray that I will steadfastly resist the pressures to conform to the world around me. In Jesus’ Name I pray, Amen!

100 PERSONAL WORDS:

For my personal devotions I’ve just read Romans 8:26-30 and also Romans 11:25-36/ Romans 12:1 & 2. The answer to the human problem of being faithful to God is here. It takes a positive and a negative charge to release electrical power. So it is with the release of the power of God in my life. Positive – “Be conformed to the image of His Son.” Negative – “Do not be conformed to this world.” Again I think of the electrical analogy. We have a built-in transformer. “Be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” Not long ago, as I drove along Burnt Hills road just north of Kingston, an electrical storm was raging. Right in front of me I saw lightening hit a transformer which was up on a pole. Of course, everyone’s lights went out in the area, and power was not restored until the electrical crew arrived to make repairs. There is a storm raging all around, a storm that can knock out my connection to God’s power. I count on God’s power crew, the Word and the Spirit, to be on hand constantly to keep me in complete union with Him.

Yours for a constant flow, without interruption, of God’s power,

David

The view from walking in the tunnels of the amphitheatre ruins in Bet Guvrin at the Maresha National Park in Israel.

DAGON FALLEN

Suggested Reading: 1 Samuel 5-6

Click scripture link to read online or HERE to listen online (then click the symbol of the audio speaker above the scripture portion).

This is some of the landscape that the Children of Israel of would have beheld as they sojourned in the desert before entering the Promised Land. This is Timna National Park in Southern Israel.

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

Key Verse: 1 Samuel 6:20

And the men of Beth Shemesh said, “Who is able to stand before this holy Lord God? And to whom shall it go up from us?”

PRAYER FOR TODAY:

Lord God, I come boldly to Your throne of grace. According to Your Word in Hebrews 4:16, I receive mercy and find grace in my time of need. Please help me to always approach You with all reverence and total respect, knowing that Jesus, our great High Priest, has gone before me with His blood sprinkled on the Mercy Seat of the Ark in the heavens. In His Name I pray. Amen!

100 PERSONAL WORDS:

I lived on my uncle’s farm for six years while my Dad was away from our family during WW 2. Three years after his return, Dad accepted a call to two rural congregations filled with farmers. I spent much time on their farms, learning all about cattle. Then I worked full time on farms for five summers. I know first-hand that the natural way for cows that have just given birth to a calf is to remain beside that calf. What we read about today is not natural but supernatural. God always retains the right to intervene, changing patterns of behaviour to bring about His purposes. Animals are not made in God’s image as humans are. They function by pre-programmed instinct. I’ve learned that I am not like that. I must deliberately give my will over to God’s will, obeying His instructions. When I decide to follow Him, I know that supernatural provision for my journey will be provided as I go.

Yours for decisions to follow God’s instructions more closely,

David

The Ark of the Covenant, as depicted in a replica of the Old Testament Tabernacle at Timna Park in Israel.

LORD, REVEAL YOUR GLORY!

Suggested Reading: 1 Samuel 3-4

Click scripture link to read online or HERE to listen online (then click the symbol of the audio speaker above the scripture portion).

The Ark of the Covenant, as depicted in a replica of the Old Testament Tabernacle at Timna Park in Israel. We read today how the sons of Eli carried the Ark into battle where it was captured by Israel's enemies.

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

Key Verse: 1 Samuel 3:10

Now the Lord came and stood and called as at other times, “Samuel! Samuel!” And Samuel answered, “Speak, for Your servant hears.”

The first verse of our reading is a sad commentary on the spiritual life of Israel. “Rare” and “No widespread revelation,” says it all. But God spoke to Samuel and Eli was knowledgeable enough to recognize that God wanted someone to listen to Him. God is a communicating God, but are we listening? It’s hard to hear that “still, small voice” ( 1 Kings 19:12) in the midst of the hustle and bustle of life. This is one of the main reasons why getting up early each day to wait on God is so very important.

God cut Eli’s family off from His blessing because, as our reading informs us, Eli did not restrain his sons from their vile behaviour. This resulted in the tragic capture of the Ark by the enemies of Israel, the death of Eli’s sons, and Eli himself. Most tragic of all was the name of Eli’s grandson, “Ichabod,” meaning that the glory of God had departed from Israel. In our churches, let us reverse the decline and bring God’s glory in Jesus Christ into sharp focus. John said of Jesus, “We beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth” (John 1:14b).

PRAYER FOR TODAY:

Lord Jesus, I take time right now to spend listening for Your voice. In the quietness of this moment, I wait on You. I meditate on the revelation of Your glory! Hallelujah! Grant that I may help to make that revelation widespread throughout the whole world. Please keep me from being so selfish as to keep that revelation to myself. In Your empowering Name I pray, Amen!!!

100 PERSONAL WORDS:

Eli was the ripe old age of 98 when he died. I was thinking of Eli’s passing when this past week Norma-Jean and I received an e-mail from our friend, Jack Price. Jack was brought to Canada from an advertising agency in New York City by the Liberal Party of Canada to “showcase” their new leader, Pierre Trudeau. I got to know Jack some ten years later in 1978. He had been diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumour. We prayed together and I found out that Billy Graham had a big impact spiritually in his life. Well, here we are over 30 years later, and again Jack needs our prayers. He is very ill once again. He’s obviously expecting a “recall” from the manufacturer of his body soon. I’ve attached his e-mail below. For the believer, there is no fear in death. Jack and his wife Marie are testimonies to this fact. They can even joke about it.

Yours for the glory of God, even in humour,

David

P.S. Here’s that email from my friend Jack Price…

This was forwarded to me…Be sure to read it. Talk about clever and to the point! Never heard it put quite like this before. – Jack

RECALL NOTICE:
The Maker of all human beings (GOD) is recalling all units manufactured, regardless of make or year, due to a serious defect in the primary and central component of the heart. This is due to a malfunction in the original prototype units code named Adam and Eve, resulting in the reproduction of the same defect in all subsequent units.

This defect has been identified as “Sub-sequential Internal Non-morality,” more commonly known as S.I.N., as it is primarily expressed.

Some of the symptoms include:
1. Loss of direction
2. Foul vocal emissions
3. Amnesia of origin
4. Lack of peace and joy
5. Selfish or violent behavior
6. Depression or confusion
7. Fearfulness
8. Idolatry
9. Rebellion

The Manufacturer, who is neither liable nor at fault for this defect, is providing factory-authorized repair and service free of charge to correct this defect.

The Repair Technician, JESUS, has most generously offered to bear the entire burden of the staggering cost of these repairs. There is no additional fee required.

The number to call for repair in all areas is: P-R-A-Y-E-R.

Once connected, please upload your burden of SIN through the REPENTANCE procedure.

Next, download ATONEMENT from the Repair Technician, Jesus, into the heart component. No matter how big or small the SIN defect is, Jesus will replace it with:
1. Love
2. Joy
3. Peace
4. Patience
5. Kindness
6. Goodness
7. Faithfulness
8. Gentleness
9. Self control

Please see the operating manual, the B.I.B.L.E. (BEST Instructions Before Leaving Earth) for further details on the use of these fixes.

WARNING: Continuing to operate the human being unit without correction voids any manufacturer warranties, exposing the unit to dangers and problems too numerous to list, and will result in the human unit being permanently impounded. For free emergency service, call on Jesus.

DANGER: The human being units not responding to this recall action will have to be scrapped in the furnace. The SIN defect will not be permitted to enter Heaven so as to
prevent contamination of that facility. Thank you for your attention!

– GOD

P.S. Please assist where possible by notifying others of this important recall notice, and you may contact the Father any time by ‘Knee mail’!

Because HE Lives!

 

A FAITHFUL PRIEST

Suggested Reading: 1 Samuel 2

Click scripture link to read online or HERE to listen online (then click the symbol of the audio speaker above the scripture portion).

A statue of a monk reading God's Word with a cross in his hand is on the wall of a Franciscan monastery just outside of the Zion Gate in Jerusalem. Franciscans adhere to the teachings and spiritual disciplines of Saint Francis of Assisi. The new Pope, elected yesterday, chose the name Francis in his honour.

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

Key Verse: 1 Samuel 2:35

Then I will raise up for Myself a faithful priest who shall do according to what is in My heart and in My mind. I will build him a sure house, and he shall walk before My anointed forever.

PRAYER FOR TODAY:

Thank You Lord for the prophetic prayers of Mary and Hannah. I pray that You would grant me a revelation of Your greatness, and give me words to express to You my heart and mind. Words which are just between You and me, Lord Jesus! ! ! ! Here goes ………………………. Amen!

100 PERSONAL WORDS:

I love the fact that after waiting so long for her first child (Samuel), Hannah had 5 more children. With my Mother, Hazel Pritchard Mainse, it was the opposite. My oldest sister Willa is 8 years older than me, and my second sister, Elaine, is 6 years older than me. After Elaine was born, the wait began, according to my Dad. Our mother had several miscarriages, and then I made my appearance. There were no more children in our family. We don’t have a record of our mother praying a prophetic prayer as Hannah did, but my Dad did write a poem. If I can find it, I’ll add it in a P.S. below. My mother died when I was 12, and my most vivid memory of her is seeing her on her knees, praying for others and particularly for her husband and her children. In order to spend a long time on her knees without tiring, she would either kneel with her back straight, or down on what we called our “hunkers.” She would sit back on her ankles. I’ve tried that but it doesn’t work for me. The straight up posture is my best and most comfortable kneeling position. My back does not tire as it does if I bend at the waist. This is probably more information than needed, but I find that as time goes by, I’m more and more comfortable doing this daily blog! I hope you don’t mind.

Yours, asking the Lord as the disciples did, “Lord teach us to pray.” Amen!

David

P.S. Here is the poem my father wrote about me on March 29, 1944, while on the mission field in Assiut, Egypt (when I was 7). He was unable to return home to us for six years due to the restricted travel during the Second World War…

“Sonny”

A FERVENT SPIRIT

Suggested Reading: 1 Samuel 1

Click scripture link to read online or HERE to listen online (then click the symbol of the audio speaker above the scripture portion).

"Shiloh" is referred to in 1 Samuel 1:3. Its ancient ruins are in this hill area where an Israeli settlement is now.

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

Key Verse: 1 Samuel 1:10

And she was in bitterness of soul, and prayed to the Lord and wept in anguish.

PRAYER FOR TODAY:

Lord Jesus, I pray, as Your disciples asked You, “Lord increase our (my) faith!” Your response to this request called for some “fervent” action on the part of the “learners” from You. Please grant me the grace to put into practice Your means of increasing my faith (read Luke 17:1-10).

100 PERSONAL WORDS:

I’ve just gone back to my blog from last September when I did a paragraph on Luke 17. Understanding Jesus’ answer to the “increase our faith” petition can teach us much. I thought it was worth repeating, and I need the reminder regularly (here is a link back to that blog posting).

Eli, the priest, thought Hannah was drunk. I’ve seen drunken people, particularly as a Pastor. I’ve never been drunk with an alcoholic substance, and I don’t intend to ever find out what it is like. However, I’m sure I’ve had the symptoms from time to time in the anguish of strong intercessory prayer. I’ve been overcome with powerful emotions as I have identified with the crushing hurts of humanity. This is good! This kind of prayer “avails much.” Jesus, Himself, while praying in the Garden of Gethsemane, “being in anguish, prayed more earnestly” (Luke 22:44). The result was that in His humanity He received the strength to endure the cross. Hallelujah!

Yours to help us all learn and practice strong intercession,

David

This is in the area of the Garden of Gethsemane, beside the present day Church of All Nations, on the Mount of Olives.

GOD’S PLANS

Suggested Reading: Ruth 3-4

Click scripture link to read online or HERE to listen online (then click the symbol of the audio speaker above the scripture portion).

Boaz was from Bethlehem. The fields of Boaz (in the foreground) are now taken up with communities, roads and tunnels with protective walls such as this one. You can see Bethlehem just behind the first hill on the right.

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

Key Verse: Ruth 4:13

So Boaz took Ruth and she became his wife; and when he went in to her, the Lord gave her conception, and she bore a son.

PRAYER FOR TODAY:

Lord Jesus, You are my Kinsman Redeemer. You were born right there in Bethlehem, where Ruth gave birth to Your ancestor Obed. Help me, dear God, to trust Your long-term plans which are for my good. Also, help me to trust Your short-term plans. You had everything arranged for Naomi, Ruth and Boaz. I’m trusting You to guide each step I take. In Your caring Name I pray, Amen!

100 PERSONAL WORDS:

My sister-in-law, Evelyn, lost her first husband and her only two children in a tragic car accident many years ago. She could have been in total depression, and one would’ve expected her to withdraw from life. But instead, she went from church to church telling of the grace of God which she was experiencing. As a result, many came to faith in Christ, including members of her family. Like Ruth, she declared her faith in God and God restored her. She married my brother-in-law, Ralph Rutledge, and God gave her 3 more children, Ruth, David, and Jonathan. Malachi 3:6 tells me about God’s faithfulness, “I am the Lord, I do not change.”

I expect, God willing, to be in Bethlehem in the middle of November of this year, along with some of you who read my blog. Two weeks in Israel will forever alter our lives. The trip information is online here.

Yours for trusting God in all things,

David

P.S. Yesterday, I mentioned my daughter quoting Ruth 1:16 in the Arabic language to Nizar on their wedding day back in May of 1983. Here is a link to that portion of their wedding in Cana of Galilee, Nizar’s home village. I am still experiencing the joy of that wonderful day.