Monday, April 15, 2013

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TREASON

Suggested Reading: 2 Samuel 17

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

The shopping district of modern Jerusalem is full of hustle and bustle. Except for the modern clothing, it could be similar to a scene from 3,000 years ago.

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

 

Key Verse: 2 Samuel 17:14

So Absalom and all the men of Israel said, “The advice of Hushai the Archite is better than the advice of Ahithophel.” For the Lord had purposed to defeat the good advice of Ahithophel, to the intent that the Lord might bring disaster on Absalom.

God permits certain things to happen as we exercise our free will; but HIS GREAT PLAN FOR THE AGES will not be altered by anyone else. Absalom exercised his free will. God allowed it. However, God’s ultimate plan was to reconfirm His call on David’s life by restoring a repentant and chastened David. David’s son, Solomon, perhaps reflecting on his father’s hard lessons, wrote in Proverbs 3:11-12, “My son, do not despise the chastening of the Lord, nor detest His corrections; for whom the Lord loves He corrects, just as a father the son in whom he delights” (discipline – as in disciple). The writer to the Hebrews in 12:6 picks up this fact, and then we may want to read from the final book in the Bible, “The Revelation of Jesus Christ,” chapter 3:14-22 (click here). Verse 19 quotes Solomon. The Laodiceans, exercising their free will, chose to be lukewarm in their works for God. God’s ultimate will was determined by their response to His invitation to repent, hear Him knocking, hear His voice, and open the door. Just think, if they had learned from God’s chastisement, they could have been sitting with Christ on His eternal throne.

PRAYER FOR TODAY:

Lord Jesus, in Your humanity You were learning. As Hebrews 5:8 tells me, speaking of You, “Though He was a Son, yet He learned obedience by the things which He suffered.” Please grant me the grace to be the best learner I could ever be. “Teach me Your way, O Lord.” Amen!

100 PERSONAL WORDS:

When Norma-Jean and I were helping to establish a new congregation in Deep River, Ontario, I took a bus to Ottawa. In Ottawa I changed buses and arrived in Cornwall, Ontario, where a car dealer, Wes Miller, had found a retired school bus for our new Sunday School. I drove it back home and had lettering painted on one side, “TEACH ME THY WAY, O LORD,” and on the other, “STUDY TO SHOW THYSELF APPROVED UNTO GOD.” Across the front above the windshield it read, “THE SUNDAY SCHOOL SCOUT.” I was out like a hockey scout looking for future stars for Jesus. Every Sunday morning at 7 a.m. I would drive “The Scout” north on the trans-Canada Highway for 43 miles, turn around and pick up almost every child who lived on that stretch, and bring them to Sunday School and Church. A deacon, Mervin Bowes, would take them home, arriving back at Deep River at about 2:15 p.m. He’d head home for his dinner, and I’d hop in and pick up children on a southern leg of the highway for a Sunday school and service in Chalk River. These children were learners, disciples, and many of them became true followers of Jesus who were becoming, “children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world” (Philippians 2:15). As Daniel 12:3 says, “Like the stars forever and ever.” I’m still scouting for stars for Jesus!

Yours to turn many to righteousness in Christ,

David

P.S. My eldest son visited the ruins of Laodicea in one of his photographic trips for this blog (see photo below). It’s so very sad to know that the people failed to rise to the challenge of true discipleship, failing to hear Jesus knocking at their door and speaking…or else they just chose to ignore Him. I have control of the bolt on the door. It’s on the inside. The children in the Sunday School I’ve mentioned would sing, “Into my heart, into my heart, come into my heart Lord Jesus. Come in today. Come in to stay. Come into my heart Lord Jesus.”

These are some of the ruins of ancient Laodicea in present-day western Turkey. The city was founded by Seleucid King Antiochus II in honour of his wife, Laodice. Laodicea became a prosperous Roman market town on the trade route from the east, famous for its woolen and cotton cloths. The city was an early centre of Christianity and one of the Seven Churches of Revelation (Rev. 3:14-22).

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

19 thoughts on “Monday, April 15, 2013”

  1. It’s always a sad moment when someone who hears the gospel rejects it or decides to do nothing with it, thereby rejecting it. I think of the countless hours many years ago, spent pouring over God’s word in an effort to disprove it, yet it was as simple as looking into the heart of Jesus. I wanted the Bible to fail the test, I wanted to be right, I wanted things my way …. you see at that time in my life it was all about the “I” and not about Jesus at all. My plan was to see the Bible fall into a heap of inconsistencies, myths, and fables … oh yes the Bible fell alright, right into my heart, it changed my life forever … and it was all God’s plan!

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  3. Hi David
    Thank you for another great truth in your blog ,Bible Scriptures also changed mine life– searching scriputers daily as Bereans did and to HIM be the GLORY

    AMAZING GRACE

    Zeljko

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  4. Well said fellow bloggers…….the scriptures show us who we really are, and how very much we need The Saviour.

    Praisimg God for opening my eyes and ears to what glorious things he had for me.
    I have an issue today that needs prayers and ask my fellow bloggers to pray for God’s righteousness to prevail.
    Thank you David for once again sharing and this daily blog. God bless your day. God will make a way,where there is no other way!

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  7. What a Faithful God we serve! Here is King David with a multitude of weary, hungry and thirsty people and our Lord brings provisions for them! He is the same yesterday , today, and tomorrow. We must never fear, as his children, he knows our getting up, our sitting down, our going out and our coming back in, our Father knows what we need,and help is on the way!

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  9. What a tumultuous time this was in King David’s life; lot of people involved and loyalties, betrayal and loyalties again.(I read ahead). All predicted by the Lord. Another good personal story, David. You have been faithful in bringing in the sheaves all your life. The Lord has taught me patience and persistence in taking my little grandniece to Sunday School. Will pray for you, Catherine. I like your testimony, Scott. Great sunny day in the Maritimes. Like your overview yesterday, Beverlee. Have a great day everyone!

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    • Glad to hear it was sunny out on the east coast, today, Ger. The day was bright and sunny for the most part, here. Bless you!

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  10. Great readings today ,thankyou toallthe bloggers for your input ,very,very
    helpful,Blessyou all. I’ll be praying for you Catherine ,May God be with you
    and anser your needs….R..

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  11. How candid the Bible it is amazing. I see so much of what we are experiencing in our world today in all that we have been reading these past weeks. I am so thankful that Jesus came and we have a covenant of love. We need that so much as we face each day. David I admire your courage in doing this blog each day. I have been sick with a flu bug and it is so easy to feel to do nothing. You have been an example to me to just keep going. God bless you and Norma Jean and all your family.

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  12. Thank you fellow bloggers for your prayers. I had occasion to go to court this morning to answer to a driving charge that was not true. I felt calm with knowing you we’re praying. The Lord’s presence was felt and all charges were dismissed. Praise His name.

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