Thursday, April 25, 2013

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THE NEW KING

Suggested Reading: 1 Kings 1

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

 

Jesus would have walked on this now crumpled road that runs along the Western Wall of the Temple Mount. You see on the left openings where shops once were, and it was also the support structure for the walkway that led up into the Temple Mount. On the wall near the top you can see where the base of the walkway was. It is called Robinson's Arch, after Biblical scholar Edward Robinson who identified its remnants in 1838 (see extra photos below for some close-up views).

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

 

Key Verse: 1 Kings 1:48

Also the king said thus, “Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, who has given one to sit on my throne this day, while my eyes see it!”

Thank God for a peaceful transition from King David’s rule to that of Solomon. No precedent had been established in Israel to determine succession to the throne. Saul, and then David, had been chosen by popular demand (although God did the real choosing). It was not public knowledge, but David had earlier chosen Solomon to succeed him. With the reminder from Bathsheba, and the support of Zadok and Nathan, David moved decisively to avoid civil war and another family tragedy. The godly counsel of the priest and the prophet were key to a smooth transition of power. Within our homes, our churches, and our countries, tragedy will strike when struggles about authority and leadership arise. Blessed and peaceful are the families, the congregations, and the nations that allow God to influence decisions and pray for God’s will to be done. Solomon learned from God, Nathan, Zadok, and his father David. We may want to read what Solomon wrote in Psalm 72:1-17. It’s no wonder that a long period of peace came to Israel and its neighbours.

PRAYER FOR TODAY:

Dear Lord Jesus, have dominion over my life, my family, the church worldwide, as well as my local congregation. May Your influence be strong in the governing of our land and other lands. I pray for the peace of Jerusalem, Israel, Egypt, Lebanon, Syria, Jordan, Iraq, and the other Arab states. I pray for Iran, Pakistan, Afghanistan, India, China and the Koreas. Please raise up people in those and in other states to call upon You, Lord God. Amen!

100 PERSONAL WORDS:

The tragedy of the slaughter of the innocents in abortion with no protection whatsoever in Canadian law came about in the seventies. However, I thought that all was not lost in regard to the protection of these little ones when our government changed the words of our national anthem to include “God Keep Our Land.” These words are belted out at every hockey game, baseball game, football game, etc. For many who sing them, it may only be lip service, but for me it’s a fervent prayer. The other thing that encouraged me was that God was recognized in our new constitution in the early eighties. I was so hopeful when the Minister of Health, the Hon. Jake Epp, presented a bill to parliament in the mid-eighties, which would have protected the lives of some precious ones still in the womb. This bill passed with the votes of the elected members of the House of Commons, but failed by one vote in the Senate. These people, most of whom were appointed by a previous government, overturned the will of the people as expressed by the elected members of the House. God takes most seriously, I believe, the commitment of Canada’s founders, who made Psalm 72:8 the motto of our Land. “He shall have dominion from sea to sea” is carved in stone at the entrance to our Houses of Parliament. Therefore, I haven’t given up hope that somehow our representatives will all come to their senses and do something to stop these little bodies from being poisoned or torn apart in their mothers’ wombs. While Jake Epp’s bill would not have stopped all abortions, it is apparent that at least 100,000 Canadians are with us today as a result of the threat of passing that bill, which stopped many hospitals from performing abortions for a brief time. May God have mercy on us!

Yours for decisions that will please God in every area of human life,

David

Here is an up-close view of the shops and support structure that led up to the Temple Mount.

Robinson's Arch

Robinson's Arch and Temple Mount at the time of Jesus.

25 thoughts on “Thursday, April 25, 2013”

  1. Our land, our Churches need good praying men and women that we might maintain and promote God’s good order. God listens to prayer, but more than this, He wants to be in relationship with His creation. He already knows our need, so prayer is our spirit reaching out to Him in agreement and unity as much as prayer may be asking Him for something that is within His will. We still have freedom to make decisions however, and we do often fail and make mistakes as a people. This is when we must hold-on and pray even more fervently in the Spirit, to affirm God’s will, to read and study God’s Word, and to be God’s people. Never give up hope, the Lord listens to your prayer. No, He might not always answer in the exact way we might like to hear, but wasn’t this often the case in God’s Word as well? Believe and put your faith in the Lord to do His part, for He also believes and places His hope in His people that they will do their part. Christianity is a relational, that’s why we pray to our Lord that He will hear our petitions, that goodness and righteousness will result.

    Again, simply fascinating pictures. Thank-you Reynold!

    Reply ↓

    • It was interesting to see how Adonijah believed he could succeed King David as King, and not see the futility of doing so. Small factions within organizations can indeed become troublesome causing insurrection, but never prevail against the will of God. Also when King David was promised by Solomon of his intention to have a stronger Kingship over Israel, David rejoiced. This was certainly a sign of strong transition and support by David. Amazing picture Reynold of Robinson’s Arch and how developed and thriving everyday life was during this time. Have a great day to all!

      Reply ↓

    • Well said, Scott. It’s the relational aspect between us and God when we bring our petitions to Him in prayer, that is key.

      Reply ↓

  3. Thankyou for your unswerving belief in the little ones yet born. Even after setbacks, you believe the government will see the light but best of all, you reaffirm for us through your belief that God hears our prayer and you know that these tiny souls are precious. We have to learn to “see Jesus” in all we meet, the broken aborted body, the dirty homeless chap, the addict, the hard to get along with, our friendly everyday meetings, our families, best friends and yes, our government leaders. No matter who or where, we must meet Jesus in them. He does no less for us.

    Reply ↓

  4. David your blog today just drives home again the point that just because something is legal doesn’t mean it is morally correct. We are living in a time of Grace, so even if the leadership of many countries proclaim laws in contradiction to God’s laws, they will be accountable for them. Like the prophets of old, we are called to be God’s voice proclaiming the truth to the nations, even under persecutions and mockery, which will only get worse, as the world slips farther and farther away from God toward the end times. May all Christians keep their courage and speak out for those who can’t like the unborn, the disabled, the poor and the dying.

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  8. Hello David and fellow bloggers! Because of the full day of activity yesterday, even attending a believer’s funeral, and reading over all your comments again today, I am slow in responding but you have been on my mind. Thank you Beverley for your kind words and your blessings also from David, Scott, Carole PM, Coleen and Kim and others in thought. It was a blessed day and an opportunity to be a blessing. Your comments yesterday and today are so meaningful, David and fellow believers! I’ve taken note that you are in constant pain, Beverley and will pray for you. Looking forward to playing the tape on George Beverley Shea’s funeral. Now we are in 1Kings and a play of events from King David to Elijah the prophet. God bless you all today abundantly!

    Reply ↓

  9. Excellent photos, Reynold–thank you! Picturing Jesus walking there along the western wall of the Temple Mount, in the very first photo.

    This was an excellent passage today because of David’s peaceful transition of power due to positive counsel, which he listened to. Such a hopeful sign as Solomon’s Psalm and peaceful years that followed, reflected.

    Thank you for your message today, David–a wonderful reminder. “Blessed and peaceful are the families, the congregations, and the nations that allow God to influence decisions and pray for God

    Reply ↓

    • God’s will to be done.”

      That indeed is the key for peace within interpersonal conflicts–to pray for God’s will to be done.

      Blessings to all saints, today!

      Reply ↓

  10. l am so glad you had a happy and blessed birthday Ger. David, thank you for drawing our attention to the abortion issue again. If only the doctors would steer these frightened and frantic young girls to choose to adopt their babies out. My neighbour was desperate for a child, and her doctor linked her up with a young girl who was not able to face motherhood, and as a result my friend was able to adopt this precious little boy. What a wonderful time of rejoicing they had to bring the little one into their home. He is now all grown up and is a Police Officer. Let’s get the ball rolling from the doctors office! Materials,information,lists of people who want to adopt,l’m sure it can be done! God will definately bless the doctors and department of health that would do this.

    Reply ↓

  11. Thank you al who hae contributed to the blog today, and thank you David M
    and Scott I always learn somthing new every day yes we must always keep
    our eyes on our Maker and ask Him to forgive us in all our trangressions,
    may our leaders also see the errors of their ways, that our land may be cleansed
    ,,,R…

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  13. Dear David and fellow bloggers:
    I have something on my heart I want to share with all of you. I have a burning desire for the young 19 year old Boston bomber to come to know our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. I would ask you all to pray for Jesus to reveal Himself to this young man and that his testimony make an impact on the Muslim-Islamic community.
    Thank you so much Reynold for your beautiful pictures. God keep our land glorious and free. Blessings to all. Amen

    Reply ↓

    • Praying with you, Carole, that Dzhokhar Tsarnaev comes to know our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ, and testifies to the Islamic community about God’s grace.

      Reply ↓

      • If change for a relationship with Christ can happen with the apostle Paul, it can happen to Dzhokhar Tsarnaev. You are not alone in your prayers for his testimony, redemption and a fair trial. Moreover, our prayers are lifted for healing upon all those impacted by this horrific occurrence.

        Reply ↓

  14. Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has chosen
    gladly to give you the kingdom. Sell your possessions and
    give to charity; make yourselves money belts which do not
    wear out, an unfailing treasure in heaven, where no thief
    comes near nor moth destroys. For where your treasure is,
    there your heart will be also.

    Luke 12:32-34 NASB

    Nancy

    Reply ↓

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