PEOPLE IN CRISIS
Suggested Reading: 2 Kings 17
Click scripture link to read online or HERE to listen online (then click the symbol of the audio speaker above the scripture portion).
Dan is described as the northernmost city of the Kingdom of Israel. The children of Dan went up to fight against Leshem. The Danites, finding their inheritance too small, decided to enlarge its boundaries by the sword; and, having conquered Leshem (Laish), they planted a colony there, calling the new settlement by the name of Dan. Seen here is one of the remaining walls of the ancient city of Dan and the Scripture cut into the metal is Joshua 19:47.
GOOGLE MAPS – To see where the photo was taken, click HERE.
Key Verse: 2 Kings 17:18
Therefore the Lord was very angry with Israel, and removed them from His sight; there was none left but the tribe of Judah alone.
PRAYER FOR TODAY:
Lord Jesus, I thank You for Your ministry to the people who lived in the north such as the Samaritans who descended from those who were relocated there by the Assyrian king. You care about people everywhere! I pray that I will love and seek to bless all people everywhere in every way I can. Most of all, Lord, may I witness to Your Salvation and may I support world missions in a generous and sacrificial way. In Your Name I pray, Amen!
100 PERSONAL WORDS:
There are Christian missions all over the world. Brian Stewart, for many years the senior foreign correspondent for the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation, tells of his camera operator somewhere in Africa saying approximately, “I wish that just once we could go to a remote place where a missionary does not walk out of the jungle to greet us.” This witness brought Brian back to his childhood faith which he had lost during his university years. Countries such as South Korea have become powerful missionary-sending countries. It is impossible to follow Jesus closely without caring deeply about world missions.
Crossroads.ca/missions will reveal that God is using the ministry, which is sponsoring my blog, in effective ways for His cause, and that Crossroads Missions is worthy of our support in prayer, in giving, and in going. My book, “This Far by Faith,” is going to the printers this week and will be available through Crossroads throughout June. In it I tell some of the missions stories that have moved me deeply. Some outreaches have impacted my own family directly, such as the outreach to the orphans of Russia. Check the story of two precious grandchildren who came into our family as a result of my daughter Elaine and a camera crew reporting for 100 Huntley Street in Leningrad/St. Petersburg (click here for a video report of their adoption story).
Yours for living right in God’s sight, sharing God’s love, and teaching in word and deed the person of Jesus Christ,
David
I’m very much looking forward to reading your new book David. I’m sure there’s a wealth of stories and a variety of experiences that we could all learn from.
Today’s reading is really a tragedy. We see the direct consequences of a nation who had turned their back on God and had gone their own way. As you stated David, “… the time comes when God must put His own emphasis on righteousness and the holy nature of God must eventually seek justice and judgement.” I pray for the time in which we live. It was said of A.W. Tozer, that he wasn’t worried about being judged by God for the things that he had accomplished, but for things that he had not accomplished in life or that which he had left undone. Perhaps we need to look deep into our hearts and see what we could yet accomplish, perhaps how we might do things differently or more effectively, perhaps we need to look at the motives behind what we are currently doing. The Holy Spirit will help us with such reflections.
Very well put Scott!!
So sad to know the history of the un-wanting Assyrian people who followed their leader’s ruthlessness and lived out selfish sick ways, rather than the Lord’s, whom they had direct contact with–that is what makes it even more disappointing. But praise God for sending us Jesus so that we could be forgiven of our sins and forgive each other; and learn that love is the most powerful gift that frees us and makes living for our Lord real. Jesus is a testament of our Heavenly Father’s deep love for us. So looking forward to spending eternity with Jesus. Let us serve one another for God’s Glory!
But the end of all things is at hand; therefore be serious and watchful in your
prayers. And above all things have fervent love for one another, for “love will cover a multitude of sins.” 1 Pet 4:7-8
Praying this morning for the people of Oklahoma affected by the tornado; for those who have lost loved ones, are hospitalized, and homes that have been destroyed. Know that you are being held up in prayer by your neighbors in Canada. May there be an immediate out-pouring of support and help for your community from all corners of the world, that brings everyone working together.
Just finished reading today’s message from one of my favourite books and it fit so well with the theme of God’s love, that I wanted to pass it on. So uplifting, saints!
With everlasting kindness will I have mercy on thee, saith the Lord thy Redeemer. Isaiah 54:8
“My child, My child, know this about Me. My love is unchangeable. It knows no waxing or warning. Your emotions are unstable–they wax warm and cold. But you are held in My unchanging love–even when you cannot feel it or recognize it. I have told you before that I am the Light in the midst of darkness–for in Me there is no shadow of turning. So when your way is dark, turn to Me as once you did to your earthly father. All is well, and secure, and light in My presence.
“Go forth today in the joy of My victory. Remember, there are no small victories in the Kingdom. Every defeat of the enemy is important in your spiritual journey.
“And remember this, My child: My love is unchangeable. Let your love grow toward Me and My perfect will.” Echoes of Eternity, Hal M. Helms, May Twenty-first, p. 106.
typo: waxing or waning
Thank you so much Beverlee for sharing this piercingly significant teaching from Mr. Helms. May our Heavenly Father pour out his tremendous blessings over you and your loved ones through Jesus’ name, Amen!
Thank you Beverlee Kay for sharing these thoughts and prayer requests!!!
It is an interesting reality how the chain of love can be broken to create a falling away from worshiping our one true God, and exchanging this for other forms of worship and adoration (even burning their own children) as in today’s reading. This happens time after time in our readings. It demonstrates how vulnerable some are to witchcraft, soothsaying, envy and the like, when not not at peace or while living in a state of anxiety. Also, while in this state, how vulnerable some are to manipulation and control. Thankfully, there is a path for which we can follow and know we are loved and watched over. Philippians 4:6,7 “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Wonderful story of Bruce and Elaines adoption and the love they have and gave. Have a great day to all!
Amen David!!!!!
Many blessings to you, David, for sharing such a riveting description and explanation of how pervasively malevolent forces can poison exposed souls. The chapter and verse from Philippians is my favourite… particularly extending to verses 8 and 9!
Good morning blog buddies:
Our reading today is very sad and I agree with what all of you have written. I especially liked what Beverlee wrote.
I, too, like Scott am looking forward to getting and ready your book, David.
Have a great day today everyone!!!
Wow! I especially liked your blog today, Daivid as missions has been close to my heart for many years. It is sad that Israel did not repent and had to be carried away to Assyria. Looking forward to reading your book, David. And I like what you wrote Beverlee and fellow bloggers.
Sorry, have you name spelled wrong, David.
Yes, touching adoption story of Bruce and Elaine. Like your blog, Scott.
I just watched the video about the adoption story of two of your grandchildren. I was so touched by it. Children have a way if touching our lives in so many ways. This is true in our lives as christians as we have been adopted by God. Thanks for sharing this with us.
I enjoy reading the blogs and thank you David Manise for sharing your personal stories and videos like the one today the adoption by the Staceys that was touching and I am happy to see they are enjoying life here in Canada and living normal lives. God Bless!
Your adoption story David is such a heart warming story I remember
when this happened and brougt back many memories for me when
we adopted our 4 month old daughter in 1959 we were so proud and
happy and thankful to have her she is now married and a grandmother
already ,, what a blessing all this is.God bless you all you bloggers and David
M. for your faithfulness in doing this blog it is so appreiated ….R…
David M. for sharing your life and Christ’s truths with us and thank you fellow bloggers for your insights. May we each one be ever sensitive to the Holy Spirit and God’s will for ours lives. God Bless each one today!!!!
The Stacey
The Stacey
Join with you in prayer for the victims of the Olkahoma City tornado, Beverlee. It is such a tragedy and can’t imagine the turmoil and grief it brings to people’s lives. Will request prayer again in our mid-week prayer meeting.
Beautiful story & blog today!!. The Mainse family legacy is admirable.
Thank you David for sharing Bruce and Elaine’s video. I remember when they adopted Elena and Alex. It’s a beautiful story and it was good to see the children grown and doing so well.
Thank you bloggers for all your thoughts and prayers and may God richly Bless each and every one of you!!!