BEDROCK CONFIDENCE
Suggested Reading: 2 Chronicles 23
Click scripture link to read online or HERE to listen online (then click the symbol of the audio speaker above the scripture portion).
On several occasions when Israel was in big trouble, they cried out to the Lord (eg. 2 Chronicles 20:9). This photo is of an annual initiative on Parliament Hill in recent years called "The Cry," where Christians gather to cry out on behalf of Canada. I was asked to lead in prayer at one of these events (photo below).
Key Verse: 2 Chronicles 23:16
Then Jehoiada made a covenant between himself, the people and the king that they should be the Lord’s people.
In the midst of a record of ungodliness and the self-seeking lives of the Israelites, our key verse stands out like a jewel. In one of the darkest periods of Israel’s history, it is encouraging to find leaders who are faithful to the true God. The actions of the priest, Jehoiada, along with Jehoshabeath, reveal a bedrock confidence in the faithfulness of God. They had not rescued Joash for selfish purposes; instead they had a deep desire to see the people brought back to a relationship with God. The influence exerted by this God-fearing pair resulted in the nation being raised from the depths to which it had fallen.
We need to look beyond our present circumstances to the living God. In our day, spiritual renewal will become a reality when we, as individuals, are willing to risk all in a fresh covenant relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ.
PRAYER FOR TODAY:
Lord Jesus, grant me the grace to commit to a renewed covenant with You today and every day. I ask for Your Holy Spirit to enable me to risk all for You. In Your Name I pray, Amen!!!
100 PERSONAL WORDS:
After I had made my lifetime decision at 16 to be a 100% follower of Jesus, I must confess that I slipped from 100% to 99%, and lower, from time to time. I would be moved by the Spirit to rededicate myself to the Lord over and over. Someone said that my “rededicator” was broken from so much use. I’ve mentioned this before I’m sure, but here goes again. I learned thoroughly the foundation of my faith in the doctrines of salvation. I reaffirmed that I was kept by the power of God. I memorized the words of Jesus in John 10:27-29, “My sheep know My voice, and I know them and they follow Me. And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand. My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of My Father’s hand.” Those words of Jesus, and other Scriptures, gave me a solid foundation on which to build a consistent Christian life. This is a primary reason why I’m so very committed to this program of reading the Word of God every day. It’s tough going here in 2 Chronicles, but please don’t give up. In a few days we’ll shift over to the “Epistle of Joy,” Philippians.
Yours for the development of a more solid knowledge of God’s Word,
David
Crying out to God at "The Cry" event on Parliament Hill.
Does this event “The Cry” still happen today? We sure need it today.
It is difficult sometimes to read what has happened inChronicles but I have learned so much and am committed to see it through. Reading God’s Word and studying it’s meaning for me has been a true blessing.
Thank you Pastor David and fellow bloggers for sharing, some intimately, and God bless all of you. I pray The Lord will raise up men and women of courage to stand up for this great country and the principles on which it was founded. Sometimes we bend to the majority just for votes.!! God keep our land!!
I’m a slow learner. I need this teaching over and over. Made a decision yesterday that is firm without consulting the Lord first. Slow learner! I knew right away that was an incredibly foolish thing to do. I asked the Lord for forgivenes.
I hear ya, on that one, Doreen. I do the same thing, and all I can do is bow down to God, and ask for His forgiveness. We are brought to the Lord in our weakness. God bless you, sister.
I am committed to the daily reading of this blog David.
It is a blessing to me first thing in the morning
and there is always so much more to learn about
God’s Word. Thank you so much for your words
of wisdom and for the pictures Reynold and for
the postings Ron.
Also, the privilege of praying for you David and
each of the bloggers who have shared specific
needs. Trusting God for revival across our land.
God is faithful and Oh how He loves us!!!
Thank you for such a reaffirming message, this morning, David. Memorizing scripture is the answer to my prayers as I have been feeling quite overwhelmed these past few days and weighed down with back pain and the start of a cold; gargling salt water; drinking tea with honey; and did not go for my early morning swim, today.
I agree with your constant re-dedication to the Lord, David; and believe that is why you are such a strong and solid Christian leader and mentor to us. Memorizing the words of our Lord is essential as the rock we stand on. I ask for fellow saints to pray for me that God develops a more solid foundation for me to stand on with the ability to memorize scripture after scripture after scripture. I fear when I wobble; and sadly, I have been this past week. The enemy always knows when and how to attack with toxic company that stirs up my own negative reactions. I know this dilemma is within me to heal. Memorizing more scripture is the message given and surely the answer. I cannot change other people; only pray that God’s will be done in their lives. I can, however, change myself.
My favourite scripture has always been:
Trust in the Lord, with all thine heart, and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and know that He shall direct they path. Proverbs 3:5-6
Over the past five years, I have become more familiar with the Bible; this past year, intensely so, with our blog group. I have come to fall in love with Psalms 91:4 (He shall cover you with his feathers, and under his wings shall you trust: his truth shall be your shield and buckler). But, as I read all of 91, this morning. its entire essence cried out to me. There is so much meaning in this Psalm and it spoke exactly to my heart of what I have been experiencing this past week; feeling overwhelmed by so many interruptions and my heart, mind, and body being out of whack because of the world. The weight of war and bloodshed in the news; death by fire and flood; friends stricken with cancer and old age; brings me to bow down, now, to you, Lord, and cry out, to ask for your glory and will and power to restore this broken world.
Psalm 91: My Refuge and My Fortress
He that dwells in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.
I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God, in him, will I trust.
Surely he shall deliver you from the snare of the fowler, and from the noisome pestilence.
He shall cover you with his feathers, and under his wings, shall you trust: his truth shall be your shield and buckler.
You shall not be afraid for the terror by night; nor for the arrow that flies by day;
Nor for the pestilence that walks by darkness; nor for the destruction that wastes at noonday.
A thousand shall fall at your side, and ten thousand at your right hand; but it shall not come near you.
Only with your eyes shall you behold and see the reward of the wicked.
Because you have made the Lord, which is my refuge, even the most High, your habitation;
There shall no evil befall you, neither shall any plague come near your dwelling.
For he shall give his angels charge over you, to keep you in all your ways.
They shall bear you up in their hands, lest you dash your foot against a stone.
You shall tread on the lion and adder; the young lion and the dragon, shall you trample under feet.
Because he has set his love on me, therefore, I will deliver him: I will set him on high, because he has known my name.
He shall call on me, and I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him and honor him.
With long life will I satisfy him, and show him my salvation. NIV
God bless you, David Mainse, and fellow saints. Thank you, also, David, for leading ‘The Cry’; I remember seeing it on 100 Huntley Street, years ago.
Psalm 91
Beverlee it will be a privilege to pray for you as we all need renewal time and again. I am with you sister and how is your dear friend Heather?
Thanks, Catherine. I spoke with Heather, yesterday; she is sitting up in a chair, praise God. I hope to see her once I am feeling better. Her spirits were definitely up. Thank you everyone for your prayers for her!
Amen Beverlee! … I too will stand by you in prayer. Sometimes life can be overwhelming, I understand. I know what you mean about ‘toxic’ people in our life, but God can use us even in these difficult situations. His thoughts are higher than our thoughts and His ways greater than our own. I agree with you, we must keep our eyes firmly fixed upon the Lord of our salvation, Jesus Christ.
Amen, Beverlee. Thanks for sharing Psalm 91. There’s a lot happening in the world right now. As you know, we can only deal with so much, with the help of God. Any more is overload. In His strength, may we be aware, healthy and strong to help where we may.
Hi David, What a wonderful memory of you leading “The Cry” across our great nation! Thanks for sharing another lovely photo. Regarding the reading for today, the wicked Athaliah was following in the footsteps of her terrible mother Jezebel.The apple certainly didn’t fall far from the tree! l’m sorry to hear that you have been going through some rough times Beverley, we will all l’m sure be praying for you. It’s interesting you mentioned “Toxic Company” as l had an arrow shot at me this past evening. It’s so true that hurting people very often hurt other people, and this was the case. Something very cutting and unkind was said about one of my cherished family members. l am pleased to say, l resisted in shooting back with something equally unkind! Praise the Lord, l’m growing! Thank you David for leading us every morning with your Blog. May the joy of the Lord continually be our strength! Have a great day everyone!
Praise God, Christine! It is always refreshing to know when a fellow saint grows and overcomes the darts of the devil. Amen!
As 2nd Chronicles may at times be drudgery, we at times find moments of inspiration and hope. Today’s reading is hopeful, a young King Joash is placed on his throne of Judah and God’s story (history) continues with the Hebrew people.
As the Hebrews struggled in their relationship with God because they refused to follow steadfastly, we too have moments of trial as Christians. Nobody said that the Christian was easy. Every Christian will have arid times and may even have times when they question their salvation and faith. I find this usually happens when we’ve taken our focus off of Jesus and have placed the focus on our own circumstances. Circumstances change, Christ doesn’t. Our hope is always in the Lord of our salvation Jesus Christ; it’s therefore necessary to ride out the arid times and look forward to days of renewal and refreshing in the Lord. As David said, sometimes we slip … it’s at these times we need to put our re-dedicator back into action. Remember, the Lord is steadfast and strong, He is always there for us in times of trouble, we need only to keep our eyes of faith fixed firmly upon Him and He will see us through those barren times.
Very reassuring, Scott. Thank you for those words. Amen!
Wonderful words of encouragement Scott. Thank you. God Bless.
Thank you David M. for the blog and fellow-bloggers for your comments and encouragements.Beverlee-Kay thank you for the up-date on Heather. Scripture memorizing is difficult for me too. What I find is other things seem to take priority. I so appreciate everyone comments. Psalm 46 is one that helps me. God bless each one!!!!
Dear David M. and precious fellow bloggers
Today I can actually sympathize with Doreen having a hard time memorizing the scripture and actually going via worship songs to memorize some of them english being my second language. As for the struggle that Beverlee has expressed she is surely not alone and yes being a Christian can often be challenging with a world that is so broken but thank God we can cry out to our Lord our Saviour our King our perfect Lamb Jesus Christ knowing that in his arms and His Perfect Love all is well . Iam reminded at this very moment of the beautiful old hymn All is well with my soul.
Have a blessed day David M. and dear fellow bloggers.
xxxx Carole.
Dear Pastor David and all fellow bloggers,
(oops, I posted the following on yesterday’s blog, so here it is!)
Praise God for answering our prayers for Ger’s successful surgery and in reconnecting Gloria and Brenda!
Miss writing the blog to you all as my kids had been off for the summer and been kept away from using the computer. Please pray for me this coming Sat. as I will have my another CT scan and ultrasound to check the update of my cancer growth, and next Thursday July 11th I will review the results with my oncologist.
Yesterday is my son
sorry, it’s cut off, guess cut and paste won’t work… Yesterday is my son
Okay… I’m typing all over again.
Yesterday is my son’s 8th year old birthday. When we asked him to make a wish before blowing his candles, he said, ” I wish my mommy will get better, and my grannies will know the Lord, and I’ll do okay in Grade 3.” I’m really touched by his love and care for me, and his concern for my parents in accepting Christ’s salvation. I praised the Lord for sending His Spirit to work in his little heart to slowly root his faith in the Lord.
I pray that the Lord will witness for Himself by answering my son’s birthday prayers, yet in His timing and His will, for the sake of His name and His glory.
“Bedrock Confidence” in the Lord,
Janet
Dear Janet
Will be praying for you for your scan on July 6th. and make sure to put all my church congregation on Sunday for a special request of Gods amazing healing and repair all for His Glory.
xxxx Carole.
I will be bringing you before The Lord in prayer Janet and that all will be well for the CY scan and your results will be good as you see your oncologist. Peace be ith you as you go. Love you in the Lord.
I am bit late coming to this blog today, so I hope there is still time to to add my encouragement to the table. Since I express myself better through poems, I will share a poem I wrote when going through a difficult times, like others have mentioned today.
I wrote this in 2001, so since I’m still here and still praising God, there is always light at the end of any dark tunnel for a Christian. I hope this poem will be reminder we are never alone in our troubles.
Hanging by A Thread
The darkest of nights cannot extinguished the faintest light.
All hope rests on promises to be kept and joys yet to be found.
Despair searches for a heart whose home it can invade with lies
but eternal Love never dies.
Strength that is gained by perseverance will last a lifetime until the journey’s end.
Then tears will be forgotten
and pain will have no memory.
Evil will end
and all that is good will be saved.
But is now in this day Lord I need you grace
and the endurance to finish well this race.
I cannot do this without You
For You are the thread I am hanging on to.
Another heartfelt poem Donna…thank you for sharing. God bless you sister.
I, too, Donna am just now reading through all the blog comments. That is a very lovely poem. What a gift God has given you to be able to write from your heart like that. God bless you!!
I did the bible reading first thing this morning and I must say that I enjoy it so much. I wonder each day what nugget of truth that Pastor David will have for us. Sometimes when I am reading in the Chronicles, I wonder what can I learn from this. But then, David always has something fresh for us. Thank you!!!!
Thinking and praying for you Beverlee, Janet, Ger, Heather and others who need a touch from the Lord.
What wonderful photos and what a beautiful couple, both inside and out! I learn so much from your daily blogs. It really helps me understand difficult passages. Blessings and prayers to you and all of your family and the Crossroads staff.
God Bless you Beverley, my Prayers are with you.
In regards to “The Cry”, I pray that more Canadian believers continue to come together to pray for our country, to remain in God’s domain and realize the importance of this. This is God’s land. Lets be sure to keep it that way by never forgetting to pray for our leaders and communities of this nation called Canada.
Donna ,thank you for sharing another one of your beautiful poems.
Diddo to all of the above.
Blessings
M. 🙂