THE RIVER
Suggested Reading: Ezra 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).
One significant source of water in the Middle East comes from a karst spring found in the Golan Heights region of Israel. The water from this spring forms the Dan River which is the largest and most important tributary of the Jordan River. It is fed by rain and snow that filters down through the rocks of Mount Hermon and emerges at its foot, creating the largest karst spring in the Middle East.
GOOGLE MAPS – To see where the photo was taken, click HERE.
Key Verses: Ezra 8:21, 23
Then I proclaimed a fast there at the river of Ahava, that we might humble ourselves before our God, to seek from Him the right way for us and our little ones and all our possessions…so we fasted and entreated our God for this, and He answered our prayer.
Let us learn once again today that there is a personal God who hears and answers prayer. Fasting won’t gain any special favour, but it does emphasize the high level of our fervency. James, known as the brother of our Lord, wrote that, “The effective fervent prayer of a righteous man (or woman) avails much” (James 5:18b). The word “river” is repeated 4 times in our reading. Prayer is like a river. There is a source, found in the rains and springs God provides. The river flows, picking up other little streams as it goes. Like the Jordan River or the Nile, without these life-giving waters, much of the land would be swallowed up by the desert.
Yesterday, our key verse told us that the people “prospered through the prophesying of Haggai, the prophet, and Zechariah.” We considered a sample of the preaching of Haggai yesterday. Today let’s read from the other preacher…Zechariah 1:14-17 and Zechariah 9:9-10. Here is a repeated promise from Psalm 72:8 which is the motto that the founders of Canada chose to describe our country and to proclaim that God is Lord of Canada. Consider Zechariah 4:6b “Not by might [corporate strength] or by power [personal strength] but by My Spirit, says the Lord of hosts.” Is it any wonder that the people prospered? They made a firm decision to believe the Word of God spoken to them by these two Holy Spirit-filled men. We too can decide to believe!
PRAYER FOR TODAY:
Father God, as is recorded in Mark 9:24, “Immediately the man cried out and said with tears, ‘Lord I believe; help my unbelief!'” Dear Lord, I am encouraged by reading this story and praying the same prayer. Thank You! Amen!!! (Mark 9:14-29).
100 PERSONAL WORDS:
Haggai and Zechariah had influence on the people of God. Esther, the young Jewish girl who became the bride of the King of the Persian Empire, had a profound influence. No doubt it was her presence in the palace that brought about the letter which we have in today’s reading. Everyone of us have a sphere of influence. I mentioned in my first commentary on the book of Ezra a Jewish Canadian named Ezra Levant, who broadcasts on the Sun TV Network every evening. He has an increasing influence on Canadian life and politics. Like those who spoke out against the prevailing conditions in Israel, Levant has been persecuted but refuses to be “politically correct.” Check him out. Whether I agree with him or not, I find him fascinating (his website is here).
I turn 77 in less than a month, but I’m still determined to speak out. I’m looking just now at a statue presented to me in Hollywood. No, it’s not an Oscar; it’s called the “Crystal Teddy Award.” It’s a teddy bear of glass mounted on a base, and it reads, “David Mainse for his impact on redeeming the Values of the Entertainment Media. MOVIEGUIDE AWARDS 2005” (for a list of the other award winners that year click here – mine is listed at the end). You can check out the Movieguide awards website here and their movie review site here. I think I see some improvement in the content of movies and TV shows. Those who decided to give me this special lifetime achievment award thought 100 Huntley Street and our other productions through the years were of some benefit in influencing culture. Thanks to all who read this who have made this influence possible by your support through the years.
Yours for all who use whatever opportunities we have to speak out on issues about which we care,
David
This sign is at one of the main points where the water comes out of the ground. You can read about the impressive volume of water that this Karst Spring produces.
Norma-Jean and me at the 2005 Movieguide Awards night with Movieguide Founder Dr. Ted Baehr. Ted's father was a western movie star in the early days of the movies. Ted presented the Teddy Bear award to me. I love my brother Ted. He has had a huge, positive influence on Hollywood. The big stars and movie producers all attend his awards night at the Hollywood Hilton Ballroom. They want their movies to receive his endorsement. Be sure to check out the MOVIEGUIDE information site listed above.
If each one of us could impact our sphere of influence for the Lord in all we do and say, God could surely do a mighty work. We tend to put limitations on ourselves by our thoughts and fears. The disciples of Jesus were strengthened through the power of the Holy Spirit for witnessing and spreading a testimony to Christ; we too can tap into this same resource today through believing that Jesus is Lord.
I always enjoy your readings but today I disagree with your comment about the content of TV shows and movies. TV, unfortunately is a big part of my life and I pray that most of the summer and fall choices will not succeed. There is so much violence, the occult, the sex that is shown in incredible. No one seems to know what real comedy is anymore, writers don’t know what to write about so they come up with pure filth and consider it entertainment. They exploit ‘actors’ lives in detail so that the viewer can be part of it. Can live in ‘lah lah land’ with them.
The new “Amazing Race Canada” is another production which has started by portraying Canada beautifully, but lacks credibility in language and character. I applaud the Movie Guide Review website. Perhaps a link could be established with Crossroads360. Have a great day everyone!
Claudette I think all of us need to pray that any of these programs will not succeed
and that we need guide them to make the right choices in what we see for ourselves, for our families everyday.
Lianne Hogg
I hope this blog series will become a book…What a way to encourage others to read through the Bible..Brenda J Wood
I am in agreement with Claudette and Lianne, about television programming; too much violence; I watch limited television as a result; some movies and documentaries; find listening to Christian radio is better for me, personally.
In reference to fasting and prayer, I learned from an extremely Spirit focused and incredibly wise African American teacher I was fortunate to study with for several years that spiritual power is gained through fasting and prayer. As Jesus taught his disciples in Mark 9:14-29, prayer and fasting was needed to cast out the evil spirit in the person. “And when He had come into the house, His disciples asked Him privately, “Why could we not cast it out?” So He said to them, “This kind can come out by nothing but prayer and fasting.”
Be blessed, fellow saints….
Praise God! I’m back, David Mainse, our wonderful leader and family, and all my faithful fellow believers, readers and prayer supporters. The operation went well and I received care for a whole month, first in St. John Regional Hospital, then an ambulance ride and transfer to Perth-Andover Hospital, a week at one of my brother and wife’s in Woodstock, N.B. and now I am home to care for myself and with the help of some friends before my six week checkup and x-ray on the 2nd of August. I so appreciate and thank you for your prayers which played a great part in my success. I never had an operation before and this was a big one, but” God is faithful, who will not tempt us beyond what we are able to bear.”(1 Cor. 10:13, paraphrased). It was a journey and the Lord taught me many things which helps me understand the whys. I took my New Testament and Test your Bible Knowledge Book which kept my focused on the Lord the whole time(There was not a complete Bible to be found in the two hospitals I was in.) Now I have a month’s catching up of 100words.ca to do and I did not want to do it halfheartedly. My sister, Kathy informed me of some of your comments and I appreciate your concern. My biggest challenge right now is to get my walking done each day alone with a walking stick, which is very important. I am into Ezra and can identify with his saying that” the good hand of the Lord is upon us.” Thank you, David Mainse for your faithful leadership. God bless all of you today. I am looking forward to what’s ahead.
Dear Ger,
Welcome home and I can assure you from personal experience of multiple surgeries and rehabilitation that we have in Jesus the Best Healer . So sister press on knowing that all of us are behind you in prayer and our grateful for your return. Thank you Jesus thankyou Lord. Amen .
xxxx Carole .
So excited you are back Ger and continual prayers go up to our Healing Saviour for you. He is our rock and high tower. Hugs to you. Catherine
Wonderful news–we give praise to our Lord for sustaining you through a difficult time and for all the valuable lessons He has given you, that you will no doubt share with us in the weeks to come. Praying for continuing healing and welcome back
So happy to hear you are back, Ger!!!! Praise God. Blessings to you for your continued healing and steadiness walking. God bless you! You have been missed, sister Ger!!!
It is good to know Canada was founded on Gods word. We need to pray for our
Country more than ever. I to am a fan of Ezre Lavant from Sun News, he has
exposed some important issues concerning the future our great Country.
I am content with knowing our Lord and saviour is in total control. Amen!
Yesterday I heard an interesting statement made by a wonderful woman who claimed that she presently was in HollyWood and that there is a secret under ground church full of producers and actors who are tired of the filth and evil coming out of the movie industry who have been born again. She said God is about to pour out his holy spirit on Holly Wood. She said we are in for a big surprise. She said soon we are going to see moral content being intigrated back in to that industry.
Praise the Lord I can hardly wait for that Amen!
M. 🙂
It is good to know Canada was founded on Gods word. We need to pray for our
Country more than ever. I to am a fan of Ezre Lavant from Sun News, he has
exposed some important issues concerning the future our great Country.
I am content with knowing our Lord and saviour is in total control. Amen!
Yesterday I heard an interesting statement made by a wonderful woman who claimed that she recently was in HollyWood and that there is a secret under ground church full of producers and actors who are tired of the filth and evil coming out of the movie industry who have been born again. She said God is about to pour out his holy spirit on Holly Wood. She said we are in for a big surprise. She said soon we are going to see moral content being intigrated back in to that industry.
Praise the Lord I can hardly wait for that Amen!
M. 🙂
Strange posted twice?
Jesus said that when we fast we should do it to be seen by God not to impress people. If fasting did nothing, it would not be advocated by Jesus and he would not have given instructions on how to do it. It is not to be demanded by men but if God moves a person to fast, it is not vain.
Thank you for your kindness, Carole, Catherine, Donna and Beverlee. I missed all of you too and looking forward to getting all caught up again.
So glad you’re back, Ger and on the mend. Welcome back so good to see you on the blog again!
Happy to see you back on the journey Ger :-)God Bless!