MAN OF WAR
Today’s Reading: Numbers 30-31
Click scripture link to read online or HERE to listen online (then click the symbol of the audio speaker above the scripture portion on the right-hand side).
Located just inside the Jaffa Gate in the Old City of Jerusalem, this is the oldest Protestant Church in the Middle East. Christ Church was completed in 1849 and soon after became known as "The Jewish Protestant Church." This is where the prayer meeting I mention below took place.
GOOGLE MAPS – To see where Reynold took the photo, Click HERE.
Key Verse: Numbers 31:6a
Then, Moses sent them to war, one thousand from each tribe.
No wonder this book is called “Numbers.” Our reading is once again filled with numbers. The census taken by our government, attendance at Sunday School and Church services, as well as the amount of the tithes and offerings given each Sunday, are important to us and to God. Numbers allow us to plan, enabling us to move forward, or to know when we’re not moving forward.
We are appalled at the violence, no doubt, in our reading today. If we are watching the news from the Middle East, we will probably conclude that not much has changed in 3,500 years. But there is change for those who follow Jesus with a fervent heart. He teaches us to love our enemies. We can debate “The Just War,” but that can be a frustrating exercise. We who live in lands of peace and safety cannot fully understand the lives of the people of this area, let alone understand the circumstances of Midian and ancient Israel. We may want to read, for consolation, the following Scriptures: John 14:27 & 16:33, Ephesians 2:14, Colossians 3:15, 2 Peter 1:2.
PRAYER FOR TODAY:
Lord God, I ask for grace to keep my mind centred on You. You promised that as my mind is “stayed on You,” You will keep me in “perfect peace” (Isaiah 26:3). Amen!
100 PERSONAL WORDS:
Allow me to expand on a story I referred to in a recent blog posting. It was in March, 1978, that people from various Christian churches gathered at the church pictured above to pray for the “peace of Jerusalem.” The next morning, President Jimmy Carter spoke in the Israeli Parliament. He looked directly at Prime Minister Begin of Israel and said, “The people want peace,” indicating that Begin did not. He ordered Air Force One readied for departure for the U.S.A. Buses pulled up for reporters to travel to the airport to cover his departure. I was credentialed as one of those reporters, making daily reports to the viewers of 100 Huntley Street. I decided to remain behind. Shortly thereafter, I was approached by Hebrew and Arabic radio station reporters for an interview. They had to fill in live-on-air until their reporters got to the airport. They asked the question, “Do you think there’s a chance for peace?” I felt as if I was in the clasp of God. Contrary to all the prevailing wisdom, I said, “Yes, there will be a breakthrough. Last night, the churches of Jerusalem prayed, and God is answering our prayers. For the first time in history, three leaders representing three different religions, Christianity, Judaism and Islam, prayed together in Washington, D.C. Carter, Begin, and Sadat joined in prayer to the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob for the success of the Camp David Accords. God is answering their prayers. There will be a breakthrough.” I believe that this was a prophetic word that helped destroy the plans of Satan. It was carried on live radio all over the middle east. The so-called “prince and power of the air” was shot down and God’s plans prevailed. Air Force One did not leave that day and the peace treaty between Egypt and Israel was signed. I had the undeserved honour to share that story with President Carter at a “Habitat for Humanity” home building project. I started to weep as I talked about the night of prayer while he and the other leaders were at Camp David (see my personal words in the September 13 blog). I’ll never forget how he put his arm around me and said, “There, there.” I’m not sure exactly what he meant by that, but I know God used me for His purpose that fateful day in Israel. The reason for prophecy in the Bible is not to make work for preachers; it is to fight against “principalities and powers, rulers of the darkness of this age, spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places” (Ephesians 6:12). Sorry, I could not get this story into 100 words.
Yours, for God to use each one of us at His time and place, for His purpose,
David
Amen, David. Indeed, use us, oh Lord, at Your time and place, for Your purpose and Kingdom and glory! Amen!
In the stillness of the moment, You are everywhere,
In every breath, and wind, and sound, and sight we see.
In the meaning of forgiveness, built on sacrifice,
As You died upon the cross, to set us free.
For eternal life that lies ahead, beyond this world
We live to glorify Your Name, upon the earth.
You alone are the Creator, God, of everything
We live to testify the greatness of Your Word.
Beverlee Kay, November 22, 2014.
As I celebrate my 51st birthday, today, I thank you, dear saints for your continuous prayers. I hold your support and love deeply in my heart strings. To those who read the blog and don’t post comments, but are praying–thank you!! The power of prayer is felt so deeply and moves mountains, as we know!! What a wonderful group of blog friends you have become over the past 2 1/2 years! I so look forward to sharing God’s Word with David Mainse and you, each morning! God’s continued blessings, to all!
Happy Birthday Beverlee!
Our Lord works in wondrous and mysterious ways… I repeat your words from above here: “Amen, David. Indeed, use us, oh Lord, at Your time and place, for Your purpose and Kingdom and glory! Amen!”
Blessings brothers and sisters…
A very happy birthday to you Beverlee:-)
Happy birthday dearest Beverlee, May God grant you many more to come. Thank you for your poem.
From The Atlantic Ocean on our way to Bermuda. Catherine
Happy Birthday Beverlee !
God Bless !
Diane 🙂
Happy birthday Beverlee ♡♥♡♥♡♥♡♥♡♥♡
Yes we continue to pray for the peace of Jerusalem and The eeturn of Our Lord and Savior The Lord Jesus Christ of Nazareth
PRAISE GOD FOREVER WORTHY IS THE LAMB THAT WAS SLAIN
ALL GLORY AND HONOR GO TO JESUS THE KING OF KINGS AND THE LORD OF LORDS AMEN AND AMEN
It’s so interesting that you should share that personal story David as about 6:15 am I felt God speak to me upon wakening and say,” The leaders of the world are getting together to fight the enemy, it’s time for Christians to unite together to unite and pray like never before.” This is also the story today about Moses and the Israelites against the enemy, the Midianites.
A Very Happy Birthday, Beverlee. You are a very special sister in the Lord and has blessed us all. God Bless You! Your poem is lovely! Thank you!
I am blessed today as my doctor took a HBP pill off me yesterday and said I was doing great. Thank you for prayers. Blessings saints!
Wonderful, Ger.
Today’s reading is indeed appalling. Thank you so much for your explanations Rev. They make all the difference in my understanding of days gone by and present days.
Praying for your spiritual growth and safety in Israel.
Blessings dear fellow saints.
Love the blog. Happy BD Beverlee! Praying for the situations around the world (bus in Somalia with 60 people hijacked – Buffalo & area buried in unimaginal snow, with flooding a possibility, or probability, with warmer temps coming). Remembering that our God is totaly aware & in control. Bless all.
“unimaginable”!
Happy birthday Beverley,and David M. And Norma Jean May The Lord
keep you all safe in the Holy land ….Thank you for this blog…Your explanation of the
scriptures helps to under stand a whole lot better….R…
Thank you for sharing the wonderful story of Camp David. Our God is in control and still uses his people when they let him! Carol
Dear Rev David M,
What a wonderful example of what the Lord can accomplish though us if we only let Him lead!
Happy Birthday, Beverlee! You are so generous to share with us your beautiful poems. Have a great day!
Like dear Ann Mainse said many times, let’s keep our eyes focused on Jesus, for after all, it’s all about Him. Amen.
Have a blessed day my fellow saints!
xxxCarole
Happy Birthday Beverlee, enjoyed your poem, thanks Pastor David for sharing your story again, you could write another 100 words and we would be even more blessed, no need to apologize. Take care everyone and have a great day. Eleanor M.
I began writing poetry right out of the blue in late April 2011,shortly before I was baptized at Camp Pagweak outside Pugwash,NS and did not sign nor date my poems until Facebook showed a professional poet in New England with the same name,thus,I had to add my initials.In that light,please realize that I have always felt this poem to be prophetic although this is the first time have stated so.It is one of my earliest.God bless
From Jerusalem
From Jerusalem like a mighty Lion,
Shall come His voice out of Zion,
As the heavens and earth shake,
But His people need not quake.
He is always the strength and hope
Of Israel’s children as they cope
In a world of sin and living threat,
But doom will pose never a fret.
In His hands shall the faithful rest
And in His heart,the chosen best,
But all who fail to know His name
Shall feel His wrath and their shame.
He is just and our loving Sovereign,
Who knows that we are all brethren,
So He forgives us within His grace
To take us home to His holy Place.
G W (Bill) Marshall (2011)
Thank you for including the scriptures on “Peace”. the Peace that comes from Our Lord!!!
Your emphasis on the importance on prayer is so true. And especially when being impressed to pray in obedience to your inner voice. Thank you for sharing.
Blessings on your birthday, Beverlee…rejoice in the Lord…joined with your loved ones!!!
Thank you, saints, for the birthday wishes! 🙂