GOD’S BOOKS
Today’s Reading: Joshua 9
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).
Jacob's Well lies in the crypt of a modern Greek Orthodox church at Nablus in the West Bank. It is located at the entrance to a mountain pass between Mount Gerizim and Mount Ebal (referred to in Joshua 8). It is often considered the most authentic site in the Holy Land, since no one can move a well that was originally dug more than 40 metres deep into solid rock almost 4,000 years ago. Jacob's well is where Jesus asked a Samaritan woman for a drink and offered her "living water" (John 4:5-42).
GOOGLE MAPS – To see where the photo was taken, click HERE.
Key Verse: Joshua 9:14
Then the men of Israel took some of their provisions; but they did not ask counsel of the Lord.
The leadership of Israel once again, as in the case of the first attack on Ai, did not wait in prayer before God for His guidance. They were in the Promised Land. Everything seemed to be going their way. There was no more manna to eat. They had grown or confiscated a wide variety of food. While they never spoke the words to God, “We don’t need You anymore,” their decision about the Gibeonites showed an underlying attitude that resulted in Israel being deceived. This decision, without consulting the Lord, resulted in heartache for the people of God in the years to come.
We may want to read about those who did consult God before taking action (Hebrews 11:30-40). This list of God’s heroes starts in the book of Joshua. God’s list is becoming longer and longer with the names of those who listen to Him and do His will. Amen!
PRAYER FOR TODAY:
Lord Jesus, when I stand before You at the judgment of believers, may I, by Your grace, find my name written in the Book of Life. As you spoke the name, “Mary” (John 20:11-16) just after rising from the dead, in the same way I’m anticipating the ultimate joy of hearing You say my name. Like those in Hebrews 11:39, grant that I may, “obtain a good testimony through faith.” Amen!
100 PERSONAL WORDS:
I wonder if Jesus will have a new name for me. God changed Jacob’s name to Israel. Jesus changed Simon’s name to Peter. The Prophet Daniel writes of names written in God’s Book, as does the Apostle John in the Revelation (Daniel 12 & Revelation 21). I love the promise of God written in Malachi 3:16-18. A Book of Remembrance is being written “For those who fear the Lord, and who meditate on HIS NAME!” That is what I’m praying many more will do because of this blog. I hope that this message will be forwarded to others, and as a result, many more personal stories will be in God’s “Book of Remembrance.” YES!!!!! According to Malachi, all we must do to qualify for this Book is to fear the Lord, speak to one another, and the Prophet says, “The Lord listened and heard them.” As a direct result there is a Book of Remembrance. I think God writes, not on paper, but perhaps in cyberspace! I love to hear from those who read this blog.
Grateful with you that, by God’s grace, our names are in His book,
David
Underneath the Greek Orthodox church pictured above, visitors draw water from Jacob's Well. Jewish, Christian and Muslim traditions all associate this well with Jacob.
I definitely believe God is saying we need to pray for our leaders! oh boy! only 11 months until Christmas Eve! I hope everyone chuckled! blessings to everyone for a very good day filled with grace and mercy and peace and harmony!
Thank you Pastor David for your words of wisdom today and everyday. I know that when I don’t pray about problems they get worse, so the lesson is a good reminder to pray always making our requests known to God.
Did smile Sah. Have a great day everyone. Eleanor M.
Thank you so much! for your daily blog, I’m definitely sharing it with others. Had come across it during the Christmas break and committed to following it thru. Please keep up the good work, we serve an amazing God and he’s enabled you to touch many lives with your kind & loving ways. P.S. You son’s pictures are awesome and help in bringing the holy land to life for those who can’t travel there. God bless you & your family richly!
Amen, David! Call on the name of Jesus and we shall be saved! The photo of Jacob’s well is so meaningful–a true testament of biblical historical evidence of Jesus on earth. To God be all the praise and glory! Amen! Blessings dear saints!
“Believing Him; if storm-clouds gather darkly ’round,
And even if the heaven seem brass, without a sound?
He hears each prayer and even notes the sparrow’s fall.
“And praising Him; when sorrow, grief, and pain are near,
And even when we lose the thing that seems most dear?
Our loss is gain. Praise Him; in Him we have our All.
“Our hand in His; e’en though the path seems long and drear
We scarcely see a step ahead, and almost fear?
He guides aright. He has it thus to keep us near.
“And satisfied; when every path is blocked and bare,
And worldly things are gone and dead which were so fair?
Believe and rest and trust in Him, He comes to stay.”
Delays are not refusals; many a prayer is registered, and underneath it the words: “My time is not yet come.” God has a set time as well as a set purpose, and He who orders the bounds of our habitation orders also the time of our deliverance.”
(From Charles E Cowman Devotionals – Streams in the Desert, January 24)
A young girl got her name changed to one in the bible at our church, but she
keeping her other names for her second name the same. That is the first in ours.
I pray that my name will be in the Book of Life as well.
Joshua was deceived by a very clever people. I ask Jesus to guide me in big matters and little matters and then go ahead and attempt them. Sometimes nothing seems to happen but at least I believe they were God-guided. What we think should be the outcome of our prayers and actions isn’t always God’s plan. He knows best.
Found this interesting article about proof of The Exodus:
http://www.janetdenison.com/blog/325-patterns-of-evidence-the-movie-the-media-missed
Last week at the end of my bible study group we watched the video clip of Ernie Hollands that you had added to your blog that day. Everyone went home smiling and so I wondered if you have considered putting together a DVD of all the humorous things that have happened on 100 Huntley over the years. Since many people suffer depression in January due to the lack of sunlight, it would be fun to have a humorous clip shown each day throughout the month.
this is a wonderful idea! I thought about htis one time also! Mr. Mainse, I think this is worth looking into. And to be able to smile or laugh while studying God’s Word is a good thing! In fact I believe we need mroe laughter and I am sure Jesus would agree. Good idea!
I do too Sah
Good morning David,
What an unselfish servant of the Lord you are. Your blog facilitates my reading of the bible, your discipline is inspiring and I have much to learn from you. I gleen much from your words and share them with the group of intercessors I lead. I want you to know how much your faithfulness impacts God’s kingdom and me. I am being continually transformed by you words and prayers! May God continue to richly bless you!
Good morning Dear David,
What a pleasure it is to awake early and go to my iPad and read your message. I make my coffee and sit in bed with my little dashound DragonSlayer (he is just a little Black and Tan). I think he loves this quite time to it is so wonderful to be in the peace of the Lord Jesus Christ. You are my helper every morning. GodBless you and keep you.We are studying the book is Revelation at our church Centre Street (Calgary). What a great time to study this book to prepare us for the return of Jesus.
Still with you David enjoying the blog very much each morning
David,
What exactly does it mean when you say one must “fear the LORD” to get our names in the Book of Remembrance?
from my confirmation days I think it meant to “honour deeply, respect deeply, come into His presence with holiness, with a clean heart, to come into His presence with our total mind, body and soul` or something to that affect. I used to think it meant `frightened`but that is not how God wants us to be. He is our Father, and we need not fear Him in the way we understand fear. Keep checking and try this website. Glad you asked the question. have a great day.
Very meaningful prayer this morning, David and your entry ministered to me also Beverlee. God met me in prayer this morning and would you please pray for a nephew, his wife and family, especially the son. The Lord showed me in short order that the way to disarm the devil was for the mother to start attending church so please pray for that too. Thank you so much. How important it is to keep looking to the Lord and ask His counsel. Love you all.
You betcha! When Mom starts to get dressed, comb her hair, have her purse nearby and can get the attention of the rest of the family with a word but just go about the business of gets things in order and than says, well, come on we are going to church and see our neighbours and maybe go the park afterwards, every one will be in the car before her! AMEN
I printed off Hebrews 11: 30 – 40 as a reminder. Very impressing to see that record of these men of faith. Mind boggling to think that 4,000 yrs ago a well could be dug through rock without all the modern tools we have today. It’s really a miracle too.
Thoroughly enjoying your blog each morning. Thank you! I was very interested to see the church above the site of Jacob’s well because when we were there in 1978, the well was right out in the open. Do you know when this church was built?
I don’t think God needs cyberspace but as the Bible was written on paper, this blog is written in cyberspace.
Thanks so much David, for reminding us that we must be in a constant attitude of prayer to avoid being by deceived by those around us.
Your faithful service to the body of Christ is deeply appreciated!
Thank you so much David for doing this everyday. I so enjoy it and love the pictures !
Bless you and your family and also blessings to my blog friends. From the Wet Coast:)
Even Joshua got deceived!!! because he forgot about God. The God who guided him through difficult situations every step of the way into the Promised Land.
Lord help me to stay close to you daily, to hear Your Voice; to be in tune with what Your plans are Lord in my walk daily!! Psalm 119:105 says “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.” May it be so!
Amen!