SPRINGS OF LIVING WATER
Today’s Reading: Joshua 15
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).
Here is David Reynold examining the Bell Cave at Beit Guvrin with its beige-coloured limestone walls. There are about 800 bell-shaped caves located in the area. Many of these caves are linked via an underground network of passageways that connect groups of 40-50 caves. The town of Beit Guvrin replaced the city of Maresha, one of the Judean cities mentioned in the Bible as a city fortified by Rehoboam (Joshua 15:44 and 2 Chronicles 11:5-8).
GOOGLE MAPS – To see where the photo was taken, click HERE.
Key Verse: Joshua 15:19
She answered, “Give me a blessing; since you have given me land in the South, give me also springs of water.” So he gave her the upper springs and the lower springs.
Joshua 15:16-19 is repeated in Judges 1:12-15. This is evidence of good history. Othniel and Achsah, husband and wife, were first cousins. This arrangement is not uncommon in modern times amongst the indigenous people of the middle east. What was uncommon in ancient times is that a woman would own property. Men of God, such as Caleb, have always recognized women’s rights. In Jesus’ time, women were not allowed to be witnesses in court. Yet, the first witness to the resurrection of Jesus was Mary Magdalene, God’s choice as a witness in the court of human history.
There is an archaeological excavation 13 km southwest of Hebron. There they found two spring-fed chambers, upper and lower, each chamber tapped by a well. The experts believe this is Debir, mentioned in our reading. This is desert land and Achsah needed the blessing of these springs. God has promised to supply our needs. Ask! (Philippians 4:19). Jesus cried out, “If any man thirst, let him come unto Me and drink” (John 7:37-39).
PRAYER FOR TODAY:
Lord God, I’m asking You for a blessing. Caleb was an example of Your generous heart. I praise You for Your gift of the wells of Salvation. Please give me grace to drink deeply of the Springs You provide. In Jesus’ Name, Amen! (for worship today, we may want to read several times Isaiah 12).
100 PERSONAL WORDS:
Today’s reading and our key verse cause me to think of the woman at the well. Jesus gave her “living water” (full story in John 4:1-42). I’m expecting the blessing of Isaiah 55 (entire chapter click here). I want the blessing of God’s thoughts. How can this be? Want to get wet? Isaiah says to go out in the rain. He’s giving a picture of soaking in God’s thoughts, which are expressed in God’s Words. Because I’m soaking every day in God’s Words as I do this blog, I’m confident that I’m thinking God’s thoughts after Him. The result is that God’s purposes are being accomplished and as Isaiah 55:12 tells me, I “shall go out with joy, and be led out with peace; the mountains and the hills shall break forth into singing.” This is a great blessing!
Yours for being greatly blessed,
David
Another view inside the Bell Cave at Beit Guvrin.
Please can I sign up again. I used to receive them and love them – and something happened. I asked to re sign up and nothing even in junk mail. Love and appreciate fhem
We just re-subscribed you. Hopefully it works.
God bless!
See my first name – not a 1 but an l like L. I never received anything yet.
Amazing photos of the caves showing God’s magnificent power in creation. Powerful message, this morning, confirming the importance of Mary Magdalene as the first witness to the resurrection of Jesus and God’s choice. Amen! God supplies all our needs–ask and so shall we receive. Amen! Jesus is our living water and we are soaking in the Word and receiving God’s blessings. Amen! Thank You Jesus, for giving us the gift of the Holy Spirit that lives and breathes through us because You died for us and became glorified. Amen! We are nothing without You and everything with You! We can do all things through Christ who strengthens us. All for the love of Jesus! Amen! Be blessed, dear saints!
Seek Thee First The Kingdom of God
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S1Y8Naj3RFk
thnx for sharing this song Beverlee
I found today’s reading “too much information”. I realize it wouldn’t be to the Israelites though.
Amazing pics!
Found this cute hymn of a way children can worship God:
Joy, Joy Down in My Heart: http://youtu.be/q8U11ExlXlw
Thank you Rev. and God bless you all fellow saints.
Great message and photos, David and Reynold. I never got back to the blog yesterday but I always check back the next day. Thank you for your prayers Beverlee and Lianne for your protection in the snow storm and I felt peace through it all. A tractor came in and out once this morning and I think I will wait for the sun to come out tomorrow before I snowblow and rake the roofs. Please continue to pray for me as I am involved with a couple families(one my family I mentioned lately) to present Christ and do battle with the enemy. Feel like I am on the frontlines and need your reinforcement of prayer. Love you all.
Thanks for your insight today David! I found today”s writing so uplifting and inspiring!
Isaiah chap. 12, just warms my heart!
Thank you for this blog Rev. David …the scripture was not too easy to read, but in the input you included with the various scriptures, was truly uplifting. Isaiah 55 is one of my favorite!
Reynold’s photos are spectacular…I had never heard of Bell caves…The creativity of God’s creation; how marvelous!!