Tuesday, February 3, 2015

HORNETS, A STONE, AND BONES

Today’s Reading: Joshua 24

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).

 

Caption...

Ad Deir (Arabic for “The Monastery”) is a monumental building carved out of rock in the ancient city of Petra. Built by the Nabataeans in the 1st century, it measures 50 metres wide by approximately 45 metres high.

GOOGLE MAPS – To see where the photo was taken, click HERE.

 

Key Verse: Joshua 24:15

And if it seems evil to you to serve the Lord, choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve….But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.

 

Three points we might consider – First, human free will. There’s an old spiritual song taken from verse 12 – “God did not force them to go ‘gainst their will.’ He just made them willing to go.” The hornets caused them of their own free will to change their minds.

Second, the choice, again by free will, to serve the Lord. Surely the threat of judgment should’ve been as effective as the hornets. Joshua led by example in choosing to serve the Lord.

Third, the visual message of the stone of witness and the bones of Joseph which were brought from Egypt (Genesis 50:24-26). We may decide to have our own visual aids for our children and grandchildren. Our witness could be our personal testimony of faith written by the lawyer in the document known as our Last Will and Testament. It may be a beautiful wall hanging which they will treasure. There is great potential in using our imaginations here.

PRAYER FOR TODAY:

[Personalize this prayer for your own family, as I have]

Lord God, grant that I may be very deliberate in planning my spiritual legacy for my 4 children, my 16 grandchildren and my 10 great-grandchildren. I ask for a gift of creativity so that I will communicate effectively for time and eternity. In Jesus’ Name I pray, Amen!

100 PERSONAL WORDS:

I was just 12 when my mother died of cancer. She was only 50 years old. I have powerful memories of her. She cared for me and my two sisters, Willa Hodgins and Elaine Boudinot, while my Dad was away during the Second World War. She was loving and strict, a good combination. The last time I heard her speak out at a prayer meeting she quoted Joshua saying, “As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” That statement is true for our family. When she was about to take her last breath, I thought I heard her say my name. I went to her bedside, kissed her and said, “Mother, I’ll meet you in Heaven.” My Dad claimed I added the words, “I will, I will!” Perhaps it was my imagination but I thought I saw a smile beginning on her lips as she gave a last sigh and was gone to be in the immediate presence of Jesus in Heaven. I have an unmovable stone of witness from my mother. In case you read my blog up there, Mother, I’ll see you soon!

Yours for an unmistakable witness to our faith,

David

Reynold inside the Ad Deir “Monastery” in Petra.

Caption...

The spectacular rock patterns in Petra are a feast for the eyes.

11 thoughts on “Tuesday, February 3, 2015

  1. I think your mother left you with the right words about serving the Lord. Your blog is a testimony. Your last will and testament may have some opportunities. Your life well lived speaks volumes.

  2. Absolutely FACINATING pictures! It is a wonder to think about the skill and passion behind those whom built the Monastery. Lots to think about today. Have a good day, everyone!

  3. It is cold here in N.B. But the lord has supplied me with a good heating system A wood furnace .Have enjoyed the book of Joshua very much Looking forward to the next book Keeping up with your blog each day God bless you abundantly

  4. God bless you David. Always like to hear your testimony. Thanks for the song Beverlee. Wonder what ladies are planning on going to Israel who need roommates. Hope it is alright to ask. Blessings.

  5. Thank you for those amazing pictures of Petra, I’ve never seen pictures of how the walkway looks nor the inside of the monastery, it’s so awesome! And the patterns on the rocks are phenomenal… What incredible beauty has our Lord prepared for us in His creation! I can’t even imagine what it’s going to be like in my permanent home!!! Thank you Reynold for capturing such special views for us.

  6. Your comments re leaving a spirituall lagacy for your children in your blog.
    is interesting…..I have been thinking about this for a long time…….and here you suggest this….amazing. If it is not too much to ask……when you get your spiritual legacy printed….could you post it on your blog? Enjoy your blog! Doris

  7. I’ve always wondered what it looks like inside these buildings in Petra, and here it is. Thank you Reynold for your awesome photos, and thank you David for your blog. Daily food for the spirit.

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