Monday, February 16, 2015

NO OTHER GODS

Today’s Reading: Judges 17-18

Click scripture link to read online or HERE to listen online (then click the symbol of the audio speaker above the scripture portion).

 

Dan is a city mentioned in the Bible, described as the northernmost city of the Kingdom of Israel, belonging to the Tribe of Dan. The city is identified with the tel known as Tel Dan, or Tel el-Qadi in Israel. Following the division of the kingdom of Solomon in 930 BC, Jeroboam established a cult at Dan as an alternative to the Temple in Jerusalem. He placed a golden calf in the city and built a house of high places and an altar. The metal frame pictured here has been recently set up to help visitors imagine how Jeroboam’s altar might have looked.

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

 

Key Verse: Judges 17:6

In those days there was no king in Israel; everyone did what was right in his own eyes.

 

The book of Judges was probably edited from manuscripts written during the years when the Children of Israel still held to the belief that the God of Abraham was their King. It would appear that there was a godly king in Israel at the time this record was finalized. There was no revision of history which might have made the people look better. The good, the bad and the ugly are all here. These last five chapters of Judges are the most depressing in the entire Bible. This was because, “Everyone did what was right in his own eyes.” When the human family turns away from an objective standard of moral behaviour, disaster always follows. How often do we hear, in our time, statements such as, “If it feels good, do it” or, “I have my own beliefs,” etc. If we read these stories with the Bible in one hand and the newspaper in the other, one cannot help but notice a similarity in human behaviour.

PRAYER FOR TODAY:

Lord God, I realize more than ever that I need to follow Your unchanging standards for my behaviour if I am to truly live my life pleasing to You and as a good influence on others. I know that I need the prayer of the man of whom Jesus spoke who prayed, “God be merciful to me a sinner.” It’s so very true that, “All [including me] have sinned and come short…” Please lift me up higher in my conduct so that I may glorify You. In Jesus’ Name I pray. Amen!

100 PERSONAL WORDS:

I’ve just read a great book which shows the amazing benefits which have come to the human family as a result of having firm objective standards as opposed to “everyone doing what is right in their own eyes.” The book I highly recommend to all my blog readers is “How Christianity Changed The World” by a Lutheran pastor and scholar named Alvin Schmidt. The forward is by Dr. Paul Maier, a man well known to long-time 100 Huntley Street viewers. It shows us what the world might be like if Jesus had not come. It deals with the value of human life, sexual morality, the freedom and dignity of women, charity and compassion, hospitals and health care, education, labour and economic freedom, science, liberty and justice for all, and other areas of life in which, as I’ve often said, “Jesus changed everything.” It’s published by Zondervan and has 442 pages. Are you ready to tackle reading a book which will show to the world that “YOU NEED JESUS!!!” I’m not sure what it costs, as I borrowed my son-in-law, Bruce Stacey’s copy. I intend to buy my own copy no matter how much it costs. It’s just that important a book (click here to order).

Yours to take a stand for God’s standards and for life,

David

Stairs to what was the Bema – the High Place – in the ancient city of Dan.

13 thoughts on “Monday, February 16, 2015

  1. after swimming I sit in the lobby, eat my apple and do a puzzle. was planning to stop at the store before I went home and pick up 2 items on sale when the Holy Spirit spoke so clearly “You don;’t have your wallet!” That’s right, I didn’t have my wallet! I changed a bag and didn’t take the wallet! I was shaking! I put on my coat and went straight home! There were no cops checking any cars either! What a blessing! My driver’s license is in my wallet! I heard the words so clearly! I thank God that He got me home safe tonight! I am thankful that I heard the words and that I arrived home safely. Thank you Lord God! In Jesus Name I Pray AMEN

  2. Father God
    I know my sister in law said just yesterday everyone has their own belief
    It made me feel if i wish she knew what I know, who you are help me not to
    judge her father God . I pray that some day Leslie will know who you are.
    I am reading for the second time 1000 Gifts by Ann Volscamp has anyone
    read it, and take on her dare. I think I might, and buy her devotional when-
    ever this blizzard stops. Stay warm my blogger friends.
    Lianne Hogg

  3. It is difficult to grasp these people’s mindsets for sure.
    Thank u so much for all the great books u recommend Rev. M. A friend of mine has a 10-yr. old daughter who is being bullied at school. I need a good book that would help my friend deal with this problem. Any recommendations by anyone? WWJD?
    Blessings to all.

  4. Thank you David for recommending that book today which I just ordered. I am presently reading a second book by Joel Rosenburg and am learning a lot about the Middle East. Please Lord help us to become overcomers today. Thank you Beverlee for the music posting.

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