Monday, May 11, 2015

GUIDANCE

Today’s Reading: 2 Kings 1-2

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

 

In the Ancient Agora Museum in Athens Greece is a monument base commemorating the victory in a race at the Panathenaic Games from the 4th century BC. In these games a fully armed warrior jumps on and off a moving chariot. In today’s reading a chariot and horses of fire appear.

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

 

Key Verse: 2 Kings 1:6a

So they said to him, “A man came up to meet us, and said to us, ‘Go, return to the king who sent you, and say to him, “Thus says the Lord: ‘Is it because there is no God in Israel that you are sending to inquire of Baal-Zebub, the god of Ekron?…'”‘”

The first lesson from today’s reading is that we are to have nothing to do with any aspect of the occult. It’s tempting to try to know the future through non-biblical means. Seeking such knowledge brought the curse of death on Ahaziah. Let us heed the warning of Elijah!
The second lesson is that we must avoid distractions. The word to Elisha was that if he saw Elijah ascend, he would receive a double portion (the eldest son received double what others received as an inheritance, because he took care of needy family members). If Elisha had watched the chariot and the horses, he would have missed the blessing. He focused totally on Elijah, who was not taken up in the chariot, but in a whirlwind. Let us, with laser-like focus, keep our eyes on Jesus, and not be distracted by miracles, signs and wonders.
Thirdly, consider the differences between Elijah and Elisha. Elijah, according to the Scriptures, is a type of John the Baptist (Matthew 17:10-13). Elisha reminds us of Jesus. Elijah’s ministry emphasized judgment and the Law. He lived an austere life separated from the people. Elisha lived in constant touch with ordinary people, and his ministry emphasized life and grace.

PRAYER FOR TODAY:

Lord God, please help me to focus on You and You alone. You hold my future in Your hands. I trust You for daily guidance. Grant me grace to keep my eyes on You, Lord Jesus, and I know that as I refuse to be distracted, I can’t go wrong. Thank You, Jesus! Amen!!!

100 PERSONAL WORDS:

I have a friend named Herman. Herman was a salesman for Litton Industries, a company that, among other products, manufactured a system for aircraft called, “Inertial Navigation.” One day he shared this story with me…

“I’ve just sold and installed one of our systems in the corporate jet of the President of Home Oil of Calgary, Alberta. In order to have automatic guidance to your destination, you punch into the onboard computer the co-ordinates of the latitude and longitude of your desired destination. The unit was installed in Toronto and carried the President to Calgary. Herman received a call from Calgary about four hours after departure. The President sounded angry. He said, ‘We got over Calgary air space and then trouble. It landed us one foot to the left of the centre line on the runway.’ Then he burst into laughter.”

What amazing accuracy! The lesson Herman taught me was that if I want guidance, I simply put God’s promises into effect by praying and believing, and then take off. He has promised guidance to His desired destination for my life. This removes the potential for human error. Solomon got it right when he wrote, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths” (Proverbs 3:5-6).

Yours to help navigate our lives always to the centre line on the runway of life. God’s will is our destination, and we must not be distracted by other considerations,

David

Arrowheads displayed in the Archaeological Museum of Pella, Greece.

A warrior’s helmet displayed in the Archaeological Museum of Pella, Greece. By the time the books of Kings conclude, Greece was just beginning to rise as a world military power.

 

26 thoughts on “Monday, May 11, 2015

  1. Amen–my favourite scripture verse Proverbs 3:5-6. How often I get pulled under by fears and doubts and worries. Thank you for constantly reminding me to keep my focus on Jesus–amen!

    Last night at Kingston Gospel Temple, Drs. Jay and Merida Rawlings, were here from Israel (www.Israelvision.tv) and put on an awesome service. He mentioned he formerly worked at 100 Huntley Street, and I thought of you, David! He shared an incredible witness for Israel. The worship was fantastic followed by fellowship. The presence of the Holy Spirit was so uplifting! Praise God through whom all blessings flow!

    “This is what the Sovereign Lord says: Once again I will yield to Israel’s plea and do this for them: I will make their people as numerous as sheep, as numerous as the flocks for offerings at Jerusalem during her appointed festivals. So will the ruined cities be filled with flocks of people. Then they will know that I am the Lord.” Ezekiel 36:37-38

    Blessings dear saints!

  2. It is so easy to be distracted from our purpose, not just from temptations, but from the sheer spectacle of technology and imagery that bombards us. Thank you for the scripture and insight to keep our eyes on higher, more lasting things.

  3. I worked for Litton Systems myself for a short time. I was recording information re: the Cruise Missel. I hate war completely so I was not too happy to work there but I managed, in a short time, to make enough money to go to the 3 month school of ministry in California run by Dr. Morris Cerrulo. That was so wonderful. Anyway, today’s message is so good. I must keep focused on Jesus as I am grieving people in my life who are, and have, passed on, i.e. my husband. Now my childhood friend (and my bridesmaid) passed the day before Mother’s Day. With her went so many memories. I am feeling a little unstable today. She told me she was ready, so praise the Lord.

    • Dear Heavenly Father wrap your loving arms around Doreen today. You know Lord she has been through a lot in recent months. She is feeling a little low today so I ask that you would comfort her as you are the God of all comfort. She knows that her husband and girlfriend are with you, help her focus on this. Guide her with your Holy Soirit as she leans on you. In Jesus’ precious name I pray Anen.
      Eleanor M.

    • Praying for you Doreen. I know what it is like to lose a loved one. May God bring you peace and comfort just in knowing Him and knowing your friend was ready to move on to a better life.

    • Dearest Doreen I too lost loved ones so close together as you have but knowing they are resting in The Saviour’s arms and no more pain is a comfort in itself. Of course we grieve but please know there are those of us praying for your peace and sensing God’s presence. You are loved dear one. Catherine

  4. Amen, David! Great navigational analogy! And this is accomplished by a few satellites, never mind what God can do for us when we remain switched on and focussed. Though there are many distractions in life, I pray we keep focussed on His Word and Spirit in our travels! Have a great day, everyone!

  5. Amen David Mainse! Miracles, signs, and wonders are ancillary gifts and blessings of God almighty. May they help us to focus on Christ Jesus and not on the human vessel through which God performed them…

    May our Lord Jesus send his comforter to those suffering loss at this time. Blessings brothers and sisters…

  6. I agree to all your prayers above . He holds us in the palm of his
    hand praise the Lord we are His ,In the storm and in silence….R…

  7. I hope I am not too late sending this too late in the day, and that it can be seen by some people of God. Our son is leaving for Iraq later today to work there. Please pray for safety and help for him when he is there. I really appreciate being able to ask for prayer here. I appreciate this blog also and the men of God who make it possible. God Bless you all and the readers of it also. I am Blessed by it!

    • I’m often late reading this blog.
      I pray that God will put a hedge of protection around your son. God please keep him safe everywhere he goes. Help him in all his endeavors in this difficult country. Give him people to work alongside him especially people with a heart for You God. Bless him in every way God as he goes to work in Iraq. Thank you Lord for what you are doing in his life and what you will do for him in his trip to Iraq.In Jesus Precious Name we pray. Amen

      I don’t often post but I daily read David’s blog and sometimes read these comments. I felt led to pray for your concern, Elizabeth. That must be so hard to see your son leave for Iraq but we must always remember that God will be there for him protecting him so we must not allow the evil one to make us worry and not trust that God is taking care of him.God bless you and your family Elizabeth.
      I am Judy S. from the yellow bus on the 2013 Israel trip.

      • Thank you so much Judy, for your prayer for our son. I appreciate it from the bottom of my heart. I am so glad you read this late. God Bless You, Dear Sister!
        I don’t think we have met but will for sure someday, as we are united “In Christ”

        • I am a regular daily participant on 100words.ca and once in a while join the bloggers with a comment. Today, it is linking hearts in prayer –

          Specials prayers for Doreen and all those who grieve. May the God of all comfort, comfort you today so that you will be able to comfort others with the same comfort you receive.God is faithful. 2 Cor.1:3-7,

          Prayer for protection for Elizabeth’s son on his way to Iraq and for all giving their lives to serve in these countries … and for all Christians who are undergoing trials, and persecutions. I am reminded of God’s Promises, Isaiah. 41:10, Isaiah 43:1-3a. I love 43:1 “FEAR NOT, for I HAVE REDEEMED YOU; I have CALLED you BY YOUR NAME; YOU ARE MINE!

          Prayer for David Mainse as he responds to all the speaking engagements especially a very historic one in Jerusalem. Fill Him with the Mighty Holy Spirit, the ‘POWER” (dynamite) of God, strengthening Him with strength in his soul (Psalm. 138:3) Couple of lines of songs come to mind: “I’ll praise my Maker while I’ve breath” (Isaac Watts), “and praise Thee as long as Thou lendest me breath” (Song: My Jesus, I love Thee, by Ralph Featherstone) and a Song of Faith & Trust, “Give to the winds thy fears” (Paulus Gerhardt, trs. John Wesley)A great song, vs. 5 says, “Let us in life, in death, Thy steadfast truth declare, and Publish with our latest breath – Thy love and guardian care”

          Prayers for Nepal. Help and strength for the people and all organizations and participants providing help in such a time of devastation and need.

          O yes, pray for Israel. Pray for Jerusalem. For God’s perfect plan “Who put His Name There!”

          Finally, bountiful blessings to all those who daily tap into 100words. doc and for all bloggers, especially those with special needs. Samuel

    • Elizabeth I pray protection from Jesus as your precious son leaves for work in Iraq today. May God cover him with armour of safety and that he will have a sense of God’s presence and be wise on where he goes and what he does. Blessings and comfort for you and the rest if the family. Catherine

    • Heavenly Father, our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, and to the sanctity of the Holy Spirit, we call for the protection of Elizabeth’s son in Iraq. He is covered with your feathers, protected with your wings and has angels watching over him. In Jesus precious name, we pray, amen, amen and amen.

  8. Jeremiah 33:3 “Call unto Me and I will answer you, and show you great and mighty things which you do not know of”

    Lord Jesus, I come before you and bring before you the prayers of each person written in this blog; and I know that you have heard and will answer. For you are a God of Comfort, You are our Counselor, You are our Healer, You are our Hiding Place, the High tower into which we run, for your are our Helper in time of trouble. Thank you Jesus, in You we Trust for the answer, help and comfort. Jesus I pray in Your Holy Mighty Name, Amen!

  9. Saying Amen to all the prayers today. I have been away for a week and missed this blog. Lord keep us close by your side.

  10. Lifting these prayer requests up to the Lord.
    *Not sure this is how to embed but, as I was reading over the comments today this is an old hymn that came to me. “I Need Thee Every Hour” When I searched for it, I came across this beautiful song that was sung by one person A capella nine different ways. To God be all glory for the amazing gifts He gives!
    An Acapella Hymn ‘I Need Thee Every Hour’ Like You’ve Never Heard It Before from djbeats on GodTube.

  11. The Elijah-Elisha part of 1st and 2nd Kings is one of my favorite parts of the Bible. This parallel between Elijah and Elisha and John the Baptist and Jesus is not frequently drawn. Very interesting. I shall meditate on that.

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