Monday, May 18, 2015

OSKAR

Today’s Reading: 2 Kings 11-12

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

 

The Grave of Oskar Schindler is in Jerusalem just south of the Zion Gate on the south side of the Old City wall. Stones are placed on the graves by visitors and loved ones.

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

 

Key Verse: 2 Kings 12:2

Jehoash did what was right in the sight of the Lord all the days in which Jehoiada the priest instructed him.

There are two spellings for the seven-year-old king’s name, Jehoash and Joash. What an amazing story! The boy king, under the tutelage of a priest of the God of Israel, began a reign of 40 years in Judah. Both Judah and Israel had fallen from the unity and prosperity they had experienced under David and Solomon. Since the death of Solomon, the ten tribes to the north had no righteous kings. In the tribes to the south (Judah, which included Benjamin), there were some rulers like Joash who served the Lord. Because of those few good rulers, Judah was able to maintain its sovereignty for 150 years longer than Israel.
Leaders today who are right before God and their people can have the same impact. Our intercessory prayers on behalf of our families, our neighbours, and our leaders are absolutely essential to peace, security, prosperity, and a place of positive influence in the world. Here’s a New Testament reading – 1 Timothy 2:1-8.

PRAYER FOR TODAY:

Lord Jesus, Your servant and apostle tells us, “First of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence” (1 Timothy 2:1-2). That’s a tall order, Lord. It’s easy to pray every day for those I like, but I have a problem with some leaders. I know that these instructions are not optional. I am to love everyone! Therefore, I pray for a large dose of Your love and grace to fill my life 24/7. In Your all loving Name, Amen!

100 PERSONAL WORDS:

A number of years back, my granddaughter, Sarah Shaheen Stowell, who is on her father’s side Arab Israeli, called in to the Michael Coren show live prime time on CTS. She was 17 at the time and had just moved from Jerusalem to Canada. She told Michael, his guests and viewers that as a Christian she had just moved to Canada from Israel and that she knew that she should love all people, Jews included, but that it was hard to do that. She shared her views on the Israeli-Palestinian situation, and Michael said that hers was the most intelligent call he received throughout the show.

Today’s pictures tell the unusual story of Oskar Schindler, who saved the lives of many Jews during the Nazi reign of terror. His body was brought to Jerusalem and buried in a non Jewish graveyard on the side of Mt. Zion. Every year, on the anniversary of his death, the children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren of those whose lives he saved gather at his grave for a memorial service to honour Oskar. As is the Jewish custom, they each place a stone in his memory. I’ve stood at his graveside several times and thanked God for people who are willing to risk their lives for others.

Yours for loving others, even if it’s extremely hard to do that with some. Why? Because Jesus told us that if we are to please God, we must do this, whether we like it or not! Check out Mark 12:28-34.

David

The entrance to the Christian graveyard where Oskar Schindler’s body lies.

 

10 thoughts on “Monday, May 18, 2015

  1. To make a stand for Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ of Nazereth and be obedient to His Word and to love God first with our whole being and to love our neighbours as we love ourselves God help Us to be a blessing to someone today

  2. Even as we wander through the garden, on a gentle day of spring,
    With the scent of lilac lingering, and the songs that cardinals sing.
    We hold fast to the beauty, of God’s creation all around,
    It never ceases to amaze us, how each season’s grace is found.

    There is transition in the making, and excitement in the air,
    And ever gently present, as the Holy Spirit lingers there.
    Such blessings we are granted, oh the joys of each new day,
    Thank You, Heavenly Father, for the splendor You have made.

    Beverlee Kay,
    May 2015

  3. Beautiful Beverlee…every word uplifting…thank you.

    I prayed with your prayer this morning…Rev. David.

    And, yes prayer for out leaders is what we are told to do…even though we may not feel like it in obedience we do…because Jesus asks us to do so…that we may have peace in our land, and the world.

  4. a reminder to pray for the NDP government newly elected in Alberta! I am praying that they ALL HAVE A HOLY SPIRIT ENCOUNTER! I pray that their thoughts, ideas, begin to turn towards helping others and to bring forward proper spending habits for themselves as well as for the government. I am praying that there mandate willl be to care for the children, the elderly and for those who can’t care for themselves. I am also praying that the leaders have good habits! No drugs, smoking, alcohol, adultery, gambling; that they will learn to become humble and worship the Lord and that God would help all the leaders to be good hunbands/wives/parents/sons/daughters/good parents In Jesus Name I Pray AMEN

    I grew up under Ernest Manning, a Christian,, Premier of the Social Credit government and there was peace in that province! I don’t believe there was a piece of ground that man didn’t visit, he saw everybody in the Province, sometimes visited people 2, 3, 4 times in this reign! He prayed with the people, I saw this, because he visted our farm many times and pitched in with harvesting, ate with us, prayed with us and encouraged the young people!
    God bless David Mainse! Give him rest and energy! AMEN

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