PEACE, PEACE
Today’s Reading: 1 Chronicles 12-13
Click scripture link to read online or HERE to listen online (then click the symbol of the audio speaker above the scripture portion).
Stone carving of two gladiators in battle found at the Colosseum in Rome. Wars fill the pages of our history books. King David was a man of war, and by God’s grace upon him, he ushered in a long period of peace in the entire region.
GOOGLE MAPS – To see where the photo was taken, click HERE.
Key Verse: 1 Chronicles 12:18
Then the Spirit came upon Amasai, chief of the captains, and he said: “We are yours, O David; We are on your side, O son of Jesse! Peace, peace to you, And peace to your helpers! For your God helps you.” So David received them, and made them captains of the troop.
“Peace through strength.” We heard this statement from President Ronald Reagan. We witnessed the end of the cold war and the collapse of atheistic communism. In today’s reading we learn of David’s strength. First of all, David himself was strong in God! We know this from reading the Psalms. Check out Psalm 105:1-15. In spite of obvious failures, David was strong in character for most of his life. His unselfishness, his humility, his faith, and his overall attitude made him someone God could work with to bring peace, internally ending a period of civil war in Israel and also bringing peace internationally. King Solomon, David’s son, reaped the rewards of David’s legacy. There was “great joy in Israel” (12:40b).
Just as great people rallied to David’s side, let us rally to the side of Jesus, another Son of David, and Son of God. Let us accept His cause as our own. What an honour to share in His triumph, His peace, not just for time but for eternity! There is “great joy” in the earth because of the reign of King Jesus!
PRAYER FOR TODAY:
Lord God, thank You that I share in the peace and triumph of Jesus! I come to Him, pledging loyalty and constant service. Grant me grace to be focused on Jesus’ cause. He said, “I will build My Church.” Keep me true to Him 24/7. Amen!!!
100 PERSONAL WORDS:
“Pax Romana,” the peace of Rome, was built on strength, but without the “peace of Christ” under-girding that strength. The communist Soviet Union was also built on strength which, like Rome, eventually crumbled into the dust of history. But not the Kingdom over which Jesus is King. His Kingdom is forever! (Revelation 11:15-19).
As a result of writing my book, “This Far By Faith,” I’ve recalled some happenings in which our Crossroads ministry was involved in the 1980’s that had an impact for Christ’s Kingdom in the Soviet Union (Russia and 14 other republics), as well as eastern Europe.
(1) The release on state TV across the entire region of the “Crossroads Creation Series”… 13 half-hour episodes designed to create doubt in the minds of atheists. The Russian language was recorded over the English words. This was the first ever Christian-produced TV series carried by Soviet state TV in prime time. It happened as a result of having previously smuggled in thousands of video tapes of the series during the 1980-85 years.
(2) Shortly thereafter, our “Kingdom Adventure” children’s TV series drew over one million letters from Soviet children and their parents. They were asking for colouring books that not only presented the animated and puppet characters of the show but also presented Jesus as Saviour and Lord.
(3) Graduates of our Crossroads Broadcasting Academy from the communist countries began producing thousands of hours of Christian TV in their own languages with huge responses from millions of people. A book should be written on these exciting international developments!
(4) Bruce Stacey’s “Peace” song, the closing theme for Expo ’86, Vancouver, produced by Crossroads, was sent around the world into every country by the United Nations to be played on every TV and radio station. This was an amazing miracle from God as a result of our “Pavilion of Promise” at that World Exposition. We’ve now served in four great World Expositions.
All these things happened because of the loyalty, unity, prayers and support of God’s people here at home. As in our reading today, there is “joy” in much of Europe and Asia as a result of God’s blessing in these ways, as well as in the contributions of many other people. I believe that Crossroads is doing its part in the overall picture of “peace.” Norma-Jean and I support Crossroads financially every month. Crossroads continues to impact our world. Check it out and please join us in prayer and in giving (click here). Many supporters of my generation have moved on to Heaven. It’s absolutely essential that new members join in consistent financial support. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!
Yours for helping to bring the world to love and serve King Jesus,
David
A modern floor is built where the Colosseum floor once was.
Thanks again for this blog David and those who comment. I don’t often comment but I always read the blog and sometimes the comments. Yesterday’s on “Right decisions” is “right on”. I am seeking to make right decisions, asking God for guidance, but it’s not always easy to know. I read through yesterday’s comments and see we all face challenges and what is important is how we respond. I would appreciate prayer today for some challenges I am facing, including one in particular today, that I would respond with wisdom, grace and courage. I will pray for requests too.
Holding you up in prayer, Eleanor, dear sister-in-Christ. Father God, pour out your blessing upon Eleanor and fill every need in her life, as she lives to serve and glorify you. In Jesus precious name, amen, amen and amen.
Praying for all saints, today and asking for a special blessing on my church. Father God, we cry out to you to make everything that is wrong right and to bring harmony and unity for the sake and honour and glory of your dwelling place. In Jesus precious name, amen, amen and amen.
Join you in prayer for Eleanor and your church Beverlee. Please pray for mine as well for increase and vision. Praying your prayer Rev. David.
Lord God, we hold up our sister Ger to You. Bless her and enlarge her territory, Lord. Keep Your hand upon her, protect her, and heal her vision. May Your light always shine upon her, Lord. In Jesus precious name. Amen, amen and amen.
WOW!
One hour on 100 Huntley Street today will not be nearly enough for you to cover Empowered 21 and all you need to say.
Shalom,
Graham.
2012 Holy Land Yellow Bus.
Thank God our King reigns – forever! Strong, compassionate, wise, full of grace and truth, infinite, loving, … The list is endless! May God bless and strengthen all His people today. May we truly commit ourselves to His cause forever. In Jesus’ name, amen
Amen!!Psalm 41:3
The LORD sustains them on their sickbed and restores them from their bed of illness. (NIV)
1 Peter 3:8
To sum up, all of you be harmonious, sympathetic, brotherly, kindhearted, and humble in spirit;
Praying for you Eleanor Beverlee & Sah & all the bloggers, keep us strong in you Lord.
Thank you Rev David for your teachings today.
Remembering bloggers in prayer and the ongoing ministry of Crossroads and David and Norma-Jean.
2 prayer requests. One niece recently had surgery to remove a mass from her brain (after also battling through breast cancer) today is attending a consultation regarding radiation. Another niece in treatment battling alcohol and drugs. Both, beautiful young ladies in their 40th … praying for God’s intervention, deliverance and healing. Samuel
PS. Love the readings. Though difficult books have lots of spiritual implications and challenges. Was especially blessed by the bursting forth of the Holy Spirit that came upon Amasai in 12:19. What a beautiful ‘Word’ from the Lord. I claim it for myself today and those I love and care about – and for you “for your God will help you”. Have a great day. Beautiful sunshine here in British Columbia. May the sunshine of God’s love shine in our hearts and lives today.
Lord God, we hold up Samuel’s nieces to You. You know what their needs are. May the light that passes all understanding shine through them and heal them in Your precious Name, oh Jesus. Amen, amen, and amen.
Bringing all requests before The Lord for HE IS ABLE.
Blessings to all.
I have prayed for the requests in the blogs. I now ask your prayers for my health. I am having leg problems and the drugs for this condition is upsetting me. Thank you and God bless
Heavenly Father, our Saviour Jesus Christ, and to the sanctity of the Holy Spirit, we call for blessings of healing on Elizabeth. Strengthen and heal her legs, oh Lord and ease her side effects from the medication. For You alone are the Holy One. You alone are the Lord. You alone are the Most High. We give You all the priase and glory. In Jesus precious Name. Amen, amen and amen.
Thank you for the pictures of the amazing ancient structures! I’m amazed that such intricate and beautiful structures were built…without the tools that we have these days.
Peace, Peace wonderful Peace …that flowes from the Father Above…flow over my soul…(I think this is a song, but this is all that came to me; maybe someone knows where this is comes from)
i Irene: These are the words of a Chorus that I know. I think it is the same one you referred to. Blessings. Samuel
“Peace, peace, sweet peace,
wonderful gift from above;
O wonderful, wonderful peace,
Sweet peace, the gift of God’s love!”
Peace peace, wonderful peace
Coming down from the father above
Sweep over my spirit, forever I pray,
In fathomless billows of love
Sound familiar Irene?