YOU AND I

Today’s Reading: Psalm 77

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

Caesarea Maritima is a national park on the Israeli coastline, near the modern city of Caesarea. The ancient Caesarea Maritima city and harbor was built by Herod the Great about 25-13 BC. The city was populated through the late Roman and Byzantine eras. A good place to start meditating on God’s work, as our key verse suggests, is by observing nature. This sea scape proclaims the greatness of our Creator God!

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

Key Verse: Psalms 77:12-13

I will also meditate on all Your work, and talk of Your deeds. Your way, O God, is in the sanctuary; Who is so great as our God?

Dr. John Hull, our Crossroads global leader, earned his doctorate from one of the most highly respected theological colleges in the world, Gordon Conwell Seminary of South Hamilton, Massachusetts (click here to learn more about this excellent centre of learning). John shares his insights with us on Psalm 77 here on today’s blog. Here’s John…

God is not embarrassed by the transparency of our prayers. In Psalm 77, the writer is transparent and authentic in his desperate need for God — and in his own inability to live godly apart from holy God. The writer’s humanity asks the same kind of questions we often ask: Will the Lord accept me or reject me? Will I ever expect His favor again when things seem so hard? Is He withholding His compassion because He’s angry at me? Amazing isn’t it? The transparent thoughts of ancient and modern man seem to have little variance.The Psalmist presses on though, beyond the questions, the doubts and the insecurities, toward peace and victory! His process? He doesn’t focus on life’s challenges nor upon his own fallen state. Instead, he finds peace and comfort by focusing on the very character of God. He recharges his spirit by focusing on God as holy, powerful, and purposeful. The take-away of Psalm 77 is when one is overwhelmed by life and/or fear, focus on the perfection of God, the wisdom of God and the inability of God to ever do wrong. It’s within the character of God that we find peace within the character of our lives. – John

PRAYER FOR TODAY:

Lord, I thank You for the privilege of praying daily with all who share prayer needs in response to this blog. I ask for blessings and “Yes” or “No” or “Wait” answers to prayer for each person. In Jesus’ Name I come before Your throne of mercy. I pray Your blessing upon Your servant, John Hull. Amen!!!

100 PERSONAL WORDS:

I want all our blog partners to get to know John Hull better. This is why I’ve asked him to participate in the blogs of yesterday and today. John hosts the daily 100 Huntley Street telecasts. My son, Ron, reports on TV from the telephone ministry centre on a regular basis. He and Ann will be taking on a new ministry challenge. You’ll hear about it here shortly. In the meantime, check out some info about a special upcoming edition of 100 Huntley Street HERE.

I also want to make an observation about yesterday’s reading. In Psalm 76 Asaph focuses on God and repeats the word “You” (God) several times. Then Asaph switches to the word, “I,” and repeats it a dozen times in the first 12 verses of Psalm 77. No wonder he is discouraged! He is focusing on himself. But he finally gets it right! Our key verse is the turning point. Eleven times in the last 10 verses of Asaph’s hymn he focuses back on God with the words “You” or “Your.” No wonder he is optimistic about life once again! I needed the encouragement from John Hull today, plus my own meditations on the Psalms.

Yours with thankfulness, meditating on God, and joining our prayers together,

David

THE CUP

Today’s Reading: Psalms 74-76

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

Jacob’s Well lies in the crypt of a modern Greek Orthodox church at Nablus in the West Bank. It is located at the entrance to a mountain pass between Mount Gerizim and Mount Ebal (referred to in Joshua 8). It is often considered the most authentic site in the Holy Land, since no one can move a well that was originally dug more than 40 metres deep into solid rock. Jacob’s well is where Jesus asked a Samaritan woman for a drink and offered her “living water” (John 4:5-42)…from a much different “cup” than what the psalmist refers to in today’s reading.

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

Key Verse: Psalm 75:8

For in the hand of the Lord there is a cup,

And the wine is red;

It is fully mixed, and He pours it out;

Surely its dregs shall all the wicked of the earth

Drain and drink down.

We should always remember to let the Bible interpret the Bible, comparing Scripture with Scripture. Concerning the CUP in the hand of the Lord, we may consider the words of Jesus in His prayer of agony just before His arrest. “O My Father, if it is possible, let this CUP pass from Me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as You will” (Matthew 26:39b). The contents of the CUP are spoken of in Revelation 16:19, “The CUP of the wine of the fierceness of His [God’s] wrath.” God’s anger against sin, dammed up since the sin of our first parents, is in the CUP which our Saviour drank. “We implore you on Christ’s behalf, be reconciled to God. For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him” (2 Corinthians 5:20b & 21). For a New Testament reading check out 2 Corinthians 5:9-21. The Apostle Paul urges us to have an aim to live our lives well pleasing to God (2 Corinthians 5:9).

In Psalm 74:10-11a there are three questions asked by David’s worship leader, Asaph. Asaph has found the answer and records in Psalm 75:2, “When I [God] choose the proper time, I will judge uprightly.” God will put the final period to the last history book of our time on earth. We can trust God to fulfill His complete purpose for us. We are His creation and the object of His love. Amen!!!

PRAYER FOR TODAY:

Lord God, the first verse of Psalm 75 speaks to me and for me…”We give thanks to You, O God, we give thanks! For Your wondrous works declare that Your Name is near.” May I show my thankfulness by living a life which is pleasing to You. Amen!!!

100 PERSONAL WORDS:

I’ve asked Dr. John Hull, Global CEO of Crossroads, to comment on today’s reading. Here’s John-

Many in our media culture are growing increasingly accustomed to defaming and mocking the One we love. And while we must love them and pray for their hearts to soften to the things of God, the writer of the 76th Psalm makes very clear just who God is — and the fear and respect He deserves and demands. In this Psalm, God is described as a mighty Warrior who breaks down the weapons of human warfare (verses1-3). God is depicted as “resplendent with light” and “more majestic than mountains rich with wild game” (verse 4). As the most valiant of men and warriors may try to position themselves as superior, by comparison, not one of them can even begin to lift their strong hands to an even stronger God (verse 5). A healthy view of the very character of God includes not only His love and mercy, but His justice and majesty. When attacks on God persist all around you, never forget that God, in His wisdom and grace, is in control, and in all of eternity He will have the final say…and humankind will listen and tremble. – John

Yours for getting to know John Hull. God willing there will be more from John tomorrow,

David

DRAW NEAR TO GOD

Today’s Reading: Psalm 73

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

Mount Olympus is the highest mountain in Greece, located in the Olympus Range on the border between Thessaly and Macedonia, about 80 km southwest from Thessaloniki, Greece’s second largest city. Mount Olympus has 52 peaks. In Greek mythology Olympus was the home of the twelve Olympian gods of the ancient Greek world.

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

Key Verse: Psalm 73:24-25

You will guide me with Your counsel,

And afterward receive me to glory.

Whom have I in heaven but You?

And there is none upon earth that I desire besides You.

Psalm 73 was composed by Asaph, one of David’s choir leaders. It appears that doubt had crept into Asaph’s mind about his own relationship with God. Was it worthwhile? Did it make any difference? While he had these questions, he knew that his responsibility to his generation as a leader must take first priority. We may want to read a second time Psalm 73:15-17. He refused to be “untrue to the generation of Your children.” His thinking turned around when “he went into the sanctuary of God.” Faithfully attending the House of God, worshipping God in His sanctuary, and hearing the preaching of the Word of God will adjust our thinking in a most positive direction. Asaph concludes, in the final statement of the Psalm, that “It is good for me to draw near to God; I have put my trust in the Lord God, that I may declare all Your works!”

This Hymn continued to be sung for hundreds of years (read 2 Chronicles 29:27-31).

PRAYER FOR TODAY:

Lord God, my desire is to draw closer to You every day without missing even one day. I thank You for giving me grace to be faithful in praising You for Who You are and for giving me discipline in my daily reading of Your Word! May I learn from Asaph how vitally important it is that I represent You to others, particularly the children, in a consistent and true way. I pray this in the Name of the One who is always faithful, the Lord Jesus Christ. Amen!!!

100 PERSONAL WORDS:

I’ve struggled with the same concerns that Asaph puts into words. Asaph writes, “But as for me, my feet almost stumbled; my steps had nearly slipped” (73:2). But as with Asaph, I did not stumble or slip. The grace of God was given to me, and I determined to concentrate on the Scriptures, on prayer, and on the Person and work of Jesus Christ! The second to last book of the Bible, Jude, has serious warnings about those who may have served God faithfully at one time, but at some point in their lives they stumbled and fell away from living like Jesus lived. Some in ministry have brought shame upon the reputation of the Lord, the Pastor/Teacher and the Evangelist. In Jude I find words such as “licentiousness” and “sexual immorality.” They “reject authority” and practice “greed.” Jude, the brother of James, is hard on those who claim to be teachers and who live, “according to their own lusts, mouth great swelling words, and gain advantage by flattering people.” Jude says that there are those who are “sensual persons, who cause divisions” (click here to read Jude). I’m thrilled to read the concluding words of Jude, “Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling, and to present you faultless before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy, to God our Saviour, who alone is wise, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and forever. Amen!”

Yours as a sinner saved by grace alone,

David

A MARE USQUE AD MARE (from sea to sea)

Today’s Reading: Psalms 72

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

A young Roman believer in Jesus offered to drive my son Reynold on his photographic trip around Rome. He held Reynold’s Bible, the eternal Word of God with its message of the forever-Kingdom of God (God’s Dominion), as a contrast to the temporal Empire of Rome exemplified by the ruins of the Roman Colosseum.

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

Key Verse: Psalm 72:8

He shall have dominion also from sea to sea,

And from the River to the ends of the earth.

This is one of two Psalms of David’s son, Solomon (the other is Psalm 127). According to the Rabbis, today’s reading could only apply to the coming Messiah. No earthly king could ever fulfill all the magnificent words spoken here. However, we are told that this Psalm was meant to be sung at the coronation of a descendant of King David. Perhaps this happened when Solomon was crowned. We remember that Solomon had prayed for wisdom to rule well.

Of course this is Canada’s Psalm. Our country’s motto is our key verse. What a platform or goal this would make for any person who aspires to leadership (Canada’s election day is October 19th – Canadians VOTE!). (1) Righteousness and Justice, (2) Abundance of Peace, (3) Deliverance for the poor and needy, (4) Prosperity (abundance of grain sounds like the Canadian prairies – 72:16). We are truly a blessed people, but when it comes to God having dominion over our land, we’ve got a long way to go!

PRAYER FOR TODAY:

Lord God, I pray fervently for You to have dominion from sea to sea here in Canada and all over the world. I know that the word “dominion” comes to us from the latin “Dominus,” meaning “Lord.” I ask You to put Your grace upon our Queen, our head of state, upon the leaders of our governments at various levels, and upon me too, that I may be a part of moving Canada and the world in the direction of these magnificent principles, which I’m reading about in Your Holy Word today. In the Name of the only One who, as Messiah, could and will do it all, the Lord Jesus Christ, I pray! Amen!!!

100 PERSONAL WORDS:

In 1981 Crossroads commissioned the publishing of the book, Canada, Sharing Our Christian Heritage. Sir Samuel Leonard Tilly, Premier of New Brunswick at the time of confederation (1867), put the words of our key verse into Canada’s founding document. Here’s a quote from Tilley’s son, which we included in this book about our beloved Canada:

“I have heard my Father state how he came to suggest it at the conference….there had been considerable discussion the day before as to what the new United Canada should be called, and no conclusion had been reached. The next morning, as was Sir Leonard’s custom, he read from the Bible, and that particular morning he read Psalm 72:8, ‘He shall have dominion from sea to sea.’ The thought occurred to him that this would be a splendid name to give the newly united colonies of Great Britain, ‘The Dominion of Canada.’ When he went back that morning to the conference, he suggested this name, and it was unanimously accepted.”

The words of that verse became Canada’s official declaration, and Psalm 72:8 is inscribed in stone over the main entrance to our Parliament buildings. Tilley’s biographer wrote that “The secret of his life was that he loved his God and his country.”

I spent some time at Tilley’s grave site meditating on his life and the words on his memorial stone. Engraved for all to read are the words, “HIS TRUST WAS IN JESUS.” Tilley explained, with his fading breath, that he wanted passersby to know that his faith in Jesus Christ had been the true source of any success he had known and the power that had most influenced his life.

Yours for moving our country and our world in the direction of the high goals of Psalm 72 by making Jesus the Lord of our individual lives,

David

P.S. Ron has placed below the Canadian Coat of Arms with the quote from Psalm 72:8 in the Latin language, (english translation, “From sea to sea”) and a picture of Sir Leonard Tilley from one of the books Crossroads has published, Canada, Sharing Our Christian Heritage.

Canada’s Coat of Arms includes the words “A MARE USQUE AD MARE.”

Sir Leonard Tilley (1818-1896), Premier of New Brunswick, Father of Confederation and MAN of GOD!

OLD AND GRAY HEADED (Psalm 71:18a)

Today’s Reading: Psalms 70-71

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

The fortress of Masada stands high above the Jordan Valley floor. It was here that Herod built his highly protected palace to which he could escape if necessary. Later it was used by Jewish freedom fighters who, for a time, resisted a Roman siege. I suggest that everyone should try to view the movie, “Masada.” It was in this area where David hid from those who sought to destroy him. He may have had this scene in mind as he sang, “You are my rock and my fortress” (Psalm 71:3b).

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

Key Verse: Psalm 71:18

Now also when I am old and grayheaded,

O God, do not forsake me,

Until I declare Your strength to this generation,

Your power to everyone who is to come.

The words, “Let God be magnified” (70:4b) are what this blog is all about. Our meditations are a magnifying glass which enlarges our vision of God.

God is with us at every stage of life: in mother’s womb, at birth, in our youth, and in “Old age when strength fails” (71:6-9). David even declares his confidence that he will be resurrected from the dead! “You…(God) shall revive me again and bring me up again from the depths of the earth!” (71:20b). Our key verse magnifies our vision so that we can see clearly that old age is simply a continuation of our service to God and of our relationship with Him. Would to God that none of us, when we reach old age, will fail to reach out to the next generations with the Good News of God’s provision for the human family. Who is more equipped than an older person with years of experience to relate to those who are younger the facts of God’s faithfulness and unfailing love? “No-o-o-body!” With the word “nobody,” some of us will think of a former mayor of Toronto, Mel Lastman, who puts his special spin on that word in an appliance commercial currently on television.

PRAYER FOR TODAY:

Lord God, I pray that my old age will be productive in blessing those who are carrying the heavy responsibilities of middle age and by inspiring children and young people with my stories of Your involvement in my life. In Jesus’ Name I ask this request, Amen!!!

100 PERSONAL WORDS:

I’m 79 now and that prayer and the key verse fits for me. It may not be a fit for all who read this blog, so I encourage everyone to offer a prayer to God that fits age, family responsibilities, and other considerations. Crossroads has published a book of my stories, but I find that many young people may not take the time to read it. Therefore, I take the time, whenever I know I’m not unwisely intruding, to tell my stories as briefly and effectively as possible (if I knew how to underline on this key board I would underline the word “briefly!”). I pray fervently that God’s Spirit will communicate through my words the message needed. Recently I had the opportunity to share a couple of my stories with a teenaged girl. Her mother said that when she arrived home she proceeded to straighten up her life and even her bedroom. This mother begged me to keep on communicating with young people.

Yours to urge everyone to communicate God’s love and faithfulness!

David

SAVE ME O GOD! (Psalm 69:1a)

Today’s Reading: Psalm 69

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

My photographer son, David Reynold, placed his Bible on the stones on which Jesus stood in the Roman governor Pilate’s courtyard. Here they clothed Him in the old robe of royal purple and placed the crown of thorns on His head in order to mock His claim of being a King. Here Jesus was scourged with whips. The prophet Isaiah prophesied of this: “But He was wounded for our transgressions; He was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement for our peace was upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed” (Isaiah 53:5). Through the centuries the city has been built up over the stone pavement, but these original stones can be seen in the lower area of the Sisters of Zion Convent.

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

Key Verse: Psalm 69:21

They also gave me gall for my food,

And for my thirst they gave me vinegar to drink.

Prophetic statements are found in many places in the writings of King David. The words of our key verse actually happened to Jesus as He hung on the Cross. Check out Matthew 27:34-48. In Psalm 22 David writes the most obvious prophesies fulfilled in Jesus’ suffering and death. David is a prophet! Only Isaiah is more detailed in his prophecies of the coming Messiah! David wrote around 1000 B.C. and Isaiah around 500 B.C. What are the odds of such prophesies being minutely fulfilled? Obviously God revealed in advance the future events that happened when Jesus took the sins of the whole world upon Himself.

There are two streams which flow together in David’s poems. One is the expression of deep inner emotion. The other stream is an outpouring of confidence in the love and providence of God! We all have trying times because we live in a world which is out of tune with God; and at the same time we can experience an inner peace by being personally in tune with God!!!

PRAYER FOR TODAY:

Lord God, I thank You for building such confidence in my heart and mind by revealing the future to Your prophets as You did to David and Isaiah! I pray that I will constantly remember that nothing takes You by surprise, and that You do all things after the counsel of Your will, and that also includes the events of my life! (read Ephesians 1:11&12). I pray this in the Name of the One “Who works all things according to the counsel of His will!” Amen!!!

100 PERSONAL WORDS:

I’m often downtown in major cities. My ears are bombarded with out-of-tune sounds. This world is not in harmony with its Creator. The maple leaves across the street are beginning to die and are just beginning to protest their demise with a variety of colours. The life of the trees will be buried underground shortly, but I expect a resurrection this Spring. My Bible and my laptop computer are open before me. All is quiet and a beautifully harmonious orchestra begins to play in my heart and mind. Our divine Conductor is in charge. Every instrument is playing in tune. I sense the Presence of God who alone creates and gives us life, bringing us into harmony with Himself through the Person and work of Jesus Christ!

I’m probably reflecting my age here, but Norma-Jean and I almost always listen to 96.3, New Classical Radio, Toronto. Magnificent orchestral masterpieces are delightful for our ears to hear. Of course Norma-Jean and I differ, in that I also love the Nashville sound of country and western music. Norma-Jean, not so much. All of us here in the blogosphere, if we could put our feelings into music, might sound like the orchestra tuning up, but after a while the Conductor takes charge and we make beautiful music together! God carries the melody line in the score of life, and we make the harmonies on a wide variety of human instruments. Amen???

Yours for hearing clearly God’s melody line, reading the notes found in Scripture, and playing them well, 24/7,

David

P.S. Here is the Burlington Skyway Bridge over which I often travel. Across the Hamilton harbour is the city of Hamilton, where the steel mills of Dofasco and Stelco are at work. The second photo shows how some of the trees are just beginning to change into their Fall colours. The Niagara escarpment is on the horizon. Thanks to my grandson, Adam Mainse, who took these pictures on an overcast day (you can click on them to enlarge the photos).

LET GOD ARISE! (Psalm 68:1a)

Today’s Reading: Psalms 67-68

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

Mount Hermon in Northern Israel is snow capped year-round. In today’s reading King David’s poetry mentions snow and the mountain peaks (Psalm 68:14-16).

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

Key Verses: Psalm 68:3-4, 11

But let the righteous be glad;

Let them rejoice before God;

Yes, let them rejoice exceedingly.

Sing to God, sing praises to His name;

Extol Him who rides on the clouds,

By His name YAH,

And rejoice before Him.

The Lord gave the word;

Great was the company of those who proclaimed it.

God’s Name, “YAH” (Hebrew) is “JEHOVAH” in our language. There is one true Creator God! Our God is “the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.” We may want to read from our translation from the Greek language the words of Paul in Ephesians 1:3-6. The “awesome” (to borrow from yesterday’s reading) plan of God for the salvation of the whole world is ours to communicate to every man, woman, and child.

In Psalm 67, the word “NATIONS” is repeated three times. God’s face is shining upon us so that God’s “way may be known on earth,” and so that there will be “salvation among all nations!” “ALL NATIONS!” Can we, the readers of this blog, possibly be a vital part of that great “company of those who proclaimed it?” How each of us answer this question will make a huge difference in accomplishing this task or, on the other hand, failing to do our part. Which will it be?

PRAYER FOR TODAY:

Lord God, here I am waiting before You. I pray for grace to be a part of that great company whose job it is to proclaim Your Word to all the “NATIONS ON EARTH!” I pray for unbending determination to never, never, never give up on the accomplishment of this mandate to which You, “the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,” have called me. I ask for a great company to join together with You to get the job done. Amen!!!

100 PERSONAL WORDS:

I am 100% in support of Crossroads’ Global Chief Executive Officer, Dr. John Hull. He served as Pastor during the 1990s (up to the year 2000) of one of the greatest missionary-sending local churches in the world throughout the 20th century, the People’s Church in Toronto. Then God called him to lead as President and CEO of the ministry known as “EQUIP.” The mandate of “EQUIP” is to train leaders for the work of Christ. He led a “Great Company” over 13 years in expanding the Equip ministry from 6 countries and 2 languages back in 2001 to 65 languages and dialects in 175 countries by 2013. Now with all those leaders in place, God has brought John to Crossroads Christian Communications to lead us forward to the glorious goal that, through all kinds of mass communications media, Psalm 67:2 will be accomplished…”THAT YOUR WAY MAY BE KNOWN ON EARTH, YOUR SALVATION AMONG ALL NATIONS!!!!”

Yours for the “company of those who proclaimed it,” (the Word) because “the Lord gave the Word!”

David

AWESOME

Today’s Reading: Psalms 64-66

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

The Mediterranean Sea beach and distant ruins of Caesarea Maritima.

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

Key Verses: Psalm 65:5, 66:1-3

By awesome deeds in righteousness You will answer us,

O God of our salvation,

You who are the confidence of all the ends of the earth,

And of the far-off seas;

…Make a joyful shout to God, all the earth!

Sing out the honor of His name;

Make His praise glorious.

Say to God, “How awesome are Your works!

Through the greatness of Your power

Your enemies shall submit themselves to You…

Teens went through a phase a while back when it seemed that everything was “awesome!” In today’s reading the word “awesome” is appropriate. It’s used three times!!! Is it any wonder that we are encouraged to “Make a joyful shout to God!”

Meditate and wisely consider Psalm 64:1 & 64:9b. These are daily instructions for us all. God’s deeds are surely worthy of the utmost AWE!!! Consider the following facts – (1) Victory over enemies (66:3) – our enemies are not nations around us, but self and sin within us. Jesus is our AWESOME Deliverer! (2) The Lord rules, therefore, we can trust Him always (66:7) – verse 66:5 assures us that “He is AWESOME in His doing toward the sons of men!” (3) In an AWESOME way God has brought us out to rich fulfillment! (66:12b) – God is AWESOME in His answers to prayer! (66:19).

PRAYER FOR TODAY:

Thank You, Lord God, that You have “not turned away my prayer,” and You have not turned away Your “mercy from me!” (66:20). I know that the reason I can come before You in prayer and know that You hear me is not because of any righteousness in me, but only because of Your Son and my Saviour, Jesus Christ. I confess my sin before You! I have Your assurance that You have heard my confession and that I’m forgiven. I believe You when You spoke these words about Yourself through Your Apostle John, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9). Amen! Amen! Amen!

100 PERSONAL WORDS:

Again first thing this morning I confessed my confidence in the Lord Jesus by quoting Galatians 2:20, “I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.” The gift of faith from God that allows me to truly believe this statement also allows the truth of this statement to be lived out throughout the next 24 hours.

Yesterday I decided to check for mistakes in my recent book, This Far By Faith. I found several misprints, etc. Because of a deadline the book was rushed into print before I had a chance to critically read with care what I had typed into my laptop computer. For example I read that I had given my life to Christ in December of ’52, been filled with the Holy Spirit in June of ’53, and called into the Christian ministry in August of ’53. But there was a wrong date in print. I had mistakenly typed that I had lost my temper in the Fall of ’53 and punched out a football player on the opposing team. Doesn’t sound like a teenager who had already been saved, filled with God’s Spirit and called to be a minister, does it? The fact is that I was kicked out of the game for unnecessary roughness (fighting) in the Fall of ’52. This was one of the reasons I knew I needed God in my life, and why I was desperate for God’s help. In the fall of ’53, the next time I met that player on the field, I asked for and received his forgiveness. If you don’t have a copy of This Far By Faith, here’s how you can get a copy sent to you. After reading my confession here, my fellow bloggers may have lost interest in reading my book.

Yours for honesty and getting my words typed here in my blog correctly,

David

GOD ALONE!

Today’s Reading: Psalms 60-63

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

Al Khazneh (“The Treasury”) is one of the most elaborate temples in the ancient Jordanian city of Petra. Like most of the other buildings there, this structure was carved out of the rock face. It has classical Greek-influenced architecture, and it is Jordan’s most popular tourist attraction. Psalm 60:9 asks the question, “Who will bring me into the strong city? Who will lead me to Edom?” This is Edom’s strong city, Petra (the rock).

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

Key Verses: Psalm 63:1-4

O God, You are my God;

Early will I seek You;

My soul thirsts for You;

My flesh longs for You

In a dry and thirsty land

Where there is no water.

So I have looked for You in the sanctuary,

To see Your power and Your glory.

Because Your lovingkindness is better than life,

My lips shall praise You.

Thus I will bless You while I live…

There are four Psalms in today’s reading. They describe four ways to pray. (1) “RESTORE us again!” (60:1b). — (2) “Hear my CRY, O God” (61:1a). — (3) “Truly my soul SILENTLY waits for God” (62:1a). — (4) “O God, You are my God; EARLY will I seek You” (63:1a). We are encouraged to pray prayers with meaningful content; to pray with fervency; to wait patiently on God; and to seek God first thing upon rising in the morning! Is that good counsel? Amen!!!

The words, “Wait silently for GOD ALONE!” (62:5a) focuses our attention on “GOD ALONE!” The only ultimate answer to life’s questions is in God. Our only refuge, security and peace are found in Him ALONE! The sooner we realize this truth, the sooner we will find real personal peace and security.

PRAYER FOR TODAY:

First of all, Lord God, I bring You praise and worship! —— I’m presenting my petitions to You with fervency and urgency in my cry to You! —– I’m waiting silently in Your presence —– I’m doing this first thing this morning! You, O Lord, are my #1 priority. Amen!!!

100 PERSONAL WORDS:

I feel like singing! Why not join me? God will hear us all from all over the world and He will put our joyful noise together in the courts of Heaven as beautiful harmony (click here for this song by a precious little boy).

We’ve just seen the fourth so-called “blood moon” in the space of two years. The Scriptures tell us of a time when the moon will appear to look like blood. Below is a picture of the moon apparently taken earlier this week in Jerusalem. Those who have made a careful study of “Blood Moons” through the centuries tell us that these occurrences consistently have coincided with serious happenings which impact the Jewish people. Within 24 hours of the passing of this latest moon, the Russian President told the Americans to remove all their military assets from Syria. For the first time, the “Great bear” of the north is actively engaged in fighting in a country that shares a border with Israel. The USSR had military advisors in Egypt which borders Israel 40 years ago, but they were not involved in a hot war. Damascus can be seen from a high point in the north of Israel. I won’t make speculative statements about the current situation. I am, however, absolutely certain that the return of Jesus will happen soon.

Yours for “God ALONE!”

David

The recent blood moon over the walls of the Old City of Jerusalem.

This photo was taken by my son Ron in May of this year, looking toward Damascus, Syria, from the furthest point in the northeast of Israel, in the Golan Heights. The photo below was taken at the same place.

WORSHIPPING OR GROWLING!!!

Today’s Reading: Psalms 57-59

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 Nazareth Village synagogue, an actor plays the part of a first-century rabbi reading from a Scripture scroll and leading in the worship of the only true God, the God of King David.

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

Key Verses: Psalm 57:7-11

My heart is steadfast, O God, my heart is steadfast! I will sing and give praise! Awake, my glory! Awake lute and harp! I will awaken the dawn! I will praise You, O Lord, among the peoples; I will sing to You among the nations for Your mercy reaches into the heavens, and Your truth unto the clouds. Be exalted, O God, above the heavens; let Your glory be above all the earth!

King David was definitely not shy in giving voice to his worship of God, not only among his own people but “among the nations!” His court would have received many ambassadors from other countries who would witness his worship of the One and only true God. Perhaps they took David’s songs back home with them.

Twice David declares, “My heart is steadfast!” (Psalm 57:7). This kind of confidence in God is never ashamed to worship Him in public. Twice David writes of some people who “growl like a dog!” (59:6,14). No wonder people in rebellion against God growled when they heard David worship so enthusiastically. Even David’s Queen, Saul’s daughter, despised her husband because of his dancing before the Lord (2 Samuel 6:16).

May we who claim to love and serve God never be shy in proclaiming His “GLORY”!!!

PRAYER FOR TODAY:

Lord God, my prayer is about You! May You “BE EXALTED, ABOVE THE HEAVENS; LET YOUR GLORY BE ABOVE ALL THE EARTH!” Amen!!! And may I do my best to make sure this is happening 24/7. Amen!!!

100 PERSONAL WORDS:

I remember well returning from Calcutta in the early 1970’s, determined to raise child support for 1,000 needy children. I purchased four hours of TV time on the Kingston, Ontario, CKWS TV station, on a Saturday afternoon for this purpose (Toronto was too expensive). For the first half hour the phones in the studios weren’t very active with sponsorship calls. Then, with great concern, I prayed for guidance. I believed I heard that still small inner Voice of God say, “David just begin to worship and praise Me right here on live television.” So I stopped asking the viewers for their calls and closed my eyes, lifted my hands, and began to say, “Hallelujah! Praise You, Lord God! I worship You! Blessed be Your Name! You, O God, care more then we ever could about these precious children in Calcutta!” I continued this praise and prayer for several minutes. As I did, I heard the telephones beginning to ring. They never stopped ringing for the duration of our live telecast. The goal was met! I turned the names of those who called over to Rev. Bill Newell, Canadian Director of World Vision. This started World Vision using TV to raise sponsors. I’ve never been shy to praise and worship God on television since that time. Please join King David as we together say privately and publicly, “Praise You, O Lord, among the peoples!” (Psalm 57:9a).

Yours for a steadfast heart when in the presence of growling dogs!

David

P.S. I must take a few more words to point out the contrast between some of David’s words and those of his great-great-(etc.) Grandson, Jesus, who was born in David’s city, Bethlehem. David had some light on the truth of God’s love and mercy. Jesus taught, “Love your enemies.” Please join me in reading Matthew 5:43-48. David did not have the great privilege, as we have, of reading the longest recorded message of Jesus, the Sermon on the Mount.

At our prayer lines in the “100 Huntley Street” studio, downtown Toronto in the mid-eighties on live television! Many people were led to Jesus over those phones! Like King David, we praised and worshipped God boldly and openly. This continues daily. Almost 10,000 telecasts later, God continuous to be exalted in this witness of God’s GLORY! “We beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth!” (John 1:14b).