PERFECT PEACE
Today’s Reading: Isaiah 26-27
Click scripture link to read online or HERE to listen online (then click the symbol of the audio speaker above the scripture portion).
An older woman in Nazareth Village teaches a young girl how to make a blanket from sheep wool. In our modern world where we are equipped with all kinds of supposed labour saving devices, we are too busy to take time to do such things. At least this is the case with most of us. Let us create an atmosphere of “Peace” in our homes by slowing down our frantic activities and by spending time with children and young people in order to pass on the knowledge of the good things of the past.
GOOGLE MAPS – To see where the photo was taken, click HERE.
Key Verse: Isaiah 26:3
You will keep him in perfect peace,
Whose mind is stayed on You,
Because he trusts in You.
Chapter 26 is a good example of what a “Happy New Year” should be! Our key verse speaks of “perfect peace” (literally in Hebrew, “Shalom shalom – peace peace”). A double peace to all our blog participants!!! In this New Year let us take “the way of the just!” (26:7). Let us say to the Lord, “I will seek You early!” These daily blogs posted early each morning should help make the New Year the best ever!!!
Chapter 27 tells that God will be victorious over Satan. This is symbolized by “The fleeing serpent…the twisted serpent!” (27:1). Let us determine to “Resist the Devil and he will flee!” (James 4:7 – read James 4:7-10) Jesus said to His followers, “I give you authority to trample on serpents…” (read Luke 10:17-20). Let’s trample on the fleeing serpent this New Year! The result? “Peace…peace” (27:5)
PRAYER FOR TODAY:
Thank You, Lord God, for the blessings of the past year. In the New Year I ask for Your power and authority to back me up as I resist the Devil. I know he is not continuing to harass me but he’s fleeing away at full speed. I take authority and order him to stay far away! I pray in the Name of the One from Whom Satan flees, Jesus Christ! Amen!!!
100 PERSONAL WORDS:
Our eldest son, David Reynold, was featured on yesterday’s blog as he reported from Haiti. Just before he and Kathy left for Africa, they hosted Norma-Jean and me for breakfast at 7 a.m.; we had fish-shaped pancakes and read all the Scriptures where Jesus spoke of fish. At 8:30 we visited the magnificent new Toronto aquarium, Ripley’s Believe It Or Not. Reyn took pictures (check out one of Norma-Jean and me below). At noon we ate at a fish diner, and then in the afternoon we went to the Ontario Science Centre with its “Under the Sea” Omnimax theatre production. Our kids said the theme of the day was inspired by our commitment to follow Jesus and to let Him make us “fishers of men!” They are now fishing for men, women, boys and girls in Uganda, Africa (click here for an update).
HAPPY NEW YEAR from me to you!!!
David
P.S. Over the years whenever I’ve been asked to sign my name, I’ve written Isaiah 26:3, our key verse, beside my autograph. It’s been my special verse for over 50 years! Now I’m claiming that promise for my healing. As I type this I’m in hospital. It’s now almost 4 years since I was given 2 years to live. I’ve quoted every day something my Dad taught me, “Be my symptoms what they will, Jesus is my Healer still!” I believe that in spite of the fact that I’m in a room that says, “Negative pressure room.” Norma-Jean took a picture of my door and also the door down the hall which says, “Positive Pressure Room.” I’m considering changing the doors. Hah! I truly believe that “Jesus is my Healer still!!!” Behind which door do you live??? (pictures below)
Norma-Jean and me at the Ripley’s Believe It Or Not Aquarium in Toronto. This day gave me constant reminders of Jesus’ Words, “Follow Me and I will make you fishers of men.” (Matt 4:19) This may be the best New Years Resolution ever! All I have to do is follow Jesus and He’ll “make me” all I should be!!!
