MAN OF WAR
Today’s Reading: Numbers 30-31
Click scripture link to read online or HERE to listen online (then click the symbol of the audio speaker above the scripture portion on the right-hand side).
Located just inside the Jaffa Gate in the Old City of Jerusalem, this is the oldest Protestant Church in the Middle East. Christ Church was completed in 1849 and soon after became known as “The Jewish Protestant Church.” This is where the prayer meeting I mention below took place.
GOOGLE MAPS – To see where Reynold took the photo, Click HERE.
Key Verse: Numbers 31:6a
Then, Moses sent them to war, one thousand from each tribe.
No wonder this book is called “Numbers.” Our reading is once again filled with numbers. The census taken by our government, attendance at Sunday School and Church services, as well as the amount of the tithes and offerings given each Sunday, are important to us and to God. Numbers allow us to plan, enabling us to move forward, or to know when we’re not moving forward.
We are appalled at the violence, no doubt, in our reading today. If we are watching the news from the Middle East, we will probably conclude that not much has changed in 3,500 years. But there is change for those who follow Jesus with a fervent heart. He teaches us to love our enemies. We can debate “The Just War,” but that can be a frustrating exercise. We who live in lands of peace and safety cannot fully understand the lives of the people of this area, let alone understand the circumstances of Midian and ancient Israel. We may want to read, for consolation, the following Scriptures: John 14:27 & 16:33, Ephesians 2:14, Colossians 3:15, 2 Peter 1:2.
PRAYER FOR TODAY:
Lord God, I ask for grace to keep my mind centred on You. You promised that as my mind is “stayed on You,” You will keep me in “perfect peace” (Isaiah 26:3). Amen!
100 PERSONAL WORDS:
Allow me to expand on a story I referred to in a recent blog posting. It was in March, 1978, that people from various Christian churches gathered at the church pictured above to pray for the “peace of Jerusalem.” The next morning, President Jimmy Carter spoke in the Israeli Parliament. He looked directly at Prime Minister Begin of Israel and said, “The people want peace,” indicating that Begin did not. He ordered Air Force One readied for departure for the U.S.A. Buses pulled up for reporters to travel to the airport to cover his departure. I was credentialed as one of those reporters, making daily reports to the viewers of 100 Huntley Street. I decided to remain behind. Shortly thereafter, I was approached by Hebrew and Arabic radio station reporters for an interview. They had to fill in live-on-air until their reporters got to the airport. They asked the question, “Do you think there’s a chance for peace?” I felt as if I was in the clasp of God. Contrary to all the prevailing wisdom, I said, “Yes, there will be a breakthrough. Last night, the churches of Jerusalem prayed, and God is answering our prayers. For the first time in history, three leaders representing three different religions, Christianity, Judaism and Islam, prayed together in Washington, D.C. Carter, Begin, and Sadat joined in prayer to the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob for the success of the Camp David Accords. God is answering their prayers. There will be a breakthrough.” I believe that this was a prophetic word that helped destroy the plans of Satan. It was carried on live radio all over the Middle East. The so-called “prince and power of the air” was shot down and God’s plans prevailed. Air Force One did not leave that day and the peace treaty between Egypt and Israel was signed. I had the undeserved honour to share that story with President Carter at a “Habitat for Humanity” home building project. I started to weep as I talked about the night of prayer while he and the other leaders were at Camp David (see my personal words in the September 13 blog). I’ll never forget how he put his arm around me and said, “There, there.” I’m not sure exactly what he meant by that, but I know God used me for His purpose that fateful day in Israel. The reason for prophecy in the Bible is not to make work for preachers; it is to fight against “principalities and powers, rulers of the darkness of this age, spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places” (Ephesians 6:12). Sorry, I could not get this story into 100 words.
Yours, for God to use each one of us at His time and place, for His purpose,
David
thank you David for sharing this important information of how prayer can heal, can change hearts, our nations, our people need to pray for our hurting nation.
David we are to love our enemies as God said but we do not have to like what
satan is doing
Staying in perfect peace with You, Lord, David, and fellow saints–on my birthday and favourite day of the week–Tuesday. The biggest lesson I have been learning of late is to let things go quickly; leave them in the past; and carry on. Amen! Wishing all a blessed day in the Lord!
And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love. 1 Corinthians 13:13 NIV
Tim Timmons – Starts With Me
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pslWA2VRmxg
Wishing you a happy and joyous birthday with family and friends Beverlee… God Bless!
Happy Birthday from me too!
Happy Birthday, Beverlee. You are a blessing – your input to the blog and your prayers are greatly appreciated. Thank you, and may the great God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob,
“The Lord bless you and keep you;
The Lord make His face shine upon you,
And be gracious to you;
The Lord lift up His countenance upon you,
And give you peace.”’
Amen Rob ! Happy Birthday Beverlee !
Blessings on your birthday Beverlee… may the “Joy of the Lord be your strength” this day and always:)
Prayers requested for Sue–her pacemaker surgery is sometime this morning between 7 and 10 am. Also prayers for my lifetime friend Beth’s father, John, who is ill in hospital. Thank you living saints of the Lord!
Just prayed for Sue and your friend Beth’s father John.
I am wishing you Beverlee a VERY HAPPY BIRTHDAY
Thank you Pastor David for sharing your story and for the wonderful verses on peace.
Blessings to all Eleanor M.
Praying for Sue the for Lord’s intervention for the surgery to go well and a speeding recovery, thank you Jesus for answered prayer!
And God’s will for Beth’s Father, Amen!
TY Lord for all the blessings of this day! May Your Will be done in the lives of Sue and John! We pray for complete healing, complete peace, grace and mercy for all the families!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY BEVERLEE KAY! remember, you are not getting older, you are getting better in the Lord! Celebrate the JOY OF THE LORD! amen amen amen!
Your words are never hollow,David.Thanks again.God bless
Amen brother David to your Holy Spirit-filled words of wisdom and your closing quote… “Yours, for God to use each one of us at His time and place, for His purpose”
Amen and Amen!
God bless blog friends in Christ
Please help me understand. I am a strong Christian but really struggle with Numbers 30 where through Moses, therefore God that a woman can have her decision, promise, obligation changed by her husband which I guess made society to think that men would have the say on everything for their wives therefore women end up getting treated badly in many cases. Numbers 31:15-19 is very difficult for me to understand. God would know that it was not just the women seducing the men…it takes two to tango. I understand the premise to keep the Israelites clean however we are all HIS so the killing that goes on in the Old Testament is hard to understand from a loving God who I also know is jealous. I believe this is a huge hindrance in my husband coming to faith also so please help me understand.
Jo-Ann, the best way to understand something in the Bible you are struggling with is to use the commentaries available. When you are in biblegateway, click to the right on commentaries for that passage or do a google search numbers 30 31 commentary and it will bring up a thorough scholarly explanation. Here is Matthew Henry’s: http://www.biblestudytools.com/commentaries/matthew-henry-complete/numbers/30.html
Always inspired to hear your story of how God used you David to bring peace in the Middle East. Holding on to your closing prayer. Have a very Happy Birth Day Beverlee. You are a faithful witness. God bless you. Will pray for Sue and John. Have a new position of song leader in our church and am praying for 100 members to come.
Thank you Pastor David for sharing that story…what a word of encouragement that God does speak and does answer the prayer of His people!!!
All the links you posted on “Peace” are so encouraging and comforting!!! Thank you David:)
Happy Birthday Beverlee !!
Happy Birthday Beverlee, you are a blessing to us all.
My husband returned home from hospital yesterday afternoon, and is doing quite well. He is walking with a cane, most of the time. Thank you all for your prayers.
Also my son has now got an appointment for Dec 7th, for a heart test that requires sedation. Meanwhile, although he doesn’t feel well, he is able to do some work from home.
Thank you Samuel for your reminders from Psalm 18, I really appreciate your input.
“God is so good, God is so good, God is so good, He’s so good to me.”
I agree in prayer with you, for all the names mentioned in this blog today.
David, I was wondering how long it took to count all the animals etc. It must have been quite a sight to see the large army return with the spoils. It is hard to imagine the scene. Just a thought.
God Bless you all.
We thank God for you, David. And thank you for giving yourself so totally to Him so that He can move through you. May the fullness of His blessing be yours in every way!
Calling all prayer warriors! Please pray for me,
Pray for financial breakthrough to happen! I desire to clear up my debts, help family/friends/missions/purchase a newer 2nd vehicle/invest rest for a better income! Will contact Pastor and a real estate person maybe Shannon and discuss getting place ready for sale, praying the Lord will provide a small unit uptown for me!
Praise report: the Lord showed me what food I cannot eat anymore! it is cheese! I thank the Lord for revealing this to me!
Blessings to all………
Thank you beautiful saints of the living God for your birthday wishes–how truly special! Your prayers for Sue and John are so powerful. Sue’s surgery was a total success–amen! Please continue to pray for John as he struggles with chemo. God’s blessings over each and every one of you!!