Thursday, February 2, 2017

JUST BETWEEN US

Today’s Reading: Joshua 22-23

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).

 

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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. In our recent readings this area is known as Edom or Mt Seir.

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

 

Key Verse: Joshua 22:28

Therefore we said that it will be, when they say this to us or to our generations in time to come, that we may say, “Here is the replica of the altar of the Lord which our fathers made, though not for burnt offerings nor for sacrifices; but it is a witness between you and us.”

 

With the land settled and secured, Joshua saw that it was time to allow the armed men to return from the west bank of Jordan to their families and homes in the east. When they returned they took with them the blessings of God and the fruit of the Promised Land. Upon their arrival home, they built an altar as a witness to their children and future generations. However, their action was misinterpreted by the western tribes. They jumped to the conclusion that the eastern tribes were establishing a false religion.The tribes on the west bank were ready to go to war to stop such heresy. Wisdom prevailed and peace was restored.

We need to be aware of the serious problems that misunderstandings can cause. A premature or immature jumping to conclusions can cause divisions among God’s children which are completely emotional and irrational. We may want to read from the one-chapter book of Jude, verses 17-25. We are warned about those who cause divisions. Verse 20 of Jude states what we hope to accomplish by faithfully reading this blog: “building yourself up on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit.” Amen!

PRAYER FOR TODAY:

Lord Jesus, as Jude 21 encourages me, may I keep myself in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life. Amen!

100 PERSONAL WORDS:

Petra is an exceedingly strong fortress. It was next to impossible for an enemy to conquer that city. My security in Christ makes it absolutely impossible that I could be conquered by an enemy unless I allow him access through the narrow “siq” of my free will (The siq is the entrance to Petra shown in yesterday’s blog. One excellent swordsman with the support of boulders from above could stop an entire army). The Doxology of Jude (verses 24 & 25) have for years been my impregnable fortress. God my Saviour keeps me by His mighty unbeatable power. He is wise, glorious, and majestic. He has dominion and power, both now and forever. Amen!!!!!!!

For approximately five years after I became a fully committed follower of Jesus, I struggled to live a Christian life. I was 21 when I grasped the fact that it was not up to me to keep from falling, but that God is totally committed to “keep you from stumbling” (Jude verse 24). I’ve relaxed in His strong arms ever since.

Yours for understanding all of God’s provisions for His children,

David

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There are many signs of the ancient Nabataean civilization that once existed here in Petra.

20 thoughts on “Thursday, February 2, 2017

  1. I am still working on building my fortress through Jesus. At times when the enemy is attacking me the most, I still react and fall. Thank you David for your message and constant example of grace. To God our Savior, Who alone is wise, we give You all the praise and glory. “For it is a witness between us that the Lord is God.” Blessings fellow saints in the Lord!

    “Look to Me, and be saved, All you ends of the earth!
    For I am God, and there is no other.” Isa 45:22 NKJV

    Kari Jobe – Forever (Live)
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=huFra1mnIVE

  2. Thank you as usual dear Pastor David for your encouraging words , it is God that keeps us from falling. May I obey The Lord and seek to do His Will everyday. Your Blog is so helpful that it is a Must to read everyday. May The Lord give you strength to carry on the good work .
    Blessings to all. Eleanor M.

  3. Thank you Pastor for your message and prayers and for yours Beverlee and Eleanor. Love “Streams in the Desert” and “My Utmost for His Highest”.

  4. Sometime back I mentioned a hymn “Till the storm passes by”.
    Well the storm got a lot worse, my husband has kidney cancer, with lesions in the lungs, he has surgery Febuary 10th, to remove his kidney, and then chemo afterwards. We got the news just before Christmas!!
    Also I am booked to have the the ‘ spacer’ removed from my left hip, and another hip replacement done on the 22 nd of Feb. with this one I cannot walk for about 6 weeks. I’ll be in a wheelchair, at home, I will have help coming during the day.
    There is a lot activity here, but I was thinking, at the centre of a tornado, there is a calm spot. God is still in control, He never leaves us or forsakes us, He won’t give me more than I can bare, and I trust Him.
    I would also appreciate your prayers that God’s Will, will be done in our lives.
    Thank you, may God bless you all. Mary

    • Bringing both you and your husband Mary before The Throne of God who sends peace and calmness in our storms. You are both safely in His arms. Catherine

    • Praying for you and your husband during difficult times. When the disciples were going through a turbulent storm with lots of fears, Jesus was IN the boat with them. He said, “peace, be still” and brought them through. Here is a verse of a beautiful song:

      “In heavenly love abiding,
      No change may heart shall fear;
      And safe is such confiding,
      For nothing changes here.
      The storm may roar without me,
      My heart may low be laid;
      But God is round about me,
      And can I be dismayed?”

      A beautiful reminder that God is in the storm with us – with you – and I am sure many will be upholding you in prayer and support.

    • Agreeing with you Mary that God’s Will, will be done in your lives. Yes, Praise God, at the centre of a tornado, there is a calm spot. And I pray for that Peace that passes understanding will enfold you both at this time.
      I pray for the Lord’s intervention for His Highest and Best in your lives both now and always. Jesus, I pray this in your Mighty Name, Amen!!!

    • Thank you Lord for Mary sharing her prayer concerns! Lord we know that You hear all our prayers and that You, Lord, have lined up the whole situation in regards to the surgeries and the care before and after for Mary and her husband! THANK YOU LORD!
      it will tough going for awhile BUT you know that God is walking right beside you and you have all the prayers from the this prayer centre!
      I PRAISE and THANK GOD that you will be receiving help when you are at home! Enjoy the help, those who care about others do a wonderful job! Make your every request known to God and to those who help! If there is anything you need or would like done, please be sure to speak to the care givers!
      PRAISE and THANK God that the surgeries you and your husband are about to have are available in our country!
      Lord we thank you for all the doctors, nurses and all the staff that will be involved in these surgeries that they will all be trained and will do the very best job that they can do for their patients!
      thank you again for sharing; we will continue to pray for you and husband……….God bless you Mary……

    • Yes, praying in agreement with Eleanor, Catherine and Samuel for you, dear Mary, as you face another hip surgery and your dear husband, as he battles the rage of cancer. God is your rock and your salvation–cling to it for your strength comes in His peace. Know that all the saints are praying for you both, continuously, in Jesus’ precious Name! Amen!

      • Amen! Beverlee Kay.

        Continuing to pray for all on the blog with special needs.
        God is good. May His Will be done in Jesus’ Name, Amen!!

  5. Dear David, For years I used your devotional books Day unto Day. Last year I used them to read through my Bible during one year. But now more than ever before , I am using your blog and your bible study every day.
    God bless you, and continue to guide you as you serve Him.
    Your sister in the Lord, Ruby.

  6. The spectacular photo’s, you powerful prayer Pastor David, and the Jude link, together with your comments, have strengthened and uplifted and encouraged me. Bless you for your faithfulness in bring it to us and blessings on each of those who participate in posting it.

    I pray that I would be able to say like Joshua…he did all that the Lord through Moses assigned for him to do…and then was ready for the Lord to take him.
    Jesus, I pray, that I would have completed all you have purposed for my life, when it is time for me to leave this earthly temple, and to be with You Jesus. Amen!!

  7. Thank you all for your prayers, I do have a peace knowing God is in control and that I trust Him. Only He knows the way that I take, only He knows His plans and purpose in all of the ” things” happening in my family.
    My daughter is still not back to work after she was hit in our vehicle Sept 30th. And my son could need open heart surgery in the near future. Thank you again. Mary

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