Thursday, March 16, 2017

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DAGON FALLEN

Today’s Reading: 1 Samuel 5-6

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

This is some of the landscape that the Children of Israel of would have beheld as they sojourned in the desert before entering the Promised Land. This is Timna National Park in Southern Israel.

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

 

Key Verse: 1 Samuel 6:20

And the men of Beth Shemesh said, “Who is able to stand before this holy Lord God? And to whom shall it go up from us?”

In today’s reading we learn of the different ways of handling the Ark of the Covenant. First, the Philistines of Ashdod offended God, and then the Israelites of Beth Shemesh, who knew better, treated the Ark as an article of curiosity, failing to respect the symbol of God’s Presence as Moses had instructed them. The Philistines may have thought they were honouring the God of Israel by placing the Ark in the Temple of Dagon, but instead they abused Him. They failed to understand that God does not share worship with an idol. We can look up in our Bibles the proper way to handle the Ark. The people to whom the cattle brought the ark may not have had immediate access to the scrolls with the instructions. Ignorance, in this case, was no excuse.
We have the assurance that since Jesus came, we can stand before God with reverence, worshipping Him. We must not take Him for granted or presume upon His mercy. It’s true that Jesus changed our approach to God. The excruciating suffering and death of Christ is ample proof that our holy God is outraged by sin in all its forms. We throw ourselves on His grace and mercy.

PRAYER FOR TODAY:

Lord God, I come boldly to Your throne of grace. According to Your Word in Hebrews 4:16, I receive mercy and find grace in my time of need. Please help me to always approach You with all reverence and total respect, knowing that Jesus, our great High Priest, has gone before me with His blood sprinkled on the Mercy Seat of the Ark in the heavens. In His Name I pray. Amen!

100 PERSONAL WORDS:

I lived on my uncle’s farm for six years while my Dad was away from our family during WW2. Three years after his return, Dad accepted a call to two rural congregations filled with farmers. I spent much time on their farms, learning all about cattle, and then I worked full time on farms for five summers. I know first-hand that the natural way for a cow that has just given birth to a calf to behave is to remain beside that calf. What we read about today is not natural but supernatural. God always retains the right to intervene, changing patterns of behaviour to bring about His purposes. Animals are not made in God’s image as humans are. They function by pre-programmed instinct. I’ve learned that I am not like that. I must deliberately give my will over to God’s will, obeying His instructions. When I decide to follow Him, I know that supernatural provision for my journey will be provided as I go.

Yours for decisions to follow God’s instructions more closely,

David

The Ark of the Covenant, as depicted in a replica of the Old Testament Tabernacle at Timna Park in Israel.

9 thoughts on “Thursday, March 16, 2017”

  2. All but for Your grace and mercy, Lord! Such strong scripture, beautiful prayer, words of wisdom, dear David, and photo of the Ark of the Covenant, Reynold. Dear brothers and sisters in Christ, may we all come together today in prayer for the wellness and blessing of fruitfulness for one another. Amen.

    Now for you, if you will prepare your heart, spread out your hands to him.
    Job 11:13 ISV And I heard a voice from heaven, like the voice of many waters, and like the voice of loud thunder. And I heard the sound of harpists playing their harps. Rev 14:2 NKJV

    Who Am I – Casting Crowns with lyrics
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mBcqria2wmg

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  3. Also prayed together with you Pastor David.

    Today’s scriptures emphasize the Holiness and Greatness of Our God. He is Holy and worthy of all praise!! There is no God like our God!! Praise His Holy Name. Lord of Lords and King of KIings!!

    The photo of the Ark, magnifies its Holiness!!! Somehow, I did not think of the dessert as having mountains that were that visible; but, yes Moses went up the mountain to be with God. Thank you Reynold for these marvelous photos!!

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  4. Yes prayed your prayer Pastor David and joined in prayer as you requested Beverlee for fellow bloggers. Wonderful photos Reynold. God bless all.

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  5. Pastor David, yesterday you asked us if we have ideas of what you could be doing these days. I have watched 100 Huntley Street for about 20 years, and was so blessed to go to Israel this past fall with your son and daughter-in-law. I personally would just love to see segments from the past shows – with you and other former hosts, your sons Ron and Reynold, Cal Bombay, Jim Cantelon, Lorna and others interviewing different guests. I think many of us long time viewers think of you and the 100 Huntley staff as family, and we miss seeing you!! Would actually love to see an older segment every day. Would you consider going through your archives and giving us a treat with some (lots?) of wonderful “old movies”?

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    • Yes, I agree Wendy! Also as a longtime viewer (30 yrs!) it would be wonderful to revisit old foootage. I miss the “old familiar faces”. The message has always been the same…
      It’s all about Jesus!

      Reply ↓

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