GREAT THINGS
Today’s Reading: 1 Samuel 11-12
Click scripture link to read online or HERE to listen online (then click the symbol of the audio speaker above the scripture portion).
The Tomb of Samuel is located atop a steep hill at an elevation of 908 metres above sea level. It is situated to the north of the Jerusalem neighbourhood of Ramot. The tomb is in an underground chamber where a small synagogue is located.
GOOGLE MAPS – To see where the photo was taken, click HERE.
Key Verse: 1 Samuel 12:23-24
Moreover, as for me, far be it from me that I should sin against the Lord in ceasing to pray for you; but I will teach you the good and the right way. Only fear the Lord, and serve Him in truth with all your heart; for consider what great things He has done for you.
Israel now has a king. Samuel is still very much present as the spiritual leader of the people. Prayer “without ceasing” is the most important leadership quality if we want God’s will to be done. David will be king over the united tribes in about 10 years. A Psalm of David indicates his daily preparation to lead as he writes, “My voice You shall hear in the morning, O Lord; In the morning I will direct it to You, and I will look up” (Psalm 5:3). Psalm 55:17 tells us that David prayed at “evening, morning and at noon.” There is no record of Saul praying like Samuel and David did. Saul’s reign could’ve been so different.
As a New Testament meditation, let us consider 1 Thessalonians 5:17-18: “Pray without ceasing, and in everything give thanks.” This praying continuously is not as difficult as it sounds. It’s based on the knowledge that I am in Christ and He is in me. We are never apart. Therefore, we are to be ever aware of His Presence.
PRAYER FOR TODAY:
Lord Jesus, Your servant Paul wrote, “We do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered” (Romans 8:26b). I pray that my Spirit will constantly pray within me when my conscious mind is occupied in other necessary matters. I believe this happens continuously as Your promise states. In Your Name I pray. Amen!
100 PERSONAL WORDS:
Finding the will of God through much prayer and being confident that the right decisions are being made has been my biggest challenge. In several World Expos with our Crossroads’ sponsored “Pavilions of Promise” we had to employ what is called “artistic license” in communicating the message on such a world stage. For example, we had male and female ballet dancers play the part of Adam and Eve in Theatre One. I could give other examples from our production that upset some people, but I was convinced that God was pleased. The entertainment values guaranteed that millions of precious souls heard the Gospel in a way they could understand for the first time. In the overall effort at four Expos, we recorded over 100,000 first-time decisions for Christ, with their names, addresses, and telephone numbers. They signed up for a Bible correspondence course and were followed up in their home countries with diligence. One evangelist was very judgmental toward me. He could not find it in his heart to celebrate with me the fact of thousands of people coming to know Christ. It has been my experience that Christians who are successful personal soul winners (not only pulpit evangelists) understand the creative Holy Spirit-inspired variety that it takes to lead people into a personal relationship with Jesus.
Yours for being personal soul winners,
David
Ruins surrounding the building that covers the tomb of Samuel.
I attended a strict church as a child. I am thankful for the years I attended there. As I moved on & attended The People’s Church in TO, Paul B Smith tackled some of the issues I (& others) had faced. I was guided not to wear makeup! Dr Paul said, “if the barn needs painting, paint it! I am thankful for the years spent there also. More recently Full Gospel Churches & 100 Huntley have revealed SOOOO much more! I am so thankful for that journey. Thank you for the blog. Praying for Mary Stewart. May God’s Greatest blessings & care be yours, dear Mary.
“If the barn needs painting, paint it!” Thanks, Doreen for the belly laugh from somebody who definitely needs it. Blessings!
The book of Samuel has been one of my favourite studies. How I appreciate these photos, that go with his tomb. Here lies proof of the Old Testament Prophet. Yes, we pray, David, without ceasing. Wishing all saints a blessed day in the Lord.
The Lord delights in those who fear him, who put their hope in his unfailing love.
Psalm 147:11 NIV
What A Beautiful Name – Rebecca Pfortmiller – Gateway Church
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pL_6vPrdtp4
Thankful to God for David and this daily blog. I’m glad it offers an opportunity to communicate with other blog readers and enables us to pray for each other.
Praying for you, Mary as you recover from your surgery and mourn the passing of your husband. May you sense Gods embrace as He holds you during your journey.
Blessings to every fellow blogger !
Amen Luisa, agreeing in prayer for Mary, for comfort and peace of mind, in Jesus Name!!
Those Crossroads’ Pavilions of Promise’ were a read stretch financially and in other ways for Crossroads at the time. To remember that so many people came to faith in Christ through them does the heart good!
God must have guided those involved and supplied the needs. And to think of all the lives impacted by those new believers…
May we all listen to His Spirit ‘s guidance. Blessings to you, David, and all your family!
Yes God plans OUR EVERY STEP IN LIFE! Right from our birth to our death, Yes He supplies all the material needed to build houses, place of worship, He walks with all of US in every step we take no
matter where we are or who we are!
He always has and always will! AMEN AMEN AMEN
Love to hear the stories regarding Pavillions of Promise. Your obedience to the Lord’s prompting in these presentations; and what Glorious results! Thank you for Sharing. Great photos, and yes, their affirming History!!
Prayers of praise and thanksgiving! The Lord provided me with a very nice car! Had to travel 2 1/2 hours to pick it up, 2 gals from swimming offered to drive me there and back, and they did just that! Drove me there and back, a total of 5 hours more or less!
It is a 5 speed 1995 Toyota Corolla! I am very thankful to God for providing the car and the 2 gals who helped me!
I ask for everyone to pray prayers of thanks for all that God has done not only for me for all of us!
I went swimming after we got back, and today I went up to work and clean up some flower gardens at church! I love doing this kind of work! SO THANKFUL TO GOD FOR THIS CAR!
PRAISE GOD FROM WHOM ALL BLESSINGS FLOW!
May God forgive that evangelist who cold not celebrate people coming to Jesus Christ!!! What is up with that attitude!
People can call Jesus Christ into their lives no matter where they are or who they are! The Holy Spirit is everywhere, because God is everywhere.
Can’t imagine it any other way!
Blessings to all,
please celebrate with me asI rejoice and thank God for a car!
So happy for you SAH!!!! Thanks be to God!!!!