Saturday, April 29, 2017

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FIRST THINGS FIRST

Today’s Reading: 1 Kings 7

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 a view that many Bible characters would have seen as they looked east toward the Mount of Olives from the southern wall of the Temple Mount in Jerusalem. On the top left in the wall you can vaguely see the blocked up Triple Gate that was one of the entrances to the Temple.

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

 

Key Verse: 1 Kings 7:51

So all the work that King Solomon had done for the house of the Lord was finished; and Solomon brought in the things which his father David had dedicated: the silver and the gold and the furnishings. He put them in the treasuries of the house of the Lord.

At this time of King Solomon’s life, God was in His rightful place…FIRST PLACE! Only one wife is mentioned, the daughter of the ruler of Egypt. Solomon’s full attention was on the rule of his kingdom and on the task of building God’s Temple (here is a link to a good illustration of how the Temple may have looked). This building project was a job left for Solomon by his father, David. Later in his life, Solomon married many other wives, built temples to their gods, and his attention was not on the Lord God of Israel. It’s sad but true.
Jesus said, “Seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things shall be added to you” (Matthew 6:33). May this be the case throughout all the periods of our lives, not just for the first few years. As we read in today’s reading about the intricate details of the construction projects, let us recognize that God did indeed add “all these things” to Solomon and the Kingdom of Israel. As we will see, the Kingdom of God became diminished and the kingdom of Solomon increased. The end result will not be glorious. The country will be torn apart. Eventually the Temple will be destroyed and all the beautiful vessels in the Temple taken by a foreign invader. However, in the intervening period of God’s blessing, we can also be blessed as we read ahead.

PRAYER FOR TODAY:

Lord God, grant me even more wisdom than You gave Solomon. I ask for enough wisdom to last me an entire lifetime, not for just the first few years. I need You 24/7! In the Name of another Descendant of King David, Jesus, my Saviour and Lord, Amen!

100 PERSONAL WORDS:

For some reason I’m thinking of building projects in which I have been involved in a leadership role. The first was a new roof on a little church building in Castleton, Ontario. The next was a new church building in Deep River, Ontario. Then there was the construction of another church building in Sudbury. All these projects were built under budget and paid for in short order. But then 25 years later came the necessity of building a new 143,000 square foot studio and office building for Crossroads Christian Communications Inc. I was confident that we could once again build for less than the estimated costs, but the project went considerably over cost. It took lots and lots of fervent prayer, much sacrificial giving, and the daily pressures of also paying regular operating costs in order to prevail. There was no overlay of gold, just drywall, brick, and the most reasonable materials available. Nevertheless, the former Chairman of Canada’s Radio-Television and Telecommunications Commission, Keith Spicer, did pronounce the Crossroads Centre in Burlington the finest TV production facility in Canada. Every day, we sought to “seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness.” And through the amazing investment of God’s people in the purchase of mortgage certificates and in giving so very generously, the charity, Crossroads, became free of debt in ten years. It may seem foolish to draw any comparison to the Temple of Solomon, but it seems to me the same principles are involved, i.e. putting God first!

Yours for seeking first the Kingdom of God,

David

P.S. The 24-Hour Prayer Rally from the Crossroads Centre in Burlington continues until noon today. You are welcome to come in person for as long as you want, or you can watch it online, as it is being streamed live. God willing, I will participate in leading a portion of the prayer time this morning. For more info or to watch the live stream, click HERE.

27 thoughts on “Saturday, April 29, 2017”

  1. what amazing prayer rally going on -thank you I can streamline from home
    our country- our leaders- our government praying along with the country
    thank you crossroads – we can all pray together

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  2. Amen to God being first and foremost!!! Marc went in last night for a liver transplant; am waiting to receive an update from Beth. Thank you saints for your prayers for him. Praying with the livestream and looking forward to seeing you at 10 am, David. Have a blessed day, dear saints in the Lord!

    Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints. Eph 6:18 NKJV

    “The Lion and The Lamb” (with lyrics) Big Daddy Weave
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rMTfj4xOjZk

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  3. Praise God from who all Blessings flow. This is wonderful news about Mark Beverlee, Will continue to pray for him.

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  4. Yes, Lord, we pray for Kenny Blacksmith, his healing, peace and protection, and the Cree Nations and all First Nations peoples throughout Canada, as spiritual leaders and saints. Amen, amen, and amen!!!

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  5. Here are your scriptures you called in, David, for Lorna and prayer warriors at the Crossroads Centre to be read for you. We are praying for you at home for peace and healing. We pray for your weekly treatments, energy for your family as they care for you, and wisdom for the doctors and nurses. We love you, David! In honour of you and yours, the founder family of 100 Huntley Street, Crossroads Ministry, and the 100words.ca daily Bible study and blog. And yes, Lord, for increased prayer for the ministry. We pray over the map of Canada. We pray for Gloria, Director of the 24 hour prayer line and team. We pray for divine Angels over our country, Canada. We pray for Your glory and honour, Lord. We bow before You as the King of Kings, the Lord of Lords. In Jesus’ precious Name. Amen, amen, and amen!!!

    1. Psalm 51:1-13: vs. 5-6:
    Surely I was sinful at birth, sinful from the time my mother conceived me.
    Yet you desired faithfulness even in the womb; you taught me wisdom in that secret place. Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.

    2. Psalm 139:23-24:
    Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts.
    See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.

    3. James 4:8:
    Draw near to God and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.

    4. Isaiah 57:18:
    I have seen his ways, and will heal him; I will also lead him,
    And restore comforts to him and to his mourners.

    5. Isaiah 57:15:
    For this is what the high and exalted One says—he who lives forever, whose name is holy: “I live in a high and holy place, but also with the one who is contrite and lowly in spirit, to revive the spirit of the lowly and to revive the heart of the contrite.

    6. Isaiah 64:1-4 vs. 3:
    When You did awesome things for which we did not look,
    You came down, the mountains shook at Your presence.

    7. Habbicak 3:2:
    O LORD, I have heard thy speech, and was afraid: O LORD, revive thy work in the midst of the years, in the midst of the years make known; in wrath remember mercy.

    8. Isaiah 40:28-31. vs. 31:
    They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary,
    they will walk and not be faint.

    9. Ephesians 5:14-21. vs. 15-16:
    Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.

    10. Romans 12:1-2:
    Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.

    11. 1 Chronicles 12:32:
    From the tribe of Issachar, there were 200 leaders of the tribe with their relatives. All these men understood the signs of the times and knew the best course for Israel to take.

    12. Isaiah 43:18-19:
    Do not remember the former things, nor consider the things of old.
    Behold, I will do a new thing, now it shall spring forth; shall you not know it?
    I will even make a road in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.

    13. 11. John 15:5:
    “I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.”

    Behold, the former things have come to pass, and new things I now declare; before they spring forth I tell you of them. Isaiah 42:9 AMEN!!!

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  6. Updated from Beth: Marc is in ICU. His surgery was from 8pm until 2am. He is under sedation and on a ventilator. Not out of the woods yet, but he’s doing well… all things considered. Thanks to all for your prayers–keep them coming!

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    • Lord please continue to watch over Marc, and give Beth the strength she needs now.
      Also continue to bless David, Norma-Jean and their Family.
      Sorry you were unable to attend the prayer meeting today but your presence was felt. Enjoyed the scriptures you sent in to Lorna.

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  7. So sad you were unable to be at the Prayer Rally in person Pastor David. However, Praise God you were able to provide leadership through the scriptures you selected for prayer!

    What a powerful prayer time!!! and what a privilege to be able to join in with all who led in prayer.
    I would like to commend Lorna Dueck at this time for her faithfulness and leadership. Lord I pray for a refreshing for Lorna at this time. For a special anointing over her as she continues to guide in the ministry you have given her, as CEO of Crossroads Communications. Inc. and all she does for your Glory, Jesus I pray this in Your Holy Name!
    Together with those praying I joined in prayer for healing for you Pastor David, and all the prayers for this wonderful nation of Canada. For all crooked paths to be made straight . For the Glory of God our Savior and Lord. Amen!

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  8. Just found out, they have had to take Marc back into surgery to take care of some bleeding, as of 1:00 pm. Prayers please and thank you.

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    • Lord Jesus we continue to uphold Marc, asking for your intervention for those attending to him, that only that which is needful will be done, Jesus You are our Great Physician, we ask for your Highest and Best for Marc, for Your Healing anointing Power to flow through Marc. In your Name Jesus I pray, Amen!

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  9. Thank you Pastor David for sharing your “Personal Comments” and all the ways in which the Lord has led you in building His Kingdom!. Was good to see you and Ron together on the vlog this morning! Thank you for your faithfulness in bringing this manna to us daily, even though it takes up your energy to do so.
    Bless you and Norma-Jean and all your family as they stand by you during this difficult time. And for their faithfulness in joining with you in bring this blog to us daily.

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  10. I want you to know how much I look forward to reading your posts. I also want you to know that I intercede on your behalf health wise . About 40 years ago here in BC you and your wife picked up my sister and her 2 children who were hitch hiking . I never forgot that .I am still the only Christian in my family and it is a honor to pray for such a God fearing family. Currently I’m writing down in yearly calenders all of bible studies going back to when you 1st started. Thanks and God bless

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  11. Well the last one to reply but have stood with the 24 Hour Prayer Rally for 20 hours out of 24 praying and much weeping for this great country of ours and all the needs prayed for including for you Pastor David, Norma Jean and family. It was an awesome experience and was sorry you could not be there David but as someone said your spirit was there and God was very much there and we can expect great things to unfold as we keep believing. Glad to hear that Marc is doing well Beverlee even through a second trip to the operating room. May the Lord’s hand be continually on him as well as Brother Kenny Blacksmith. Appreciate the scriptures you chose Pastor David. God bless you all.

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  12. I was privileged to be @ the prayer rallie yesterday & today. A wonderful time with the Lord. I pray for Marc’s speedy & complete recovery & for David’s strengthening & for Brother Kenny Blacksmith blessing & healing.

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  13. TY Lord for all the staff who operated on Marc! You provided excellent caring people Lord; Marc will heal completely and may he and his family remember Your loving Hand over all of them, over all the surgery and over all the recovery!
    Lord I jump for joy knowing that Marc will be able to dance a celebration dance rejoicing in his recovery! May his entire family rejoice in Your glory Lord; this was all made possible by You Heavenly Father! You have a plan for Marc! He has much to do in life! You will lead him and teach him everything that he must do in the future! We praise and thank you Lord for all these wonderful things happening in Marc’s life! Thank you Lord, thank you in Jesus Name we thank You…….

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  15. Let us know about Marc!

    I will be praying during the night for his full recovery!

    Lord lead me to a nice black top for the concert! TY Lord

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  16. I am feeling very lonely! Lord send me a nice room mate! I have the back room, I used to rent it out! I am deep in debt! Lord I ask that You will pick the right person for me to share my home with! Nothing romantic! A working person, with good character, needing a nice place to stay, a sensible person, sense of humour, maybe a musician, would be nice if it were a Christian.

    I am going to talk with Tara and find out if I can put up an ad, since I received my Criminal Search and no problems, I wouldn’t mind looking after children in the evening for working parents, maybe 2 nights, 4-5 hours a night….

    Lord I bring this to You for your approval…Thank you Lord for the hair dresser, Robyn, a Christian no less!!!! what a blessing, bless her marriage, her children and her husband! She is a good mom and a good wife!

    thank you Lord for the blessings of this day…..

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