Wednesday, May 17, 2017

JEHU

Today’s Reading: 2 Kings 10

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

 

On display at the Archaeological Museum of ancient Corinth in Greece is a gold ring and many other artifacts. As far as we know, there are no golden calves, as in today’s reading.

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

 

Key Verse: 2 Kings 10:29

However, Jehu did not turn away from the sins of Jeroboam, the son of Nebat, who had made Israel sin, that is, from the golden calves that were at Bethel and Dan.

Surely Jehu or some of the advisers and priests knew about the judgment of God on those who practised worship of the golden calf at the foot of Mt. Sinai shortly after the deliverance of the Children of Israel from Egypt (Exodus 32). Jehu most certainly knew the first of the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:1-6). They knew these things, but Jehu did not know them in his heart, the core of his being where decisions are made for right and wrong. Verse 31 in today’s reading tells us that “Jehu took no heed to walk in the law of the Lord God of Israel WITH ALL HIS HEART.” The disintegration of the northern tribes began as a result. Syria took over the territories of three of the tribes on the east side of the Jordan River, from its source south to Galilee. This is the border territory today between Syria and Israel. Our reading informs us that God wanted the destruction of the altars of Baal, but no instructions from God to do the same with the golden calves. Could it be that the Lord always leaves a test in place to see whether or not we will decide for Him or otherwise?

PRAYER FOR TODAY:

Lord God, I decide for You 100%. May I be granted grace, intelligence, and a heart that is true to You in all things. I pray that I will put out of my life all idols, those things that take priority ahead of You. I realize that to worship is to ascribe worth to someone or something. I worship You, Lord God; all else fades away in the focus of my life on You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen!

100 PERSONAL WORDS:

In the late 1970s I took my sons out of high school for the month of March and we back-packed throughout Israel. However, when we arrived at Vered Hagalil, a dude ranch just above the Mount of Beatitudes north of the Sea of Galilee, we rented horses for a day and rode across the hillsides and back for 20 miles or so. By the time we arrived at the northern stretch of the Jordan river, I realized that while I was doing fine walking and carrying a large back pack, I was not in shape for long periods in the saddle. I was very sore on a certain part of my anatomy! I remember jumping into the river, clothes and all, propping my feet against a fallen tree trunk and lying upstream into the current. The fast flowing waters of the Jordan provided the best and most refreshing massage imaginable. When my spiritual muscles and joints are tired and sore, I picture myself doing the same as I lie back into the river of prayer and worship. It’s amazing how refreshed I am after doing this. I’m ready to mount up and go again.

Yours for the refreshing streams of God’s Presence,

David

P.S.  Below are pictures from our backpack & horseback trek across Israel in 1978, including the northern Galilee region and the rushing Jordan River.

My sons Reynold & Ron with me backpacking around Israel in 1978.

 

Riding across the hills north of the Sea of Galilee. Reynold (left) was 16 and Ron (right) was 14.

Me lying upsream in the Jordan having a blessed massage that I needed after a long horseback ride.

My boys next to a rushing Jordan River in Northern Israel.

10 thoughts on “Wednesday, May 17, 2017

  1. Wonderful memory, trekking with your sons in Israel, dear David. Holding you in precious prayer, this morning, and wishing all saints a blessed day in the Lord.

    You have set our iniquities before you, our secret sins in the light of your presence. Psalm 90:8 ESV

    “Almost all evil deeds and intents are begun with the thought that they can be hidden by deceit.” Dallas Willard. God knows and sees everything. Amen!

    I Have This Hope – [Lyric Video] Tenth Avenue North
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oncIQo5ub0c

  2. “Waiting! Yes, patiently waiting!
    Till next steps made plain shall be;
    To hear, with the inner hearing,
    The Voice that will call for me.

    Waiting! Yes, hopefully waiting!
    With hope that need not grow dim;
    The Master is pledged to guide me,
    And my eyes are unto Him.

    Waiting! Expectantly waiting!
    Perhaps it may be today
    The Master will quickly open
    The gate to my future way.

    Waiting! Yes, waiting! still waiting!
    I know, though I’ve waited long,
    That, while He withholds His purpose,
    His waiting cannot be wrong.

    Waiting! Yes, waiting! still waiting!
    The Master will not be late:
    He knoweth that I am waiting
    For Him to unlatch the gate.”

    J. Danson Smith

    • Wonderful song Beverlee, a good reminder that God WON’T let us go when we give our lives to Him. Thankyou Pastor David for your thoughts today. I enjoyed seeing the pictures of you and your boys in Israel. I am praying that The Lord will renew your strength once again, you are such an example and a blessing to all of us.
      Have a great day everyone. Eleanor M.

  3. What an experience that would be with your sons Pastor David and shows your love for the land. This blog and photos are special to me today as I am doing an Israel Appreciation Sunday service in our church in a week and was just gathering souvenirs together and am using the video by Brian Hardin which I got from 100 Huntley St. Am excited about it as I know this pleases the Lord according to His Word. Am remembering you in prayer. Thank you for your posting Beverlee, love and poem and song. Have a great day everyone!

  4. Your boys – their body language says, “We’re with you Dad!” Their lives say it too. May God bless you all as you serve our Father in heaven. You are a blessing to us as you follow Him. Thank you.

  5. Thank you once again for your devotion to God and the
    blessing you are to the people of God,David.
    What wonderful memories and what a wonderful example
    to solidify the relationship with your boys.May God continue
    to bless you and your family.You are such fine examples of
    Christian living.

  6. What a blessing you are Pastor David to us, and particularly to Norma-Jean and all your family. I pray for a refreshing today for you Pastor David, and for all bloggers…blessings and love in the Lord!

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