Friday, June 9, 2017

RIGHT DECISIONS

Today’s Reading: 1 Chronicles 10-11

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

 

Around 1100 BC, the Canaanite city, Beit She’an, was conquered by the Philistines, who used it as a base of operations for further penetrations into Israel. During a battle against King Saul’s army at nearby Mount Gilboa in 1004 BC, the Philistines prevailed. 1 Samuel 31 states that the victorious Philistines hung the body of King Saul on the walls of Beit She’an. Portions of these walls were excavated on Tel Beit She’an recently. King David was able to capture Beit She’an in a series of brilliant military campaigns that expelled the Philistines from the area, pushing them back to their coastal strongholds of Ashkelon, Ekron, Gath, Gaza, and Ashdod.

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

 

Key Verses: 1 Chronicles 10:4b, 13-14

Saul took a sword and fell on it…So Saul died for his unfaithfulness which he had committed against the Lord, and also because he consulted a medium for guidance. But he did not inquire of the Lord.

 

Suicide! What a tragic end of life for a man called of God to serve as King over Israel. Through his own choices this once humble and faithful man reduced himself to a defeated, moody, unhappy shell of his former person. The warning must be sounded! For anyone who gives his or her life to God, God-informed and Scripture-based choices must be made and followed. There should be absolutely no consultation with any form of the occult or persons who, under the guise of spiritual gifts, would seek to take the place of direct guidance from God and the Word of God. Emotional stress and mental anguish will result. With Saul, his bad temper had taken control, as evidenced by his jealousy of David. The prelude to Saul’s death, and that of his sons, was that he had forgotten the key rule of battle…keeping in close touch with the Commander of the Lord’s hosts, as Joshua did.

Every person who makes a decision to serve Jesus must consult Him daily. Jesus, Himself, gave us the example of consulting His Father in prayer early every morning. Failure to keep in close touch will result in poor decisions, and we will flounder as Saul did. Let us all take everything of any importance to Jesus in prayer. He will guide and we will follow!

PRAYER FOR TODAY:

“What would Jesus do?” Lord Jesus, I want to be like Peter, James and John, the three who, because of their fervency of spirit, were closest to You. Like these three, may I always keep the eyes of my spirit focused on You, so that I won’t miss anything You are doing and want me to do. I pray that I won’t struggle with this challenge, but rest in Your nearness. If there is any gap between us, Lord, help me to close that gap right now! In Your Name I pray, Amen!!!

100 PERSONAL WORDS:

The first Governor General of Canada I met was the Rt. Hon. Jeanne Sauve. In her former role as Minister of Communications back in the 1970s, the host of our Circle Square children’s telecast, Glen Rutledge, presented her with a large study brief which we had prepared on violence in children’s TV and its detrimental impact on children’s lives. This document was the direct result of guidance I know we had received from the Lord. Madame Sauve was dying with cancer the last time I met her. We had time alone together before going out on the stage of the Convocation Hall at the University of Toronto. I remember approximately her words to me. She wept freely at her memory, “I could never dispose of that study brief. It has remained on my shelf near me ever since I received it from your children’s host about 15 years ago. I knew that as Minister of Communications at the time, I should be able to do something. However, the will of the broadcasters and society in general was not there to enable me to take action. I’m so sorry.” A political leader in a democracy is unable to act without the support of the majority of those involved as stakeholders in the cause. My heart was heavy and I did my best to pray with her and comfort this precious person. She bravely went on stage and represented Canada with strength and dignity. She passed away several months later, and I wept over the loss.

Yours for guidance from God and for showing up when we need to exercise our rights as citizens to influence the course of our various countries. We pray every time we sing our national anthem here in Canada, “God Keep Our Land,”

David

10 thoughts on “Friday, June 9, 2017

  1. Have faith in God. Have faith in God. Have faith in God for the answer, have faith in God. (going through my head just now)!

  2. Lord God, please help our leaders to turn to You. Guide them in the decisions they make, and bless all the Godly men and women in leadership. Please raise up even more, wash each one in your precious blood, and fill them with your Holy Spirit. Please keep your hand on the UK in the decisions they are making now and will make in the future.
    We need You, oh how we need You. May You, Lord God, be exalted throughout the world with more boldness and honesty than ever before, I ask in Jesus’s great name, amen

  3. Yes, going to encourage our leaders here on facebook when they make a good decision. Prayed your prayer today Pastor David and meditating on the lives of King Saul and King David. What a difference. Notice part of King David’s success was all the mighty men who were loyal and supported him. Have a good weekend saints.

  4. Dear David: I call you that because after all these years of watching 100 Huntley Street I feel that I know you personally. Just want to say thanks to you, your family, and all staff who work at Crossroads to grow the Kingdom. You’ve done an amazing job! As we inch closer to celebrate Canada’s 150th birthday, I’m so appreciative that you all have a special place in its rich tapestry. I’m very grateful and proud of your wonderful ministry. God Bless You All! May the Lord continue to guide you while you move forward to reach people for Christ.

  5. Have you read the book ” In His Steps” by Charles M Sheldon it is a good book I started to read it again, but never asked myself the question and have a wrist band . I also said your prayers David , and Rob and agree .
    Lianne Hogg

  6. I also prayed your prayer with you Pastor David…the importance ” to always keep the eyes of my spirit focused on You Jesus!!!

    What a difference in the choices of Saul and David!!!

  7. the bell that rings daily at the Parliament Buildings in Ottawa has Scripture: Psalm 72:8 and one from Luke! does anyone know which Scripture from Luke?
    prayers of healing for Eva, a friend, still in the hospital….
    prayers of strength for all those dealing with flooding in the Okanagan Valley in British Columbia……

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.