Saturday, July 22, 2017

THE RIVER

Today’s Reading: Ezra 7-8

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

 

One significant source of water in the Middle East comes from a karst spring found in the Golan Heights region of Israel. The water from this spring forms the Dan River which is the largest and most important tributary of the Jordan River. It is fed by rain and snow that filters down through the rocks of Mount Hermon and emerges at its foot, creating the largest karst spring in the Middle East.

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

 

Key Verses: Ezra 8:21, 23

Then I proclaimed a fast there at the river of Ahava, that we might humble ourselves before our God, to seek from Him the right way for us and our little ones and all our possessions…so we fasted and entreated our God for this, and He answered our prayer.

 

Let us learn that while fasting does not gain any special favour, it does emphasize the high level of our fervency. God responds to fervent prayer. Fasting is an evidence of a high level of fervency. James, known as the brother of our Lord, wrote that, “The effective fervent prayer of a righteous man (or woman) avails much” (James 5:18b). The word “river” is repeated four times in our reading. Prayer is like a river. There is a source, found in the rains and springs God provides. The river flows, picking up other little streams as it goes. Without the Jordan River, much more land would be swallowed up by the desert.

Yesterday, our key verse told us that the people “prospered through the prophesying of Haggai, the prophet, and Zechariah.” We considered a sample of the preaching of Haggai yesterday. Today let’s read from the other preacher…Zechariah 1:14-17 and Zechariah 9:9-10. Here is a repeated promise from Psalm 72:8 which is the motto that the founders of Canada chose to describe our country and to proclaim that God is Lord of Canada. Consider Zechariah 4:6b “Not by might [corporate strength] or by power [personal strength] but by My Spirit, says the Lord of hosts.” Is it any wonder that the people prospered?

PRAYER FOR TODAY:

Father God, as is recorded in Mark 9:24, “Immediately the man cried out and said with tears, ‘Lord I believe; help my unbelief!'” Dear Lord, I am encouraged by reading this story and praying the same prayer. Thank You! Amen!!! (Mark 9:14-29).

100 PERSONAL WORDS:

Haggai and Zechariah had influence on the people of God. Esther, the young Jewish girl who became the bride of the King of the Persian Empire, had a profound influence. No doubt it was her presence in the palace that brought about the letter which we have in today’s reading. Every one of us have a sphere of influence. I mentioned in my first commentary on the book of Ezra a Jewish Canadian named Ezra Levant. He has an increasing influence on Canadian life and politics. Like those who spoke out against the prevailing conditions in Israel, Levant has been persecuted but refuses to be “politically correct.” Check him out. Whether I agree with him or not, I find him fascinating. You may want to encourage him by writing (his website is here).

Yours for all who use whatever opportunities we have to speak out on issues about which we care,

David

This sign is at one of the main points where the water comes out of the ground. You can read about the impressive volume of water that this Karst Spring produces.

5 thoughts on “Saturday, July 22, 2017

  1. Thank you for your 2012 tour of Isreal and for including a visit to this area. Your blog messages are like water to my needy soul.

  2. I tried to add my name to receive it in my inbox, but it says I’m already signed in. That surprised me, as I used to get it, then it was sporadic, and now it doesn’t come into my inbox at all. Thankfully, I can go on the Internet to read it. I’m just not sure why it doesn’t arrive in my Inbox anymore.

    • God bless you Karen! Yes by all means, read this blog daily! Praise God for the internet!
      Perhaps you can talk to your provider and see what they can do to bring this blog to you, especially you mentioned that you used to receive the blog….
      Your words are encouraging others to read this blog which ever way they can!
      God bless and your family, in Jesus Name we Pray amen amen

  3. Thank you for this writing, it was very encouraging and a blessing for me to read today, I pray that the Lord bless you Brother David and Sister Norma Jean Mainse.

  4. I pray God bless you and your family Pastor David for this daily spiritual food; Norma-Jean, Ron and Anne and any other member of your family that has aided you in posting this blog.

    Much appreciated!!

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