Tuesday, August 8, 2017

  SPEAKING PEACE

Today’s Reading: Esther 9-10

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

 

The Yad Lashiryon Memorial at Latrun is the Armored Corps’ Memorial Site. The memorial is surrounded by tanks used and captured in Israeli wars. The centrepiece of the Armored Corps is the Wall of Names on which are inscribed the names of all 4,965 fallen soldiers of the Armored Corps from all of Israel’s wars. This location is also the site of the Biblical battles of Joshua Bin-Nun against the Amorite kings; in the book of Joshua it says: “Sun, stand still upon Giv’on; and moon, in the valley of Ayalon” (Joshua 10:12).

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

 

Key Verses: Esther 10:3

For Mordecai the Jew was second to King Ahasuerus, and was great among the Jews and well received by the multitude of his brethren, seeking the good of his people and speaking peace to all his countrymen.

 

Mordecai was a man who had peace within himself. His confidence in God enabled him to stand up straight when others bowed. That security, based in the knowledge of who he was, enabled him to develop a bold plan to save his Jewish people from an impending holocaust. Twice in today’s reading Mordecai is recorded as speaking “peace.” Some Jews took revenge on their would-be killers. Even Esther wanted revenge, but there is no record of Mordecai seeking revenge. Rather, he promoted days of feasting, joy and gladness. Esther 9:30 tells us that Mordecai sent letters to all the Jews in all 127 provinces of the Persian Empire in which he wrote words of “peace and truth.” We don’t have a copy of any of his letters, but if we did, we would probably find that the “truth” he shared was about the God of his fathers. Our key verse reads, “…seeking the good of his people…” Let us speak, write, and model “peace and truth.” This is how we seek the good of all. Amen!!!

PRAYER FOR TODAY:

Dear Lord, even in exile in a foreign land, You found a man of sterling character named Mordecai. I pray that by Your grace I will become such a person. A person whom You can trust to serve You faithfully…a person who will speak “peace and truth”…a person who will seek the good of all. In the name of the One who did that very thing consistently, Jesus of Nazareth. Amen!!!

100 PERSONAL WORDS:

People who speak “truth and peace” are amongst us today. Some have a louder voice than others because of the advantage of their prominence. I’m thinking of three such people. Two of them are political leaders and one a spiritual leader.

(1) President Jimmy Carter – He brokered peace between Egypt and Israel known as “The Camp David Accords.” SUCCESS! I had the opportunity of experiencing this up close as an accredited journalist in Israel during the final breakthrough (pages 47-49 in my recent book, This Far by Faith).

(2) Former Prime Minister of Israel, Ehud Barak – When he initiated “The Oslo Accords” with Palestinian President, Yasser Arafat, I had high hopes for a lasting peace. Barak had brought blankets to poorly clothed Syrian soldiers during a blinding snow storm on the sides of Mt. Hermon. If anyone could succeed, I thought it would be him. But the effort failed (see pages 68-69 in my book).

(3) Dr. David (Mohsen) Damien, a founder of “Watchmen for the Nations” – He spoke “peace” to the survivors of the St. Louis ship by initiating a gathering in Ottawa where we (representatives of Canada) repented before God for the action of our political leaders back in the 1930s in turning away the ship on which they were travelling as children, seeking refuge in Canada. After being turned away from our shores, most of their parents perished in the death camps of Europe. David, by his words of “peace and truth,” brought a beautiful reconciliation between these hurting Jews and Canadians. This is one of the many stories through which I’ve learned much, which is not in my recent book. As God gives me strength, I may write another book.

I am more determined than ever to speak “peace and truth!” Jesus is my Mentor. He said, “My PEACE I give you” (John14:26) and “I am…TRUTH…” (John 14:6). In Hebrew the word for “TRUTH” is “HEMETH.” This word means the experience of “TRUTH,” not just a list of doctrines which we say we believe. I suggest we all read John 14:5-31 and experience Jesus by the working of the Holy Spirit in us through meditating on Jesus’ Words.

Yours for “PEACE” and “TRUTH,”

David

P.S. Over the years, 100 Huntley Street has produced several series on “Science and Faith,” featuring several very prominent scientists who are also followers of Jesus. One such person is Dr. James Tour, a Jewish man who found Christ as his Messiah. Click here for a video clip of his story from a documentary produced by Crossroads.

Lorna Dueck and her team need our ongoing support as they approach the financial year end for Crossroads! Here is a message from Lorna once again…

This has been a remarkable year at 100 Huntley Street with a growing audience on TV and an exploding audience on the web through our website, social media platforms and on You Tube (where we now reach almost 1 million views every month).  It’s also looking like a turnaround year financiallybecause we’re SO CLOSE to finishing our fiscal year (August 31) with a balanced budget…the first time in six years!  Lots of hard work, cost-cutting, financial restraint and generous donors who believe in this ministry have made this goal achievable. We have exciting, new plans in mind for our new media mission year that begins in September.  I’m so committed that Crossroads be Canada’s “megaphone of the Gospel”…and we will not be silent about how Jesus can change lives… Jesus alone offers hope! Your donation today will make a difference in many lives.  – Lorna            

CLICK HERE TO MAKE A SPECIAL YEAR-END GIFT TO HELP US BALANCE THE BUDGET AND YOUR DONATION WILL BE MATCHED THROUGH A SPECIAL $10,000 CHALLENGE GRANT! YOU CAN ALSO CALL 1-800-265-3100 TO DONATE BY PHONE.

The Yad Lashiryon Memorial at Latrun (description under photo above).

6 thoughts on “Tuesday, August 8, 2017

  1. Good morning David and blog friends. I’ve seen that clip on Dr. James Tour before. I enjoyed it then and welcomed the refresher. Thanks for re-posting it Pastor David.

    Have a blessed day blog friends in Christ…

  2. What an awesome photo of the Yad Lashiryon Memorial…thank you for posting it and the Scripture link John 14:5-31. Yes PEACE and TRUTH…joining in prayer with you Pastor David.
    A Powerful message “ESTHE” I have had the pleasure and Blessing of participating in a PURIM Celebration.

    Thank you for faithfully presenting this daily blog to us!!

  3. Blessings to all
    I posted some info regarding mental illness Aug 7/17; please pray for all who are dealing with a mental illness; send my article to anyone who may get some help from the info!
    I thank David Mainse for this blog! It goes around the world! It is breaking down barriers! PRAISE THE LORD AND THANK HIM WITH SONGS OF JOY!
    This blog is also a good way to share any concerns or prayers needed! AGAIN,
    PRAISE THE LORD AND THANK HIM WITH SONGS OF JOY!
    Please continue to pray for rain!
    I understand Saskatchewan has had rain! We in British Columbia also need rain! Lord we pray to open the Heavens and rain for an hour! THANK YOU LORD AND WE THANK YOU WITH SONGS OF JOY!

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