THE BLESSED WATERS
Today’s Reading: Proverbs 4-5
Click scripture link to read online or HERE to listen online (then click the symbol of the audio speaker above the scripture portion).
Hierapolis, the “Sacred City,” is located in present-day Pamukkale in south-central Turkey. In the first century it was part of the tri-city area of Laodicea, Colossae, and Hierapolis. This connection between the cities lies behind Paul’s reference to Hierapolis and Laodicea in his epistle to the Colossians (Col. 4:13). Before AD 70, Phillip (either the apostle or the evangelist) moved to Hierapolis, where he was believed to have been martyred. The sun sets behind a tomb surrounded by a travertine hot spring fountain. Today’s reading speaks to us of “running water” “streams” and “fountains.” It’s about keeping clean!!!
GOOGLE MAPS – To see where the photo was taken, click HERE.
Key Verse: Proverbs 4:23
Keep your heart with all diligence,
For out of it spring the issues of life.
In Proverbs 4 Solomon details the influence of his father, King David. David’s words were indeed retained in Solomon’s heart (4:4). When God asked Solomon what he wanted, he remembered his father’s words and asked for wisdom rather than riches, power, fame, etc. (1 Kings 4:29-30). We are in the midst of reading the proof that God gave Solomon his request…the “Book of Proverbs.” David had illustrated this gift of wisdom to his son by referring to the ancient practice in the marriage ceremony when the bride would put a wreath (crown of glory) upon the bridegroom’s head.
Proverbs 5 teaches divine wisdom in marriage faithfulness. Here is a strong warning to stay far from, and not even consider, sexual immorality. With an illustration of a fountain of water, Solomon shows that it is absolutely essential to remain faithful to one’s spouse. Lasting satisfaction and God’s blessing will come from honouring the marriage covenant. For a New Testament meditation see Matthew 15:15-20.
PRAYER FOR TODAY:
Dear Lord God, I pray that my heart will be filled with Your wisdom, knowledge, and understanding. I realize that whatever I put in my heart will affect every area of my life. May my heart be so full of You that there will be no room left for that which is not of You. I pray in the Name of the One “In Whom dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily” (Colossians 2:9)…Jesus. Amen!
100 PERSONAL WORDS:
As I sit at my laptop computer typing these words, I’m thinking of the modern proverb that arrived with the computer age, “garbage in – garbage out.” A former co-host on 100 Huntley Street television used to ask people if they had put their garbage out so that God could pick it up and dispose of it. He had practised as a clinical psychologist at one time in Toronto, so he knew, as a professional, the importance of getting the bad stuff out. The morning after I first heard him say this, I was driving at about 4:30 a.m., north on Jarvis Street, toward our studios at 100 Huntley Street. There, in front of me, stopping every few feet, was Toronto garbage truck #100!! I got the message loudly and clearly from God, “David, get the garbage out! Furthermore, live in such a way that you don’t put garbage into your heart in the first place.” Amen!!! Amen!!!
Yours, knowing that “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness [garbage]” (1 John 1:9),
David
P.S. Here’s a photo of the Jordan River and some brothers and sisters in Christ who were baptized in recognition of the fact that Jesus was baptized in this river by John the Baptist. Some were baptized for the first time in their lives and some were reconfirming their original baptism. What a happy time!!! Rev. Ron Mainse did the baptizing assisted by his son-in-law, Rev. Jason Patterson.
This is my granddaughter Elena and her husband Justin Gilmore.
Thinking about the saints of the past who used to always blog–Christine, Scott, Brenda, Brad–praying for you all. Wishing fellow saints a blessed day in the Lord!
Jesus said, “The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field” – Matthew 13:44 (NIV).
Kirk Franklin – Smile Music Video featuring Steve Harvey (awesome!)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7CUKQxPTjpY
Holding you in prayer, this morning, Sister Lianne!
I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength. Phil 4:12-13 NIV
You Deserve It, JJ. Hairston & Youthful Praise
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zxL1m0uG8x4
Yes, Amen, Beverlee!
Amen Beverlee. Another good blog Pastor David. For all those requesting prayer yesterday, may God answer all the prayers already prayed in Jesus Name. Amen.
Thank you everyone for your prayers. This blog is like family. All we can do is leave it in Gods hands, as he has a plan for all of us.
What a spectacular photo filled with mood, amazing!!! thank you for sharing it with us.
What sound doctrine in today’s reading both scripture, as well as David’s words of wisdom. I remember those words “Garbage in Garbage out” from the days of Rev. Father Bob MacDougal. How true!!
What a beautiful picture of Elena and her husband. Thinking of her story and that how the Lord brought her into your family. God’s Great love for His children!
Praise God, His ways are Higher than our and His thought are Higher than ours.
And His Love from everlasting to everlasting!!! Amen and Amen!!
Have a blessed day all you saints!!
As the song says, “Everyday with Jesus is sweeter than the day before”…
Thinking of that because reading the Bible is amazing – God brings new life to the words that you had never known before. Billy Graham said that he read through the Books of Proverbs and Psalms every month, and I wondered how he could get something new each day, but really he was taking to heart God’s instructions to treasure wisdom. What a wise man!
Lord God, thank You for loving us, and for the rich legacy of wise, loving, honest and true people You have given us throughout the generations. Please keep on sending your workers to be witnesses of You, and make each of us good ambassadors of our Lord and King. In Jesus’s great, great name, amen
Amen, Rob!
Amen, Rob!
Thank you Beverlee for your prayers when I became a born again Christian
Phil 4:13. I can do all things through Christ who strengthen me is the verse some
one gave me, and I have it on a plaque on my wall this verse helps me a lot to.
Rob Will Graham Billy Graham came here a few weeks ago on a crusade Celebration
of Hope I heard many people came as first time believers . I did not go but my friend Kay went, and said the building was packed. I do have a dvd called Billy Graham ” Gods Ambassador” about his life, and crusades.
Ron the pictures Renold took must bring back good memories /
Lianne Hogg
I heard a speaker say
the battle is not ours
but the Lord’s
2 chron 20.15 cross reference 1 Sam 17.47.