Thursday, November 22, 2018

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MAN OF WAR

Today’s Reading: Numbers 30-31

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

 

Located just inside the Jaffa Gate in the Old City of Jerusalem, this is the oldest Protestant Church in the Middle East. Christ Church was completed in 1849 and soon after became known as “The Jewish Protestant Church.” This is where the prayer meeting I mention below took place.

GOOGLE MAPS – To see where Reynold took the photo, Click HERE.

Key Verse: Numbers 31:6a

Then, Moses sent them to war, one thousand from each tribe.

 

No wonder this book is called “Numbers.” Our reading is once again filled with numbers. The census taken by our government, attendance at Sunday School and Church services, as well as the amount of the tithes and offerings given each Sunday, are important to us and to God. Numbers allow us to plan, enabling us to move forward, or to know when we’re not moving forward.

We are appalled at the violence, no doubt, in our reading today. If we are watching the news from the Middle East, we will probably conclude that not much has changed in 3,500 years. But there is change for those who follow Jesus with a fervent heart. He teaches us to love our enemies. We can debate “The Just War,” but that can be a frustrating exercise. We who live in lands of peace and safety cannot fully understand the lives of the people of this area, let alone understand the circumstances of Midian and ancient Israel. We may want to read, for consolation, the following Scriptures: John 14:27 & 16:33, Ephesians 2:14, Colossians 3:15, 2 Peter 1:2.

PRAYER FOR TODAY:

Lord God, I ask for grace to keep my mind centred on You. You promised that as my mind is “stayed on You,” You will keep me in “perfect peace” (Isaiah 26:3). Amen!

100 PERSONAL WORDS:

Allow me to expand on a story I referred to in a recent blog posting. It was in March, 1978, that people from various Christian churches gathered at the church pictured above to pray for the “peace of Jerusalem.” The next morning, President Jimmy Carter spoke in the Israeli Parliament. He looked directly at Prime Minister Begin of Israel and said, “The people want peace,” indicating that Begin did not. He ordered Air Force One readied for departure for the U.S.A. Buses pulled up for reporters to travel to the airport to cover his departure. I was credentialed as one of those reporters, making daily reports to the viewers of 100 Huntley Street. I decided to remain behind. Shortly thereafter, I was approached by Hebrew and Arabic radio station reporters for an interview. They had to fill in live-on-air until their reporters got to the airport. They asked the question, “Do you think there’s a chance for peace?” I felt as if I was in the clasp of God. Contrary to all the prevailing wisdom, I said, “Yes, there will be a breakthrough. Last night, the churches of Jerusalem prayed, and God is answering our prayers. For the first time in history, three leaders representing three different religions, Christianity, Judaism and Islam, prayed together in Washington, D.C. Carter, Begin, and Sadat joined in prayer to the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob for the success of the Camp David Accords. God is answering their prayers. There will be a breakthrough.” I believe that this was a prophetic word that helped destroy the plans of Satan. It was carried on live radio all over the Middle East. The so-called “prince and power of the air” was shot down and God’s plans prevailed. Air Force One did not leave that day and the peace treaty between Egypt and Israel was signed. I had the undeserved honour to share that story with President Carter at a “Habitat for Humanity” home building project. I started to weep as I talked about the night of prayer while he and the other leaders were at Camp David (see my personal words in the September 13 blog). I’ll never forget how he put his arm around me and said, “There, there.” I’m not sure exactly what he meant by that, but I know God used me for His purpose that fateful day in Israel. The reason for prophecy in the Bible is not to make work for preachers; it is to fight against “principalities and powers, rulers of the darkness of this age, spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places” (Ephesians 6:12). Sorry, I could not get this story into 100 words.

Yours, for God to use each one of us at His time and place, for His purpose,

David

27 thoughts on “Thursday, November 22, 2018”

  1. Ahhh–amen to you in heaven, David. Well done, oh good and faithful servant!! What a powerful moment in history, wonderful role you played for God, and meaningful tribute to our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. We glorify You, God–the ONLY power!! Wishing all saints a blessed day in the Lord. Today marks my 55th birthday. I thank God for my life and ability to be a seed bearer on this blog with all of you! Amen!

    I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth. I Cor 3:6 ESV

    It Is Well With My Soul – Audrey Assad
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zY5o9mP22V0

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  2. We need to continue that prayer request as Israel is being bombarded frequently as per news reports. One ministry is helping to build needed bomb shelters. People have only minutes to get to safety. Really cold in Ontario today!! A record for this time of year. Happy BD Beverley!! Wonderful music (as usual).

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    • I agree with you, sister Doreen, let us all be praying for the protection of Israel. Thank you as well for the birthday wishes, Doreen. God bless you!!

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  4. Jimmy Carter had probably never felt the holy Spirit and did not understand the source of David’s weeping in the memory of that answer to the reporters.”There,there” was probably all he could think of to say?
    Happy BD,Beverly.This is a yearly event with you,lol.(Mine is early December.)It’s about -10 C and sunny in NS.Yall have a great day and may God bless

    I did not know that “the golden fountain” were “the chosen few and best” when I wrote this,not til this year.(I puzzled over that.)God would rather have few with good quality than many without.Israel is a good example of this although she has many enemies.
    The Mountains Of The Lord

    His mountains shall be above all mountains,
    His house above Zion’s hills shall rest,
    For this is the pool of the golden fountain,
    His people,the chosen few and best.

    The rivers will flow to the shores of Zion,
    For the world will soon know this King,
    The proven Master we could rely on,
    The Shepherd worthy above everything.

    His exalted name will be widely praised,
    When He returns to vanquish the beast,
    And everywhere voices will be raised
    In celebration with His banquet feast.

    Let fair warning go throughout the land
    He will return with shield and sword
    And as Satan shall take his last stand,
    My Friend shall show that He is Lord.
    G W (Bill)Marshall /Nov 9,2012

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    • Another lovely poem, Bill. Yes, the saints are especially good to me on my birthday. We will remember you in early December if you let us know the date :). God’s blessings upon you.

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  5. Yes, the Lord truly used you dear David and you will receive your reward, even if not properly acknowledged by man. And a very Happy Birthday Beverlee. Wow, you are young and yet deep in the Lord. May the Lord bless you and give you a wonderful day. Blessings to all saints!

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    • Amen, sister Ger. God’s blessings upon you. You are exactly as I have always imagined you to be 🙂 Thank you for the birthday wishes dear sister-in-Christ!

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    • Agreeing with Ger for you, again, Marilyn, because we are so thankful your pain has decreased and the Lord has His hand upon you. How divine and such a blessing because pain is such a terrible thing to have to deal with. So happy you are freer from it, dear Marilyn. Amen!

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  7. Just heard that a friend’s daughter is in need of a kidney transplant. Wonderful family. They lost a daughter a few years ago but they trust the Lord and His plan for them. This is urgent. Jesus Help.

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    • What is her name, Doreen? Lord God, our Jehovah Jireh, our Jehovah Rapha, God of healing and God of protection, we call upon You to breathe your Holy Spirit Ruach breath of life through this lady who needs a kidney transplant. Lord, we need You to provide this kidney so this woman can be healed. We rely on You through our faith and prayer. In Jesus’ mighty Name. Amen, amen, and amen.

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    • Lord You know what is exactly going on with the daughter of Doreen;`s friend; Lord You know where there is a a very good kidney for this sweet daughter; we pray Lord You will see that this daughter receives that very special kidney, TY Lord for complete healing of this pp; TY Lord that we can pray for this pp; in Jesus Name we Pray amen

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