GOD CARES
Today’s Reading: Deuteronomy 11-12
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).
Photographed from Migdal you can see Mount Arbel on the left and the Valley of Doves, which is on the west side of the Sea of Galilee. Just beyond are the Horns of Hattin where on Saturday, July 4, 1187, the war between the Crusader kingdom of Jerusalem and the forces of the Ayyubid dynasty was fought. The Muslim armies under Saladin captured or killed the vast majority of the Crusader forces, removing their capability to wage war. As a direct result of the battle, Islamic forces once again became the eminent military power in the Holy Land, re-conquering Jerusalem and several other Crusader-held cities.
GOOGLE MAPS – To see where the photo was taken, click HERE.
Key Verse: Deuteronomy 11:11b & 12
A land of hills and valleys which drinks water from the rain of heaven, a land for which the Lord your God cares; the eyes of the Lord your God are always on it, from the beginning of the year to the very end of the year.
Migdal, mentioned in the picture caption, is the home of Mary Magdalene, the one to whom Jesus first appeared after His resurrection (John 20:11-18). She is a great example of the care Jesus has for people. God also cares for the land. We’re almost at the year end. Canada’s official motto is, “He shall have dominion from sea to sea,” “Ad mare usque ad mare” (Psalm 72:8). As we approach the new year, we may want to reflect on the motivation for our obedience to God. Are we motivated by fear or love? For Mary of Migdal, out of whom Jesus had cast demons, it was love that brought her back to the garden tomb. Because of love she stayed close to Jesus as He carried His Cross. Psalm 103:13 & 14 tells us that, “as a father pities his children, so the Lord pities those who fear [hold in awesome reverence] Him. He knows our frame. He remembers that we are dust.” Are we, like Mary, confused and sorrowful? Peter writes, “Casting all your care on Him, for He cares for you” (1 Peter 5:7).
PRAYER FOR TODAY:
Dear Lord, in these days leading up to the New Year, I ask You to increase my faith, so that I am totally confident that You care for me every day of the year. As I look back over this past year, You have cared for everything about me! Thank You! Amen!
100 PERSONAL WORDS:
It was on this day in 2012, according to the Mayan calendar, that the world was supposed to end. Remember that? Ephesians 3:21 says, “…world without end. Amen!” Yes, there will come a time of cataclysmic change. For Peter’s perspective on the Mayan prediction I’ve just read 2 Peter 3:1-18. I know God cares, and He’s also in charge of whatever happens to this world. The last few words of our key verse are worthy of repetition… “The eyes of the Lord are always on it [the land] from the beginning of the year to the very end of the year.” As we approach the end of the year, I’m living in total confidence in the providential care of our Creator, Sustainer, Provider, Healer, Saviour, and Lord of All.
Yours for a renewed confidence in God’s care,
David
Yes, Lord, You are the Prince of Peace, King of Kings, Bread of Life, Lamb of God, the Alpha and the Omega. It is to You, that we give thanks and praise and humbly bow, for the abundance of our lives and blessing of this bible study and daily blog. In Jesus’ precious Name. Amen, amen, and amen! Wishing all saints a blessed day. Stay safe and warm.
“He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. And the Lord God will give to him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.” Luke 1:32-33 ESV
Make Room by Casting Crowns featuring Matt Maher
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iUFSxt7qkNw
Great words of salvation in that song…thank you Beverlee for sharing!!!
This song speaks volumes for so many of us–so very beautiful. I am not sure of the exact title, but it is about remembering loved ones at Christmas by the Piano Guys featuring Craig Aven
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0yFXfAGl17M
Lost my husband and a newborn granddaughter (same day, but different years @ Christmas). Thank you Beverley .
Merry Christmas, Doreen! God bless your heart!
I know many of you are probably familiar with the story of The Three Trees, but for those who are not the link in below
This is one of my favorite stories at this time of year because it is great reminder that God has bigger plans for us than our dreams. Some times we think are life has gone completely in different than the way we hoped, and this story helps us to hope, like the three little trees God plans for us will not only meet our dreams, but in a way far better than we could have thought of
I wish everyone here a very Joyous Christmas and Blessed New Year
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fywhFx5ICI4
I know many are familiar with the story of The Three Trees, but for those who are not the link is below. It will be posted again later because autofill used my whole name which I normally do not use on this site, so it is awaiting moderation.
Although not a traditional Christmas story, it is one of my favorite ones to listen to at this time of year because it basically about the Christmas message which leads to the Easter message. It is about hope. It is a reminder that God does care about our dreams, but often He will meet them in unexpected ways, ways far better than what we envisioned. Sometimes we just have to wait for His plan to unfold to grasp how faithful He is.
I wish everyone a very Joyous Christmas and Blessed New Year
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fywhFx5ICI4
Thanks for the 3 trees story. Am emailing it!
I used that story in a university class exercise I led. Very inspiring. Merry Christmas to you, too, Donna.
Thank you Donna …great story!!
How amazing is the pic today with this study…..the sky, the mountains, the water, clouds, grass, trees, God made them all. Thank u Reynold for sharing such beauty.
“The main business that you are here for”
Eugene Peterson called the Christian faith “a long obedience in the same direction.” We follow that direction by praying and then obeying. Every day.
J. I. Packer: “Once you become aware that the main business that you are here for is to know God, most of life’s problems fall into place of their own accord.”
Welcome to the shortest day and longest night of the year–unless you live in the Southern Hemisphere, in which case today is the shortest night and longest day of the year.
Merry Christmas to all saints and praying for sinners.
Amen, Lynda. Great quote! Merry Christmas!
precious prayer partners; I need prayer; this day is a big struggle with my chemical imbalance; rebuking the devil;he is nothing; pleading the Blood of the Lamb over me,home,car,community;family;pool;`the whole Province;over Government leaders;all Pastors;those who keep the peace, bless their families also……
the Lord knows exactly what is going on; I pray He will bless me with a BIG financial breakthrough, He knows if there is the perfect match for me for a room mate, I pray God brings that person forward BUT I need to know it is from God;
Blessings to all….
Praise God, He set me free through Jesus Christ my Lord!! He lives for evermore and He lives in me! Thank you Father in heaven that you love this world so much that you sent Your Only begotten son to die for us. Thank You Jesus that you took me out of the kingdom of darkness and into the Kingdom of Light.
Praise God from whom all blessings flow, Praise Him all creatures here below, Praise Him above you heavenly hosts, Praise Father, Son and Holy (Spirit) Ghost. Amen and Amen!!
God bless you Irene! Yes Praise God…….
Merry Christmas -what happened to the previous font-which I like a lot better