SPRINGS OF LIVING WATER
Today’s Reading: Joshua 15
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).
Here is David Reynold examining the Bell Cave at Beit Guvrin with its beige-coloured limestone walls. There are about 800 bell-shaped caves located in the area. Many of these caves are linked via an underground network of passageways that connect groups of 40-50 caves. The town of Beit Guvrin replaced the city of Maresha, one of the Judean cities mentioned in the Bible as a city fortified by Rehoboam (Joshua 15:44 and 2 Chronicles 11:5-8).
GOOGLE MAPS – To see where the photo was taken, click HERE.
Key Verse: Joshua 15:19
She answered, “Give me a blessing; since you have given me land in the South, give me also springs of water.” So he gave her the upper springs and the lower springs.
Joshua 15:16-19 is repeated in Judges 1:12-15. This is evidence of good history. Othniel and Achsah, husband and wife, were first cousins. This arrangement is not uncommon in modern times amongst the indigenous people of the middle east. What was uncommon in ancient times is that a woman would own property. Men of God, such as Caleb, have always recognized women’s rights. In Jesus’ time, women were not allowed to be witnesses in court. Yet, the first witness to the resurrection of Jesus was Mary Magdalene, God’s choice as a witness in the court of human history.
There is an archaeological excavation 13 km southwest of Hebron. There they found two spring-fed chambers, upper and lower, each chamber tapped by a well. The experts believe this is Debir, mentioned in our reading. This is desert land and Achsah needed the blessing of these springs. God has promised to supply our needs. Ask! (Philippians 4:19). Jesus cried out, “If any man thirst, let him come unto Me and drink” (John 7:37-39).
PRAYER FOR TODAY:
Lord God, I’m asking You for a blessing. Caleb was an example of Your generous heart. I praise You for Your gift of the wells of Salvation. Please give me grace to drink deeply of the Springs You provide. In Jesus’ Name, Amen! (for worship today, we may want to read several times Isaiah 12).
100 PERSONAL WORDS:
Today’s reading and our key verse cause me to think of the woman at the well. Jesus gave her “living water” (full story in John 4:1-42). I’m expecting the blessing of Isaiah 55 (for the entire chapter click here). I want the blessing of God’s thoughts. How can this be? Want to get wet? Isaiah says to go out in the rain. He’s giving a picture of soaking in God’s thoughts, which are expressed in God’s Words. Because I’m soaking every day in God’s Words as I do this blog, I’m confident that I’m thinking God’s thoughts after Him. The result is that God’s purposes are being accomplished and as Isaiah 55:12 tells me, I “shall go out with joy, and be led out with peace; the mountains and the hills shall break forth into singing.” This is a great blessing!
Yours for being greatly blessed,
David
Another view inside the Bell Cave at Beit Guvrin.
Great photo and message. For great is the Holy One of Israel in our midst! Amen! We are singing in praise to You, Jesus, this morning! Stay safe out there in the snow, saints of the Lord! And remember how much Jesus loves you!!!
But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Philippians 3:13b-14 ESV
Not By Might – Robin Mark (Lyrics)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P8J26PZrNrc
Amen Beverlee, great song, thanks
Great song Beverley. Thanks. Difficult time for me trying to get to the hospital to visit my sister (suffering pain) with the expected snow & cold temperatures. A couple of people approached me yesterday with difficult situations facing them. I prayed for them & will continue to. Never give up!
Yes, never give up, Amen Doreen!
Amen! God bless you, and your sister, Doreen. And all the people you prayed for along the way.
His Spirit is available to all who will call on Him,the water we seek when thirsty.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_PkDusBOdR0
I don’t think I have heard this one but the title seems right for today.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jrnvSf2dX18
Take us to the River and All Who are Thirsty. Very nice.
Spectacular pics! Only God could create something like that!!!
Thank you Reynold for these great photos; Thank you David for your comments;
Yes what joy to drink of the living water of life. That is one of my favorite songs Isaah 55:12. Can you imagine the trees of the fields clapping their hands. I used to sing that song to my first grandson, Samuel..
Bless you Ron and Ann for continuing with this blog; the birthing of which that was given to your Dad, David Mainse.
Have a blessed day all you saints!
I can imagine the trees clapping hands, Irene. It’s the same thing with the wind talking to us.
Amen Beverlee, yes that’s true!!
Thank you again for those saints that responded to my prayer request I believe there is power in prayer and unity when Saints pray for each other that great things can happen in a believer’s life so thank you once again and I agree with David’s prayer and thank you Reynold for your pictures be safe stay warm Saints it’s bitterly cold out there here in Kitchener and and bless everyone on this day amen
That’s Kitchener Ontario
I lived in Kitchener for three years, Marilyn, when I did my Honours BA in Religion and Culture and General BA in Fine Arts at Laurier.
I just got off the phone with talking to someone from my church to believe with me in prayer and they have put me back on the prayer list for a complete healing and and Miracle so I just thought I would pass that on everyone have a blessed day
Praise God!