GREAT THINGS
Today’s Reading: 1 Samuel 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).
The Tomb of Samuel is located atop a steep hill at an elevation of 908 metres above sea level. It is situated to the north of the Jerusalem neighbourhood of Ramot. The tomb is in an underground chamber where a small synagogue is located.
GOOGLE MAPS – To see where the photo was taken, click HERE.
Key Verse: 1 Samuel 12:23-24
Moreover, as for me, far be it from me that I should sin against the Lord in ceasing to pray for you; but I will teach you the good and the right way. Only fear the Lord, and serve Him in truth with all your heart; for consider what great things He has done for you.
Israel now has a king. Samuel is still very much present as the spiritual leader of the people. Prayer “without ceasing” is the most important leadership quality if we want God’s will to be done. David will be king over the united tribes in about 10 years. A Psalm of David indicates his daily preparation to lead as he writes, “My voice You shall hear in the morning, O Lord; In the morning I will direct it to You, and I will look up” (Psalm 5:3). Psalm 55:17 tells us that David prayed at “evening, morning and at noon.” There is no record of Saul praying like Samuel and David did. Saul’s reign could’ve been so different.
As a New Testament meditation, let us consider 1 Thessalonians 5:17-18: “Pray without ceasing, and in everything give thanks.” This praying continuously is not as difficult as it sounds. It’s based on the knowledge that I am in Christ and He is in me. We are never apart. Therefore, we are to be ever aware of His Presence.
PRAYER FOR TODAY:
Lord Jesus, Your servant Paul wrote, “We do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered” (Romans 8:26b). I pray that my Spirit will constantly pray within me when my conscious mind is occupied in other necessary matters. I believe this happens continuously as Your promise states. In Your Name I pray. Amen!
100 PERSONAL WORDS:
Finding the will of God through much prayer and being confident that the right decisions are being made has been my biggest challenge. In several World Expos with our Crossroads’ sponsored “Pavilions of Promise” we had to employ what is called “artistic license” in communicating the message on such a world stage. For example, we had male and female ballet dancers play the part of Adam and Eve in Theatre One. I could give other examples from our production that upset some people, but I was convinced that God was pleased. The entertainment values guaranteed that millions of precious souls heard the Gospel in a way they could understand for the first time. In the overall effort at four Expos, we recorded over 100,000 first-time decisions for Christ, with their names, addresses, and telephone numbers. They signed up for a Bible correspondence course and were followed up in their home countries with diligence. One evangelist was very judgmental toward me. He could not find it in his heart to celebrate with me the fact of thousands of people coming to know Christ. It has been my experience that Christians who are successful personal soul winners (not only pulpit evangelists) understand the creative Holy Spirit-inspired variety that it takes to lead people into a personal relationship with Jesus.
Yours for being personal soul winners,
David
Ruins surrounding the building that covers the tomb of Samuel.
Prayers for all the beautiful Muslims who lost loved ones in the New Zealand mosque massacre. Such hatred, such evil, such despair by the gunman. Lord God, pour out Your love and comfort upon these people whose hearts are grieving so. Wishing all saints a blessed day in the Lord.
But you, O Lord, are a shield about me, my glory, and the lifter of my head.
I cried aloud to the Lord, and he answered me from his holy hill.
Psalm 3:3-4 ESV
Amazing Grace (My Chains are Gone) – Chris Tomlin (with lyrics)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jbe7OruLk8I
In agreement with you Beverlee about the New Zealand massacre. Words fail me.
Left an answer in yesterday’s blog for your greatly appreciated help concerning baptism Beverlee. You are a true personal soul winner:-). God bless.
Thank you so much Doreen for your reply to my question about baptism. Good on ya for getting baptized twice. You must of had loving, caring parents. I always look to the parents of people to see what they’ve produced and influenced in their lives; so miraculous how God can bring souls thru the darkest of lives and situations. God bless you, another personal soul winner, and also, left a message for you on yesterday’s blog.
Loving our longer daylight hours and our geese should be back soon:-).
Please pray for Mozambique, they have been hit with a category 3 cyclone.
For the rescuers/volunteers, to help those who are stranded, on roof tops, also on tree tops, and holding on to anything they can in flood waters!!!
Lord I ask for Your intervention in this great need. Jesus.in Your Mighty Holy Name. I pray, Amen!!
God bless your day, saints!
First of all, Happy belated Birthday Greetings Donna M. Trust you had a great day! Yes agreeing in prayer for the people who lost loved ones in the Ehthiopian crash, New Zealand massacre and during the cyclone in Mozambique, Zimbabwe and Malawi. A thousand are now reported dead or lost in Mozambique. Also this is a big day for our government here in Canada which needs to be upheld in prayer that the Lord’s will be done. I am happy to report that I have been water baptized three times, once at a home church in the name of Jesus and twice in the River Jordan in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, the last time in the area of the River Jordan where they think Jesus was baptized by our beloved David Mainse. All three times were special so although it is not necessary to go to heaven as witnessed by the thief on the cross I believe we should do so is we have time after we have repented as Beverlee said. Spring is coming saints as is sunny here today and warming up.
I, too, was baptized three times, Ger. First counted at five months of age as a christening in my Presbyterian Church; the second as a Catholic, confirmed and baptized as an adult in my late twenties; and the third under my favourite Pastor, John Kurish in Lake Ontario, water submersion, at the age of 43. The final time was the charm! Not so fortunate to be baptized by Pastor David Mainse, as you were, Ger, in the Jordan River. I so wish I had been able to go when I was 50 but was facing a back surgery, then. Praying that Lynda is led as God wills her to be. Have a blessed day!
I was baptized twice, once as a baby, the Ukrainian Orthodox church in my home community; second time at a small evangelical church in down town, Edmonton shortly after receiving Jesus in my heart.
beautiful sunny day!