TREASON
Today’s Reading: 2 Samuel 17
Click scripture link to read online or HERE to listen online (then click the symbol of the audio speaker above the scripture portion).
The shopping district of modern Jerusalem is full of hustle and bustle. Except for the modern clothing, it could be similar to a scene from 3,000 years ago.
GOOGLE MAPS – To see where the photo was taken, click HERE.
Key Verse: 2 Samuel 17:14
So Absalom and all the men of Israel said, “The advice of Hushai the Archite is better than the advice of Ahithophel.” For the Lord had purposed to defeat the good advice of Ahithophel, to the intent that the Lord might bring disaster on Absalom.
PRAYER FOR TODAY:
Lord Jesus, in Your humanity You were learning. As Hebrews 5:8 tells me, speaking of You, “Though He was a Son, yet He learned obedience by the things which He suffered.” Please grant me the grace to be the best learner I could ever be. “Teach me Your way, O Lord.” Amen!
100 PERSONAL WORDS:
When Norma-Jean and I were helping to establish a new congregation in Deep River, Ontario, I took a bus to Ottawa. In Ottawa I changed buses and arrived in Cornwall, Ontario, where a car dealer, Wes Miller, had found a retired school bus for our new Sunday School. I drove it back home, and I had lettering painted on one side, “TEACH ME THY WAY, O LORD,” and on the other, “STUDY TO SHOW THYSELF APPROVED UNTO GOD.” Across the front above the windshield it read, “THE SUNDAY SCHOOL SCOUT.” I was out like a hockey scout looking for future stars for Jesus. Every Sunday morning at 7:00 a.m. I would drive “The Scout” north on the trans-Canada Highway for 43 miles, turn around and pick up almost every child who lived on that stretch, and bring them to Sunday School and Church. A deacon, Mervin Bowes, would take them home, arriving back at Deep River at about 2:15 p.m. He’d head home for his dinner, and I’d hop in and pick up children on a southern leg of the highway for a Sunday School and service in Chalk River. These children were learners, disciples, and many of them became true followers of Jesus who were becoming “children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world” (Philippians 2:15). As Daniel 12:3 says, “like the stars forever and ever.” I’m still scouting for stars for Jesus!
Yours to turn many to righteousness in Christ,
David
P.S. Our missionary/photographer son visited the ruins of Laodicea in one of his photographic trips for this blog (see photo below). It’s so very sad to know that the people failed to rise to the challenge of true discipleship, failing to hear Jesus knocking at their door and speaking… or else they just chose to ignore Him. We have control of the bolt on the door to our heart. It’s on the inside. The children in the Sunday School I’ve mentioned would sing, “Into my heart, into my heart, come into my heart, Lord Jesus. Come in today. Come in to stay. Come into my heart, Lord Jesus.”
These are some of the ruins of ancient Laodicea in present-day western Turkey. The city was founded by Seleucid King Antiochus II in honour of his wife, Laodice. Laodicea became a prosperous Roman market town on the trade route from the east, famous for its woolen and cotton cloths. The city was an early centre of Christianity and one of the Seven Churches of Revelation (Rev. 3:14-22).
GOOGLE MAPS – To see where the photo was taken, click HERE.
Yesterday’s and today’s study reminded me of a quote my father used to recite to us as children. I never understood what he was talking about until becoming an adult:
“Oh, what tangled webs we weave, When we first practice to deceive.”
Sir Walter Scott, British author of historical novels and ballads (1771-1832).
May God’s Will be done today and always in our lives.
Amen, Lynda.
Yes, Amen, Lynda D
God bless you Lynda! I used to say those words to my children; it’s funny when I think back because I read a story where I first heard those words……
Blessings as we think about our Lord and Savioiur Jesus Christ during this Holy Week……
Am learning that God is in control. We can commit our desires and circumstances to Him and He can work it out in the most marvelous. The Word says to commit our ways unto Him and He shall bring it to pass. We need to pray for the family of the man who was shot in church in Salmon Arm, BC yesterday. Also for the Alberta election tomorrow, Amen? Getting our first big rain days now. Blessings saints!
The news said it was a 78 year-old elder, Gordon Parmenter, who passed away and that he was targeted by the shooter. Praying for his son, family, the church, and those present who had to go through such an horrific ordeal.
Amen,Beverlee and Ger.
Yes, Ger! Let us pray for this family and congregation and pray also for the elections in Alberta. May the right person be voted in. One who will govern with integrity and honesty. One who will uphold good morals and justice. May God grant the new leader wisdom to do the right thing, for such a time as this.
Amen Luisa!
Please pray for MP Mark Awawa who is a Christian and has pancreatic cancer. We need all of these good men in Parliament. Thank you!
Yes,prayers are called for.There are too few Christians in politics,the cream of the crop.
Lord we pray that You would heal this man and that he will be able to continue his work as a Member of Parliament…..
Such great teaching, this morning. “We have control of the bolt on the door to our heart. It’s on the inside.” Amen, David. Only we can rise above the burdens we carry by opening our lives to Christ and allowing Him to rule in our hearts and lives. My internet has been down, this morning; cold rainy weather, here. Blessings to all saints, today. May His light shine through you.
Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die.” John 11:25-26 ESV
Here As In Heaven by Elevation Worship (Lyrics)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a0C_lPro_xk
At the age David had the .Scout’ bus I was struggling through high school, aimlessly.He was much,much more mature than me (“I was.”)….and,obviously,God led.’And the rest is history.’Thank You,Lord for Your servant,David.(‘our David’)
This blog is a university to those who want to know God (and understand Him) better.Nuff said.
Chastisement is an act of love when it is done out of love (as with a parent) and repentance is love returned to Abba.
We went to Mount A in Sackville,NB yesterday to a packed auditorium to hear Earnie Hasse and Signature Sound.What a great blessing that was! Yall have a great day!
Surrender
I lay them down in front of you,
For Jesus,that is what I must do
When my burdens become too much,
I surrender them to your gentle touch.
Lord,I give all my troubles to you,
They are yours when my day is through,
Please make them smaller for me
So I am unencumbered and free.
Lord you found me and gave me hope
With new strength that I might cope,
And now I have surrendered to you,
Body and soul to be made anew.
You lifted me up so I could see,
That you were always beside me,
Now I feel grief for the lost years,
But I shall not cry any wasted tears.
So I will lay them at Your holy feet,
For You have made me more complete,
I am yours through the fires of Hell,
With love that Satan’s hordes can’t quell.
G W(Bill) Marshall/2012
Written after my ‘surrender’,on my knees,
in my living room,over a year after the fact.
Lay Some Soul Upon My Heart
Ch:
Lord, lay some soul upon my heart
And love that soul thro’ me;
And may I always do my part
To win that soul for Thee. Ira D. Sankey
Oh,Lord,may Your love fill my heart
And wisdom be my guide,
That you will tear my doubts apart
And be close to my side.
Lord,give me the words to convey
The love You have for all,
That they might share from day to day
So more will hear your call.
Lord,teach me and they to forget
That all have lived with sin,
For only then,with true regret
Can repentance begin.
GW(Bill)Marshall/22Nov,2017
Amen!
Amen William!