THE RIVER
Today’s Reading: Ezra 7-8
Click scripture link to read online or HERE to listen online (then click the symbol of the audio speaker above the scripture portion).
One significant source of water in the Middle East comes from a karst spring found in the Golan Heights region of Israel. The water from this spring forms the Dan River which is the largest and most important tributary of the Jordan River. It is fed by rain and snow that filters down through the rocks of Mount Hermon and emerges at its foot, creating the largest karst spring in the Middle East.
GOOGLE MAPS – To see where the photo was taken, click HERE.
Key Verses: Ezra 8:21, 23
Then I proclaimed a fast there at the river of Ahava, that we might humble ourselves before our God, to seek from Him the right way for us and our little ones and all our possessions…so we fasted and entreated our God for this, and He answered our prayer.
Let us learn that while fasting does not gain any special favour, it does emphasize the high level of our fervency. God responds to fervent prayer. Fasting is an evidence of a high level of fervency. James, known as the brother of our Lord, wrote that, “The effective fervent prayer of a righteous man (or woman) avails much” (James 5:18b). The word “river” is repeated four times in our reading. Prayer is like a river. There is a source, found in the rains and springs God provides. The river flows, picking up other little streams as it goes. Without the Jordan River, much more land would be swallowed up by the desert.
Yesterday, our key verse told us that the people “prospered through the prophesying of Haggai, the prophet, and Zechariah.” We considered a sample of the preaching of Haggai yesterday. Today let’s read from the other preacher…Zechariah 1:14-17 and Zechariah 9:9-10. Here is a repeated promise from Psalm 72:8 which is the motto that the founders of Canada chose to describe our country and to proclaim that God is Lord of Canada. Consider Zechariah 4:6b “Not by might [corporate strength] or by power [personal strength] but by My Spirit, says the Lord of hosts.” Is it any wonder that the people prospered?
PRAYER FOR TODAY:
Father God, as is recorded in Mark 9:24, “Immediately the man cried out and said with tears, ‘Lord I believe; help my unbelief!'” Dear Lord, I am encouraged by reading this story and praying the same prayer. Thank You! Amen!!! (Mark 9:14-29).
100 PERSONAL WORDS:
Haggai and Zechariah had influence on the people of God. Esther, the young Jewish girl who became the bride of the King of the Persian Empire, had a profound influence. No doubt it was her presence in the palace that brought about the letter which we have in today’s reading. Every one of us have a sphere of influence. I mentioned in my first commentary on the book of Ezra a Jewish Canadian named Ezra Levant. He has an increasing influence on Canadian life and politics. Like those who spoke out against the prevailing conditions in Israel, Levant has been persecuted but refuses to be “politically correct.” Check him out. Whether I agree with him or not, I find him fascinating. You may want to encourage him by writing (his website is here).
Yours for all who use whatever opportunities we have to speak out on issues about which we care,
David
This sign is at one of the main points where the water comes out of the ground. You can read about the impressive volume of water that this Karst Spring produces.
Yes dear David, we subscribe to Ezra Levant’s newsletters. He certainly is controversial in a lot of his reporting and many political events try to block him and his reporters from attending. He does bring a lot of issues to light and like you it is always questionable whether I agree with him or not. Love his name!!
I’m so delighted that fasting doesn’t bring any special favours from our heavenly Father. Never fasted on purpose but admire those who do in Jesus name. Some diabetes tests require fasting and I’ve done that. Wasn’t too bad:-).
West central Alberta is getting hit by a heat wave now for a bit and I’m still asking God to give the east a break from theirs.
God bless saints everywhere.
God bless you, dear Lynda.
Praying Wednesday, saints, from 7 am to 7 pm for Ann Mainse, when she leaves for the hospital and has her surgery, scheduled for 11 am, followed by her recovery time. If we all hold her dearly to the Lord our God during that time period, the most crucial, it will help; and further for her continued healing. Wishing all saints a blessed day. May He hold you all lovingly. Please pray for changes coming up for me, saints. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.
Thank you, Beverlee for Anne’s time of surgery. I will keep her in my prayers.
Thanks Beverlee for the reminder. Will pray for Ann for sure, and Ron and family. God will love to hear from us all.
Praying for successful changes which are coming up for you. God bless you.
TY Beverlee Kay: the POWER OF PRAYER! AMEN AMEN AMEN!
Dear Beverlee,
Praying for you as you know that change is coming!
May the peace and power of God our father protect you and guide you into the future!
Thank you Anne, Lynda, Nan, Sah, Ger, Doreen, Eleanor, and all the saints who have held me in your loving prayers. God knows the time and venue for our change. Amen? I thank You Heavenly Father, for Your love and all the wonderful saints on the blog. May peace be with you, today. I am going to do a full post now for Ann Mainse.
Beverlee , I am praying for dear Ann and will join you and others on Wednesday between 7am-7pm thanks for posting this info.
My daughter-in-law had a double mastectomy 11 years ago. Praise God she is doing ok and takes part in the dragon boat races for breast cancer survivors .
Blessings to all. Eleanor M.
Will be praying for Ann & for you Beverlee
Me to Beverlee, thanks for sharing the info.
Blessings to all Eleanor M.
I will not open the website where I could find Ezra Levant! My gut says “be careful”
we can google his name….blessings to all…..needing much prayer! things still going sideways………….In Jesus Name we Pray amen