NOAH, DANIEL, JOB, MARTIN & ELVIS
Today’s Reading: Ezekiel 13-15
Click scripture link to read online or HERE to listen online (then click the symbol of the audio speaker above the scripture portion).
This wall is among the ruins of ancient Ephesus in modern-day Turkey. While some of the plaster is gone, the mortar holding the bricks has, unlike the mortar mentioned in today’s reading, lasted for 2,000 years, maintaining the integrity of the wall.
GOOGLE MAPS – To see where the photo was taken, click HERE.
Key Verses: Ezekiel 13:10b & 14:20
…and one builds a wall, and they plaster it with untempered mortar. “…even though Noah, Daniel, and Job were in it, as I live,” says the Lord God, “they would deliver neither son nor daughter; they would deliver only themselves by their righteousness.”
To temper clay and make it long-lasting mortar, it is essential to add strengthening substances which will improve the hardness, the consistency, and the resiliency of the mortar, so that walls will last for centuries. Ezekiel, over and over, mentions predictions made by “divination,” “magic charms,” and other occult practises, as well as those “who follow their own spirit and have seen nothing.” All of these deceptions are still with us today. From the palm reader or psychic, whose signs we see by the roadside, to persons who manipulate others by claiming to give personal prophecies and direct the decisions made, falsely claiming a “word from God.” Let us be very careful, remembering that the “word of prophecy” mentioned by Paul is for “edification of the church,” not personal guidance (read 1 Corinthians 14:3, 14:12).
Noah, Daniel (who was already a leader when Ezekiel arrived in Babylon), and Job were tempered, made strong, consistent and resilient by their obedience and by hard lessons they had to learn. Their stories, and the truths they imparted, have lasted much longer than the wall in Reynold’s photograph, but even they could not save their children. Each generation must have a first-hand encounter with God for themselves (14:14, 14:16, 14:20). Check out Noah (Genesis 6:5-9), Daniel (Daniel 5:10-17 & 6:16-23), and Job (Job 42:10-17).
PRAYER FOR TODAY:
Lord God, I pray that You will place the ingredients into my life and character so that I will be a person of integrity, consistency, and strength. Lord Jesus Christ (Messiah) You have come to live in me by Your Spirit, according to Your promise to everyone who believes in You (“in”…not just about). Therefore, I confess that Your “strength is made perfect in [my] weakness” (2 Corinthians 12:9-10). Amen!!!
100 PERSONAL WORDS:
Not long ago, Norma-Jean and I visited the hotel where Martin Luther King was shot and murdered in Memphis, and by tunnel we walked under the street to stand on the very spot where the shooter committed this unspeakable crime. I wept as the history of those awful times coursed through my mind and heart. Also, we visited “Graceland,” the home of Elvis Presley and where he tragically died. I was sobered to remember his life and career. He loved to sing Gospel songs, and I’ve met some of the Gospel quartet members who tell me that Elvis would want to sing hymns and Gospel songs late into the night. They said that he would weep as he sang. Elvis, I’m told, would ride the Sunday School bus as a child to the First Assembly of God, at one time the largest Sunday School in America, where he heard the Good News of Jesus and asked Jesus to come into his life. During his teen years, he continued to attend, and he also attended a great local African-American Church, where he particularly loved the music. The influences were certainly evident in Elvis’ music. Pastor Hamill, who participated in inviting me in the mid 1970’s to be the host of an internationally released TV series called, Turning Point, the official TV voice of the Assemblies of God, said that throughout his life, no matter where in the world Elvis was, he would travel home to Memphis for Easter Sunday Services. After service, the Pastor said Elvis would hold his head in his hands, weeping, and saying, “Oh Pastor, its so hard out there in the world to live as a true Christian.” The Pastor would lay hands on Elvis, pray for him, and bless him. I think everyone who knows about Elvis draws their own conclusions about his life (click here for Elvis singing “How Great Thou Art”).
Yours for God to add His strength through the daily reading of His Word to the “mortar” of our lives,
David
A thoughtful moment here in Memphis. The wreath marks the very place where the great hero of the American Civil Rights movement was shot and killed. Rev. King was a Baptist Pastor who has inspired millions to be better people of God.
Dr. Martin Luther King’s famous words, “I have a dream,” have inspired millions of people to reach beyond themselves. The words on the plaque just below the motel balcony where he was murdered are those of Joseph’s brothers. May God keep on giving dreamers to humanity! Amen!!!
From this building, James Earl Ray fired the shot which killed Dr. King. America has never been the same!
What would a visit to Memphis be without seeing Graceland, the home of Elvis Presley? He sold over one billion records of his music worldwide. His wife Priscilla says that she could hardly wait during his concerts until he sang to God, “How Great Thou Art!”
Thank You, Lord God, for all Your workers. Bless 100 Huntley St, Crossroads Christian Communications, the Mainse family, and all those who bring Your Word to the world. Help them all to be faithful to You, Father, we ask in Jesus’s name, amen
Yes amen Rob, I am in agreement with your pray.
God Bless all blog friends today and every day.
PS: Thinking of Beverlee and Ger and praying that the snow and strong wind storm hasn’t caused any damage.🙏
Amen! ! !
Amen!
Amen Rob
Amen, Rob, amen.
Meaningful message, history, prayer and photos, today. Have had a few rough days with pain and a long haul ahead. Praying for all the saints who face the same. But scripture, prayer, and our love of Christ and one another, shall strengthen us, as we overcome our trials as in today’s message. God gave us the Bible as a gift to give us hope by example and we are ever thankful for that blessing. Prayers for all in need, today and over the week-end ahead.
Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory, obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls.
1 Peter 1:8-9 ESV
Here is David’s song of Elvis, How Great Thou Art:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XlfcvUtUoOM
P.S. Let the song keep running and it carries on into other Elvis gospel songs; so beautiful. God bless you, saints.
God heal our sister In Jesus Name Amen.
Bless my blog friends and Manise Family.
Amen Teresa
Amen Rob and Beverlee and prayers for your back pain. Great post and history from David today as always. The snow storm was not as bad as we expected Eleanor M and the sun is shining now. Blessings on your day saints.
Praying for you Beverly for less pain & a positive outcome. Praying also for all the saints who are in need of prayer.
I am asking now for prayer for myself as I fell on February 6th & injured myself more than I thought. I am awaiting an appointment for a total head & spinal MRI to confirm a possible spinal stenosis (spinal cord injury) which I had 11 years ago also. If confirmed, I will probably require surgery. I am in so much pain & nothing seems to help.
Please pray for a quick appointment for an MRI & if necessary a successful surgery with the same surgeon who performed my last two spinal stenosis surgeries.
Thank you saints! Love you all!
Maria, so sorry to hear you have had a very bad fall. I am praying that the Lord would help you through this very trying time. He is able to do over and above what we ask or think.
I will continue to pray for you and also for Beverlee.
I know back pain is very hard bear, my husband had a spinal operation two years ago.
Thank you Eleanor!
Agreeing with Eleanor M in prayer
With you Maria, having had 5 spinal surgeries over the past 40 years. Lord God, we lift up Maria to you and know Your hand is upon her. Reveal her pain and increase her comfort. Bring a cancellation for this much needed MRI this week to her, and follow-up surgery with her original neurosurgeon. You are our Jehovah Jireh, our Provider and Jehovah Rapha, our Healer. We trust in You to bring an anointing upon Maria and healing to her spine. In Jesus’ precious Name, we pray. Amen, amen, and amen.
Agreeing with you Beverlee in prayer for Maria.
Amen!
Yes, Amen Beverlee
sorry typo, relieve her pain
Thank you Beverly. Now I know that someone else has been through the same situation as I, so you know what I am going through.
God answer our sister Maria prayers
In Jesus Name Amen
Thank you Teresa!