MAN OF WAR
Today’s Reading: Numbers 30-31
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).
Located just inside the Jaffa Gate in the Old City of Jerusalem, this is the oldest Protestant Church in the Middle East. Christ Church was completed in 1849 and soon after became known as “The Jewish Protestant Church.” This is where the prayer meeting I mention below took place.
GOOGLE MAPS – To see where Reynold took the photo, Click HERE.
Key Verse: Numbers 31:6a
Then, Moses sent them to war, one thousand from each tribe.
No wonder this book is called “Numbers.” Our reading is once again filled with numbers. The census taken by our government, attendance at Sunday School and Church services, as well as the amount of the tithes and offerings given each Sunday, are important to us and to God. Numbers allow us to plan, enabling us to move forward, or to know when we’re not moving forward.
We are appalled at the violence, no doubt, in our reading today. If we are watching the news from the Middle East, we will probably conclude that not much has changed in 3,500 years. But there is change for those who follow Jesus with a fervent heart. He teaches us to love our enemies. We can debate “The Just War,” but that can be a frustrating exercise. We who live in lands of peace and safety cannot fully understand the lives of the people of this area, let alone understand the circumstances of Midian and ancient Israel. We may want to read, for consolation, the following Scriptures: John 14:27 & 16:33, Ephesians 2:14, Colossians 3:15, 2 Peter 1:2.
PRAYER FOR TODAY:
Lord God, I ask for grace to keep my mind centred on You. You promised that as my mind is “stayed on You,” You will keep me in “perfect peace” (Isaiah 26:3). Amen!
100 PERSONAL WORDS:
Allow me to expand on a story I referred to in a recent blog posting. It was in March, 1978, that people from various Christian churches gathered at the church pictured above to pray for the “peace of Jerusalem.” The next morning, President Jimmy Carter spoke in the Israeli Parliament. He looked directly at Prime Minister Begin of Israel and said, “The people want peace,” indicating that Begin did not. He ordered Air Force One readied for departure for the U.S.A. Buses pulled up for reporters to travel to the airport to cover his departure. I was credentialed as one of those reporters, making daily reports to the viewers of 100 Huntley Street. I decided to remain behind. Shortly thereafter, I was approached by Hebrew and Arabic radio station reporters for an interview. They had to fill in live-on-air until their reporters got to the airport. They asked the question, “Do you think there’s a chance for peace?” I felt as if I was in the clasp of God. Contrary to all the prevailing wisdom, I said, “Yes, there will be a breakthrough. Last night, the churches of Jerusalem prayed, and God is answering our prayers. For the first time in history, three leaders representing three different religions, Christianity, Judaism and Islam, prayed together in Washington, D.C. Carter, Begin, and Sadat joined in prayer to the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob for the success of the Camp David Accords. God is answering their prayers. There will be a breakthrough.” I believe that this was a prophetic word that helped destroy the plans of Satan. It was carried on live radio all over the Middle East. The so-called “prince and power of the air” was shot down and God’s plans prevailed. Air Force One did not leave that day and the peace treaty between Egypt and Israel was signed. I had the undeserved honour to share that story with President Carter at a “Habitat for Humanity” home building project. I started to weep as I talked about the night of prayer while he and the other leaders were at Camp David (see my personal words in the September 13 blog). I’ll never forget how he put his arm around me and said, “There, there.” I’m not sure exactly what he meant by that, but I know God used me for His purpose that fateful day in Israel. The reason for prophecy in the Bible is not to make work for preachers; it is to fight against “principalities and powers, rulers of the darkness of this age, spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places” (Ephesians 6:12). Sorry, I could not get this story into 100 words.
Yours, for God to use each one of us at His time and place, for His purpose,
David
Giving thanks for God using David for the betterment of the world. Amen to his prayer, that God use each one of us at His time and place for His purpose and glory. Today is my 57th birthday and I feel blessed it falls on Sunday, the day of worship, but also that I share it with you. Praying for all you dear saints, and thanking you always for your prayers for me. We serve our Lord for another day, together. God’s blessings upon you, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
Let us come into his presence with thanksgiving; let us make a joyful noise to him with songs of praise! 3 For the LORD is a great God, and a great King above all gods. Psalm 95:2-3 ESV
There Is No Higher Name / Holy Holy Holy – Corey Voss, Sarah Kroger, REVERE, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UmeP2sUY8tI
Happy birthday Beverlee! You are so young! May you be truly blessed today and may the Peace of Jesus overtake you. It is snowing here in the Golden Horseshoe of Ontario. It is covering the ground & trees. Have a Wonderful day all.
Happy Birthday Beverley.
God’s blessings today and every day.
Yes you are young. I live in a independent complex where most of us are over 80.
Have a greatday
Amen, Amen
I wish and pray that your birthday will be peaceful, loving, kind and safe, with many blessings as well in the future and for today.
God blessy
Happy Birthday and many more today and in the future. God’s blessing on you and all bloggers.
Wishing you a very healthy, blessed Birthday, dear Beverlee! May the Lord bless you and keep you 🙏🏼💐❤🎶
Happy Birthday Beverlee God Bless You!!!
Happy Birthday Beverlee! I only occasionally read the comments, but glad I did today so I could wish you a happy birthday and pray for a year of growth and blessings.
Happy Birthday blessings to you today Beverlee. I prayed for you this morning and the other bloggers who have asked for prayer.
I look forward to your early morning comments. If no comment I wonder how you are doing and say a prayer for you.
May God bless all bloggers this morning, I’m looking forward to going to church this morning. We go to a little country church, we have about 20 attend each week. So social distancing is not a problem.
Happy birthday dear Bevlerlee, I do hope you have a Blessed day. You are a very special lady . You give much hope and knowledge to this group.
Praying that you will have a peaceful Sunday without any pain.🤗🌺🌸🌺
Blessings to all Eleanor. M.
Happy Birthday dear Beverlee. You are young and may God bless you on your special day and always. You are a blessing and very faithful to this group and I appreciate all the prayers you pray for me. Take care my friend!
A very happy and blessed birthday to you, dear Beverlee! We love and appreciate you and all your postings on this blog. 💐🎂🎁
Father, we thank you for our sister Beverlee and all that she does to help us on our spiritual journey. Please grant her good health and strength and continue to use her to bless others. We commit her upcoming surgery into your capable hands! Amen!
Yes, I concur with the others……you are very young!
Luisa, Amen to your prayer for Beverlee,
and wishing Beverlee a happy & blessed Birthday.
Beverlee, I just realized that you were born on the day that President JFK was assassinated . Wow! It’s been a life time.
Luisa, I was born within the hour of JFK’s assassination. Born at 11:32 am (11-22-63) and he was shot at 12:30 pm.
I was just a little girl then. Heard about the president having died but had no understanding of the magnitude of that situation.
Happy birthday, Beverlee!
A song for you: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oDYfzLdsRKA
My Heart is Filled with Thankfulness
Thank you Rob; such a beautiful song!!
Thank you beautiful saints (Doreen, Gwen, Blessed, Eraine, Eleanor C, Nan, Eleanor M, Ger, Luisa, Rob) for your kindness and birthday wishes. You make my mornings wonderful with the blog and have made my special day, even brighter. His continued blessings upon you all! 🌟 ♥
Thank you Teresa!! 😊