JERUSALEM
Today’s Reading: Nehemiah 10-11
Click scripture link to read online or HERE to listen online (then click the symbol of the audio speaker above the scripture portion).
GOOGLE MAPS – To see where the photo was taken, click HERE.
Key Verse: Nehemiah 11:2
And the people blessed all the men who willingly offered themselves to dwell at Jerusalem.
Dwelling in Jerusalem today is much easier than in ancient times. Frozen meat and vegetables are available as in our western grocery stores. Jerusalem, at that time, was built on Mt. Moriah and Mt. Zion, rocky peaks where arable land is scarce. Jerusalem families had garden plots outside the city to which they would commute. Jerusalem was not “flowing with milk and honey” as was most of the rest of Israel. Living there 2,500 years ago was a sacrifice.
Blessing is the opposite of cursing. Understanding this fact enables us to grasp the meaning of “blessing.” All the dictionary meanings of “blessing” fall short of explaining what it means to bless someone. So…let’s bless someone today! Let’s use our imaginations to come up with a unique, personalized way to bless others.
PRAYER FOR TODAY:
Lord God of Ezra and Nehemiah, I pray that today I will bless someone who needs a blessing! I ask for creative ideas and for the determination to follow through until I bless someone. In the Name of the One who has blessed the whole world, Jesus, my Saviour and Lord! Amen!!!
100 PERSONAL WORDS:
I am a blessed man. Our granddaughter, Sarah, who was 16 back in 2000, blessed me and many others by reading the Scriptures on a live satellite transmission from Jerusalem on the 100 Huntley Street telecast. This was the start of 24/7 broadcasting on a network of three satellite channels covering the world, where there was continuous reading of the books written in Jerusalem by the Prophets and Apostles. This continued from October to the end of December, 2000, when the funds designated for this purpose ran out. May I say that you, yes you, who have supported Crossroads/100 Huntley Street, and many other outreaches for God’s work, have blessed me more than words can express. THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU! Someone sent me a picture (seen below) of Sarah blessing us with her reading from Jerusalem. The picture was taken off the person’s TV screen as 100 Huntley Street was live from Jerusalem.
Yours for blessing and being blessed!
David
Praying David’s prayer, this morning. Also praying for Father Rhéal Forest, the Catholic priest who accused residential school survivors of lying over numerous sermons before he was removed. How could he be so blind? Lord God, open this man’s heart to teach him how much was taken away from the Indigenous children and their families and how much suffering they experienced–being trained to be different, having their dignity and culture stripped away from them, and being abused as they certainly were. The Pope needs to come to Canada in person and make a formal apology to the Indigenous peoples. God be their strength because you know the truth about everything. May they rest assured knowing their truth is real. Bring forgiveness to everyone Lord, that all may find healing. We place our faith in You, Lord, and You, alone. Wishing all saints a blessed day. Amen.
Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. James 5:14 ESV
Tis So Sweet To Trust in Jesus (lyrics) Casting Crown
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3RqfAjPzpko
A favourite song for me, “It is so Sweet to Trust in Jesus”. Thanks, Beverlee. A very dark morning here in S Ontario. Staying close to the Lord. I’m so glad that priest cannot preach or teach anymore. I wonder what his reasoning would be for the many child graves. Blessings on all today, especially those who are dealing with difficult challenges. May the Lord comfort you as He comes alongside. Amen
I too prayed David’s prayer.
Amen to your above prayers Beverlee and Doreen.
God bless you all reading this.