Friday, March 31, 2023

JESUS CHANGES EVERYTHING

Today’s Reading: 1 Samuel 26-27

Click scripture link to read online or HERE to listen online (then click the symbol of the audio speaker above the scripture portion).

 

This photo is of the Jordan Valley wilderness (or Judean Desert) looking towards Jerusalem, which is just beyond the horizon.

GOOGLE MAPS – To see where the photo was taken, click HERE.

 

Key Verse: 1 Samuel 26:23

May the Lord repay every man for his righteousness and his faithfulness; for the Lord delivered you into my hand today, but I would not stretch out my hand against the Lord’s anointed.

We may be dismayed as a result of today’s reading. Man’s inhumanity to man is evident, and yet David was loyal to Saul, who became his enemy. David loved Saul as evidenced by David’s lament at Saul’s death. As a shepherd, David’s enemies were the mountain lions and the bears. He wrote, “You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies” (Psalm 23). We have the advantage of looking ahead through the centuries to the Seed of David, Jesus, who loves unconditionally and who has won the ultimate battle against the “last enemy” (read 1 Corinthians 15:20-28). “The last enemy to be destroyed is death.”
The resurrection of Jesus is the proof of Jesus’ total victory!!! The words of the angels found in Luke 24:6 are, “He is not here, He is risen!” (click here to read a resurrection chapter, Luke 24).

PRAYER FOR TODAY:

Lord Jesus, in another resurrection chapter (1 Corinthians 15), Your servant, Paul, draws a conclusion from the fact that You are risen from the dead. I conclude with Paul that I am to be “steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord.” I pray for Your resurrection power to be released more and more in me to produce in a greater way those results. In Your conquering Name, Jesus, I pray. Amen!

100 PERSONAL WORDS:

I’ve stood at the graves of my mother and father, one in Ruperts, Quebec, and the other in Elgin, Ontario. Mother died when I was 12 and Dad when I was 36. I heard the minister say the words of Jesus, “I am the resurrection and the life.” I thought, “It’s true! I believe it!” As I read the words on their grave stones, I’ve exclaimed, “O Lord, the resurrection could happen right now while I’m standing here!” But I walk away knowing that there’s still work to be done.

Bruce Stacey, my son-in-law, created animated video shows called God Rocks, where the rocks speak. Bruce was inspired by the words of Jesus on Palm Sunday, “I tell you that if these should keep silent, the stones would immediately cry out” (Luke 19:40). My favourite episode in the series is called “Rez, the Rock that Rolled.” The rock’s name had been “Tombstone,” an unhappy, pessimistic rock. But when he was rolled away by the angels and Jesus walked out of the tomb, his name was changed to “Rez!” His whole nature and outlook on life was transformed. Here is a link to some visuals from that episode (Unfortunately, I’m told that the DVDs of this episode are currently out of stock).

Yours in complete confidence that the stone was rolled away and “He is risen!”

David

The Garden Tomb, Jerusalem.

Many believe that it was inside this “Garden Tomb” in Jerusalem that Jesus’ body was laid. This tomb was originally made for a shorter man, perhaps Joseph of Arimathea, but as you can see on the right, the end was dug out to fit a taller man’s body.

12 thoughts on “Friday, March 31, 2023

  1. Father God, thank You. You are still on the throne and You will always be. You are worthy of all praise forever. Bless and keep all Your children safe and strong in You. Thank You for hearing and answering our prayers. Bless all Nathan’s family today – may Your will be done on Earth as it is in Heaven, in the mighty name of Jesus, amen

    One thing I’ve always liked about the States: they’ve always tended to honour their heroes. (Although I’m not so sure they’re still keeping up that tradition, or perhaps the heroes of today are not of the same Godly character as those of the past…)

    Washington’s Resounding Prayer at Valley Forge https://link.theepochtimes.com/mkt_app/washingtons-resounding-prayer-at-valley-forge_3884874.html?utm_source=andshare

  2. Thanks Rob. A Wonderful ministry for children in video like Bruce’s is really needed these days. With the scale back because of Covid, many Sunday Schools have been small, if at all. Praying for God’s Perfect Plan for us all. In Jesus Name. Amen.

  3. We’re approaching Easter when we celebrate the fact that the stone was indeed rolled away and Jesus did rise from the dead. Before His resurrection, however, there was great suffering and excruciating pain. He did it because of His great love for us. Thank you, thank you my Saviour!!!

    Continuing to pray for Wendy and her family. May God in His infinite power make a way of “escape” for baby David Nathan and all the family members who are suffering in various ways. Be merciful to them, oh Lord!

  4. Thank you all so much for the prayers that I read last evening. God is good. I was very blessed when I read your prayers for me and my family.

  5. Praying for all the requests. So many with problems in this
    world.
    I have my own request. I have been suffering from hip pain for
    some time. Have gone for adjustments which relieve it for a time
    and use various methods to help. Need the healing power from
    Jesus to give permanent relief.

    • Praying for you, Selma. I understand the difficulties that can cause. Father, in Jesus Name, please release Your Healing Touch to Selma and to others who may be suffering physically and/or emotionally. Amen.

      • Amen! I am agreeing in prayer for Selma.
        Lord put Your hand on her hip and relieve the pain. Remove the root cause of the problem from her. Give wisdom and guidance to her doctor(s). Fill Selma with your comfortable and peace. In Jesus Name.

  6. Amen to all the prayers and special prayers for those in need of healing physically and spiritually may God be with all

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