LEAN SOULS

Today’s Reading: Psalm 106

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

The North end of the Red Sea is in the south of Israel and also the south of the Kingdom of Jordan. The border between Israel and Jordan runs south from the Dead Sea to Elat on the Israeli side and to Aquaba on the Jordanian side. The coral reefs and marine life in the Red Sea are, to my judgement, the most spectacular in the world. In today’s reading it says of God, “He rebuked the Red Sea also, and it dried up; so He led them through the depths, as through the wilderness” (Psalm 106:9). Egypt borders Israel on the west at this point on the shores of the Red Sea. God made a way of escape for the Hebrew slaves from Egypt into what now would be the territory of Jordan or Saudi Arabia.

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

Key Verses: Psalm 106:13, 15

They soon forgot His works;

They did not wait for His counsel…

And He gave them their request,

But sent leanness into their soul.

Psalms 105 & 106 are historical records of Israel’s journeys and struggles. These Psalms were repeated by the people in their worship of God in the liturgical calendar at least once a year. The privileges of the covenant with God come with responsibilities. Israel was to worship Him and obey Him. God was faithful to keep His covenant, but the people, most of the time, were not faithful. Psalm 106 documents their unfaithfulness. The composer of this Psalm writes with a repentant heart. Verse one tells us that, “His mercy endures forever.” Without this fact, the human race would’ve been extinct long ago. No wonder we are told to, “Give thanks to the Lord for He is good!”

Our key verse is still true today. God has answered our prayers, as He did with Israel. He has blessed us with so many good things, but a materialistic, self-centred life will always bring leanness to our souls. Our souls will be malnourished.

PRAYER FOR TODAY:

Lord God, I pray that as I partake of the fresh bread and the meat of this daily blog, that I will be well nourished. Thank You, Lord, for Your patience with me when I grieve Your great heart of love and mercy with vain pursuits and foolish pride. Lord Jesus, You gave us the sinner’s prayer. I pray it now: “Lord be merciful to me, a sinner.” In the Name of the One who promised that this prayer, prayed in true repentance, would result in my being justified in the sight of God. Amen!!! (read Luke 18:9-14).

100 PERSONAL WORDS:

In my leadership calling at Crossroads over the years, I worked hard to make sure every cent given to the ministry was well spent for the cause to which God’s people gave. Apart from things I learned from my Dad, like turning out lights that are not needed, etc., I would list everything we did under three categories… (1) Necessary (2) Essential (3) Absolutely Essential. If funds were not available, the “Necessary” would be cut. If there still was not enough money coming in from the offerings of our wonderful partners, the “Essential” would be cut. Never, never, never was the “Absolutely Essential” cut, as these were the vital organs of ministry! For example, without the television ministry going out every day, the ministry would loose its purpose and die. Winning people to Christ on the telephone prayer lines in response to the telecasts was never on the table for cuts!!! Today, as a result of God’s blessing and the giving of God’s people, calls are up from an average of 1000 calls daily to almost 1200 in each 24-hour period. More precious souls are coming to know Jesus as Saviour and Lord and are being directed to local churches. Praise God!

Yours with an apology for going way over my goal of 100 personal words again,

David