THE SAINTS GO MARCHING IN
Today’s Reading: Psalms 114-116
Click scripture link to read online or HERE to listen online (then click the symbol of the audio speaker above the scripture portion).
The “Red Basilica” (Turkish: Kizil Avlu), also called the “Red Hall” or “Red Courtyard,” is a monumental ruined temple in the ancient city of Pergamos, one of the seven churches described in Revelation 2 & 3, now Bergama, in western Turkey. It is one of the largest Roman structures still surviving in the ancient Greek world. The temple is thought to have been used for the worship of the Egyptian gods, specifically Isis and/or Serapis.
GOOGLE MAPS – To see where the photo was taken, click HERE.
Key Verses: Psalm 116:14-15
I will pay my vows to the Lord
Now in the presence of all His people.
Precious in the sight of the Lord
Is the death of His saints.
Psalm 114 – What magnificent poetic imagery! We can let our imaginations soar when we consider that nature itself responds to the presence of God…”The mountains skipped like lambs!”
In Psalm 115 the question is asked by Gentiles of the Jewish people, “Where is their God?” The gods of this world were visible, as we see in the carved idol pictured below. They could not understand the worship of the God of Israel who could not be depicted by an image. Five times we are reminded here that we are blessed by our God! Let us rejoice and bless Him in return! Here’s a New Testament reading about idols – Romans 1:20-25.
Psalm 116 encourages us to personalize the message. It is written in the first person singular. Here are at least four reasons as to why we need to pray: (1) God hears us! Amen! (2) We need salvation and rest! Amen! (3) God promises great benefits throughout our lives. Prayer activates those benefits! Amen! (4) Our key verse reminds us that even our deaths are precious to God. Therefore, we call upon the Name of the Lord! And we will keep the promises (vows) which we have made to the Lord! He keeps His promises to us and on that basis we pray! Amen! Amen!!!
PRAYER FOR TODAY:
Lord God, Your Word teaches me that I must not bow down, worship and pray to any idol! I promise You that I will never do that. I pray by Your grace given to me that I will not make an idol of anything or anyone that would draw my attention away from You. I pray that I will forever worship You and You alone. Amen!!!
100 PERSONAL WORDS:
Often when someone we know dies, my wife Norma-Jean will send to a loved one left behind the Words, “Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints.” These are the faithful believers in Jesus and not just the few who are officially called “saints.” The word “saint” comes from the Latin word “sanctus” (holy). I find that the Scriptures teach me that by faith the righteousness of Jesus Christ is put on my account in God’s sight. Romans 3:22a tells us “The righteousness of God which is through faith in Jesus Christ to all and on all who believe.” Objectively, in God’s eyes I am promised, as a believer, the righteousness of God for me and on me! Subjectively, I have a long way to go, but I’m on my way to truly holy living! Amen!!! Writing this blog is helping me in that direction. 2 Corinthians 5:17-21 is God’s truth well worth reading in regards to being seen as holy in God’s sight!
So….I greet all my fellow bloggers who are believers in Jesus by saying, “Have a saintly day, saints!”
David
Here you can see the stone-carved idol of one of the Egyptian gods that has been excavated and put on display outside of the Red Basilica in Pergamos. Many great buildings housed images as described in Psalm 115:4-8.
Thank You, Lord, for providing nourishing food for us every day in Your Word. Help all our families today – give them wisdom and guidance as they live. Draw each one to You, we ask in Jesus’s greatest-of-all name, amen
Our idols may have changed but it’s easy to see the idol worshippers who have to have the most expensive cars,nicest clothes,biggest homes,etc.You can even see them in churches,always trying to out do the one ‘perceived’ to be above them.This certainly does not apply to all but but we notice them…silently.We all must find our path,rich or poor.Pray for the peace of Israel and that the eyes of the world will be opened to the truth.May God bless
Idols
Woe to they who can’t foresee
Their path without the Almighty
When they choose to fall mightily,
Forsaking the gift of eternity,
For if only they could see
What their idols truly be,
Then repentance would be their decree;
But blind are the eyes ne’er free
’til they have called out to Thee.
GW(Bill) Marshall (2015)
“If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation”, says it all. Thank You Lord. Blessings on all today. Lord, in Jesus Name, bless and draw our families and friends to Yourself. Amen and amen.
Amen to prayers, poems and comments.
Rob, today I am especially grateful for your prayer for our families as right now mine is struggling. I am praying for it to come together and to realize that satan is working to divide us. Praying that those building walls between our family members will return to their own families and that our family and theirs will be stronger with the hand of Jesus guiding us. Please soften all our hearts and attitudes and allow Jesus to guide us.
I pray for peace, harmony and unity in your family, HJR. indeed, may God draw all of us closer to Him.
Doreen, I pray that you are feeling more “at home” in your new residence.
Continued prayers for Edward and Eleanor. His Grace is our sufficiency.
Blessings on all bloggers
Thank you Luisa. I am feeling more settled and Jesus is helping me. Blessings
Thank you Luisa,we have been at the cancer hospital since morning. Edward’s mouth was so sore that we wanted to see someone to see what is going on. He had blood on the sore of his gum and still has the thrush on his tongue. They took some swabs to send to the lab, should know what is going on in 3 or 4 days. He had a transfusion of 2 units of blood and 2 hrs of hydration for 2hrs. We are also having someone coming to our home Tuesday to Friday to do the hydration there. Do appreciate your prayers and I am praying for HJR’s family situation as well.
Amen to every prayer above, in Jesus’ Holy Name I pray, Amen.
I pray for the peace of Jerusalem and throughout this world,
in the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Saviour, Amen.
To God be the Praise and Glory for evermore, Amen!
Doreen,
Thank you for the update. I thank God that you’re feeling more settled. I pray that you will find joy for each day and will also bring joy to others, as you interact and they get to know the Godly, wonderful person that you are.
Eleanor,
It sounds like you’re having rather a “heavy” day. May you be infused with God’s supernatural strength so that you will be able to help your beloved Edward. I am very sorry for all the hardships that you’re both facing. The God who has brought you this far, will continue to carry both of you and will shelter you under His wings.
I’m glad that someone will come to do the hydration at home. That will save some trips to the hospital which can be very tiring.
Continuing to hold you up in prayer.