HE IS GOOD
Suggested Reading: 2 Chronicles 7-8
Click scripture link to read online or HERE to listen online (then click the symbol of the audio speaker above the scripture portion).
Light rays from the stained glass in the Church of Annunciation in Nazareth fall upon the wall where Jesus is depicted upon the Cross. Other photos of this beautiful church are at the bottom of today’s posting.
GOOGLE MAPS – To see where the photo was taken, click HERE.
Key Verse: 2 Chronicles 7:3
When all the children of Israel saw how the fire came down, and the glory of the Lord on the temple, they bowed their faces to the ground on the pavement, and worshiped and praised the Lord, saying: “For He is good, For His mercy endures forever.”
In yesterday’s reading, Solomon repeatedly asked for forgiveness, for God’s presence to rest in the Temple, and for God’s blessing on the priests and the people. He had not asked for any supernatural manifestations. God did declare, “I have heard your prayer and I am with you!” Now God confirms His Word with signs following. Today’s reading tells us that fire and the glory of the Lord appeared. God had manifested Himself to His people in the 40 years of wilderness journey with fire and with the cloud of His glory, and now He shows the people that He is still with them. The people worshipped God with the familiar words, “He is good and His love endures forever.”
The fire of God was seen, and the sound of a mighty rushing wind was heard at the beginning of the building of Jesus’ Temple, the Church (Acts 2:1-4). Also the supernatural sign of speaking in tongues was manifested. The 120 became the living Temple of God, Jesus Himself being the Chief Cornerstone (Ephesians 2:19-22).
Twenty years have passed and we find Solomon and the people content, enjoying peace and safety, and in a dangerous place spiritually. We must guard against complacency, taking the blessing of God for granted. Solomon was about to step on the slippery slope of compromise which turned his heart away from his original commitment to the purity of his relationship with God.
PRAYER FOR TODAY:
Lord God, I thank You for the manifestations of Your presence. I pray that I will so live that You will be pleased to continue the signs and wonders which accompany Your presence. I worship You for You, Yourself, Lord Jesus, not for what You do. Your Word declares that “signs follow them that believe.” I soak in Your presence day after day. Praise You Lord, for You are “Good.” Your “Mercy endures forever.” Amen!!!
100 PERSONAL WORDS:
In 1981 Crossroads Christian Communications sponsored “Salute to Canada,” twenty-five 90-minute telecasts live from 25 cities over a period of 31 days. I have many memories of praying with the leaders of cities, of provinces, and of the country. One farmer was so enthusiastic that he cut the words, “Welcome Salute to Canada” in the wheat on a hillside which we read as we approached Edmonton, Alberta. The theme Bible verse for “Salute” is in today’s reading…2 Chronicles 7:14, “If my people who are called by My Name will humble themselves, and pray, and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from Heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.” I believe that God is in the process of doing just that some 30 years later, as I do my part and as others join in with the call of God to be “humble” and to repent of “wicked ways.”
Yours for God to “Hear from Heaven…forgive…and heal,”
David
P.S. Below is a photo from “Salute to Canada” (click on it to enlarge)…
On Parliament Hill in Ottawa.
Another view inside the Church of Annunciation in Nazareth.
Outside view of the Church of Annunciation.
“The vague and tenuous hope that God is too kind to punish the ungodly has become a deadly opiate for the consciences of millions.” – A.W. Tozer
Thank you Scott for that sobering reminder!!!!!!
Thank you Lord for continuing to shine Your light upon our path. That we too can proclaim:
“For He is good,
For His mercy endures forever.”
We lift our prayers for all impacted by the floods in Alberta. May those in support services and those volunteering be strengthened and encouraged as they provide safety and work towards restoration. Amen.
Praying for them in Calgary and surrounding areas in Alberta, along with you, David. God bring the flood waters to a halt and dry the water up, Lord. Surround the people’s homes from being filled with water and/or swept away. Provide support and services for everyone who is in need, God. Sustain them with your mercy, Lord. We pray in the name of Jesus–amen, amen, and amen.
The Church of Annunciation in Jerusalem is remarkable!!!!
It is interesting that when Solomon had completed the temple, after all those years, after being faithful to God during them, that things began to change. So often when humans become “successful,” they sway from following God’s command and things begin to fall apart for them. Our human nature–that sinful part of us, that lies deep down, in our determined will, festers back up to control us. It slowly absolves the Holy Spirit that lives within us when we no longer nurture it; discontinue feeding it by reading the Word of God; and let go of being in personal and intimate relationship with Him. What a mighty reminder from 11 Chronicles for all of us, indeed. Praise God for His Word and mercy on us!
Have a blessed day, fellow saints!
Amen! Beverlee Kay
Thank you Lord for your light that shines upon us.
“Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path” Psalm 119:105
blessings to all
Lianne Hogg
I have received the book “This Far by Faith” and I am already 3/4 of the way through it. What amazing stories and facts about your ministry Pastor David!! You have been in the company of royalty and leaders of countries and have had the opportunity to share Christ is ways that not too many people have. God has really used you for His Glory. You are a shining example of the Love of God. He permeates your being and it is obvious as you read the book that you have been humbled by the working of the Holy Spirit in your life. I encourage everyone to get their copy of this book!!! You will not be disappointed.
Yes, we need God to heal our land and to get back to our roots and humble ourselves and pray and seek His face and turn from our wicked ways.
God is Good and His Mercy Endures Forever!!!
What a beautiful “Super Full Moon” we had this past weekend!!! It was spectacular!!! What an Awesome God we serve. Blessing today fellow bloggers!!
Please keep praying for all the flood through out Alberta also pray for Sask.
were the waters are flowing to,.Praise God praying poeple like you wonderful
bloggers ,andyou Pastor Mainse,God bless you all God’s mercy endures
forever Amen ,amen…R..
What a powerful read with the words the Lord spoke to Solomon: “Then IF my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and restore their land.”
And: “My eyes will be open and my ears attentive to every prayer made in this place.”
May we do the ‘if’ and become humble and pray, seek His face every day, turn from sin, compromise, complacency, & lukewarmness, so that He will see and hear and restore.
P.S. I had to go out this morning so missed Crossroads this morning. I am thankful I was able to watch it just now on CTS. What a joy to see & hear Don Amero. I have long been a fan of his.
Never never take your eyes off of Jesus.! Amen! And Amen!
Love and prayers to all 🙂