NO SHEPHERD (COACH)
Suggested Reading: 2 Chronicles 18
Click scripture link to read online or HERE to listen online (then click the symbol of the audio speaker above the scripture portion).
Sheep feeding on the lush winter grass of the Jordan Valley while three sheep dogs keep a close eye...especially on the photographer!
GOOGLE MAPS – To see where the photo was taken, click HERE.
Key Verses: 2 Chronicles 18:4 &16 – And Jehoshaphat said to the King of Israel, “Please inquire for the word of the Lord today.”
Then he (the prophet of the true God) said, “I saw all Israel scattered on the mountains, as sheep that have no shepherd. And the Lord said, ‘These have no master. Let each return to his house in peace.'”
Jehoshaphat, King of Judah, was a man of God. However, there is no record that he prayed about the decision to join King Ahab of the northern tribes of Israel. Big mistake! Jehoshaphat understood the seriousness of the war that Ahab was about to wage, and he asked whether Ahab had inquired of the Lord. Ahab immediately sought the word of the prophets which had been chosen to serve the golden calf worship. Elijah had destroyed Baal worship. Finally, at Jehoshaphat’s insistence, a prophet of the true God was summoned. His word from God was one of judgement, and for this he was put into prison.
Can we learn from Jehoshaphat’s poor decisions? He rejected God’s counsel and went along with the bad advice of ungodly people. The result was disaster. King David had written in Psalm 1:1 “Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly.” Jehoshaphat failed to pay attention to the very first sentence of the Psalms of his great-great-great-grandfather, King David. Surely Jehoshaphat knew this verse of his Bible.
PRAYER FOR TODAY:
Lord God, as a result of reading Your Word, I want what You want. Now and always, grant me, I pray, the grace of moving Your Word from my head to my heart and then to my will power, in obedience to You! In the name of the One who always did Your will, Father, Your Son and my Saviour Jesus Christ, Amen!!!
100 PERSONAL WORDS:
Last Friday evening, Norma-Jean and I attended the opening game of the regular football season for the Toronto Argos and the Hamilton Tiger Cats. Our grandson-in-law, David Lee, husband of our granddaughter, Elizabeth (her Dad does the photography for my blog), is a member of the Toronto team. I sometimes think that our competition between cities and countries in sports takes the place of the constant wars of ancient times between city states and neighbouring countries. In fact, in the Canada/Soviet Union hockey series of 1972, Canadian Phil Esposito of Sault Ste. Marie declared, “This is war!” Canada won! We’ve just produced a documentary featuring Paul Henderson, who scored the Goal of the Century (click here to order all 8 of the documentary collection featuring various Canadians). Like the coach, God will sometimes order a particular strategy or play. Sometimes the quarterback can make the decisions which the team carries out. All decisions are based on the playbook. So it is with our book of instructions, the Bible. David Lee, our grandson-in-law, is constantly reading and memorizing his playbook. We noticed that after one great play, the coach patted David on the helmet, probably saying, “Good job!” Someday, I hope my Coach, the Lord Jesus, will say to me, “Well done, David!” By the way, Toronto won 39 to 34. I have mixed feelings, because we lived both in Hamilton and Toronto. After the game a large number of the players on both teams gathered in the middle of the field to pray (see photo below). I’ve never seen so many players kneel together before God at one time. I’m encouraged!
Yours for following the instructions from our heavenly Coach,
David
Many players from both teams gathered at centre field after the game to pray.
My grandson-in-law, David Lee (#91), rushing the quarterback.
Norma-Jean and I enjoying the football game with our son Ron and his wife Ann.
Wow that was great to see all those players from both teams gathered in center field for prayer — what a powerful public witness.
Unfortunately it is not that way in the political arena. Some Christian politicians like Judah’s king in today’s reading, forsake what they know is God’s way, in order to get along with others. They care more about appearing tolerant and accepting instead of taking the more difficult path and stand up for what they know to be true. Or worse they are convinced to abandon God’s word to accept society’s word instead. So on this day before Canada Day, I pray for all Christian politicians that God will give them the strength to stay faithful to God’s ways when pressured to accept man’s ways.
Today we sang O Canada at our church service– may these words be forever true– God keep our land, glorious and free.
Wonderful words Donna, thank-you! We sang Oh Canada in church as well this morning. My Pastor wanted to make it very clear to all of us that “we stand on guard for thee” and not what he so often observes in our society … “we stand on guard for me”.
I say your prayer too David M…that as I read, His Word will move from my head and take root in my heart and then move out to be reflected in my life each day. I read earlier this morning in another blog, that we need to heart plow to prepare our heart for planting of the seed so we may reap a good crop.
as Hosea states: “Plant the good seeds of righteousness, and you will harvest a crop of love. Plow up the hard ground of your heart, for now is the time to see the Lord that he may come and show righteousness upon you.”
Dear David M.
It is so comforting to see young men giving thanks to the Lord after winning or loosing a game . I will make a point of sharing this powerful example of faith on my facebook sharing and praying that all those that do not know Jesus yet or have not yet surrendered thier life to him will be shaken in Jesus name Amen Amen .
For this past week I have been watching Canadas Heart and Soul. with various care givers who are all proud immigrants and citizens of Canada . We togather come to the same conclusion we are so very blessed to be in a country like Canada and yes God keep our land glorious and free.
xxxx Carole
Dear David
You and your family are an incredible blessing to our country and beyond.
The photo of the team praying is a reminder to those of us who are not in full time ministry to put our faith in Christ and be beacons of light wherever we.
I must say that I was surprised to see them praying AFTER THE GAME. That’s good but wouldn’t prayer before the game, for protection from injuries, and good sportsmanship be better? I’m not a football fan. I like soccer, baseball, and golf and I am a Hamiltonian! Prayer did look very impressive though. We are trying harder to ask God for guidance in every plan we make — that’s not only spiritual, it is wise! Thanks for today’s blog. We took in so much teaching this Sunday that my head is swimming. I need to pray that I will remember, understand, and live what we have studied.
Thank you for the picture of the sportsmen praying – so many need to see ‘real men’ giving thanks or praising our Lord. As Christians we must be more bold in our witnessing. The enemy is at work attempting to put a stop to any and all forms of Christian witnessing in public places.
Today’s reading is proof that when our will dose not line up with Gods will it is best not to test the spirits to see if we can have it our way. As we have seen time and time again God dose not alter his laws nor change his plans or his mind for any body who is not walking in his ways and living a Godly life.
I love that photo of both team players praying together. Thanking God no matter what the out come of the game. Life is like that ….that old saying comes to mind.
It’s not whether you win or lose but how you play the game.
May we all play the game of life with honesty and integrity acording to Gods will for each of us so that we will all win the ultamate prise !
In Jesus name Amen!
M. 🙂