A PALM AND A CEDAR
Suggested Reading: Psalms 92-94
Click scripture link to read online or HERE to listen online (then click the symbol of the audio speaker above the scripture portion).
Date Palm trees flourishing in Israel's arid Jordan Valley.
GOOGLE MAPS – To see where the photo was taken, click HERE.
Key Verses: Psalm 92:12-14
The righteous shall flourish like a palm tree,
He shall grow like a cedar in Lebanon.
Those who are planted in the house of the Lord
Shall flourish in the courts of our God.
They shall still bear fruit in old age;
They shall be fresh and flourishing…
Flourish! Flourish! Flourishing! We can choose to be like this as we grow into the likeness of Jesus Christ. Like the Date Palm tree, we can produce really good fruit (dates). Mmmm! Are we hungry yet? Like the Cedars of Lebanon, we can be the building materials for the Temple of God here on earth! We are the temples of the Holy Spirit! We are God’s dwelling place on earth (Read 1 Corinthians 6:15-20).
Psalm 93 describes God as the eternal King over all creation!
Psalm 94 is an antidote to fear. “If I say, ‘My foot slips,’ Your mercy, O Lord, will hold me up. In the multitude of my anxieties within me, Your comforts delight my soul!” (94:18-19). Overcoming fear is the theme of the 100 Huntley Street telecasts this past week and next week. If we can’t see these programs on TV, we can find them on Crossroads 360 (click here).
PRAYER FOR TODAY:
Lord God, in my prayer today I want to present before You everything that causes me to be anxious. (I’m listing now privately at least three things that concern me deeply). I’m quoting the Apostle Paul now, “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6-7). In His Name I pray, Amen!!!
100 PERSONAL WORDS:
The palm tree produces fruit from a young age to old age. I sincerely want to be like that! It’s a reason for this blog! (I want everyone to know that they can start reading with me at any time and, God willing, in two years they will complete the entire Bible). The giant Cedar trees of Lebanon are always green (evergreen). They grow tall and are rooted very deeply, so that they can withstand any storm that comes, without being toppled. I sincerely want to be like that too! These blessings are from God, who grows, strengthens, and makes flourish all who surrender to Him as Saviour and Lord. As Psalm 92:2 tells me “To declare Your lovingkindness every morning” (the blog posted at 6:00 a.m.), and “Your faithfulness every night,” I try to do that also! As I retire at night, I read the Scriptures for the next morning, so they can percolate in my spirit overnight. Then I read the same portion the next morning, praying about what God is saying to me through His Word as I prepare to type these words.
Yours because of God’s lovingkindness and faithfulness!
David
P.S. Please pray for Ron, Moira, and Jerry as they host for another week the annual membership campaign on the 100 Huntley Street telecast. It’s so very important that all of us who have joined the Crossroads Family of Ministries remain faithful, committing to monthly giving and increases, if possible, and that we encourage others to join us. Many older members are passing on to their reward. For example, three of our long-time faithful Crossroads members have gone on to their heavenly reward this past week. Cal Bombay’s Mom, Olive, Jim Cantelon’s Mom, Shirley, and Jean Ambrose, mother of Ginny, who has often sung on 100 Huntley Street. Ginny and her Mom sang in the People’s Church choir during the years Dr. John Hull was Pastor there. 100 Huntley Street viewers will remember Cal and Jim, as Cal gave daily commentaries and Jim often hosted the daily telecasts. Cal can be contacted at cal@calbombayministries.org, Jim at jim@visionledd.com, and Ginny at ginnylynn@rogers.com. I’m sure they would appreciate any words of encouragement.
Wonderful reading this morning. Thank you once again Pastor David for your faithfulness to our blog, and to Reynold for the pictures.
I have Phillipians 4:6-7 on my cell phone, so when I flip it open I am reminded daily not to be anxious and that I can be assured of my Lord’s presence through The Spirit.
Will certainly be in prayer for Ron, Moira and Jerry as they continue next week and have been blessed by DR. Jeremiah each day.
Praying also for those who are grieving today, but rejoicing in loved ones now with Jesus!!
Enjoy the day The Lord has given us.
I praise God as I have grown in Him and He walks with me and talks with me and telks me I am His own and the joy we share as we tarry there none othe has ever known
Oh how precious are the old hymns
I love the Lord with all that is within me and oraise Him for his Sweet Grace
Can all you wonderful people of God pray for my oldest daughter Corrina she is very angry with me and I dont understand she told her sister she had a deam she died at age 40 seen herself in the coffin and nobody came to her funrral but her boyfriend , She believes this dream so pray satan takes his hands off her life and thoughts and also she hasnt seen her 5 children since 22 years and the son wont talk to her the youngest daughter won t talk to her and the 18 year old is asking questions from her past that brings back the old hurts so please pray for her that she see me as a mother with arms open wide to love her and help her to forgive herself thank you everyone
God Bless You 🙁
I pray for healing in your family, Brenda.
Thank you so ,much 🙂
Anxiety is often a way of detecting and avoiding danger, otherwise we would walk right into it. Identifying what is causing our anxiety helps to clarify issues needing to be dealt with, or realizing we have no control but, OUR LORD DOES. “Free Floating Anxiety” is an anxiety which cannot be pinned down. A fear of the unknown. In all cases, we thankfully have the Holy Spirit and peace that transcends all understanding when we rest in the awareness that the One Who planted the ear, hears. Thank you Father, and bless all who are periodically riddled with anxiety, with Your Peace and Comfort. Amen.
Very nicely stated David. I agree with what you have said. Anxiety is an emotion which is difficult to handle for many as it’s root problem is sometimes difficult to detect. In a world full of uncertainty, it’s great to know that there is a God who cares for us and wants each of us to live whole lives (& holy lives) without fear.
Praying for those with various health issues and for those who have lost loved ones recently. May God keep you strong and bring you great comfort. God Bless all blog-buddies today!
I have shared before and asked for prayer regarding a torn ligament in my shoulder. It has not been healed yet nor have I seen the surgeon yet.
On Sunday, as I sat in church, God brought to my mind a poem He had given me about 10 years ago.
Two of the verses are —
May I always embrace the plans You have for me.
Plans of hope of my future, Vn plans of adversity.
For You alone are sovereign, You set limits on suffering and pain.
And I know that because I love You, You work all things for my gain.
As I sat thinking about the words, I wondered how I could embrace pain. Certainly when I wrote it I didn’t have any pain, yet now I even have to bring support for my shoulder, so I can sit through a service. So I asked God how I could embrace pain. And thanked Him that He set limits on our suffering, as He had with Job.
On Tuesday my husband started with gastric flu like symptoms, he had a stroke nearly 7 years ago and is 6ft 4in. and 220lbs. So is not easily lifted, especially with my sore shoulder, anyway when I saw the difficulties, he had lost a lot of his mobility, I told him I needed to get an ambulance and take him to the hospital. Because I couldn’t help him at home, they admitted him, he was having chills etc. The doctors did blood work, and he remained in hospital, still not as mobile as before and still having chills and fever.
Yesterday, the blood work results were back, and the blood culture is positive, so now he is on antibiotics, and on the road to recovery. Why am I telling you this? Three nurses have told him that he is very fortunate to have been admitted and the culture done.
Had I been able to help him, he probably would never been in hospital. He could have been like my girlfriend, who ended up with a blood infection settling on her spine, (or somewhere else) she was in hospital 6months, 2 surgeries and never expected to ever walk again, yet God healed her, praise His name.
So, God has used my pain, for my good and my husbands good.
Isn’t God Awesome? Praise and thanks go to Him alone for all He has done.
The poem should read,
Even plans of adversity
Wonderful testimony, Mary! Thanks for sharing with us. God works all things for good for those who love Him.
This is awesome… I love You Lord!! You are more than what people say You are
Excellent reading and prayer this morning Pastor David!!!
My prayers are as well for those who are grieving and rejoice for those who have
gone to heaven
Thank you for everyone who is and has prayed for me.
hope everyone enjoy the beautiful colors of the leaves fall is my favorite season
Lianne
Excellent reading and blogs today. Thank you, David for your faithfulness in producing this blog. Love these psalms. Will pray for Ron, Moira, and Dr. John Hull and Cal, Jim and Ginny who have lost their mothers as well as bloggers’ loved ones.
Thank you for being so committed to do this every morning. You are such a blessing to us all.
How good to know that we cry out to Him, He is faithful to answer our cry!!!
Psalm 94:19 was already underlined as I was reading the Scripture for today’s reading. I looked it up in “The Message”, and there it read: “When I was upset and beside myself, You calmed me down and cheered me up”
Blessings to all.
Dear rev.David M.
Love your analogy of God’s Word perculating overnight and being savored each morning by each of us thanks to your unfailing delivery of the daily blog.
I will be praying for Ron Moira and Jerry for a successful, flourishing membership campaign.
Keeping also in prayer all of my bloggers that are going going through different trials. We are all blessed by being able to share our burdens as one big family in Christ. So Lord, thank You for your unfailing Love, as we march on letting You be known until you come in Jesus’ Name, Amen Amen.
Blessed day, everyone!
xxxxCarole
Our prayers are with the extended Crossroads Family who have lost family members over this past few days. May the Lord bless and strengthen the dear writer of this blog who so faithfully brings us into the Lord’s Presence each day….undertake for those unspoken requests in Jesus’ Name….
Thank you David M. for your words this morning. All these scriptures speak to my life today – want to flourish (inward and outward), constantly surrender to His Sovereigty – with prayers, praise & thanksgiving when anxieties arise – and I am learning to surrender, surrender, surrender – yield control to God when multiply anxieties try and take control. (retired for 7 years due to my wife’s illness (10 years Alzheimers), daughter died 4 years ago, my son’s family of 4 almost killed in accident on morning of funeral, assumed guardianship to my grandson (some bloggers will remember Daisy the cat – Jacob is doing well) .Back to parenting at age 66, now 70, assaulted by two thugs a few years ago while walking, praying and grieving. But through it experience more of grace and blessing knowing I am under his watchful care. Psalmist David said, “seven times a day I will praise you” – so much happened that one doesn’t always know what or how to pray, but God has giving me a praising heart. So throughout the day and whenever I wake up I immediately start to pray or praise. I am daily pushinjg away anxieties and love Phil. 4:6-7. But today I am also reaching out for prayer. I felt the Lord leading me to sell my house. I prayed, for the right buyer & the right house to move into. (buyer confirmed his week), so must vacate by Oct.31. ” so, now, Lord show me “and the right house” – to move half hour closer to my wife & care home & where my grandson Jacob can also get a new start. I share all of this in my request for prayer and also to encourage others who are going through struggles, illness or trials etc. I am not trying to say ‘poor me’ – no, but “a great God” whose “love and grace is sufficient. I am challenged & blessed by Heb. 12:7 NIV, “Endure hardship AS discipline; God is treating you as sons (daughters)”. “I’m a child of a King’ and so are you!” Ongoing prayers of healing love for you David M – and strength to continue to do the 100 words – as for you – and your family – during ongoing treatment; as well, a huge heart for the Word and ongoing ministry of 100 Huntley Street. Psalm 29;11 “strength” and “peace”. Samuel
Wow! God is in control, keep the faith and don’t ever give up! Think of Job and expect a better ending if u faithfully endure to the end:) God bless and strengthen you
May our God wrap His loving arms around you and your precious family, Samuel, dropping the right stones into place for your move and the wellness of you, your grandson, and wife. Your praise and love for Him, through your on-going trials and tribulations, is so evident. God bless you, fine sir!
From what I went through, I can boldly say, the root of anxiety is satan and the healing to anxiety is God!! D devil makes all your greatest fears come alive in your head. In the process, he tries to steal, kill or destroy you. Without God on you side, all three can be done easily, but with God on your side, you come to realize that, the devil has no say over you! And he has no right to even come close to u, yet alone control your thoughts! You get the confidence and courage to switch off all ‘make belief ‘ anxiety in your head by the power of the Holy Spirit!! And you find PEACE… One you can never find on you own:) life just becomes SIMPLE AND WORTH LIVING BY THE POWER OF GOD! Praise the living God!! Amen!
Great blessings, comments and blessings today. Thank you again David M. Read everything again. Blessings to those grieving. Also, blessing to you Patricia. I heard a saying that I really like, “When comes to the door, send Jesus to answer it”. How blessed we are through Jesus Christ our Lord. Samuel
Amen, Samuel! Believing all will work out with your move, and you will continue to share your strength, gained through your many life experiences.
Thank you David. The Spirit led me to your message today today (I had gone many weeks without looking at it) and I am encouraged as to why it is good that I am returning to Sunday church tomorrow after being absent for some time.
I haven’t posted for a while. I am following everyday though. I am in a lot of pain and on meds for that which takes away my strength. Still deciding whether or not to have surgery which they say is risky. Will ask for another opinion this week. I also was worn down with my family responsibilities – discouraged because of things I cannot change. So low I found it hard to praise God and He certainly deserves our praise. I think we need a big covering of prayer for all our bloggers as many seem to be going through some heavy stuff. We must pray for David and the team going to Israel – that everything will go smoothly for all the travelers. Strength for David and blessings for all. May God touch each life and family.
Doreen, I have been through some difficult times myself, and I have learn from experience that sometimes instead of trying to swim up steam against what I am feeling, I embrace it. If I am in pain and moaning, I give my moans to God as praise. If I am exhausted and cannot pray- I let my silence speak for me. If I am confused and not certain which way to go, I give my doubts to God as a offering. It won’t necessarily change my circumstances, but instead of allowing those circumstances to create distance between me and God, I give Him what I got to give, even if all I give Him are my tears. Keeping you in my prayers– when you don’t see the plan, when you don’t understand, when you can’t see His hand– trust His heart.
Love your comments Donna. Will keep this handy for myself. Also, thanks to Wilma for the text from the ‘Message” – great! (Ps. 94:19) Will send it to a few people going through rough times. God’s Word is SO encouraging. Blessings to all bloggers on this, the Lord’s day – and to David M, Huntley Street, Family and health. Samuel