THE SAINTS GO MARCHING IN
Suggested 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! He expects us to keep our promises we have made to Him! 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 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. Therefore, I am led to consider believers in (not just about) Jesus as saints in God’s eyes, if not always in man’s eyes. 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 to 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.
Greetings to you too, David and all my fellow bloggers. It is getting frosty here in N.B.
Thankyou saint and have marvellous day !!!!! God you and continued strength in your daily walk with our Lord Jesus Christ!!!!
Today, paintings and sculptures of wildlife depict Gods wonderful creation in nature. Many creatures depicted are threatened species and artist renditions serve to raise consciousness to their plight. Unlike, Isis or Serapis rendering Gods. It is similar today how people who do not worship God, turn to worship idols in all forms, including intellect. The view of saints, washed and holy by the blood of Christ, adds a dimension to the realm of sainthood, unlike Saints as stipulated by religion. Interesting to compare this with the “lost” who are living selflessly upright and exemplary moral lives. Christ is the only answer and hope for which we are called. Blessings this day, to all!
That “all” may know Our Fathers Love.
In and through each of us.
Amen, David!
Have a saintly day all you saints in the Lord ?;)
I believe that if this blog was put into a television version each day and a person with a clear voice read it aloud, it would greatly teach and draw folk close to the Lord. (There are many sight impared folk and a voice-over arrangement would be so wonderful). People would really grow through this and I don’t believe any other ministry has done this.
AMEN!! Have a saintly day fellow bloggers!!!
Thank you once again Pastor David and fellow “saints” for the privilege of being a part of this wonderful, uplifting daily blog.
I too would never bow to an idol, but am careful to ask the Lord to reveal any other idol in my life I may not be aware of.
I too wish everyone “have a saintly day, saints!”
Hello, to you the saints of Jesus our Lord. I know that I am a saint, but I certainly don’t feel like one. My thoughts and actions fail me too often. But my love for Christ over rides all that and pushes me forward. Joy and peace have moved into my heart despite my sin. Through this ministry I read to fill in the blanks as to how God wants me to live. I learn so much from you Pastor David and you the bloggers. Your knowledge base is inspiring! I can hardly wait to get to heaven! I feel stuck here in a crazy world. Especially here in Ottawa where it is certainly hot on the hill. This ministry is teaching me how to best fill in my time, however long that is. I want to live for Christ with Him in control, not me. Hard to do when I am still so selfish. 100 words opens my mind up to God’s truthfulness and righteousness. I want to live by His words and example. I am so tired of my
own. The joy, the joy, the joy of Jesus! Blessings to all. Keep warm! Thank you! Then there is the talk about the second coming of Jesus. I can’t figure that one out yet as I am still thinking like a baby christian. One day maybe. As God opens up my eyes at His will. Amen.
Thanks, Susan for sharing with us and for your transparency. There is no need to figure things out. The main thing is to stay close to Him and He will reveal to us what we need know at the right time. In other words we just need to rest in Him and trust Him to take care of us and lead us step by step.
Courageously introspective and real Susan, in His Holy Light. Thank you for sharing.
Worshiping You, and only You, Jesus! Wishing all saints a most blessed day!
Amen, Beverlee!
Dear Rev. David M. and fellow saints ,
How very blessed I am to be sharing Gods Precious Word with all of you every morning
Let us rejoice knowing that we are serving The One and Only Redeemer, Saviour , Lord of Lords , King of Kings JESUS CHRIST . Amen , Amen .
Have a blessed day .
xxxx Carole .
I did not know the word “saint” came from the word “sanctus.” The word “sanctified” must also come from it. “Sanctified” means separated. To be christian means to be separated to God for Jesus’ sake. Yet, if we see a man after beaten up and robbed, we should not walk by and only pray. Separated from the lusts of the world and idolatery and greed but not from the afflicted.
To be there Brad, as unto Christ. Amen.