GODLY CHARACTER IN LEADERS
Today’s Reading: 1 Kings15-16
Click scripture link to read online or HERE to listen online (then click the symbol of the audio speaker above the scripture portion).
At the entrance to the modern city of Jerusalem is the Light Rail Bridge, known as the Jerusalem Chords Bridge. It was built in 2008 and symbolizes King David’s harp.
GOOGLE MAPS – To see where the photo was taken, click HERE.
Key Verses: 1 Kings 15:11 & 14b
Asa did what was right in the eyes of the Lord, as did his father David……Asa’s heart was loyal to the Lord all his days.
Here’s some encouragement for us all. While kings who did evil in God’s eyes came and went with frequency in the northern 10 tribes, now called Israel, Asa, King of Judah, remained constant for 41 years. Character, formed by a rock-solid determination to always do what is right, will win in the long run. Often there are difficult times for the person who fervently desires to please the Lord, and sometimes it seems that a short cut would be advantageous, but we must resist. We need to ask God to harden our backbones, keeping us upright in all our decisions and deeds.
What a marked contrast between Asa in the south and Ahab in the north. “Ahab did evil in the sight of the Lord more than all who were before him” (1 Kings 16:30). Nevertheless, God had a plan! We are about to witness the arrival of a firebrand preacher in the north by the name of Elijah.
PRAYER FOR TODAY:
Lord, someone asked, “Where is the God of Elijah?” The answer came back, “He’s waiting for an Elijah to call on Him!” I’m calling on You, Lord God! Others are calling on You! I pray that You will continue to show Yourself strong through me and others. In the Name of Someone greater than Elijah, the Lord Jesus Christ, I pray. Amen!!!!!
100 PERSONAL WORDS:
The character of our political leaders is so very important (Asa and Ahab). Our second Canadian Prime Minister, The Rt. Hon. Alexander Mackenzie, was solidly converted to Christ back in Scotland before he came to Canada. As our first Leader of Canada’s Loyal Opposition, he was involved in the negotiations with Britain for our peaceful separation from political and economic control. I’ve had the privilege to lecture on Mackenzie’s life to political parties; I extolled the virtues of this man before the Law Society of Dalhousie University in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Here’s just one story about this godly leader.
Prime Minister Mackenzie arrived at his office at 7:00 a.m. each morning. The Prophet Daniel, Mackenzie’s political hero, prayed with his window open each day (Daniel 6:10-13). Mackenzie, with the door open and on his knees, would pray out loud for God’s blessings on Canada for a new day. This was repeated at noon and again before he left for home at 7:00 in the evening. His staff, who were expected to arrive before him in the morning and leave after him at night, would gather around the door to listen to the Prime Minister pray. All Canadians need to know that this may be one of the main reasons why Canada has been blessed so greatly.
Yours for living “right in the eyes of the Lord,”
David
Rt. Hon. Alexander Mackenzie, 1822-1892. Canada’s second Prime Minister from 1873-1878.
From my Facebook page: Witness Stand , May 5, 2015
This and more of my poetry can be found there
SHARING THE MEAL
We were on that long journey;
my devout family,
My parents; small brother;
and of course, there was me.
To the Temple we headed,
as we’d done every year,
The Passovers’ cleansing
awaited us there.
I’d been given some food
just in case I got lost.
Five loaves and two fishes
in a basket were tossed.
I trudged with the rest,
but soon I was gathered,
with the boys in the rear,
who like soldiers now swaggered.
Some folk just in front,
a diversion did take
to a hillside residing
by Galilee’s Lake
It seemed that so many
of our Nation was there
just gathered in silence,
as a Voice filled the air.
The Rabbi was teaching
of things close to God:
“There’s Forgiveness and Healing
for all the downtrod”
I could hardly believe
that the day was now spent.
My family was missing;
though my search was intent !
I learned that the crowd
had been with Him three days.
(God’s Gift to mankind
faced everyone’s gaze )
His words, they were Life
and Hope for the hour.
As He broke to us Scriptures
Our souls to devour.
I was almost a man
though in years, but eleven.
His words raised us up
from the earth into heaven
But I feared for my parents,
and of course, for my brother.
Could we meet again soon
and embrace one another?
I crept toward Jesus
and I heard his men say,
‘Lord, the day, it is spent.
Please send them away
We really can’t feed them;
there’s no money to spare,
You’ve healed and You’ve preached.
None can say, You don’t care !”
The sight of my basket
and me, caught attention
of follower Andrew.
( I could see his intention )
“Here’s a lad who has food,
and I’m sure that he wishes
to share it with us,
these five loaves and two fishes”
I gladly gave all
for I thought it would feed
those closest to Jesus
in this time of their need.
But then Jesus amazed us
as He gave prayerful Thanks.
He then had His followers
arrange us in ranks.
Hungry thousands were filled;
heaps of crumbs were widespread
and the Lord had them gathered
in twelve baskets instead.
My parents and brother
I rejoined now with dread;
but they said not a word;
they’d ALL heard …AND been fed !
So each grownup or child;
be they ‘mighty’ or ‘least’
He’ll call each a ‘Friend’;
and Invite to His Feast.
So well done Robin. Thanks very much and God bless you. I’m not on any social media (yet:-)) so very greatful for your posting here.
Thank you for your poetry. What a blessing. I enjoyed it very much.
“Given the moral challenges of our day, C.S. Lewis was right: “The task of the modern educator is not to cut down jungles, but to irrigate deserts.” Alfred North Whitehead observed that great people plant trees they’ll never sit under. Those who have planted seeds of truth in your soul brought life that will bear fruit eternally.”
That is a quote from the Denison forum.
We seem to continually have to “harden our backbones”. Life can be so tough if we wimperize our way through it. ThanksGod for his presence in our hectic lives. His rules and regulations are difficult to follow sometimes but with the strength He gives us and the forgiveness when we botch up, it can be done.
Blessings fellow saints.
Thank you for your poem Robin I really enjoyeded it
Lianne Hogg
Great composition of God’s Word within your poetry Robin, thank you for sharing.
Yes we need men whose hearts are after…attuned to His heart. Thank you for standing strong in your search for God’s heart …in bringing this manna for us each morning, Rev. David, may the Lord continue to strengthen you in all you
do for His Glory. Amen!!
Over and over again…the scriptures reveal the evil heart of man, and the Love, patience and faithfulness of God towards his people.
Lord help me to hear your heart and follow after you, in all my way to acknowledge You, I pray. Amen!!!