IN HIDING!
Today’s Reading: 2 Chronicles 21-22
Click scripture link to read online or HERE to listen online (then click the symbol of the audio speaker above the scripture portion).
The most unique rock formations are seen in Meteora, Greece. On the front right you can see Monastery Roussanou.
GOOGLE MAPS – To see where the photo was taken, click HERE.
Key Verse: 2 Chronicles 22:12
And he (Joash) was hidden with them in the house of God for six years, while Athaliah reigned over the land.
Jehu was carrying out judgment on the land. Ahaziah was caught and killed because, as they said, “He is the son of Jehoshaphat who sought the Lord with all his heart” (22:9). It seemed as if all the descendants of Jehoshaphat were to be slain, but into the picture stepped Jehoshabeth, the king’s daughter. She rescued Joash, then one year old, and hid him in the Temple. Six years later Joash was anointed king. The enemies of God will try to thwart God’s plan, but it was not God’s will for the righteous influence in the royal family to cease. God had prepared Jehoshabeth and Jehoiada, the high priest, to intervene. Joash was hidden in the Temple for six years.
We learn from this story of God’s love and His power to provide for His people. Sometimes we wonder how God could possibly make a way through a seemingly impossible situation. But He does! For a New Testament reading today, we may want to read about what would seem to be an impossible situation, the shipwreck of Acts 27:13-44.
PRAYER FOR TODAY:
Lord God, I need to learn to be hidden in Your place of safety where the enemy cannot find me. I pray with King David, “Hear my cry, O God; attend to my prayer. From the end of the earth I will cry to You. When my heart is overwhelmed; lead me to the rock that is higher than I. For You have been a shelter for me, and a strong tower from the enemy” (Psalm 61:1-3). In Jesus’ Name I pray, Amen!!!
100 PERSONAL WORDS:
This morning I’ve been singing two hymns, “Rock of Ages” and “Hiding in Thee.” The words of the first are, “Rock of Ages, cleft for me, let me hide myself in Thee,” and the second are, “Hiding in Thee, hiding in Thee, thou blessed Rock of Ages, I’m hiding in Thee” (click here for a medley of these two beautiful hymns). There have been times when I had to hide from the pressures and influences of the world. One such occasion was when a sergeant of the Hamilton, Ontario, city police told me that the average age of the lawbreaker with whom they were dealing was just 12. My heart was broken for the children of our city. I withdrew to my bedroom for a week to fast and pray. Norma-Jean would bring me water and join me from time to time. Directly out of that time of hiding in God came our children’s television ministry, Circle Square, and out of those telecasts came the Circle Square Ranches, where over the years, approximately 250,000 children and teens have spent at least a week each. It’s estimated that around 100,000 of them made first time decisions to give their lives to Jesus. This Summer I intend to “hide away” and spend much more time hiding in God’s presence. I turn 79 on August 13th, and I need to hear from God about the future.
Yours for hiding for a while,
David
P.S. Here are some pictures that Gilles Laframboise, the official RCMP photographer, took just before and during the Musical Ride. Norma-Jean and I were honoured to ride in the landau (carriage) and sit at the front of the viewing stand two years ago. This was part of the Canada Day celebrations in Canada’s capitol city of Ottawa.
Great pictures of you and Norma-Jean with the RCMP!!
WOW…the rock formations in Greece!!! Thank Reynold.
Its amazing how the Lord answer prayer, when we turn to Him with our whole heart, as you did for the need of children in our land, Praise His Holy Name!!!
I join with you in singing those wonderful hymns… thank your for sharing. God Bless your day.
Great pics. Looks like a great experience. Was singing with the Huntley Street trio driving to the library – “take me to the Rock that is higher than I” (I have the CD). It’s getting a little scratched as the roads in Hamilton are in such bad shape in some places. I also heard that quoted on a Christian program this morning. I think it was Rod Hembree’s Quick Study. AND I also read it just recently. It is a message and prayer, I’m sure. They had a nice party at the nursing home yesterday. A lady (who is usually so quiet) was being wheeled in in her wheelchair. She was holding her hand the the Queen does and turning it in a little wave! She looked a bit like she was in a carriage like you folk.
I am so thankful that the Lord grand you a full healing to continue doing the blog. Your life has been a great example to numerous people christian and non christian and I am one of the most blessed one to be part of following your blog. Truly, God wants you to continue to share His Word to lots of people to be saved. Thank you so much for all your sacrifices to obey God’s will in your life since you surrender your life to Him. I am blessed with the life of your whole God fearing family.
Jesus Christ is the solid rock around! All other ground is sinking sand! The economy is not solid, money is not solid, BUT the WORD OF GOD IS SOLID!
I grieve also at the brokenness of the world! I can only give it up to God and ask Him for His help and to provide where ever help is needed.
I also pray that people who have enough money would help those who need it in our communities first, pay for camps for children, for counselling for parents, help those in our country who are in such desperate need. Support hot lunch programs/breakfast programs in schools with money and donations of items, find someway to help those in our country.
Support Drug and Alcohol Rehab Programs, expecially if they are Christian programs such as the Salvation Army. Help those in our country,
I also ask for prayers for me! Things are out of sort! I am praying for a financial breakthrough to clear up things and be able to breathe. Thank you and God bless all on this website.
One of my favourite 100words.ca photos, and shots of you and Norma-Jean, David! Awesome prayer and message, today. Amen!
“I will commune with thee from above the mercy seat.” Exodus 25:22
From Every Stormy Wind
From every stormy wind that blows,
From every swelling tide of woes,
There is a calm, a sure retreat;
’Tis found beneath the mercy seat.
There is a place where Jesus sheds
The oil of gladness on our heads;
A place than all besides more sweet;
It is the blood bought mercy seat.
There is a scene where spirits blend,
Where friend holds fellowship with friend;
Though sundered far, by faith they meet
Around one common mercy seat.
Ah, whither could we flee for aid,
When tempted, desolate, dismayed,
Or how the hosts of hell defeat,
Had suffering saints no mercy-seat?
There, there, on eagles’ wings we soar,
And time and sense seem all no more;
And heaven comes down, our souls to greet,
And glory crowns the mercy seat.
Oh, let my hand forget her skill,
My tongue be silent, cold, and still,
This bounding heart forget to beat,
If I forget the mercy seat!
Words: Hugh Stowell, in The Winter’s Wreath, a Collection of Original Contributions in Prose and Verse, 1828. Stowell rewrote & republished the words in 1831.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K6dDLcBKmrI
Music: Retreat Thomas Hastings, 1842
The King’s daughter, married to the High Priest, shelters her nephew according to God’s plan. Sending prayers for the salvation of nieces and nephews across the land. May Our Lord soften their hearts and draw them into His kingdom through Jesus Christ. Amen.
What a beautiful prayer Lord to come before You! Yes, bless nieces and nephews all through our land! In Jesus Name AMEN
That’s me David, I’m a first time decision from SSR. Thank-you David.