Monday, October 30, 2017

THE SAINTS GO MARCHING IN

Today’s 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! Amen! 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 the faithful 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. 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 for 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.

14 thoughts on “Monday, October 30, 2017

  1. Oh, amen! We miss you, David, but your words ring true as if you were still here with us. Have a saintly day, fellow saints in the Lord! To Your Name be the glory, God! Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord God almighty! Amen!

    But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. Ephesians 2:13 NKJV

    Passion – Build My Life (Live/Lyrics And Chords) ft. Brett Younker
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BGYpF-Jrfew

  2. For sister Irene:

    But when I am afraid,
    I will put my trust in you.
    I praise God for what he has promised.
    I trust in God, so why should I be afraid?
    What can mere mortals do to me?
    Psalm 56:3-5 NLT

  3. Lord God Almighty, I prayed Pastor David!! Thank you Ron and Ann again and again for continuing to bring this daily manna to us!! God Bless your day and the rest of your family.

    I pray Oh Lord keep us on paths of righteousness for your Name’s sake: For there is no other God like You. You are our God and there is no other!!! Praise Your Holy Name!!
    Have a wonderful day all you saints!!

  4. I had to leave early this morning and just finishing the blog …..
    Beautiful praise song.I hope we all can feel like David is still leading us.Someday we can thank him (and Him ) in person.Until then,thank you Ron and Ann.God bless

    Idols

    If only we could see
    What our idols truly be,
    For blind are the eyes ne’er free
    Until they have called out to thee.
    GW(Bill) Marshall (2015)

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