SPEAKING PEACE
Today’s Reading: Esther 9-10
Click scripture link to read online or HERE to listen online (then click the symbol of the audio speaker above the scripture portion).
The Yad Lashiryon Memorial at Latrun is the Armored Corps’ Memorial Site. The memorial is surrounded by tanks used and captured in Israeli wars. The centrepiece of the Armored Corps is the Wall of Names on which are inscribed the names of all 4,965 fallen soldiers of the Armored Corps from all of Israel’s wars. This location is also the site of the Biblical battles of Joshua Bin-Nun against the Amorite kings; in the book of Joshua it says: “Sun, stand still upon Giv’on; and moon, in the valley of Ayalon” (Joshua 10:12).
GOOGLE MAPS – To see where the photo was taken, click HERE.
Key Verses: Esther 10:3
For Mordecai the Jew was second to King Ahasuerus, and was great among the Jews and well received by the multitude of his brethren, seeking the good of his people and speaking peace to all his countrymen.
Mordecai was a man who had peace within himself. His confidence in God enabled him to stand up straight when others bowed. That security, based in the knowledge of who he was, enabled him to develop a bold plan to save his Jewish people from an impending holocaust. Twice in today’s reading Mordecai is recorded as speaking “peace.” Some Jews took revenge on their would-be killers. Even Esther wanted revenge, but there is no record of Mordecai seeking revenge. Rather, he promoted days of feasting, joy and gladness. Esther 9:30 tells us that Mordecai sent letters to all the Jews in all 127 provinces of the Persian Empire in which he wrote words of “peace and truth.” We don’t have a copy of any of his letters, but if we did, we would probably find that the “truth” he shared was about the God of his fathers. Our key verse reads, “…seeking the good of his people…” Let us speak, write, and model “peace and truth.” This is how we seek the good of all. Amen!!!
PRAYER FOR TODAY:
Dear Lord, even in exile in a foreign land, You found a man of sterling character named Mordecai. I pray that by Your grace I will become such a person. A person whom You can trust to serve You faithfully…a person who will speak “peace and truth”…a person who will seek the good of all. In the name of the One who did that very thing consistently, Jesus of Nazareth. Amen!!!
100 PERSONAL WORDS:
People who speak “truth and peace” are amongst us today. Some have a louder voice than others because of the advantage of their prominence. I’m thinking of three such people. Two of them are political leaders and one a spiritual leader.
(1) President Jimmy Carter – He brokered peace between Egypt and Israel known as “The Camp David Accords.” SUCCESS! I had the opportunity of experiencing this up close as an accredited journalist in Israel during the final breakthrough (pages 47-49 in my recent book, This Far by Faith).
(2) Former Prime Minister of Israel, Ehud Barak – When he initiated “The Oslo Accords” with Palestinian President, Yasser Arafat, I had high hopes for a lasting peace. Barak had brought blankets to poorly clothed Syrian soldiers during a blinding snow storm on the sides of Mt. Hermon. If anyone could succeed, I thought it would be him. But the effort failed (see pages 68-69 in my book).
(3) Dr. David (Mohsen) Damien, a founder of “Watchmen for the Nations” – He spoke “peace” to the survivors of the St. Louis ship by initiating a gathering in Ottawa where we (representatives of Canada) repented before God for the action of our political leaders back in the 1930s in turning away the ship on which they were travelling as children, seeking refuge in Canada. After being turned away from our shores, most of their parents perished in the death camps of Europe. David, by his words of “peace and truth,” brought a beautiful reconciliation between these hurting Jews and Canadians. This is one of the many stories through which I’ve learned much, which is not in my recent book. As God gives me strength, I may write another book.
I am more determined than ever to speak “peace and truth!” Jesus is my Mentor. He said, “My PEACE I give you” (John14:26) and “I am…TRUTH…” (John 14:6). In Hebrew the word for “TRUTH” is “HEMETH.” This word means the experience of “TRUTH,” not just a list of doctrines which we say we believe. I suggest we all read John 14:5-31 and experience Jesus by the working of the Holy Spirit in us through meditating on Jesus’ Words.
Yours for “PEACE” and “TRUTH,”
David
P.S. Over the years, 100 Huntley Street has produced several series on “Science and Faith,” featuring several very prominent scientists who are also followers of Jesus. One such person is Dr. James Tour, a Jewish man who found Christ as his Messiah. Click here for a video clip of his story from a documentary produced by Crossroads.
The Yad Lashiryon Memorial at Latrun (description under photo above).
The tales in our bible are truly mind-boggling. Praise the Lord for the New Covenant! The Devil is constantly seeking to destroy and it’s so amazing how it is resisted and put down by good God-fearing people. Yes, there are so many good people amongst us today. Thank you Jesus.
May God fill us all with joy and peace, as He promised, this gift of a day. If God loves us all, who am I not to:-)!
Amen Lynda. Amen.
From Streams in the Desert, Cowman, August 8th:
“Here is no foe to your growth in grace, no enemy in your Christian work, which was not included in your Savior’s conquests.
“You need not be afraid of them. When you touch them, they will flee before you. God has promised to deliver them up before you. Only be strong and very courageous! Fear not, nor be dismayed! The Lord is with you, O mighty men of valor—mighty because one with the Mightiest. Claim victory!
“Whenever your enemies close in upon you, claim victory! Whenever heart and flesh fail, look up and claim VICTORY!
“Be sure that you have a share in that triumph which Jesus won, not for Himself alone, but for us all; remember that you were in Him when He won it, and claim victory!
“Reckon that it is yours, and gather spoil. Neither the Anakim nor fenced cities need daunt or abash you. You are one of the conquering legion. Claim your share in the Savior’s victory.”
—Joshua, by Meyer
“We are children of the King. In which way do we most honor our Divine Sovereign, by failing to claim our rights and even doubting whether they belong to us, or by asserting our privilege as children of the Royal Family and demanding the rights which belong to our heirship?”
You are my king, O God! Decree Jacob’s deliverance! Psalm 44:4
You Are my King / Amazing Love Chris Tomlin
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MA_cSFdUMqk
Have a blessed day, fellow saints in the Lord! Oh, how He loves us, so!
Thank you, my back is feeling a lot better today. Hope you are not as sore as you were.🙏🙏
I had a very difficult day yesterday and I’m asking the Lord for direction as to solving a problem for me to remain independent. He is my Provider, Protector, my God. Thank you, Beverlee, for the appropriate worship song. Blessings all.
Dear Doreen , I am praying the Lord will make it very clear to you what you should do next. He already knows you inside out and you are the apple of His eye. He will show you the way and you have to walk in it. Sometimes I try to figure out things myself, but then I have to turn to Him through the Holy Spirit for guidance. Remembering that song were used to sing My Lord know s the way through the wilderness s I have to do is follow. Many blessings to you. Eleanor M.
Amen, Eleanor. I am so happy to hear that you are feeling better. Continuing to pray for complete restoration.
Also praying for you, Doreen. May God lead and guide you as to what you are to do. May you know without a doubt what is the best course of action.
Beverlee, I was very glad to see your post today….and a good one it is.
Still missing Rob and his prayers.
Blessings on all!
Thanks Luisa