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.
Not to us, Lord, not to us but to your name be the glory, because of your love and faithfulness. Thank You Lord for being our rock and salvation. We give You all the thanks and praise. In Jesus’ mighty Name. Amen. Enjoying this rainy fall morning. Wishing all saints a blessed day.
But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you will be blessed. Have no fear of them, nor be troubled, 1 Peter 3:14 ESV
This I Believe The Creed Lyrics Hillsong Worship
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VRzI_FbWTkg
Thanks Beverlee, for the Wonderful confession of faith worship song. Blessings on all today. Amen
Holding Luisa, Joseph and family in prayer, this morning. 🙏 Also Eleanor and Edward. 🙏 Have Your Hand upon them, dear Lord.
Amen. In Jesus’s Holy Name.
ThankYou for the gift of Music, as well, Beverlee.
Thank you Beverlee your prayers are appreciated.
❤️
Amen to your prayer Beverlee,
in Jesus’ Holy Name, Amen.
Thank you so much for your prayers, Beverlee. Oh how we need them! Joseph is feeling “down” emotionally. It’s one year today that he was diagnosed with a brain tumour. Unfortunately, the treatments did not help and his condition has not improved. God has carried us through this past, very difficult year! We are holding on to Him who is always faithful and merciful.
I am praying for you also, Beverlee and for others on this blog. May God come to our aid!
Sorry to hear that Luisa. We have not heard from you recently with an update and Joseph came to mind. Praying for the Lord to reveal a new and effective plan to his oncology team. ❤️
Thank you so much! God bless you!
Thank you for the prayer reminders,Beverlee and for being a shining light on this blog.May God bless everyone connected with this blog.
“24 Therefore God gave them over in the sinful desires of their hearts to sexual impurity for the degrading of their bodies with one another. 25 They exchanged the truth about God for a lie, and worshipped and served created things rather than the Creator—who is forever praised. Amen.”
Idols
Woe to they who can’t foresee
Their path without the Almighty
When they choose to fall mightily,
Forsaking the gift of eternity,
For if only they could see
What their idols truly be,
Then repentance would be their decree;
But blind are the eyes ne’er free
Until they have called out to Thee.
GW(Bill) Marshall (2015)
Amen William!!!
Can one just imagine for a moment, making all the verdure there is on this earth and then giving it all for man to enjoy. WHAT A WONDERFUL SAVIOUR! ! !
From Michael Youssef this morning:
“Praising God empowers us to defeat the devil. How? When we praise God, we proclaim the Truth about God, which the devil cannot stand to hear. The great strength of our praise in spiritual warfare is that in praise we exercise faith in God’s love and His victory over Satan. God loves and God wins. Period.”
Thank You, Lord God, for You alone are God. You are worthy of all praise. Help us, Lord, to use our time in good and productive ways today. In Jesus’s great and holy name, amen
Amen, Rob
Amen Rob.
I will continue to pray for Joseph and you Luisa, it is so hard to watch a loved one suffer.
Praying for you as well Beverlee.
Eleanor M.
❤️
Eleanor,
I also have been praying for you and Edward as he goes through his treatment. As his caregiver, you also need prayers for strength and encouragement. God bless you, both!