POOR DECISIONS
Today’s Reading: Judges 8
Click scripture link to read online or HERE to listen online (then click the audio speaker symbol above the scripture portion)
Dubbed the “Pompeii of the East,” Jerash is a Greco-Roman ruined city located 80 miles north of Amman, the capital of the modern kingdom of Jordan, The impressive, beautifully preserved ruins of Jerash include places of worship and other buildings from the Hellenistic, Roman, Byzantine Christian, and early Muslim periods. The Oval Plaza seen in the photo is central to the ruins.
GOOGLE MAPS – To see where the photo was taken, click HERE.
Key Verse: Judges 8:34
Thus the children of Israel did not remember the Lord their God, who had delivered them from the hands of all their enemies on every side;
The people of Succoth and Penuel made poor decisions. Zeba and Zalmuna made poor decisions at Tabor. Gideon made good decisions when he heard from God as recorded in yesterday’s reading. Now there is no indication that he’s listening for God’s directions. How often we rush ahead on our own without waiting on God. There comes a time when we must move forward. Beware of what someone has called “the paralysis of analysis.”
In 1st Corinthians 1:6 Paul writes, “Now these things happened as examples for us.” “These things” would include Israel’s decisions and experience during the time of the judges. When we forget God in our decisions, we become victims of our circumstances rather than victors over our circumstances.
PRAYER FOR TODAY:
Father, teach me to be careful to consult You daily in prayer concerning my decisions, and may I move forward with trust that You are directing me. Teach me, please, from the examples I’m reading here in Judges. I believe You for this! In Jesus’ Name! Amen!
100 PERSONAL WORDS:
When I think of “Mount Tabor,” I think of the town of Taber, Alberta, Canada. Rev. Dale Lang was the minister of the Anglican church there when his son was shot and murdered in the corridor of the high school by a deranged fellow student. I’ll never forget how, during the live funeral service that was carried on national TV, in that very high school auditorium, Dale walked to the spot where his son was killed and spoke of their forgiveness for the young man who had committed this crime. Then, with spiritual authority in the Name of Jesus, he cast out the evil from the school. Dale became Canada’s Pastor from that time forward. He and his wife became regulars for some time on the daily 100 Huntley Street telecast. Dale joined me daily on TV for a year, along with Professor of ancient history, Dr. Paul Maier, for a one-year journey through the book of Acts. Dale made good decisions following his family’s tragedy. Check out this video of a unique opportunity I had to go up in a hot air ballon with Dale, as he’s also a skilled balloonist (click here).
Yours for taking the time to wait on God for His decisions, and then moving forward,
David
P.S. I’m here in cold Canada as type this. I keep a positive attitude about the cold as shown by the picture below. At the farm where Norma-Jean was born, I took Franklin Graham out in a one-horse open sleigh a number of years ago. In the field behind the barn I threw him the reins and jumped out into the snow. He safely navigated back and picked me up. Have fun all you northerners!
Some winter fun with Franklin Graham many years ago.
A family walks down the main Roman Road, the Cardo Maximus, in the old city of Jerash. Pillars and ancient buildings are on each side of the street.
What a testament to Dale and his family’s faith to be able to forgive that young man that killed their son. Praying that was a lesson to all those in attendance at the funeral and a blessing to the family of that young man. We must never forget to be thankful for forgiveness given by the Lord for all of our sins if we but accept it.
Praying for your church William, that the right Pastor will be called by the Lord to serve in that church and that he can re-kindle the spirit in the area.
Praying for Jerusalem and the continued release of hostages and for the right decision to be made for the Gaza strip. A decision that will promote peace for all.
Praying for Emily and her family that the Lord will undertake for them.
God bless all bloggers.
Love David’s old photos.
In relation to your comments yesterday William. Hoping a young pastor will be sent to your church in NS by our heavenly Father. One of my nephews is a preacher in Ontario and his sister church is searching for a young pastor also. Will pray for both assemblies to get the pastors being desired. God bless you all, in Jesus name.
God bless all saints.
Thank you for your prayers for our 2 churches.As we were ending today’s meeting I pointed up and said “He already knows who we will choose”,we have to listen for His choice.
Today’s blog is a great example of true forgiveness,one I’m sure Jesus will mention when they meet.Unforgiveness is a demon that will eat you up but forgiveness will set you free.God bless everyone connected to this blog and many thanks to Ron and all the Mainse family.
Forgiveness
Forgiveness is a gift we receive,
And freely we must give it too,
To prove to Him we do believe,
Forgiveness also works for you.
When Judas stabbed His back,
He did not turn to attack;
For it was not a setback,
When Satan caused this man to crack.
When you forgive it then returns,
For your heart is then lightened
While given the freedom it yearns
And your mind is then enlightened.
Let His healing hand touch your soul,
Then may His love render you whole,
For Satan will try to collect a toll
If faith is weak you give control
But someone you may overlook
Is one you may be least kind to;
For mistaken paths that you took;
The one you forgive must be you.
GW (Bill) Marshall/2012
(Written for Grieving Mothers)