THE OLIVE, THE FIG, THE VINE, THE BRAMBLE

Today’s Reading: Judges 9

Click scripture link to read online or HERE to listen online (then click the symbol of the audio speaker above the scripture portion).

Mount Gerizim is one of the two mountains in the immediate vicinity of the West Bank city of Nablus (near the ancient city of Shechem), and forms the southern side of the valley in which Nablus is situated, the northern side being formed by Mount Ebal. Gerizim is sacred to the Samaritans who regard it, rather than Jerusalem’s Temple Mount, as having been the location chosen by Yahweh for a holy temple. The mountain continues to be the centre of Samaritan religion to this day, and over 90% of the worldwide population of Samaritans live in very close proximity to Gerizim, mostly in Kiryat Luza, the main village.

GOOGLE MAPS – To see where the photo was taken, click HERE.

Key Verse: Judges 9:21

And Jotham ran away and fled; and he went to Beer and dwelt there, for fear of Abimelech his brother.

Jotham’s parable shows wisdom. He may have been able to become a judge of Israel, replacing his father Gideon, but he chose to run away because of fear. His power-hungry brother had no such fear. Abimelech became the first Israelite to claim the title “King.” How sad that the people chose the bramble to rule over them. Jotham’s prophecy came to pass in the fires, the millstone, and the sword of the armour-bearer. We should encourage the best leaders, people of integrity and wisdom, to step up for leadership in the church, the government, and in every field of human endeavour.

The Gospel says of Jesus in John 4, “He needed to go through Samaria” (read John 4:1-42). The woman at Jacob’s Well pointed to Gerizim and said, “Our fathers worshipped on this mountain.” The Samaritan religion still flourishes. An annual sacrifice is led by their high priest on the top of Gerizim. Jesus did not run away from His destiny like Jotham. He stepped up to the Cross. He is our fearless Judge, Prophet, Priest, and King.

PRAYER FOR TODAY:

Lord Jesus, You are my King! Your rulership is one of complete authority. I yield to You! Please grant me constant willingness to follow Your leadership in all things. In Your Name I pray, Amen!

100 PERSONAL WORDS:

I shared a taxi some years ago with the Samaritan High Priest as I travelled from Amman, Jordan, to Jerusalem. He was dressed in an impressive robe and turban. His religion seemed to be a mixture of modern Judaism and an ancient form of Israelite worship. It seemed to be a very general approach to God, with a great deal of superstition. He was well aware of the story of Jesus and the Samaritan woman at the well at the foot of Mount Gerizim. This Samaritan High Priest, who lived in Jordan, was on his way to make the annual sacrifice on the top of Gerizim. How thankful I am for the final, once and for all Sacrifice of Jesus, and for the Living Water, which is not in the well at the foot of the mountain, from which I drink deeply every morning before doing this blog.

In the matter of leadership, I knew God called me to His cause. Some people around me encouraged me, but I had to step up and lead in the direction God was leading me. I am not one to run away like Jotham did. I may be 80 years old, but I still have the strong conviction that I can do much as long as I move boldly forward, and I’m confident that the task ahead is God’s will for me. Amen!

Yours for all that God purposes to accomplish through those who serve Him,

David

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.

100 x 3

Today’s Reading: Judges 7

Click scripture link to read online or HERE to listen online (then click the symbol of the audio speaker above the scripture portion on the right-hand side).

This view from Mount Tabor looks across the Jezreel Valley towards Mount Moreh. The tree-covered hill in the distance is where the Midianites encamped for their attack on the Israelites in the days of Gideon (Judges 7:1).

GOOGLE MAPS – To see where the photo was taken, click HERE.

Key Verse: Judges 7:20

Then the three companies blew the trumpets and broke the pitchers–they held the torches in their left hands and the trumpets in their right hands for blowing–and they cried, “The sword of the Lord and of Gideon!”

In today’s reading there is an unmistakable geographical description of the very spot where, 3,400 years ago, God separated the army of 300 from the multitude at the Spring of Harod. The 300, having circled around the Midianite army, descended the hill of Moreh to break their pitchers, shine their lights, and blow their ram’s horns, creating panic in the ranks of the enemy. By dividing the 300 into 3 companies of 100 each, they were able to come from three different directions and win a God-given victory. Many of us who read this blog are members of churches that may have from 50 to 300 in regular attendance. The Pastor likely knows everyone by name, including the children. There is wisdom in having many churches, rather than one mega-congregation with several thousand members. Yes, there is a special appeal in the large church…great music, a well-prepared staff, and sometimes a large missions budget. The Pastor may be the most gifted preacher in the area. However, we need to recognize that the smaller congregations have much to offer also. The Pastor will visit you personally when you are sick (if he doesn’t, find one that will). He will know you personally and thus will be able to care for each member individually, that is if he or she is truly God-called and totally committed, as were the 300, watching, on guard, and filled with God’s Spirit.

PRAYER FOR TODAY:

Lord Jesus, You know Your sheep by name. You know my name, and the names of all who join me in daily readings. You’ve called into ministry pastors, teachers, evangelists, administrators, and helps in many areas of life. Please show me how to be a strength to those who care for my soul. I ask for the grace of loyalty to the congregation where I serve and worship. Bless those who prepare the spiritual food of Your Word and serve good nourishment at Sunday services, as well as at mid-week services and other gatherings. Amen!

100 PERSONAL WORDS:

Being retired (sort of), I have the opportunity of attending a relatively small congregation in Canada and a very large one while in Florida. I see the blessings of both large and small. I love and am blessed by both churches. I remember well, while a student in Bible College, one of the teachers pointing to two Toronto churches which, in his estimation, were “successful.” I couldn’t let the occasion pass without pointing out that the Pastor and congregation in Moose Factory, an island at the tip of James Bay, was just as successful. True success is being in God’s will and is not measured in numbers.

Yours for the One who said, “I will build My church,” God’s great success story!

David

MIGHTY MAN OF VALOUR

Today’s Reading: Judges 6

Click scripture link to read online or HERE to listen online (then click the symbol of the audio speaker above the scripture portion on the right-hand side).

Some of the excavations from the tel of Jericho show the foundation of an old tower and walls. The Tower of Jericho is an 8.5-metre-tall (28 ft) stone structure. Regular readers will remember “The Palace of Eglon” and the fact that Jericho was rebuilt by the Midianites who were still settled here at the time of Gideon.

GOOGLE MAPS – To see where the photo was taken, click HERE.

Key Verse: Judges 6:12

And the Angel of the Lord appeared to him, and said to him, “The Lord is with you, you mighty man of valour!”

When God calls a person to service, He chooses someone who is humble and has a heart to serve others. That person, genuinely called of God, will be sensitive to God’s leading day by day. It has been said that God is not looking for ability, but availability. He often equips the most unlikely people for His purposes, great and small. God uses people who are willing to risk everything for His cause. Gideon did this when he destroyed the altar of Baal and the image which his own father had built. When Gideon built an altar to the Lord and burned the wooden image under the sacrifice to the true God, he established his leadership. He was also very human and needed confirmation from God. The sign of the wet and dry fleece gave him additional confidence.

The God-called leadership of the Church was confirmed with signs of God’s presence. In Acts 2:42-47 we read of God’s confirmation of His call on the lives of the Apostles. The sign which indicated God’s call on Gideon was that the people supported him. When we recognize the call of God on someone’s life, we need to support that person in any way we can.

PRAYER FOR TODAY:

Lord God, help me to find ways to support those You have genuinely called into some form of leadership in Your cause. I know I can’t support everyone, therefore guide me in knowing where to put my support. Bless my Pastor and in particular those who are effective in bringing new people into a relationship with You, O God. In Jesus’ Name I pray. Amen!

100 PERSONAL WORDS:

When the Roman Catholic Bishop of Calgary, Bishop Henry, took a strong stand in favour of “one man, one woman” marriage, he was maligned terribly by those who opposed his stand. I called him on the telephone and my first words were a quote from the angel who appeared to Gideon. I quoted the old translation of the words found in Judges 6:12, “Hail, thou mighty man of valour.” He laughed and so did I. He encouraged me in my campaign to see marriage retained as it had been throughout human history. We lost that battle in the House of Commons and in the Senate of Canada. I received a call from the then Prime Minister, Paul Martin, who wanted to thank me for a book I had sent him. It was kind of him to call. However, the conversation went downhill when I said something to this effect… “Sir, you have led Canada in a direction which will eventually prove to be most destructive to the human family…God’s plan is one man, one woman.” I believed that to be true then and still do today…and I speak the Truth in love (Ephesians 4:15). I love people and, therefore, I want only what I believe would be best for everyone. I believe I’m following Jesus in this. Check out Matthew 19:4-6.

Yours to encourage all who serve the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ to take a stand for what is right in God’s eyes,

David

Here is a view from the tel of Jericho showing some of the modern town of Jericho. In the distance is the traditional Mount of Temptation, where Jesus was tempted by Satan following His baptism in the Jordan, not far east of here.

IT’S A HIT

Today’s Reading: Judges 5

Click scripture link to read online or HERE to listen online (then click the symbol of the audio speaker above the scripture portion on the right-hand side).

Jewish children dance at a presentation in Jerusalem.

GOOGLE MAPS – To see where the photo was taken, click HERE.

Key Verse: Judges 5:3

Hear, O kings! Give ear, O princes!
I, even I, will sing to the Lord;
I will sing praise to the Lord God of Israel.

Yesterday we read of a hit from a hammer on a tent peg; today it’s a hit song that I’m sure became #1 with the Children of Israel. Another generation learned through this song. They learned that those who love the Lord will be “Like the sun when it comes out in full strength.” The result was 40 more years of faithfulness to the God of Abraham, Isaac, Moses, Joshua and Deborah. We have great advantages in knowing God in our time. Back then they had the scrolls of the first books of the Bible, but very few of these children of ex-slaves could read. The synagogue movement where the Scriptures are taught by the Rabbi was still to come 1,000 years later. The people would gather for a message from their spiritual and temporal leader only once a year. No wonder they wandered far from God. The influences from the Canaanite culture were strong, and unless each family had daily prayer and the recitation of God’s stories, they were easily overcome by the evil around them.

What is our excuse when the prevailing culture overcomes any godly influence we may have on our children and grandchildren? Just think of the helps to godliness we have which the second and third generations of Israelites did not have. When we consider our struggles today, perhaps we should not judge those people too harshly.

PRAYER FOR TODAY:

[As you pray today, think of the ways your life is enriched through your local Body of Believers. We are a blessed people.]

Lord God, I have a great local congregation. I have Sunday services, weekly prayer meetings and Bible studies. I read my Bible every day and watch 100 Huntley Street on TV daily. Help me to be consistent in my personal prayer life, oh Lord. Compared to the Israelites in Deborah’s day, I have absolutely no excuse for ever drifting away from You. Thank You, Jesus! Amen!

100 PERSONAL WORDS:

Compared to the early Israelites, I have so much to be thankful for when I consider the spiritual input I had as a child. We prayed on our knees three times a day as a family, plus “Now I lay me down to sleep” at bed time. My Dad, Rev. Dr. Roy Lake Mainse, served as a missionary, a pastor, and a college president. During his years as an educator, he approved of my Sunday schedule…10 a.m. Sunday School at our own church, 2 p.m. at the Christian and Missionary Alliance Church, and then 3 p.m. at the Salvation Army Church almost across the street. For some reason, I loved every minute. Okay, there were other reasons. I was not allowed to play ball with my friends on Sunday afternoon, and I also got to play in the Salvation Army band. If I can find a picture of my Dad, I’ll attach it below. Just look at him. He was “Authority” in my eyes. I’m ever so thankful. My mother passed away when I was 12, and my Dad and I grew so very close. He’d be 120 if he were still alive here on earth. In case they read this in Heaven, I love you Dad and Mom, and I’ll see you soon!

Yours because of all the blessings we’ve received from generations past, including the generation of Judge Deborah,

David

My Father and Mother, Rev. Dr. Roy and Hazel Mainse.

JUDGE DEBORAH

Today’s Reading: Judges 4

Click scripture link to read online or HERE to listen online (then click the symbol of the audio speaker above the scripture portion on the right-hand side).

The Church of Transfiguration is beautifully presented at the pinnacle of Mt. Tabor. Mt. Tabor is located in Lower Galilee, Israel, at the eastern end of the Jezreel Valley, 18 km west of the Sea of Galilee. It was the site of the Mt. Tabor battle between Barak, under the leadership of the Israelite judge Deborah, and the army of Jabin, commanded by Sisera, in the mid 14th century BC. It is believed by many Christians to be the site of the Transfiguration of Jesus. Therefore, it is also known as the Mount of Transfiguration. Remember how Peter wanted to build three tabernacles up here? Some well-meaning people have built one for Peter (Matthew 17:1-8).

GOOGLE MAPS – To see where the photo was taken, click HERE.

Key Verse: Judges 4:4, 5b

Now Deborah, a prophetess, the wife of Lapidoth, was judging Israel at that time…And the children of Israel came up to her for judgment.

God is an equal opportunity Employer. His candidates for leadership included women, like Deborah, as well as men. God chooses the person best suited for the task. Perhaps, because Israel’s judge was a woman, King Jabin, who was oppressing Israel, allowed Deborah to continue in her role. She used her position of strength to recruit Barak, who in turn called up an army of 10,000 troops. Tomorrow’s reading tells us about the torrent of Kishon, the stream that runs across the valley between Mt. Tabor and the Carmel range of hills. Flood conditions bogged down the chariots of Sisera in the mud and Israel prevailed.

God had waited patiently until Israel called out to Him for deliverance before He would get involved. God does not necessarily bring trouble into our lives when we turn away from Him; it’s simply that if we abandon His presence and protection, and then try, in our own strength, to overcome our problems, we fail in our attempts at finding freedom. We, ourselves, have opened the door for the oppressor to triumph over us.

PRAYER FOR TODAY:

Father God, I cry out to You daily for Your presence. You are most welcome to intervene in any way You choose in my life, my family, and in my community. You’ve created me in Your image, and that includes a free will. I yield my will to You so that I may do Your will. I pray this in the Name of the One who always did Your will, Your Son and my Saviour, Jesus Christ. Amen!

100 PERSONAL WORDS:

I’ve often stopped along the highway at the base of Mt. Tabor where the village named after Judge Deborah is located (see the first picture below looking east down Mt. Tabor to the village of Deborah at Tabor’s base). The present road up Mt. Tabor is quite steep with many hairpin switchbacks. In 1978 there was an old very steep road up the side of the mountain. My son, David Reynold, who does the photography for the blog, had just turned 16. He had his beginners driver’s license but little experience. I let him drive the vintage, stick shift, under-powered Volkswagen van up to the top. My wife, Norma-Jean, will tell you that she prayed most fervently all the way up! I admit that it was scary. I know that she believes that the God of Deborah helped us greatly! Experience is a great teacher. I’m learning lots from the examples provided in the first books of the Bible. Read with me, if you have time, from 1 Corinthians 10:11-13. Just as Israel was tested, or tempted, by those who lived around them, so are we tested. But “God is faithful;” He will not allow me to be tempted beyond what I am able to handle, but will, with the temptation (testing), make a way of escape. I’ve had to learn, sometimes the hard way, that I must run from temptation. God provides the way of escape, but I must choose to escape into safety in Christ.

Yours for learning from the examples given here in Judges,

David

View from next to the Church of the Transfiguration on Mount Tabor towards the East. Below you can see the town of Deborah, named after the judge in today’s Bible reading.

The view from Mt. Tabor to the South, showing the east end of the Jezreel Valley.

A VERY FAT DICTATOR REMOVED

Today’s Reading: JUDGES 3

Click scripture link to read online or HERE to listen online (then click the symbol of the audio speaker above the scripture portion on the right-hand side).

Tel Lachish National Park. According to the Bible, the Israelites captured and destroyed Lachish for joining the league against the Gibeonites (Joshua 10:31-33), but its territory was later assigned to the tribe of Judah (15:39) and became a part of the Kingdom of Israel.

GOOGLE MAPS – To see where the photo was taken, click HERE.

Key Verses: Judges 3:9, 15a

When the children of Israel cried out to the Lord, the Lord raised up a deliverer for the children of Israel, who delivered them: Othniel the son of Kenaz, Caleb’s younger brother….But when the children of Israel cried out to the Lord, the Lord raised up a deliverer for them: Ehud the son of Gera, the Benjamite, a left-handed man…

Every year Israelite parents were to bring their children to Mt. Gerizim (Shechem) and show them the stone of witness on which was written the summary of the commandments which Moses, and Joshua after him, had given in his final words to the people of God (Joshua 24:27). We can be confident that Caleb’s nephew, Othniel, the first Judge, saw that stone, and then Ehud, the next Judge, also got the message written on that stone. Today’s reading gives a graphic account of Ehud plunging a dagger into the fat belly of King Eglon of Moab as a judgment on his wickedness (Joshua 3:15-23). In Israel, there was always a remnant of the people who were faithful to the God of their fathers, but they may have been silent, not taking a public stand for righteousness. When they did stand up, God stood up for them. Our reading today lets us know that there were, in total, 26 years of serving foreign rulers and 120 years of freedom and prosperity.

Thank God that the Spirit of God is still calling brave and godly leaders. Let us rally around and support them as they lead us in evangelism and in strong growth of God’s people, the Church.

PRAYER FOR TODAY:

I join the Apostle Paul and ask You, Lord God, “May Israel be saved” (Romans 10:1). There is a modern remnant of those who seek to do Your will, and thousands of Israelis who believe in Jesus, Yeshua, as their Saviour and Lord. In these times when destruction looms over Israel, may the people cry out to You as they did in the times of Othniel and Ehud. In Yeshua’s Name I pray, Amen!

100 PERSONAL WORDS:

I’ve had the opportunity of spending much time in modern Israel. God’s purposes there are underway. Two former team members of Crossroads co-founded one of the churches in Jerusalem. Wayne and Ann Hilsden are in my prayers consistently. Their congregation, which they pastored for over 30 years, is strong (check it out here), as are many congregations in Israel.

Biblical names are common there, such as, Ehud Barak, former minister of Defense and a former Prime Minister of Israel.

I’ve entitled today’s reading after Eglon, King of Moab, who lived in a rebuilt Jericho, known as “The City of the Palms.” It’s a gruesome story, but that’s war. I’m interested in archaeology and Eglon’s palace has been found (here’s a link if interested – scroll down a ways until you see the sub-heading “Eglon’s Palace at Jericho”).

Also, I initiated the placing of a stone of witness at the Crossroads Centre in 1999. A link to a video of the stone’s dedication is here. I encourage the reading of the Scripture on its plaque (Jeremiah 6:16). May it serve God’s purpose as did the stone of witness in Joshua 24.

Yours in support of God’s leaders who serve God’s cause with boldness and wisdom,

David

Ruins of ancient Lachish at Tel Lachish National Park.

JUDGING JUDGES

Today’s Reading: Judges 1 & 2

Click scripture link to read online or HERE to listen online (then click the symbol of the audio speaker above the scripture portion on the right-hand side).

The Roman Cardo at Beit She’an National Park, Israel. Around 1100 BC, Canaanite Beit She’an was conquered by the Philistines, who used it as a base of operations for further penetrations into Israel proper (Judges 1:27). During a subsequent battle against the Jewish King Saul at nearby Mount Gilboa in 1004 BC, the Philistines prevailed. 1 Samuel 31 states that the victorious Philistines hung the body of King Saul on the walls of Beit She’an. Portions of these walls were excavated on Tel Beit She’an recently. King David was able to capture Beit Shea’an in a series of brilliant military campaigns that expelled the Philistines from the area, pushing them back to their coastal strongholds of Ashkelon, Ekron, Gath, Gaza, and Ashdod. During the Iron Age II period, the town became a part of the larger Israelite kingdom under the rule of the Biblical kings David and Solomon (1 Kings 4:12 refers to Beit She’an as a part of the district of Solomon).

GOOGLE MAPS – To see where the photo was taken, click HERE.

Key Verse: Judges 2:10

When all that generation had been gathered to their fathers, another generation arose after them who did not know the Lord nor the work which He had done for Israel.

This is one of the saddest verses in the Bible. It should be a warning to us that our faith in God is only one generation away from near extinction. We must invest heavily in the supreme task of communicating the Word of God to future generations.

These two chapters are an overview of what is to come for Israel. Judges tells us of seven cycles of moral corruption from within and subjugation from without by the nations around them. After 40 years of victories under Joshua, Israel now suffers defeat after defeat, also deliverance after deliverance. The very last verse of Judges provides the answer to this inconsistency of serving the God of their fathers. Judges 21:25 tells us that “everyone did what was right in his own eyes.” At first glance it sounds good, but this is spiritual anarchy. This is a recipe for disaster. We must do what is right in God’s eyes according to His Word to us.

PRAYER FOR TODAY:

Lord God, You’ve given me the desire to read Your Word daily so that I may know what is right in Your eyes. Again and again I pray for the grace to hear Your voice as I read, and then walk in the light that You provide for me. In Jesus’ Name, Amen! (as I pray this, I’m thinking of 1 John, chapter 1. Click here).

100 PERSONAL WORDS:

I confess that I felt somewhat discouraged in reading today’s chapters. So I thought, “I’ll turn to the next book in our readings, which is 1 Corinthians.” In chapter one there is much to encourage me, but I also read of divisions in the church. In chapter two, there was encouragement, but chapter three tells me that people are people. There was envy, strife, and they were behaving “like mere men.” God’s mercy and forgiveness was given over and over to Israel when they repented and cried out to Him. I’ve cried out to the Lord again and again since I first decided to follow Jesus 64 years ago as a 16-year-old. He’s forgiven me and restored me. I’ve done an overview of Judges, and I discovered that the people were living right before God most of the time. That gives me reason to be hopeful. Again, the first chapter of 1 John is my “go to” chapter for my life. Here it is again (click here), and then I’ve taken the time this morning to read 1 John chapter two (click here). I’m greatly encouraged now. Judges 2:22 gives the reason God placed Israel in the midst of the ungodly world. It was a test! I pray for grace to pass any test that comes my way. I can testify to the power of Christ, that while I may not be graded at 100%, I definitely am passing my exams, because of Jesus.

Yours for a passing grade, perhaps even honours (I study God’s notes – His Word – daily, and there I find the right answers),

David

Beit She’an theatre.

HORNETS, A STONE, AND BONES

Today’s Reading: Joshua 24

Click scripture link to read online or HERE to listen online (then click the symbol of the audio speaker above the scripture portion on the right-hand side).

Ad Deir (Arabic for “The Monastery”) is a monumental building carved out of rock in the ancient city of Petra. Built by the Nabataeans in the 1st century, it measures 50 metres wide by approximately 45 metres high.

GOOGLE MAPS – To see where the photo was taken, click HERE.

Key Verse: Joshua 24:15

And if it seems evil to you to serve the Lord, choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve….But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.

Three points we might consider – First, human free will. There’s an old spiritual song taken from verse 12 – “God did not force them to go ‘gainst their will.’ He just made them willing to go.” The hornets caused them of their own free will to change their minds.

Second, the choice, again by free will, to serve the Lord. Surely the threat of judgment should’ve been as effective as the hornets. Joshua led by example in choosing to serve the Lord.

Third, the visual message of the stone of witness and the bones of Joseph which were brought from Egypt (Genesis 50:24-26). We may decide to have our own visual aids for our children and grandchildren. Our witness could be our personal testimony of faith written by the lawyer in the document known as our Last Will and Testament. It may be a beautiful wall hanging which they will treasure. There is great potential in using our imaginations here.

PRAYER FOR TODAY:

[Personalize this prayer for your own family, as I have]

Lord God, grant that I may be very deliberate in planning my spiritual legacy for my 4 children, my 16 grandchildren and my 13 great-grandchildren. I ask for a gift of creativity so that I will communicate effectively for time and eternity. In Jesus’ Name I pray, Amen!

100 PERSONAL WORDS:

I was just 12 when my mother died of cancer. She was only 50 years old. I have powerful memories of her. She cared for me and my two sisters, Willa Hodgins and Elaine Boudinot, while my Dad was away during the Second World War. She was loving and strict, a good combination. The last time I heard her speak out at a prayer meeting she quoted Joshua saying, “As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” That statement was true for our family. When she was about to take her last breath, I thought I heard her say my name. I went to her bedside, kissed her and said, “Mother, I’ll meet you in Heaven.” My Dad claimed I added the words, “I will, I will!” Perhaps it was my imagination but I thought I saw a smile beginning on her lips as she gave a last sigh and was gone to be in the immediate Presence of Jesus in Heaven. I have an unmovable stone of witness from my mother. In case you read my blog up there, Mother, I’ll see you soon!

Yours for an unmistakable witness to our faith,

David

Reynold inside the Ad Deir “Monastery” in Petra.

The spectacular rock patterns in Petra are a feast for the eyes.

JUST BETWEEN US

Today’s Reading: Joshua 22-23

Click scripture link to read online or HERE to listen online (then click the symbol of the audio speaker above the scripture portion on the right-hand side).

Al Khazneh (“The Treasury”) is one of the most elaborate temples in the ancient Jordanian city of Petra. Like most of the other buildings there, this structure was carved out of the rock face. It has classical Greek-influenced architecture, and it is Jordan’s most popular tourist attraction. In our recent readings this area is known as Edom or Mt Seir.

GOOGLE MAPS – To see where the photo was taken, click HERE.

Key Verse: Joshua 22:28

Therefore we said that it will be, when they say this to us or to our generations in time to come, that we may say, “Here is the replica of the altar of the Lord which our fathers made, though not for burnt offerings nor for sacrifices; but it is a witness between you and us.”

With the land settled and secured, Joshua saw that it was time to allow the armed men to return from the west bank of Jordan to their families and homes in the east. When they returned they took with them the blessings of God and the fruit of the Promised Land. Upon their arrival home, they built an altar as a witness to their children and future generations. However, their action was misinterpreted by the western tribes. They jumped to the conclusion that the eastern tribes were establishing a false religion.The tribes on the west bank were ready to go to war to stop such heresy. Wisdom prevailed and peace was restored.

We need to be aware of the serious problems that misunderstandings can cause. A premature or immature jumping to conclusions can cause divisions among God’s children which are completely emotional and irrational. We may want to read from the one-chapter book of Jude, verses 17-25. We are warned about those who cause divisions. Verse 20 of Jude states what we hope to accomplish by faithfully reading this blog: “building yourself up on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit.” Amen!

PRAYER FOR TODAY:

Lord Jesus, as Jude 21 encourages me, may I keep myself in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life. Amen!

100 PERSONAL WORDS:

Petra is an exceedingly strong fortress. It was next to impossible for an enemy to conquer that city. My security in Christ makes it absolutely impossible that I could be conquered by an enemy unless I allow him access through the narrow “siq” of my free will (The siq is the entrance to Petra shown in yesterday’s blog. One excellent swordsman with the support of boulders from above could stop an entire army). The Doxology of Jude (verses 24 & 25) have for years been my impregnable fortress. God my Saviour keeps me by His mighty unbeatable power. He is wise, glorious, and majestic. He has dominion and power, both now and forever. Amen!!!

For approximately five years after I became a fully committed follower of Jesus, I struggled to live a Christian life. I was 21 when I grasped the fact that it was not up to me to keep from falling, but that God is totally committed to “keep you from stumbling” (Jude verse 24). I’ve relaxed in His strong arms ever since.

Yours for understanding all of God’s provisions for His children,

David

There are many signs of the ancient Nabataean civilization that once existed here in Petra.