Saturday, August 29, 2015

STAND STILL

Today’s Reading: Job 36-37

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

 

Here in the Judean Desert, beneath the historic mountain of Masada, you can see many large rock formations and crevasses created by flash floods washing down to the Dead Sea. This sky was the perfect backdrop for this dramatic rock. As our key verse says, “Consider the wondrous works of God!”

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

 

Key Verse: Job 37:14

Listen to this, O Job; Stand still and consider the wondrous works of God.

 

The theology of this young man Elihu was right on. However, his judgement of Job was unfair and far from correct in God’s eyes. God had said of Job, “There is none like him in all the earth, a blameless and upright man, one who fears God and shuns evil” (Job 1:8). We would do well to remember the words of Jesus, “Judge not, and you shall not be judged. Condemn not, and you shall not be condemned. Forgive and you will be forgiven” (Luke 6:37). We can be theologically correct and not understand our fellow human being. We should all be encouraged by the fact that Elihu was correct when he said that God “does not withdraw His eyes from the righteous” (Job 36:7). In God’s eyes, we who have believed in Jesus are seen to be righteous. Back on the blog from Friday, August 23rd, we considered the righteousness which is ours. We may want to read that posting once more (click here).

PRAYER FOR TODAY:

Lord God, I ask for grace to “stand still!” May I stop all my busyness for a time and take the time to meditate on Your “wondrous works.” Amen!!!

100 PERSONAL WORDS:

I’m keenly anticipating the next four days of reading Job. God Himself begins to speak to Job! God’s description of nature and His creation is awe-inspiring to me.

I remember well heroes to me in Christian ministry. I heard Rev. Hope Smith say one day, “The way out of the rat race is to slow down and walk with God.” He and his ministry co-worker, Rev. Laurie Price, were an amazing team. They were Pastors of a Church called Evangel Temple, located (at that time) at the corner of Dundas and Bond Streets in Toronto, just a block west of what is known as the longest main street in the world, Yonge Street. They told the story of when Hope, who was injured and crippled in WW2, and Laurie, who had been injured in a car accident, were driving up Yonge Street in the late 1940s, when their old car stalled, backing up traffic for blocks. Horns were blowing and people were angry. From the waist up they looked like two able-bodied young men. No one could understand why they didn’t get out of the car and push it out of the way. In spite of all the fuss and rush of downtown traffic, they were totally at peace within themselves. It’s a humorous scene to imagine. Laurie was healed by God and gained great mobility later, and Hope continued with a serious limp throughout his life, but it never slowed him down. They impacted my life greatly when I was a teenager. They were filled with joy and incurable optimism. For some reason when I read the words in our key verse “stand still,” I thought of Laurie and Hope…by far the most unique ministry team I’ve ever met.

Yours for coming to a total stop once in a while in order to “consider the wondrous works of God,”

David

16 thoughts on “Saturday, August 29, 2015

  1. Hope and Laurie–healed by their endearing love for God–amen, amen, and amen! Thank you for sharing that beautiful reflection with us, David!

    “‘The simplicity that is in Christ’ is here–Christ in you, the hope of glory” (Echoes of Eternity). “I will both lie down in peace, and sleep; for You alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety” (Ps 4:8). He shall cover you with His feathers, and under His wings you shall find protection. His faithfulness shall be your shield and wall (Ps 91:4) “You are Christ’s, and Christ is God’s” (1 Cor. 3:23). “I will trust and not be afraid.” Isa. 12:2

    Blessings dearest saints.

  2. Hi David, What a fantastic photograph today! Thanks for reminding us to slow down..Psalm 46:10..Be still and know that l am God….How wonderful it is to drink in the beauty of creation…Bouquets of Love everywhere for all to enjoy!….Priceless!

    • If there was a like button to click on our comments, I would click it for yours, Christine! Have a wonderful day in the Lord!

  3. Thanks for reminding us of the unique ministry team-Rev. Hope and Laurie. Back in my Bible College days, I paid a few visits to Evangel Temple and I loved it! The preaching was anointed and the choir also with the power of God. I also remember praying on my knees with other saints upstairs I believe in the prayer room and Rev. Hope walking back and forth with his limp and praying out loud along with us. What blessing that was! Also sitting up in the balcony and them taking names from the congregation for round the clock prayer at home. Lastly being interviewed on the platform during some itineration. Praise God for whom all blessing flows!

  4. Will remember you in prayer Monday Mary Stewart for you hip operation. My brother-in-law just came through that and he did fine. Trust you will also. It is wonderful to get filled up with the word of God at this gas station and then go to Facebook and give it out; an unique opportunity from the Lord. Thank you Jesus. Thank you David and fellow saints!

  5. I prayed your prayer Pastor Mainse.
    Thanks for your guidance.
    May God bless everyone on this blog, in Jesus Name, Amen.

  6. What a spectacular sky you captured in this picture Reynold, thank you…O the Wondrous Works of God!!!

    Thank you for the story of Hope and Laurie…God is a God of miracles, Praise His Holy Name!!!

    Ps. 19:1 “The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of His hands. 19:4b in the heavens He has pitched a tent, which is like a bridegroom coming forth from his pavilion, like a champion rejoicing to run his course.”

    Ps 46:1-5 “God is our refuge and strength a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth be removed and the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea;
    Though the waters roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof.
    There is a river, the streams thereof shall make glad the city of God, the holy place of the tabernacles of the Most High.
    God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved: God shall help her, at the break of day”
    “To God be the Glory, Great things He has done!!!!”

  7. David, I made my first public confession of Jesus while visiting Evangel – Nicky Cruz was speaking. I had been saved at my bedside listening to C.M. Ward ( sponsored Willowdale PAOC )…Jesus took me from Foster Hewitt and worshiping the Leafs to JESUS.
    From a kid in trouble to a lifetime of joy. Daver

  8. Thank you all for your prayers and the scripture verses, God, The Holy Spirit, has a way of using them in different situations, no matter the circumstances.Thank you again.
    My surgery is between 7:30 – 8:00 a.m. On Monday. God Bless you all.

    • All will go well! The Lord will provide you with wonderful Doctors, nurses, and all the staff that will be needed for this surgery and I pray you will keep in touch with us and: at the end of each day, ask yourself this question! WHAT HAVE I LEARNED IN THE LAST 24 HOURS?

  9. Lord Jesus I pray for peace of mind for Mary Stewart as she goes into surgery…for your guidance in it all as You the Great Physician will oversee it all. Thank you Jesus there will be no mistakes as you will be in it all. Amen!!

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