Thursday, September 13, 2018

TALMUDIM

Today’s Reading: Luke 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).

 

The hills above the north shore of the Sea of Galilee, near Capernaum. It’s possible that Jesus walked this very hill to find His place of all-night prayer (Luke 6:12).

GOOGLE MAPS – To see where Reynold took the photo, click HERE.

Key Verse: Luke 6:12-13

Now it came to pass in those days that He went out to the mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God. And when it was day, He called His disciples to Himself; and from them He chose twelve whom He also named apostles…

 

The word in the Hebrew language for disciple is “talmudim.” In Israel, even the little child who started school a few days ago is a “talmudim,” a student, a learner. We are Jesus’ students. What can we learn from today’s reading? (1) Is it possible that the religious leaders would rather have left the man in his crippled state? Before we condemn these guardians of religious rules and regulations, let’s be sure we cannot find ourselves in their midst. How often have we prevented the moving of the Holy Spirit because what was happening did not fit into our existing structures? On the Sabbath day, Jesus healed a man and allowed His disciples to harvest some grain. We must not allow a religious spirit to trump the freedom of the Holy Spirit to do all He desires to do. (2) After rejecting the rules of the Scribes and Pharisees, Jesus gives His rules. These are the really difficult rules. These rules can never be obeyed apart from the Holy Spirit in us and upon us. You may want to read these again…verses 27 to 38. Can we keep these commandments on our own? Think about it. Be a “talmudim.”

PRAYER FOR TODAY:

Lord Jesus, for over three years You had “talmudim,” students under Your teaching. I am Your kindergarten pupil. Teach me today and empower me by Your Spirit to obey Your instructions. I ask these mercies in Jesus’ Name. Amen!

100 PERSONAL WORDS:

I’m painfully challenged by Jesus’ teaching and also His example. Before calling His apostles from among His disciples, He spent a night in prayer to God. How often I could’ve avoided poor decisions if I had spent more time in prayer. I’ve tried to take myself by the scruff of my neck and force myself to spend nights of prayer. Most times I have fallen asleep on my knees, but there were times when God the Holy Spirit moved so powerfully that I could not sleep if I tried. One was when President Jimmy Carter was at Camp David with President Anwar Sadat of Egypt and Prime Minister Begin of Israel. I can’t explain that night except for the empowering of the Holy Spirit on me to pray. Another time was when a precious baby was not expected to live the night. On both occasions God answered prayer with a “Yes.” Others were praying also, I’m sure, but I was part of a victory as a result of strong and prolonged prayer.

Yours for being students of the Teacher of teachers,

David

12 thoughts on “Thursday, September 13, 2018

  1. Such a great reminder to PRAY expectantly, by the power of the Holy Spirit. !!!

    And Reynold, I am deeply moved by this wonderful photograph.

  2. ‘The spirit is willing but the flesh is weak’…We can do nothing substantial without the holy Spirit.If David is a kindergarten student then I would not make preschool,however,we must keep trying.Each time we stumble or fall,we must get back on our feet and begin anew for that is what He expects of us knowing our weaknesses.Keep trying and keep praying.God bless
    Search Me

    Search me,oh Lord,I’m your’s,
    Remove the cobwebs that hide,
    Find out what my heart stores,
    Then put the wrong far to one side.

    Search again,oh Lord,for light,
    Let not darkness cloud my mind,
    That I may freely do what’s right,
    For I want a heart clean and kind.

    Search my soul,Oh Lord,for me;
    Don’t let me be vain and phony,
    For such get lost and can’t see,
    Then become the devil’s crony.

    Search my heart,oh Lord again,
    Leave no trace of greed within,
    Then I can show,without pain,
    The love betrayed by my sin.
    G W Marshall / 08-Nov-013

    • Very special and so true William. Thanks for sharing and may God help us all with determination to do better as each new day dawns.

      We’re up to our eyes in snow here in Alberta but can’t complain as others face the hurricane down south. May God help them all especially those who are unable to get out of its way due to not having a vehicle or enough money to fill the tank or for one reason or another.

    • in Alberta? yes, I remember it very well when we had snow in August and the crop had to be taken up, it was cold, it melted after a few days, yes winter in Alberta was fun as a kid, have to say Thank You Lord for blessing us all these years amen

  3. Thanks William for that poem, the Lord has truly gifted you. It speaks to my heart as well as others. I am thinking that none of us will be perfect until we get to Heaven.
    I am thinking of that hymn,Trust and obey for there’s know other way, to be happy in Jesus but to trust and obey. Lord help us all to do that.
    Hope the snow doesn’t last to long for you folks out west. Blessings to all.Eleanor M.

  4. Hi Beverlee Kay, hope you had a good summer,
    I am very lonely,need a good room mate, had a guy years ago, named Ross, he married my neighbour,was a nice respectful person,hard working,responsible,Lord You know my heart,I need someone like this again, money would go on loan,TY for
    the choir from Cambodia last night! TERRIFIC MUSIC! Bless our Ministerial and our Pastors, Lord I need Your help, please, I had a mental health worker and she is moving back to the prairies, again, I have no one,
    Holy Spirit enter the hearts of my children, may they be moved to contact me, TY for all the blessings of this day, Ty for my car, for removal of smokes/booze/TY Lord in Jesus Name I Pray amen

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