TWO SONS

Suggested Reading: Matthew 21

On the East side of the Mount of Olives is Bethphage, where Jesus mounted the unbroken donkey colt and started His triumphal entry down the Mount of Olives and into Jerusalem. This beautiful ceiling painting is in the church known as the Palm Sunday Church. On display in the church is a large square rock that is believed to be the mounting block Jesus used to mount the donkey.

Key Verse: Matthew 21:29-30

“He answered and said, ‘I will not,’ but afterward he regretted it and went. Then he came to the second and said likewise. And he answered and said, ‘I go, sir,’ but he did not go.”

Chapter 21 begins with the fulfillment of Prophecy (Zechariah 9:9). The people had all studied the Hebrew Scriptures, and after witnessing this Palm Sunday event (the triumphal entry into Jerusalem on a donkey), they were open to Jesus’ teaching, the temple cleansing, cursing the fig tree, His authority, and the parable of the two sons. Jesus’ message is very clear. He judges the promise breaker much more seriously than He does the one who was initially rebellious but ultimately obedient. Two sons are in this story. Like them, you and I have made and broken a promise. We still have a choice. We can continue ignoring a promise we may have made to God or we can repent of the sin of rebellion and dishonesty, and turn and serve God. For we who turn from our own way to God’s way, there is forgivness, never rebuke.

PRAYER FOR TODAY:

Lord, which kind of Son (or daughter) am I? Father, if I have failed to keep my word to You in the past, please bring it to mind, that I may confess, repent, and be made right before You. Thank You. Amen!

100 PERSONAL WORDS:

Please join me every day for fresh Bread. The Word of God is living Bread. I am weak if I fail to read and meditate on God’s Word daily. I need daily spiritual nourishment. Then I am strong. 35 years ago as of June 15th we began the daily “100 Huntley Street” telecast from that address in Toronto. For months prior to that beginning, I could not escape the message of Psalm 19:2, 3 and 4. It was constantly in my mind. Please turn to those verses and read them. This is obviously what God had in mind for television. So after 15 years of a weekly TV show called “Crossroads” and several years of the weekly children’s show called “Circle Square,” we launched into daily television. Of course I considered not doing this. The cost was huge, but I obeyed and God responded through the generous support of His people.

Love and prayers for the grace of obedience,

David

REMINDER: If you are reading the email version and wish to post a comment on my blog, go to www.100words.ca and “Leave a Reply.”

SLAVE OF CHRIST

Suggested Reading: Matthew 19-20

A young man seeks God in St. Gabriel Church Nazareth. It is suggested by the Greek Orthodox to be the place of Annunciation. In the crypt of the church flows Mary's spring, the source of Mary's well.

Key Verse: Matthew 20:27-28

“And whoever desires to be first among you, let him be your slave– just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.”

There are several key differences between the structure and leadership of a typical company and the Church. (i.e. Walmart – the most recent business where Norma-Jean shopped). The first difference is apparent in our key verses. Usually in a secular setting, a leader emerges who is hard-driving, ambitious, and strives for a higher position. This is entirely the opposite of Christ’s teaching regarding the Church. Only the humble should lead; they lead not from a place of pride, but from a position of serving. Another difference has to do with power. In the Church, the “Chief Executive Officer” is always the Chief Servant, and we seek to serve Him, the Lord Jesus, instead of ourselves.

PRAYER FOR TODAY:

Jesus, please make my heart more and more like Yours – a servant’s heart. Amen!

100 PERSONAL WORDS:

I learned a lot from my Dad. He had an earned doctorate, served as a college President, and served God in Egypt for 21 years. When he came home on furlough, he would request a country charge (two or more congregations). He kept coveralls and boots in the trunk of the car. He would visit from farm to farm, find the farmer and ask if he could help him clean the cow stable. When I had a day off school, I’d be there with him. After an hour or so of work, he would say to the farmer, “Do you suppose we could have prayer with you and your wife?” He was never turned down. The churches filled up and people came to know Christ.

Yours as a slave of the One who washed other people’s feet,

David

REMINDER: If you are reading the email version and wish to post a comment on my blog, go to www.100words.ca and “Leave a Reply.”

I AM THERE

Suggested Reading: Matthew 18

A young boy holds onto the family donkey.

Key Verse: Matthew 18:20

“For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them.”

Were you in church yesterday, Sunday? Were there two or more people there? Then He who cannot lie was in the midst of the worship in a special, unique way. Norma-Jean sang a song for me from the piano yesterday, “He is here listen closely. He is calling out your name. He is here you can touch Him. You will never be the same.” Just the two of us were worshipping, and we experienced the presence of Jesus. When we confront problems and difficulties we are not alone. He is here! It’s a fact! Minister to someone today. You can assure that person that HE IS HERE!!! Just as certain as Jesus was present to heal in Galilee, He is there as you minister in His Name!

PRAYER FOR TODAY:

Lord Jesus, please send Your Holy Spirit upon me so that I will be totally confident of Your presence, particularly as I meet with others. Your Word declares that You inhabit the praises of Your people. Amen!

100 PERSONAL WORDS:

Last Friday night Nik Walenda walked over Niagara Falls on a tight rope. Did you hear this Spirit-filled believer worshipping? He was heard all over the world saying,”Thank You Jesus – thank You Lord – Praise You Lord – I worship You Jesus.” Over and over, when the sound of the broadcast took his words, he was worshipping. A great congregation including Norma-Jean, our two grandsons, David and Adam, and I, were praising God with him. Like Nik, when I need to experience the presence of God, I begin to worship. I’ve had the honour to know the Walenda family personally as they have appeared several times on the 100 Huntley Street telecasts which I hosted.

Yours for walking in challenging circumstances,

David

REMINDER: If you are reading the email version and wish to post a comment on my blog, go to www.100words.ca and “Leave a Reply.”

THE GREAT ROCK

Suggested Reading: Matthew 16 & 17

An hour drive north of the Sea of Galilee is Caesarea Philippi, also known as Banias. Here you can view the remnants of the Temple of Pan. It was here that Jesus asked His disciples, "Who do men say that I am?"

Key Verse: Matthew 16:16

“Simon Peter answered and said, ‘You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.'”

Six verses later Peter actually rebuked Jesus. Jesus tried again and again to tell His disciples that He would be killed and would rise again. For some reason He could not penetrate their preconceived beliefs in the Christ who would overthrow the Romans and establish Israel as a sovereign state. So Peter moved from thinking the thoughts of the Father to thinking his own thoughts, receiving this response from Jesus, “Get behind Me Satan.” Peter’s mind was the battleground in the war between The Father God and the liar, Satan. To which voice will you listen? How do you know which voice is truth? The answer is that this is the very reason this two-year journey through God’s written Word is so important!

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Please, Holy Spirit, do for me as Jesus promised. Guide me “Into all truth.” Amen!

100 PERSONAL WORDS:

58 years ago I rented a hall and began a Sunday School for my public school students and others. People began to regard me as a minister. For example, a lady named May, about 70, showed up at my door and announced, “Win is dead, I want you to take his funeral.” I said, “I’ll find a minister.” “No” she said, “If you don’t do it I will just stick him in the ground without a service.” I stood in front of the coffin in the little cottage and said something like this, “We don’t know why God would take Win.” Actually Win was 85 and had a heart condition. After the burial, in my room I confessed that I didn’t know God’s Word well and I took my Bible, opened it and placed it on my head, saying to God, “With Your Teacher, the Holy Spirit, I will learn to think Your thoughts, and I will then be able to speak with assurance.” Then I went to Bible College and set out on a lifetime commitment to know God’s thoughts.

Daily learning His thoughts,

David

REMINDER: If you are reading the email version and wish to post a comment on my blog, go to www.100words.ca and “Leave a Reply.”

TRUTH

Suggested Reading: Matthew 15

The present day entrance to the historic village of Capernaum. The sign reads "Capernaum The Town of Jesus."

Key Verse: Matthew 15:9

“And in vain they worship Me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.”

The third commandment, (Exodus 20) “You shall not take the Name of the Lord your God in vain,” includes worship not founded solidly on a true understanding of God’s Word. Moses, upon his descent from Sinai, discovered the people worshipping with the practices of the religion of Egypt. Satan went into the religion business because he wanted to be worshipped. What Lucifer failed to receive in Heaven, he convinces men to invent on earth. The ancient temples of Egypt were an effort to copy the approach to God in Heaven with “the god of this world” depicted by an image in the inner chamber. Daily, daily, daily read God’s Word.

PRAYER FOR TODAY:

Dear Lord Jesus, I worship God in Your Name with an ever-increasing understanding of the Scriptures. I read, mark, inwardly digest the written Word, the Bible. You promised the “Spirit of truth ” (John 16:13) will guide me into all Truth. I ask now for that guidance as I meditate on Your Word. Amen!

100 PERSONAL WORDS:

In my first year of Bible College, I was required to memorize 50 Bible verses. I had learned memory verses in Sunday School, but this was different. I was required to quote all 50 verses one after the other. I’ll never forget the aftermath of that exercise. I took my Bible and hugged it to my heart, walking up and down the hall, worshipping God for the gift of His precious Word. The Holy Spirit transfered the Word from my head only, deeply into my innermost being. The result? “Your Word have I hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against You” (Psalm 119:11).

Yours for a pure heart,

David

REMINDER: If you are reading the email version and wish to post a comment on my blog, go to www.100words.ca and scroll down to “Leave a Reply.”

WALK ON WATER

Suggested Reading: Matthew 14 (Note: click scripture to read passage online)

A calm settles on the Sea of Galilee, just after a storm.

Key Verse: Matthew 14:31

“And immediately Jesus stretched out His hand and caught him, and said to him, ‘O you of little faith, why did you doubt?'”

Peter, the man of faith and doubt, boldness and fear, is one of us. His faith carried him out of the boat, but his doubt immediately brought big problems. Don’t be too hard on Peter. Those still in the boat were safe, but they missed a great experience with Jesus. On the walk back to the boat, I think Jesus held Peter, and Peter surely hung onto Jesus for dear life. Later Peter’s memory was greatly improved by the power of the Holy Spirit. The result – faith and boldness marked his total life. Are you willing to sink and look like a big fool? Or are you just playing it safe?

PRAYER FOR TODAY:

Lord Jesus, I know You won’t let me down as I let go of the boat and start walking. Grant me the grace to attempt the humanly impossible. May I not be discouraged by the comments of those still in the boat. Amen!

100 PERSONAL WORDS:

There are several things that could’ve sunk the ministry of Crossroads. Check out our history. The money was not on hand to do any of these major initiatives (e.g. pavilions in four World Expositions). In two of the Expos, we were sinking, but Jesus was there to catch us. He had said, as He did to Peter, “Come.” As leader, I had stepped out of the boat, and so did our Board of Directors, as did our fellow team members, and our supporting partners. In Spain alone (Expo ’92), at least 53,000 people registered decisions for Christ. The Archbishop of Seville said weeping, “My people, my people need this message.”

Yours for walking on water,

David

REMINDER: If you are reading the email version and wish to post a comment on my blog, go to www.100words.ca and scroll down to “Leave a Reply.”

THE PEARL

Suggested Reading: Matthew 13

Could Jesus have taught from this very boat? This is a boat that was discovered about 20 years ago in the Sea of Galilee, when the water level was low. It is called "The Jesus Boat" because it is from the time of Christ. The vessel is 9 meters long, 2.5 meters wide and 1.25 meters high. It may have functioned as a ferry boat, but its measurements also suit those used by ancient fisherman employing a seine, or dragnet that was "cast into the sea," as described in Matthew 13:47-48.

Key Verse: Matthew 13:45-46

“Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant seeking beautiful pearls, who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had and bought it.”

There is nothing that can equal the value of the Kingdom of God. What could possibly be worth as much as the love of God, the sacrifice of Christ, the power of the Holy Spirit, and fellowship with the Heavenly Father? The merchant sold everything to acquire the “Pearl”…citizenship in God’s Kingdom. A Kingdom has a King, and our King is not a constitutional Monarch with no real authority. King Jesus is Lord over all. Complete obedience is a given. There are serious consequences to disobedience. The King has given laws such as, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul and with all your mind” and “Love your neighbour as yourself”…the two greatest commandments (Matthew 22:37-40).

PRAYER FOR TODAY:

Your Majesty, thank You for allowing me to be constantly in Your presence. I honor You by the gift of everything I am and ever will be. I’m Yours! Your will is my command. Amen!

100 PERSONAL WORDS:

I’m sad to report that I have not obeyed the greatest of all the commandments most of the time. It’s that word “All” that does me in. That’s the reason I love to quote the most often repeated verse in the Bible…”His mercy endures forever.” King Jesus loves me as a father loves his child. He encourages me to start all over again every day. As I type this blog, I’m praying that today I’ll serve Him 100%. I’m fully aware that “All have sinned and come short of the Glory of God” (Romans 3:23). I’m also fully aware that as I ask forgiveness, the next verse kicks in…”Being justified freely by His Grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus” (Romans 3:24).

Your brother in the Grace of Christ,

David

P.S. If you are reading the email version and wish to post a comment on my blog, go to www.100words.ca and scroll down to “Leave a Reply.”

YOUR TREASURE CHEST

Suggested Reading: Matthew 12

Located in Nazareth, the first century "Nazareth Village" re-enacts life from 2000 years ago.

Key Verse: Matthew 12:35

“A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good things, and an evil man out of the evil treasure brings forth evil things.”

It was 4:00 a.m. and there it was…City of Toronto garbage truck #100 stopped on Jarvis Street picking up garbage. Just the morning before on the 100 Huntley Street TV show, we had suggested that everyone put the accumulation of their life’s “garbage” out at the curb and Jesus would take it away. Any evil things you treasure will eventually destroy you if you fail to get rid of them. As you join me daily in reading the Word, you’ll know what is evil and what is good. This blog is good treasure. Store up the good things consistently every day. You’ll bless others and yourself with good things!

PRAYER FOR TODAY:

Dear Jesus, forgive me for all the sin and wrong I’ve done. I put all these things out of my life. You promised to take away all my sin. Thank You! I treasure the good things you’ve given me. I will bring them out to bless others. Amen!

100 PERSONAL WORDS:

Before moving to Burlington, Ontario, our TV studios were located in downtown Toronto. Every morning at approximately 4:00 a.m., I would drive up Jarvis Street for my early morning time in God’s Word and in prayer. I had committed to spend at least an equal time in prayer and the Word as I would spend that day on live TV (90 minutes). During the drive, a huge billboard faced me with a picture of a scantily clad woman. I was angry. I wanted only to think of my beautiful wife. After a couple of days of putting those evil thoughts “out at the curb,” I would deliberately look to the other side of the street before that billboard appeared and would pray fervently for the people of the night, that our Nite-light show — still on ’til 4:30 a.m. — would reach their hearts with the love of Jesus!

May God bless you with lots of GOOD today,

David

THE INVITATION

Suggested Reading: Matthew 11

Key Verse: Matthew 11:28

“Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest…“

The next two verses show how that rest is experienced. No doubt Jesus had fashioned perfectly fitting wooden yokes for oxen in order for them to fulfill their purpose in life. The hands of the Carpenter are still busy carefully fitting you for service. Jesus invites you now to “Learn from me.” And the result is …” You will find rest for your souls.” The book of Isaiah is filled with personal pronouns which could only be replaced with the Name of Jesus. If you find time, read Isaiah 55. Meditate on the invitation to “Come” and on the results of coming to the Lord.

PRAYER FOR TODAY:

Dear Father in Heaven, your Son and my Saviour says “Come to me.” Here I am. I’m Yours now and forever. Amen!

100 PERSONAL WORDS:

As a teenager I walked down the aisle at a “Youth for Christ” rally to give my life to Jesus. An older man stood beside me, asked me my name and said, “David, have you come to Jesus tonight?” I answered, “Yes.” Then he opened his Bible and asked me to read John 6:37. I read out loud the words of Jesus, “The one who comes to Me, I will by no means cast out.” Then the man said, “Now David, what does Jesus do?” I answered, “He receives me.” The next day I said that promise over and over. It’s a fact, I have come to Him. I am His!

One with Christ and with all who have come to Him,

David

P.S. If you are reading the email version and wish to post a comment on my blog, go to www.100words.ca and scroll down to “Leave a Reply.”

THE CROSS

Suggested Reading: Matthew 10

Key Verse: Matthew 10:38

“And he who does not take his cross and follow after Me is not worthy of Me.”

Located in modern-day Nazareth, "Nazareth Village" re-enacts daily life from the time of Jesus, 2000 years ago.

1000 years before the crucifixion of Christ, King David in Psalm 22 wrote, “They pierced my hands and my feet” (verse 16b). Crucifixion was unknown at that time. Yet at least 10 statements in that Psalm describe the sufferings of our Lord. Likewise, God knew in advance all about your journey bearing the cross. His provision of Grace for you is all you need for today. So whatever sacrfice you are called to make will be worth it. Joy will be yours. Hebrews 12:2 tells you of Jesus,”Who for the joy that was set before Him, endured the cross.” This is your “Journey into JOY!”

PRAYER FOR TODAY:

Dear Lord Jesus, I am your follower. Therefore, I have no alternative but to “Take up my cross.” I do so in obedience to you. Please grant me the grace not only to endure, but to enter into JOY! Amen!

100 PERSONAL WORDS:

A response from one of my blog participants from last Saturday was “How can I have a faith like yours?” I don’t claim great faith…childlike faith, yes! I’m convinced that the maximum and the minimum faith is simple OBEDIENCE. Last night and again this morning I made this confession, “I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me” (Galatians 2:20). This confession has been my habit for years. I don’t plan to stop as long as I live.

In Christ’s Love and Service,

David