IT’S HARVEST TIME

Suggested Reading: Matthew 9

Key Verse: Matthew 9:37-38 (NKJV)

Then He said to His disciples, “The harvest truly is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest.”

Lord, I am making decisions, please guide me. I believe that the decisions are from You. Now I will initiate action as Your laborer. Amen!

100 PERSONAL WORDS:

My Dad served as a Missionary (21 years in Egypt), an Educator, and a Pastor. My DNA is serving Jesus. At 16 Jesus’ laborers surrounded me at school and at my part time job. I made the decision to give my life to Christ in December. The following June I had a powerful encounter with the Holy Spirit and in August at a Youth Camp I prayed, “Lord Jesus, I would like to serve you full time for my entire life. Would you you please give me a clear call into pastoral service and as an Evangelist.” He did and I have “pushed the pedal to the metal” since that time.

Your fellow labourer in the harvest,

David

P.S. Due to a technical error, yesterday’s blog was posted at 10:00am in stead of 6:00am. Sorry about that!

A BEAUTIFUL EXAMPLE

Suggested Reading: Matthew 8

Key Verse: Matthew 8:15 (NKJV)

“So He touched her hand, and the fever left her. And she arose and served them.”

These are believed to be the ruins of Peter’s house, excavated in Capernaum. They are now protected by a church that is built over it. Scripture tells that Capernaum was also the home of the apostles Andrew, James and John, as well as the tax collector Matthew. Most notably, it was the home town of Jesus during His ministry years (Matt. 4:13).

In French the words for “Mother-in-law” are “la belle–mere” – “The beautiful mother.” Peter’s wife’s mother is beautiful in three ways.

First: She was touched by Jesus. His touch always brings beauty. Second: She arose. It’s beautiful to see a person who is ready for action. Third: She is beautiful in her desire to minister back to Jesus. The touch of Jesus is not just for personal benefit, it’s for “OTHERS.” Has the touch of Jesus blessed you spiritually, physically, financially, socially, etc. Yes, it’s a gift for you, and it’s for God’s purpose of blessing “OTHERS.” That’s the primary word expressing gratitude to God for His blessings.

PRAYER FOR TODAY:

Lord Jesus, You lived your life for others. You suffered, died and rose from the dead for others. I truly want to give my life in whatever way you lead me in the service of others. Grant me the grace to give myself away to others. Amen!

100 PERSONAL WORDS:

My mother, Norma Hazel Pritchard, died when I was 12. My most vivid memories were of watching her pray on her knees for long periods of time. I was aware of the presence of God and I would never disturb her. She had traveled to Egypt in 1924 to marry my Dad, and she used her degree in music to minister with music lessons to the girls of Egypt who had very little opportunity. Always, without exception, the first item she placed on our wall when we moved was a white and black mother of pearl motto that simply said, “OTHERS.”

God bless you,

David

THE ROCK

Suggested Reading: Matthew 7

Key Verse: Matthew 7:24 (NKJV)

“Therefore whoever hears these sayings of Mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock: and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it did not fall, for it was founded on the rock.“

The “Church of the Primacy of St. Peter” on the northwest shore of the Sea of Galilee, Israel. It is built upon a rock known as the place where Jesus prepared breakfast for His disciples, after they fished all night and caught nothing. Jesus then told them “Cast your net on the right side of the boat and you will find some.” (More about this story in John 21.)

PRAYER FOR TODAY:

Dear Lord Jesus, My life is being built on You as my sure foundation. On You I am secure forever. Amen!

100 PERSONAL WORDS:

My wife was born in 1939 in a farm house built in 1878. It had solid foundations. Norma-Jean would often spend long periods of prayer in her birth room. Her life, like the house, was unmovable, totally secure. Seven years ago we sold that farm and built a smaller house. I personally helped the builder lay the foundations on solid rock. In the place we built, there is massive rock everywhere. As a 16 year old, I made a lifetime decision. I would build my life on “The Great Rock.” I’ve discovered that He is solid, and I am anchored to Him. He’s rock solid. No storms of life will ever push me off the secure foundation of Jesus Christ!

Your Brother in Christ,

David

P.S. I wrote a book based on the Sermon on the Mount. It’s called “Journey Into Joy,” and if you’re interested, you can purchase it on our Crossroads e-store at www.crossroads.ca/store. Simply search the store for the book title, “Journey Into Joy.”

Suggested Reading: Matthew 6

Key Verse: Matthew 6:33 (NKJV)

“But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.”

DON’T WORRY – BE HAPPY

This Church is built on the site where Jesus preached the Sermon on the Mount.

That title is from a popular Jamaican song. Perhaps “Be Joyful” would be better, as happiness depends on happenings. You may want to read again Matthew 6:25 – 33.

Joy depends on your faith that Jesus is present. The Apostle Paul in Philippians 4:11 shared, “I have learned in whatsoever state I am, there to be content.” Being content has nothing to do with material possessions. Knowledge of God’s love and care is enough. Put God first. He’ll provide employment, business opportunities and good Samaritans when in trouble. All things we really need will come our way. Trust God. He won’t fail you!

PRAYER FOR TODAY:

Lord God I pray for health, strength and ambition to do my part and to seek your daily blessings. I am resolved to trust you for my every need. I ask these mercies in Jesus’ Name. Amen!

100 PERSONAL WORDS:

I was 20 years old. Taking a year off from my theological studies to help establish a new congregation seemed like a good idea. I had determined to spend full time in door-to-door evangelism, teaching God’s Word to children, helping needy people cut and pile wood for heat, and cooking for the coming winter, etc., but I had no regular income. One morning I put cornflakes in my bowl but I had no money to buy milk. A couple of spoonfuls of dry cornflakes and I had a full blown “pity party.” I recovered sufficiently to pray and I felt I should walk to the Post Office. The clerk handed me one letter and guess what? Someone blessed me with $5.00. Milk and even brown sugar sure tasted good on my cereal. Yes, later that year I worked in construction and even supply taught public school, and every thing I truly needed was supplied. God is faithful. He never fails!

Written with love & prayer,

David

Suggesting Reading: Matthew 5

Key Verse: Matthew 5:44 (NKJV)

“But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you.”

BELOVED ENEMY

Mount of Beatitudes

“Love and Enemy” don’t fit together. Sue and be sued! Get even! Jesus makes a demand which is humanly impossible. In verse 39, Jesus tells us that “Whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also.” Yesterday, at a meeting of our Crossroads U.S.A. Board, Rev. Albert Vaters, commented on John 15:5, “Without Me you can do NOTHING.” He said that no matter how hard we try on our own, it is worth zero. But, he assured us that “With God NOTHING will be IMPOSSIBLE.”

Jesus, the true revolutionary, is “LOVE.” This is His D.N.A.

PRAYER FOR TODAY:

Lord Jesus, I invite you to live in me. Only you have lived 100% the words you taught us. I give myself to you. Because of you, living in me, “NOTHING shall be IMPOSSIBLE.”

Amen!

100 PERSONAL WORDS FROM DAVID MAINSE:

It has never been hard for me to pray the prayer that Jesus said would make me right with God, “God be merciful to me, a sinner.” (Luke 18:13). The word “Sin” originates as an archery term. It means, missing the target. My aim, my focus, my prayer, to be like Jesus. Most of the time I miss the bulls eye, but there are times when I am conscious that Jesus in me is helping me to hit the mark.

One day I met with Gord at he W.M.C.A. His face was buried in a paper bag. He was sniffing glue. He lifted his head just long enough to spit in my face. Amazingly I felt nothing but love for Gord. I’m 100% sure that was not just me. Jesus was living and loving from within.

In Christ’s love and service,

David Mainse

Suggested Reading: Matthew, Chapters 3 & 4

Key Verse: Matthew 3:14 – spoken by John the Baptist to Jesus

“I have need to be baptised by you and are you coming to me?”

NEED!

Sunrise over the Galilee

Later in chapter 11 Jesus says,”There has not been one greater than John the Baptist.“

What was the evidence of John’s greatness?

(1) A great message! “Repent!” Turn from your own way and go God’s way.

(2) Humility! John did not consider himself a great personality, just a “VOICE!” He declared, “I am not worthy to carry His sandals.“

(3) The Baptist had a great sense of his own need. “I have need to be baptised by You.“

John the Baptist, according to Luke’s Gospel, was named by an angel. His birth was prophesied in advance, and He was eventually beheaded, because of his stand for Truth. What a great man! He confessed to Jesus, “I need you.” THIS IS GREATNESS!!!!!

Prayer for Today – Jesus, I need you, and I’m confident that, as the Apostle Paul wrote in Philippians 4:19, “God shall supply all your need, according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.“

100 Personal Words:

Watching TV or reading newspapers, I have often exclaimed, “YOU NEED JESUS!” For June 2012, Crossroads has published, “It’s All About Jesus,” a book of true stories of Jesus meeting human need in the present. Please go to www.crossroads.ca and order this powerful truth that Jesus is alive on earth today and in His Name God answers prayer.

His timing may not be to our liking. I remember the singer Jimmy McDonald, saying on the 100 Huntley Street TV show that there are four ways God answers prayer:

1. NO (It’s not the best for you).
2. GROW (we must change first).
3. SLOW (circumstances must change first). And,
4. GO (This is God’s “YES!”).
   

Listen very carefully and you will hear God’s answer.

With much love,
David

Today’s Suggested Reading: Matthew, Chapters 1 & 2

THE PREGNANT VIRGIN!

Key Verse: 739 B.C. Isaiah – Quoted in Matthew 1:23

“Behold a Virgin shall be with child and bear a Son and they shall call His Name “Immanuel” translated, “God with us.”
*God was with Joseph who was instructed to marry Mary.
*God was with the Wise Men who were told to bypass King Herod.
*God was with Mary and Joseph when they were told to seek refuge in Egypt.

The Nativity Church in Bethlehem built over the grotto where Jesus was born On the ceilings hang Chandeliers and on the walls are fragments of mosaic. This building is the oldest standing church in the Holy Land. Originally built by Constantine's mother in the 4th century, Emperor Justinian rebuilt the current structure in the 530s. It was apparently spared destruction from the Persians in 614 A.D. because the invaders saw the depictions of the Magi on the walls. Local Muslim-Christian friendship is believed to be why the church was not destroyed during al-Hakim's rule in 1009. The trapdoors in the floor reveal 4th-century floor mosaics from the Constantinian church.

When all is well, it’s easy to believe “God with us”. When there’s trouble, believe with child-like faith. Whether you feel it or not, IT’S A FACT!!! God is consistent. He’s IMMANUEL!!!

Quote:

“I am with you always.” – JESUS (Matt. 28:20)

“Abide in me and I in you.” – JESUS (John 15:4)

“I will never leave you.” GOD (Heb 13:5)

100 (plus a few more, this time) Words from David Mainse:

Why 100?? That number says to me “Immanuel”. I had been hosting a TV show called “Crossroads” from 1962 to 1977 when I saw the building at 100 Huntley Street in Toronto. The sun was glinting off the stainless steel street number 100. Suddenly, I knew why (over the preceding weeks) when I would open my Bible at random, my eyes would fall on the number 100. E.g. 100 fold in Jesus’ parable of the sower, or the 100th verse of the 119th Psalm. Even page 100 in my Bible would show up. I knew that it was time to move from the weekly show to daily. My wife Norma-Jean was the producer of “Crossroads” and it took me several days before I ventured to tell her that I wanted to name the new show after the address of the studio in downtown Toronto. Now over 9000 daily shows later, and at least 17,000 personal stories proving God is with His people, I could never doubt that He is “Immanuel”. Over 9,000,000 calls have come through to the 24/7 prayer lines. Millions of these have personally experienced “Immanuel”. You can too. Here’s a prayer for today:

“I thank You God that you are with me always. Please forgive me for my sin and wrong that I have done. I give my life to you for always. I pray this in Jesus Name. Amen!”

NOW, please tell someone about your prayer. Call toll-free in Canada and the U.S. at 1-866-273-4444 or email us at davidmainse@crossroads.ca

Eastern Gate / Golden Gate, Jerusalem

GOD WILLING, today starts a TWO-YEAR DAILY BLOG by me, David Charles Mainse, born August 13th 1936, in Quebec, Canada. If anyone just might possibly be interested, you can check me out at www.crossroads.ca or www.crossroads.ca/about/who-we-are/mainse.

So, I’m 75 years old. This two-year plan shows that I’m an incurable optimist. If you’re having coffee just now, you can tell a lot about the company you’re keeping. One says “Is there any milk in that jug?”. The one who says “pass the cream please”, is me! I’m not a total Pollyanna clone, but I will call it like I see it, honestly and factually. I may be wrong from time to time. Only God is always right, and I am definitely one of His imperfect children by my own choice. It’s not God’s fault that I come short of His high standard. According to surveys, the #2 most recognized song in the world is “Amazing Grace”. #1 is “Happy Birthday”. The composer of “Amazing Grace” used the word “wretched” to describe me. Not too complimentary. But, the song is hopeful. The blind can see and the lost are found.

Yesterday was the 50th birthday of Crossroads. I’m excited to report that it is “HAPPY”. Please join us in the celebration at www.crossroads.ca/50

Now, here’s the plan for this blog:

1. Beginning today, God willing, I’ll be making a two-year journey, through the WORLD’S OLDEST BOOK, STILL THE WORLD’S BEST-SELLER – – THE BIBLE. We will start in the New Testament, go to the Old Testament, back to the New and then back again to the Old. To start, I suggest joining me in reading St. Matthews chapters 1 & 2. A good place to start, THE CHRISTMAS STORY. (Years ago in the 1970s, I went through a “The-Bible-in-One-Year”, with thousands of people following along. Unfortunately, when we reached Leviticus, more than half dropped out.)
2. I will read the suggested chapters at 4am. At 4:30am, I’ll spend time in prayer. This early start has been a habit of mine, most days, since I turned 40.
3. At 5am, at my computer keyboard, I expect to write 100 WORDS. First, 100 words on the theme of the key verse which I’ve chosen from the suggested reading for the day. Second, 100 words from my personal meditation.
4. I will add a photo, taken by my son Reynold Mainse, who is a professional photographer. (He just spent the month of March in the Holy Land shooting photos and will be going back again in the Fall for more).
5. At 6am, I’ll post the day’s “Fresh Bread” – to be delivered from my place to yours.
6. Each day, comments and replies to my post will be encouraged.

Tomorrow’s Suggested Reading: Matthew Chapters 1 & 2
(a good place to start, THE CHRISTMAS STORY)