Sunday, July 29. 2012

CARPENTER OF LIVES

Suggested Reading: Mark 6

(click scripture link to read online)

The carpenter's shop in Nazareth at Nazareth Village.

GOOGLE MAPS – See where Reynold took the photo Click HERE.

 

Key Verse: Mark 6:3

“…Is this not the carpenter, the Son of Mary, and brother of James, Joses, Judas, and Simon? And are not His sisters here with us?” So they were offended at Him.

They called Him “the carpenter” to belittle Him, but in reality that term praises Him. He is truly “the Carpenter of lives.” In the previous chapter, there are three examples of His higher carpentry. First, He spoke the words “go home” to the formerly demon posessed man, and Jesus became the rebuilder of lives and families (5:19). Secondly, Jesus said to the woman who touched the hem of His garment, “Go in peace,” and He proved that He was the rebuilder of the human body (5:34). Thirdly, Jesus became the rebuilder of life itself with the word “arise” spoken to the little daughter of Jairus. This “Carpenter of lives” is available to take the rebuilding contract for your life, your family, and for your circumstances. He also said, “I will build My Church” (Matthew 16:18). His hands were not as often portrayed in art; they were a working man’s hands. Those hands are at work today if we ask for His carpentry. Go ahead, ask!

PRAYER FOR TODAY:

Lord Jesus, forgive me for the “do it yourself” job I’ve tried to do on my life. Please take over. Fix the construction mess I’ve made of things. You read the plans You have for me and please implement them, because You definitely know best! Amen!

100 PERSONAL WORDS:

I took a year off from my formal theological studies to fulfill my promise to the people of a northern community to plant a church. In my personal time, I committed to reading a sermon each day from books I had collected. I knew the saying, “readers are leaders.” I was now 20 and by November I had run out of money and decided to be a carpenter like Jesus. I borrowed tools and showed up at the Army Camp Petawawa announcing, “I’m a carpenter.” There were no certification procedures for carpenters then. I got the job, which lasted for several weeks. The cold, the challenges, and the rough atmosphere were testing my level of determination. I often drew comfort from the knowledge that Jesus was in the same trade until He was thirty. I often quoted a poem I had memorized. I’d type it here but that would put me well over the 100 words. However, you can click HERE?to read that poem.

Yours in honour of the Carpenter of lives,

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.”

9 thoughts on “Sunday, July 29. 2012

  1. I’m encouraged to read your comments and see your humility and weaknesses through.
    You are a great man of God and I’m blessed to read.

  2. The construction of our lives by a mighty carpenter, works of which apply skills greater than mine. Our hands be guided and equiped with tools, such we are made capable to handle.

  3. So Blessed …We are Indeed…Thank you Jesus…for your Love Letter from Heaven to Us here below …
    The poem was awesome ..thank you for sharing …always look forward to your little treasure’s …
    David…Have a wonderful Sunday Service today …as we worship in Praise & Thanksgiving…

    Diane

  4. David, we are grieving in this household, my father William Alfred Walker, known as “Bill” (Walker Sheet Metal, Hamilton) passed away on July 4th from complications of pneumonia, in his 81st year. Elaine (Kawai) Walker is my wife and she and your daughter Elaine were good friends in High school. My Dad (Bill) was a lover of Jesus, as was my mother (Doreen) who passed in 2010; they were awesome parents and raised their four kids to love the Lord, be passionate about serving Him in the church and in one’s community and to be “independent thinkers”. My Dad’s hands were always rough and stained due to the sheet metal business, and when he passed, before we said goodbye to him, I took a picture of his hands. His hands were so similar to my Grandfather’s hands (Alf Walker) and I remember looking at his hands, both hands of a tradesman. Me being an artist and musician, I plan to write either a song/poem about our two sets of hands, my Dad’s hands and my hands. I’ve often thought about Jesus’ hands, as a carpenter, and as a healer and also as an agent of God in wrath, when he threw out the money changers from the temple. My hands love to praise Him, as a worshipper or as a choral conductor, leading others to lift their voice high, in good choral harmony, singing constant praises and hymns of the church to our God, our Savior and King. My siblings and I have peace that now both Mom and Dad are gone, they together again, they can see and be with Jesus, whenever they would like…and Jesus has their hands of love, waiting for us, when it our time to join the huge family (on both sides who know the Lord) to come and join the celebration…all hands untied in Heaven, I truly can’t wait for that day to join the celestial party! Thanks David, for this commentary today, you struck a chorld that I’ve been thinking about all of this month…and gave this platform, to put some thoughts together, blessings to you and the family.

  5. Matthew 11:29 (NLT) “Take my yoke on you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” Jesus humbled himself in ALL ways, that He might come and save us. When we become Christians, our heart is changed, we become new creations. I pray that Jesus changes many hearts today, that He finds teachable souls, those receptive to his gospel message. Amen.

  6. My Dad was a carpenter. He built and repaired boats. Your blog today brings wonderful memories of Dad. He could use his hands in gentleness and caring and make something beautiful from old damaged wood. Jesus also takes his hands and lovingly and gently makes something beautiful from our damaged lives. I loved my Dad’s hands even when scarred and bruised from his labours. I love Jesus’ hands with the nail scars. Such love! Thank you Jesus! And thank you David for another wonderful blog. Bless you!

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