MY FATHER’S BUSINESS
Suggested Reading: Luke 2-3
(click scripture link to read online)
In Nazareth Village, a favourite place for tourists to see first-century life, a father teaches his son about caring for sheep.
GOOGLE MAPS – To see where Reynold took the photo, click HERE.
Key Verse: Luke 2:20
Then the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told them.
Just before His ascension back into Heaven, Jesus told his followers, “You shall be witnesses to Me” (Acts 1:8). Now, at His entry into a human life, we see one of the finest examples of “witnessing.” The shepherds did exactly what a witness is to do. They told others what they had seen and heard. Too often we make excuses for not witnessing such as, “I can’t answer people’s questions,” or, “I haven’t memorized enough of the Bible,” or, “I don’t know enough theology,” or “I’m too shy,” etc., etc. The shepherds worried about none of these things. They were excited about what had happened to them, and they ran to tell others. Jesus, at 12 years old, took on the Doctors of the Law, engaging them in conversation about the Scriptures. Remember, Jesus never used the fact that He was God to help Himself as a human person. He was 12 years old! We must not make excuses. As Jesus said about Himself, so we need to do THE FATHER’S BUSINESS.
PRAYER FOR TODAY:
Dear Lord, I ask that I will be enthusiastic enough about You and Your Word, that I won’t be able to keep the Good News to myself. Help me to just do it! Amen!
100 PERSONAL WORDS:
I had heard the Good News since I was a child, but it was not until grade 12 in High School that, on the first Friday evening of December, I made my lifetime decision to truly be a follower of Jesus. The following Monday in the locker room after basketball practise I said, “Hey Guys, I’ve got something to tell you. Last Friday night I became a Christian. I gave my life to Jesus. You’re going to see a different Mainse around here from now on.” There was silence for a few seconds, and then some disparaging remarks. A few days later, I could not help but notice that several of my teammates were walking down the hall with me. They knew I meant business. I knew that I must be about my Heavenly Father’s business. That’s why I do this blog, and I know that if I did not share the Good News in my personal person-to-person conversation, I would be a most selfish person.
Yours for the “Father’s Business,”
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.”
In today’s scripture, the shepherds had an encounter with God and knew they had to go tell others about this encounter. Today we still encounter God, be it through engaging the Bible, prayer, sermons, serving others etc. Know God. Get into a relationship with His son Jesus Christ today, don’t miss out on the most important relationship of your life. Then let the joy of the Lord shine through your life!
David:
Thank you for continuing to be an inspiration to us. I love that even though you’ve officially retired, you haven’t retired from God’s call or the great commission. Your wisdom is deeply appreciated by many. Blessings,
Darlene
Good morning David, Thank you for your committment to this daily devotion and thank you for your words. I look forward every day to reading the scripture, and your comments. I thank God everyday for you and I pray blessings on you, Norma Jean and all your family.
Good morning David,
Thank you for your Daily Blogs…..I appreciate the encouragement every morning…..THis morning you encouraged us to be about Our Father’s Business and you have been that example to many.
I too,have been about my dear Heavenly Father’s business for many years . I am in my early 80’s and made a decision for Christ about 70 years ago and have had many opportunities to be a witness for Him, I’m sure I also have missed many….At this point I am a care giver for my dear husband and am so thankful that God gives me strength each day…We have a large family who also love the Lord and I keep busy encouraging them in the faith…and lots of prayers…
May God’s strength be yours as you also have health issues….is my prayer.
With love in Chirst, Anne Bargen
Dear David,
I continue to read your blog day by day and appreciate it so much. I love the picture today. It felt like that sheet was so comfortable with that shepherd. What a
lovely picture of our relationship with the Good Shepherd.
I continue to value being able to read the scripture in both English and Spanish.
It is a help to me. I am not trying to keep up with reading the whole two chapters each day but maybe one of these days I will do that two.
Thank you so much for this email.
My prayers continue with you and all at Huntley St. which I watch almost every day.
Diane
Oh how i love to tell the story….about what He has done for me…and will do for others as they come to the cross…as they are… Our Father’s Business and wow …even when through the pain of the body…the overflow…we still shout out …Your Will be Done… as we decrease and the Holy Spirit has His way with us….He is my Joy in the Morning….and then i choose to take Him with me through out my day…and then its a great day no matter what happens….Armor On …as we journey…praying for you David…as we journey…..God is Good…all the Time…..enjoy today the Gift it is…soaking in His Presence..He is Enough …as we seek His Face…… ( Great Picture this am ) love the Hug.
Dear David…What a wonderful reminder of the opportunity we have to be a witness. I tell my Abba every day that being a witness …telling about the miracles and blessings in my own life and the lives of others (thru being a former media interviewer and now a speaker/singer) ) is the most exciting “job” I could ever have. Our late pastor used to remind us: : “If the Lord’s done something wonderful for you they hadn’t ought to be able to shut you up about it”!
Thank you for the blessing of being my guest on CKER Radio in Edmonton on “In Touch with Edmonton” …and for having me as your guest on 100 Huntley Street which aired Thanksgiving Day 2002. I am trying to be obedient in finishing my testimony book…which we talked about back then. I admit I have been “taking my time”…rather…more of a “time out” during the grief and loss …of my husband, Gerry, passing. (another miracle story of cancer survival 9 years beyond any doctor’s prognosis) He passed in April 2007….reminding me that “My God is taking care of me”.
Your daily blog (along with Reynold’s marvelous photo gallery) is a huge blessing…inspiration…and motivator. I am back on track knowing that no matter what our circumstances…when we give ourselves to the Lord…he knows exactly how to use us in HIS service. I ask my friends to “Pray for me, I don’t work alone!”
God Bless you David…and keep you and your family and the Crossroads family. You are all great WITNESSES that God is taking care of us!