GOD AT THE CENTRE
Suggested Reading: Numbers 2
(click scripture link to read online)
At Timna Park, 20 miles (32 km) north of Eilat, a life-sized replica of the Biblical Tabernacle has been constructed in the same area where the original Tabernacle may have stood. While no original materials (e.g., gold, silver, bronze) have been used in the replica, the model is accurate in every other way based upon the Biblical description.
GOOGLE MAPS – To see where the photo was taken, click HERE.
Key Verse: Numbers 2:17
And the tabernacle of meeting shall move out with the camp of the Levites in the middle of the camps; as they camp, so they shall move out, everyone in his place, by their standards.
What could’ve been a two-week journey became a forty-year time of testing, learning, rebelling, and finally conforming to God’s plan. We find parallels in our lives. Moses kept detailed records of people and events and was careful to journal all that happened. They had prepared for this while still in Egypt. Originally, the Children of Israel, and Pharaoh, thought this was to be just a camping trip for several days. Even if that had been the case, the logistics of moving as many as two and a half million people required organizational genius. Their tents would’ve covered several square miles. What a sight it must have been. Always, the Ark, the Tabernacle and the spiritual leaders were at the centre. The way in which they were to travel and camp was a constant reminder that God was to occupy the central place in their lives.
PRAYER FOR TODAY:
Lord God, I ask for Your help in organizing my life so that You are always at the centre. I desire You to be the focal point of my attention. Please grant me the grace so that I will be conscious 24/7 of Your presence. In Jesus’ Name I pray. Amen!
100 PERSONAL WORDS:
As long as I can remember, God was honoured daily in our family life. My mother and sisters read to me from Hurlbut’s Stories of the Bible for children (click here for an online version). I prayed every evening before bed, “Now I lay me down to sleep…” During the years of the Second World War, when my Dad was away, Mother led in daily Bible reading and prayer at the breakfast table. Dad arrived home in time for Christmas of 1944 and took over those duties. I never questioned that God was at the centre of our lives. Mother died when I was 12, and Dad and I were home alone most of the time that year. He soldiered on with the same pattern of life. He also made lumpy porridge, and I tried not to complain. I would see his Bible open at the place where he was reading for his private devotions when I arrived downstairs each morning. The importance I place on this daily blog had its roots back there, I’m sure. I told one of my grandsons this past Friday, “David, if you were the only one reading my blog, I would get up early every morning, and do it just for you.”
Yours, for God at the centre,
David
I love the quote “You stand tallest when you are on your knees in prayer”. I don’t know where the quote originates, but I heard those words from Charles Stanley of InTouch Ministries and have never forgotten them. I remember them because they ring true. God wants us to be in the centre of His will for our lives; what better way to know His will than through a relationship with Him consisting of regular bible reading of His word and communicating with Him through prayer.
God Bless you David for sharing your treasured memories both recent and past, with us. They are always a joy to read, you really make them come alive through your gift of writing. I know I don’t thank you enough for your daily blog, I sincerely do appreciate spending time reading it and meditating on it every morning. If by some reason your grandson is too young or is not too interested in reading your blog at this point in time, I know that it will be a treasure to Him one day. I think I speak for all of our blog-buddies when I say to never give up on the writing of devotions, it is indeed a gift from God. Thank you.
I agree
Thanks for the link, David. Living in a home where Christ was at the centre, was truly a blessing. My father was not a practicing Christian, although he received God’s message before he died. My mother took us to church every Sunday. We said grace at meal times, but that was about it. Children being raised by parents who have a strong spiritual conviction and unity at heart, find it so much easier to keep God at the centre of their lives while growing up. So many distractions and nothing to cling to except “common sense.” I also want to thank you again for your blog, a very important devotional time in my morning. Also, a strong sense of awareness that others are connected as well.
I too am so very blessed to have those treasured christian roots. Thankyou ever so much for this blog every morning, it dose bless my heart. May God continue to give you good health in years to come. Was so great seeing you once again on 100 Huntley St. just like the years in the past. God Bless you and your lovely wife as you serve Him daily.
Unfortunately, I wasn’t raised in a family that placed God at the center of our lives, had prayer, or bible study together. My journey in arriving here has been long and amazing–God has never left me. You are instilling the proper pattern of morning devotions, in me, David. Like you and the other bloggers, the early hours are the best time for me. I pray, then read a daily devotion from Oswald Chambers’, ‘My Utmost For His Highest’; Anne Graham Lotz’, ‘Daily Light,’; Mrs. Cowman’s, ‘Streams in the Desert’; followed by the scripture reading of your blog, and daily message. During my morning swim, I sing devotional songs in my mind, which serve as a rhythm of meditation. This pattern has become the rock that keeps me going through the day. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, David, and fellow bloggers.
May God Bless and Keep You,David~~~~
I end my devotion every morning with your Blog,and start my day a grateful,happy,being,in Christ,our Lord and Saviour.Thank-you,for this added time with The Lord every morning,I so much enjoy,along with the picture to ponder.
Thank you David, I feel honored to be God’s and your talmudim. My mother was a Christian but not my father when I was growing up but my father went to church the last ten years of his life and had a strong conviction there was a heaven and a hell, and God gave me the blessing of saying a sinner’s prayer with him on his deathbed so I know where he is now. I have been reading the Word for years and this blog igniting a fresh inspiration to continue. Thank you again for dedicating yourself to this cause and thank you fellow bloggers for the fellowship in the journey. This blog is also fulfilling my desire for some years to write something. Have a great Sabbath!
Hi David,
Your daily Blog is a tremendous blessing and inspiration to me each day!! The photos are also fabulous!! Thank you so much for feeding us fresh Manna every morning, it’s very much appreciated and so are you!! May God abundantly Bless you and yours!!
Peace, love and prayers!!
Anne
Hello David…unlike you, I was not raised in a Christian home. It took many years of wandering in the ‘wilderness’ to find my way to walking with the Lord, and even then, there were times I wandered, but though I left Him at those times, He never let go of me. As I read Numbers I see myself as I was back then, so much like those who wandered the 40 years in the desert! Thank you for sharing your memories and for this daily blog. They help get us started in the right direction every day.
Thank you Mr. Mainse,
My thoughts are with my fellow bloggers, especially on how wonderful it must have been to grow up with God in your home.
My experience is similiar to Beverlees’.
Thank you for your daily blog and teachings Mr.Mainse. This thanks is extended to my fellow bloggers too.
God Bless All of You 🙂
I do have a question regarding Ger’s blog … What is the sinners’ prayer?
Diane
The sinner’s pray, Diane, is when we confess that we have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. Then we ask Jesus to be our Saviour and Lord. We are now born again believers and have come out of darkness into His glorious Light.
It must have been a sight to behold. The whole nation travelling. I can just imagine it. Sometimes we make light or joke about how long it took for the Israelites to the promised land but God took care of them. It is quite amazing to think of that. My heart is full of joy with how God provides for His people and I am eternally grateful.
Have a safe journey with your beloved wife Norma-Jean when u r travelling to Jerusalem. I know God is with u and mighty in battle.
In Christ
Mellany
David
I went to church with my family every week but they were not christians . Over the years I knew I needed something more because I wasn’t growing spiritually. I was saved on April 6, 1995. I am now in The Sherwood church of the Nazarene and love it. I pray for my family but only God can change their hearts.
I know you can’t answer every question I was wondering how are you going to do this blog when you are away.
God bless you always,
Lianne Hogg
I’ve been wondering the same, Lianne.
So wonderful…. our life with Christ in the Centre and then everything flows from that forward…Our steps are not our own…when whe give our life to Jesus.. Sinners prayer….Lord i know im a sinner…but you sent Jesus and i accept what Jesus has done on the Cross for me…something i could not do is save myself…we need You Jesus…i turn now from my past …180* and follow your Son…the Cross before me and the world behind me…with the Holy Spirit leading the way..as i soak and listen and obey…Thank you Lord that you heard this simple cry in 1995 and Saved me …now you are in the centre ….( I love the Picture today ) and cant wait till tomorrow….. Blessings to all …. even thoes who read but do not leave a reply…. Our God Is Good..all the Time…. ^_^ ….
Thank you for your reminder.I am impressed by your discipline and care you take to keep our LORD central in your life.The beautiful expression of this is so evident in your family History.At times I struggle with envy as I observe the kind of heritage you and other families were able to experienced.
As I read your blog,I experience hope.So thank you once again
Kind regards Allen
Pastor David:
Beyond your grandson, I am one of those exceptionally blessed by this voyage of faithfulness you are encouraging us through. “Never, Never, Never give up”.-W. Churchill.
Thank you David for your faithfulness in getting up early every morning to write this blog. It is encouraging to me and I look forward to reading it. I try to pass on to my family the wisdom and encouragement that you give us from God’s Word. How much we need to keep God at the center of our lives!
I’m still with you David, as I am sure many others also. Thanks for sharing stories of your life with us.
David, your blog is such a Blessing. Your insight into the Word is very helpful. Your life experiences make it so much more personal. Thank you for sharing with us. May our Lord richly Bless you and Norma-Jean on your upcoming trip to Isreal.
Thankyou !