CONSIDER THE YEARS
Suggested Reading: Deuteronomy 32
(click scripture link to read online)
An elderly man ponders scripture while in the courtyard of the Western Wall next to the Temple Mount. He may be meditating on the words of Moses.
GOOGLE MAPS – To see where the photo was taken, click HERE.
Key Verse: Deuteronomy 32:7
Remember the days of old,
Consider the years of many generations.
Ask your father, and he will show you;
Your elders, and they will tell you…
The song of Moses, poetry in the Hebrew language, is a spectacular way to present his last words. We have no idea of the tune he sang. It was no doubt in the minor key. It’s a sad sounding melody. According to available information, the scale for the major key arrived at some point as a more joyous sound in early Christianity. What a dramatic impact Moses made with his message. Ever since, it has been impossible for Jewish people to forget Moses.
Our key verse tells sons and daughters, as well as the following generations, to “ask your father.” How should a father answer? Deuteronomy 32:6 gives fathers, and mothers too, their instructions. “Set your hearts!” In Matthew 12:34b Jesus is quoted as saying, “Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks.” Let us fill our minds with God’s Word and meditate on it. It will surely soak down into the very core of our beings, and the right words will flow out when we speak.
PRAYER FOR TODAY:
Lord Jesus, I pray that the Holy Spirit will continue to move the content of this two-year daily blog into my heart. May my thoughts expressed here faithfully communicate Your thoughts. Amen!
100 PERSONAL WORDS:
During the Christmas and New Year’s celebrations, I’ve had wonderful opportunities to follow Moses’ instructions. I’ve preached a bit to my children, my grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. I didn’t preach a long sermon. Often it was just a sentence or two. Twice I opened my lap-top computer and read from my blogs. Like Moses, I even sang a verse or two of a song.
One of my heroes is my uncle, Rev. Manley Pritchard, twenty years older than his sister, my mother. My father was away during WW2 years, and my uncle filled in as a father sometimes. I can remember stern warnings, as well as good stories from him. He would be 134 years old if he was still here with us. His words still sound in my memories. He compiled a book which, in my opinion, should be back in print. It’s called, Pebbles From The Brink — “the brink” being the shore of the river of death (here is one we found on ebay). The last words of dying people are often startling. Of course, he had the last words of Jesus which were, according to John who was there, “It is finished” (John 19:30). As a twelve-year-old boy, I heard my dying mother’s last word. She laboured to say my name, “David.” I went to her side, kissed her and said through my sobs, “Mother, I’ll meet you in Heaven.” My dad reminded me several times that I added the words, “I will, I will.” I know I can have this assurance because Jesus “FINISHED” the work He came to earth to accomplish. His Cross is the bridge from this side of the river of death to the shores of Heaven.
Yours for wisdom to find the right words to say to our loved ones,
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.”
“Jesus” is the story worth repeating often to our children. Here’s an old hymn you don’t often hear in church anymore, it just came to my mind – “Tell Me The Old Old Story”. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2jWAPyxnFfE
As a palliative care volunteer for seniors for ten years, I have been present with a few at their time of death. Some were alone. I pray, read and provide comfort measures. There is presence of loved ones in the room as they are passing, and after the last breath, a strong awareness that only the body remains and their soul has departed.
Someone asked me today why Jesus ascended into hell when he died. I have heard over the years that it was to get the keys to the Kingdom. I don’t understand that. Is there a better answer than that?
Don’t think so. Jesus gave the keys to Peter.
I have been following this blog and reading the daily bible reading since Day 1. I don’t post comments very often, but I always enjoy reading those of my fellow bloggers. This site has been such a blessing to me. Thank you David for your dedication and conviction to this journey – I so enjoy it!!! I look forward to it every day!!
I need wisdom to say the right words in the coming days & weeks. My mom who is 95 is nearing death’s door. She has served and loves the Lord so I have the assurance that she will meet Him soon but it is still hard.
Pastor David
Congrats. on the safe arrival of your new great grand daughter. Happy new year to all.
I was reading the beautiful replys you received on the time change of 100 huntley st. I can accept change, especially if it’s from the Holy Spirit, and I know he guides you. God Bless You All.
P.S. we should change huntley st. to this hour has 30 mins.
in saying this you can still get you message out in 30 mins.and sharing the other 30 mins. to other countrys. I will follow Him.
,
I agree with you scott its worth telling children about Jesus and his love
I don’t remember hearling that hymn thank you
I will pray for you Ruby I know its hard my dad passed away when he was
95 i hope he accepted the Lord and pray that he is in heaven but I never
heard him speak it. Dear Lord I pray for Ruby right now please give her
the strength .comfort,peace and wisdom to know the right words to speak
In Jesus name
Amen
Lianne Hogg
Thank you so much Lianne!!! God bless you!!
Thank you, David, for the personal message you shared, this morning. Sparked memories of my own good-bye with my father, and what my sister, Laura, voiced she was experiencing when dying–being at the tomb of Jesus, with Mary Magdalene. I so look forward to reading Pebbles From the Brink–thank you for the link.
It is always incredible to watch 100 Huntley Street, however, this morning’s show was beyond excellent with Dr. Jerry Johnston, and Mike Hayward and family.
Thank you, David, for following the call God gave you. What a wonderful gift you have given to the world. All for the love of Jesus!
thank you for the link to “Pebbles from the Brink”…I am looking forward to reading it. Amazon.ca also has 3 used issues left ranging from $1.98 to $14.02 with shipping cost of $6.49.
I was the sole caregiver for my dad and a very dear friend during their last months and was with both of them and my mom as they went to be with the Lord. As emotionally draining and heart wrenching as it was to say this good bye, I felt it was such a priviledge and honor to be with them through this transition time, and I knew we would all meet again someday. Joy does come in the morning and in the mourning!
I am not afraid & am really looking forward to, hopefully, seeing HIM!! If He finds me worthy!!
Thanks be unto God for His wonderful gift:
Jesus Christ, the only begotten Son of God
is the object of our faith; the only faith
that saves is faith in Him.
Amen!!
Nancy
Nancy, we are not worthy but He is worthy. If He is your Lord and Saviour there is no doubt that you will be with Him in Heaven.
Good afternoon David. I have met you on a few occasion and never cease to be amazed at your graciousness and above all your passion for Christ. I am a few years older than you, but I can testify that in the words of that old chorus “Jesus Never Fails” God’s richest blessings and healings be your portion in 2013.
Bill Masterson, Shawnigan Lake BC
David, thank you very much for sharing this precious story of the passing of your mother. It brought tears to my eyes. I did not know you had lost her at such a young age.
I have a copy of Pebbles from the Brink, but I thought it was an edition you had published. It is in storage with some of my books. When I find it, you are welcome to it.
Love and Prayers,
Catharine.