THE COMMANDER

Suggested Reading: Joshua 5-6

(click scripture link to read online)

This is the area of the Jordan River, near Jericho, where the Children of Israel crossed into the Promised Land. It is also the approximate location on the Jordan River where Jesus was baptized. Visitors have the opportunity to follow the experience of Jesus in these waters.

GOOGLE MAPS – To see where the photo was taken, click HERE.

Key Verse: Joshua 6:27

So the Lord was with Joshua, and his fame spread throughout all the country.

Joshua’s dramatic encounter with “the Angel of the Lord” (5:13-15 & 6:1-5) must’ve been a powerful confirmation to him that God’s call on his life was as definite as that of Moses. Also, the specific instructions for the defeat of Jericho gave Joshua great confidence in moving forward. This was no ordinary angel. This was the Lord Himself as evidenced by Joshua’s worship.

The Gospels record that Jesus received worship. At the visit of the wise men (Matthew 2:1-12), through to eternity (Revelation 5:1-14), Jesus is worshipped. None of the great prophets and apostles ever received worship. In Lystra (Acts 14:11-18), people tried to worship Paul and Barnabus who were horrified at the thought of being worshipped. Let us worship the Lord alone. He is worthy! Let us join now the hosts of Heaven in worshipping Him. Here is a choir singing “Holy, holy, holy” (Revelation 4:8-11). Let us join with them in worship (click here).

PRAYER FOR TODAY:

Lord Jesus, You are my commanding Officer. Give me grace and willing obedience as You did for Joshua. I worship You! You alone are worthy! Hallelujah! Glory to Your Name for ever and ever! Amen and Amen!

100 PERSONAL WORDS:

Throughout the years, as one who seeks to follow Jesus and to listen for His instructions, I’ve been blessed with His guidance. This daily, two-year journey through the Bible is an example of my willingness to obey what I believe He tells me to do. When God asked the people to march around the walls once a day, and then 7 times the last day, it must’ve seemed foolish and tedious to some people. It may have been a mile or more around the walls. Some would’ve wanted to give up, I’m sure. Nevertheless they persevered. The digs around Jericho seem to indicate that the walls did not simply fall over but that they imploded into the ground. The Lord works with an infinite variety of methods. I think I’ve learned to expect the unexpected.

I enjoy reading the comments of my 100words.ca friends. For example, Doreen on January 18th (click here), thank you for your comments! And thank you to everyone who joins me!

David

P.S. Here’s a video clip that shows that God is at work. Yes, there is violence and war. God does not diminish men and women by robbing us of free will, but He draws us to Himself in such a way that we find delight in doing His will! (click here)

COMMUNICATING WELL

Suggested Reading: Joshua 3-4

(click scripture link to read online)

Just east of Jericho, looking across the Jordan River into Jordan, you can see a church that commemorates the baptism of Jesus by John the Baptist. This is also the area where the Children of Israel crossed into the Promised Land.

GOOGLE MAPS – To see where the photo was taken, click HERE.

Key Verse: Joshua 4:24

…that all the peoples of the earth may know the hand of the Lord, that it is mighty, that you may fear the Lord your God forever.

God has often intervened in human history to use so-called “acts of God” to accomplish His purposes. In the case of the Jordan River being dammed up at Adam (Adam Bridge today), God may have used an earthquake. The miracle could’ve been the timing or God may have initiated the quake. In 1927 there was a quake in this very area. A 150-foot rise on the West Bank was dislodged, completely blocking the flow of the Jordan for 21 hours.

The twelve stones provided a powerful visual communication of God’s plan for Israel, teaching generations to follow. The leadership of Joshua, born a slave in Egypt, was not questioned from this time forward. Moses, raised in Pharaoh’s palace, saw the potential of Joshua and mentored him well. The written Word and the verbal telling of God’s stories, along with the pile of stones, succeeded in keeping the people faithful for at least one generation. Let us remember that we must creatively renew our means of communicating God’s message in every generation.

PRAYER FOR TODAY:

Lord God, please enable me to communicate well to those for whom I am directly responsible. May I be faithful to point as many people as possible to You by the power of the Holy Spirit. In Jesus’ Name I pray. Amen!

100 PERSONAL WORDS:

As a boy, I would often look at the photo album from my parents’ honeymoon in 1924 in what was then known as Palestine. They were in old-fashioned bathing suits swimming in the Jordan at approximately the place where the Children of Israel crossed over. I’ve visited that place several times. There are stones scattered here and there, but no pile of 12 stones that I could find. I know I can’t depend on a former generation to communicate to my contemporaries. As a great-grandfather of 7, a grandfather of 16, and a father of 4, I must do everything I can do to remind those whose lives I can influence of the faithfulness of God in the past and the present. The future is predicted in God’s Word. Be sure to get the current offer by the Crossroads Ministry of the book, Iran and Israel, dealing with Bible prophecy. Here’s how to order your copy (click here). That picture of Mom and Dad in the Jordan went through a fire in a storage unit. I’ll look for it, and if I find it, I’ll share it here. David Reynold, my son and our photographer, spent hours separating pictures that were stuck together by the heat of the fire and the water damage. He is in the middle east for the next two weeks doing photography. When he returns we’ll dig for the 1924 pictures.

Yours for communicating as well as possible,

David

P.S. Below is a fragment of the Dead Sea Scrolls from the book of Joshua. For more about the Dead Sea Scrolls, click here.

Found among the Dead Sea Scrolls were fragments, like the one pictured here, which retold various episodes from the book of Joshua.

THE SCARLET CORD

Suggested Reading: Joshua 2

(click scripture link to read online)

St. Stephen's Gate is located on the north-east walls of the Old City of Jerusalem, leading to the Via Dolorosa. It is so named because of the tradition that the first Christian martyr, Stephen, was stoned outside this gate. However, an earlier tradition locates this execution north of the city. Like the walls of Jericho, the thickness of the walls are such that people's homes were often located right inside of them.

GOOGLE MAPS – To see where the photo was taken, click HERE.

Key Verse: Joshua 2:21

Then she [Rahab] said, “According to your words, so be it.” And she sent them away, and they departed. And she bound the scarlet cord in the window.

Scarlet wool is mentioned in Hebrews 9:19 (read Hebrews 9:19-22). Rahab’s scarlet cord is mentioned twice in our reading, and it pictures safety through the blood. Rahab’s name is found in the genealogy of Jesus (Matthew 1:5). This Gentile woman becomes the mother of Boaz, who is the great-grandfather of King David. God’s long-term plans are amazing.

Rahab’s house was, according to verse 15, “on the wall.” This explains how the men escaped through the window, and how, that as the Israelites marched around Jericho, they would see the scarlet cord over and over. German archaeologists excavated Jericho from 1907 to 1909 and confirmed the historical record by finding a section of the wall with houses still intact where the outside walls of several houses were formed by the wall itself. Again and again the archaeological digs confirm the historical accuracy of the Bible record.

PRAYER FOR TODAY:

Lord God, Your amazing grace is, well, amazing. To think You cared so much for the prostitute, Rahab. Lord Jesus, You also cared so much for the woman taken in adultery (John 8:1-11). Thank You, Great Creator, that You care for me too. I pray that I will appreciate Your care more and more every day. “God be merciful to me a sinner” is a prayer You guarantee will make me right before You (Luke 18:9-14). As Rahab said, “so be it.” Amen!

100 PERSONAL WORDS:

In Jericho today there is a huge sycamore tree with gigantic branches spreading out around it. They’ll tell you that this is the tree that Zacchaeus, who was short of stature, climbed in order to see Jesus. However, the tree is nowhere near 2000 years old. Some things you see in the Holy Land are not accurate historically or archaeologically. These things are, nevertheless, reminders of events that did occur.

Our daughter Ellen, now Ellen Shaheen, mother of six wonderful children and grandmother of three, studied in Israel before her marriage to Nizar, an Israeli Arab. Norma-Jean and I had not seen her for seven months when, right there in Jericho, she came running to meet us as we emerged from our tour bus. It was a joyous reunion. I’ll never forget the excitement I felt. It was in Jericho that on one occasion Jesus healed one blind man and on another two blind men. I can only imagine the excitement in Jericho then. I feel sad when I pass by Jericho these days on our tours, because it is in the Palestinian Territory now and the walls (figuratively and in some places literally) are up again. I pray fervently for lasting peace in that region.

Yours for the “scarlet cord” of redemption through the Blood of Christ which reaches around the world with salvation,

David

P.S. My son Ron and his wife, Ann, are scheduled to lead a tour of the Holy Land this November, and Norma-Jean and I expect to join them, God willing. We invite all my blog partners to join us. Be thinking and praying about it, and we will have detailed information online at www.crossroads.ca in the near future. I’m attaching a video message from Ron on the subject of “Overcoming Fear.” As I thought about yesterday’s and today’s blogs, and the challenge the Children of Israel faced, it occurred to me that all of us could use this message (click here).

Here you can see that the ancient wooden door of St. Stephen's Gate has been covered with metal from top to bottom for greater protection.

SUCCESS

Suggested Reading: Joshua 1

(click scripture link to read online)

The Broad Wall is an ancient defensive wall in the Old City of Jerusalem. The wall was unearthed in the 1970s and dated to the reign of King Hezekiah (late eighth century BC). The Broad Wall is a massive defensive structure, seven meters thick. The motivation for building the wall was the expected invasion of Judea by Sennacherib. The wall is referred to in Nehemiah 3:8 and Isaiah 22:9-10. This would have been similar to the walls of Jericho as described in the Book of Joshua.

GOOGLE MAPS – To see where the photo was taken, click HERE.

Key Verse: Joshua 1:8

This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.

Today, “You will make your way prosperous,” and “You will have good success.” How can I predict this with confidence? The answer is that you are faithfully participating with me in this blog. You are confessing God’s Word with your mouth. You are meditating consistently on what you read. And you are practicing what you are learning. Yes? Yes!

Four times in our reading the Lord says, ” Be strong and of good courage.” Could we agree that God wants to get through with this message? Yes? And yes, again! If we could listen in on God’s conversation with Joshua, we might observe other ways that God emphasizes His message, but for us His way is to repeat Himself. May I suggest that all of us repeat 4X these words out loud if possible, “BE STRONG AND OF GOOD COURAGE!”

PRAYER FOR TODAY:

Lord God, I’ve held in my hand Your answer to spiritual and even material prosperity as I’ve read Your Word today. Grant that Your Word will permeate my being. May Truth fill every cell of my body, even more than the breath in my lungs or the blood in my veins. I pray this prayer with fervency, and in Jesus’ Name. Amen!

100 PERSONAL WORDS:

My Son, David Reynold, is today in the area of the middle east known as “the Palestinian Authority.” An East Jerusalem pastor is driving him in his P.A. – a licensed car, as an Israeli car cannot enter that territory. There are many locations to photograph which, God willing, we’ll see here on my blog as we read through Joshua, Judges, 1st and 2nd Samuel and on. For example, Jericho with its ruins of the walls and the fountain of Elisha, and the events that took place in Samaria with King Ahab and Jezebel are mostly in today’s Palestinian territory. I’m also looking forward to seeing pictures from the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, where many more Biblical events took place. By the time we finish our journey through the Bible, David Reynold will have spent over three months in the pursuit of excellent photographs. I give him these words today, “be strong and of good courage.”

Yours for strength and courage,

David

P.S. Here is a clip from 100 Huntley Street that illustrates strength and courage. It highlights Nick Walenda’s amazing tight rope walk across Niagara Falls last summer. Did you see it? It was on almost every major TV channel across North America. As he walked you could hear him saying, “Thank You Jesus!” and “Praise You Lord!” (click here),

A HOLY KISS

Suggested Reading: Romans 16

(click scripture link to read online)

Here is an interior view of the ancient Colosseum in Rome. A partial floor has been built at the far end. You can see in the middle the corridors and rooms that once were under the Colosseum floor. The floor in ancient times was covered in sand to absorb the blood. Also, animals and gladiators were held under the Colosseum floor, awaiting their turn to kill or fight to the death.

GOOGLE MAPS – To see where the photo was taken, click HERE.

Key Verse: Romans 16:16

Greet one another with a holy kiss. The churches of Christ greet you.

Our reading today should be a great encouragement to all of us who serve the Lord in any capacity, particularly to those who work behind the scenes and receive little attention. Be assured that God pays attention, and so do wise leaders like Paul. This letter to the believers in Rome was written from Corinth where Paul’s partners in ministry and in tentmaking were Aquila and Priscilla. Do you remember them from the book of Acts? They, along with Phoebe, probably carried Paul’s letter to Rome, and then served as missionaries to Rome. Phoebe’s work was key to soul winning in Rome. She had been entrusted with social service among needy people. Paul knew she would need the help of others to accomplish the call of God on her life. We all need help. The “holy kiss” speaks of genuine affection one for another. Only as all of us serve God and each other will the cause of Christ flourish. The book of Joshua, which we begin tomorrow, God willing, will continue to emphasize the need to work together.

PRAYER FOR TODAY:

Lord Jesus, thank You for Mary, who is mentioned in verse 6. She laboured much for Paul and the team. This Mary is a VIP to You, Lord. Please help me to labour much to serve also. Please guide me to those You want me to serve. In Your Name I pray. Amen!

100 PERSONAL WORDS:

The summer I turned 20, with the help of others, I initiated a series of tent meetings in the village of Chalk River, Ontario. That led to planting a Church in a local hall. I had not yet met my beloved Norma-Jean, and I was working on my theological studies by correspondence. My Dad gave me back-issues of the Nazarene “Preacher’s Magazine,” and from it I learned how to construct my sermons. I lived in one room built on the side of the house where the Leach family lived. I thank them for their kindness to me. I was eating my own cooking from Monday to Saturday, and the Stan Thomas family took me to their home every Sunday for dinner. That lasted until I went back to college in Peterborough a year later. Mrs. Thomas, Doreen, was what we called a “war bride”. She met and married Stan in England during WW2. What a great cook! These are two families I think of when I read Romans 16. Thank You to everyone who has helped me through the years. Syd, who gave the first $300.00 to start us on TV in 1962, and Sharon, the teenager who made the first pledge of $5.00 per month to support the TV outreach. God has recorded the names of all others who have served as Partners of the ministry. If I could, and if it was appropriate, I’d greet you all with a “holy kiss.” I’ll try to greet each one when we meet in Heaven, if not down here.

Yours with deep gratitude for your partnership in ministry,

David

In 1863, Jean-Leon Gerome painted this depiction of the ancient Roman Colosseum, entitled, "The Christian Martyrs' Last Prayer".

P.S. I don’t have a video attachment for today, but this painting is worth 1000 words. Behind the hungry lion, a tiger is about to emerge from beneath the floor of the Colosseum. This scene speaks volumes to me about my commitment to our Lord Jesus Christ.

SCRIPTURES AND PRAYER

Suggested Reading: Romans 15

(click scripture link to read online)

The Roman Colosseum, originally known as the Flavian Amphitheatre, was commissioned in AD 72 by Emperor Vespasian. It was completed by his son, Titus, in 80, with later improvements by Domitian. The Colosseum is located just east of the Roman Forum and was built to a practical design, with its 80 arched entrances allowing easy access to 55,000 spectators, who were seated according to rank. The Colosseum is huge, measuring 188m long and 156m wide. Originally, 240 masts were attached to stone corbels on the 4th level to provide shade. Vespesian ordered the Colosseum to be build on the site of Nero's palace, the Domus Aurea, to dissociate himself from the hated tyrant. His aim was to gain popularity by staging deadly combats of gladiators and wild animal fights for public viewing. Massacre was on a huge scale: at inaugural games in AD 80, over 9,000 wild animals were killed. It is believed that many Christians were martyred there.

GOOGLE MAPS – To see where the photo was taken, click HERE.

Key Verse: Romans 15:30

Now I beg you, brethren, through the Lord Jesus Christ, and through the love of the Spirit, that you strive together with me in prayers to God for me…

If Paul, the mighty Apostle, needed prayer, how much more do we need to ask those who believe in the God who hears and answers prayer to pray for us. “Strive together” speaks of finding others with whom to pray. Prayer meetings at our churches and home prayer groups are very important. Did you notice that Paul said, “with me”? He saw his personal prayers and those of other believers as one before God’s throne of grace.

In Romans 15:4 the ultimate importance of the “Scriptures” is emphasized. Our readings daily are producing “patience and comfort.” The knowledge of the “Scriptures” brings “hope.” Reading the Scriptures and spending time in prayer guarantees a two-way conversation with God. Let Him talk to us first, and then respond in prayer to what He has said to us in the Scriptures. After this, we will have more faith to present our personal prayer requests.

PRAYER FOR TODAY:

Lord God, in today’s reading You have spoken to me about several matters. First of all, the importance of the Scriptures and also the absolute essential practice of prayer. Please keep me faithful. You’ve also spoken to me about truly loving others, Jews and Gentiles alike. Twice Paul mentions Spain. You’ve spoken to me to keep a vision for the future. By the working of Your Spirit in me, I pray an obedient response on my part. In Jesus’ Name. Amen!

100 PERSONAL WORDS:

I need your prayers. Thank you to those who’ve let me know that they are praying for my healing. I believe that God is saying “Yes” to those prayer requests. While I’m unable to answer individually the letters, e-mails, and blog notes, I do appreciate every effort to communicate with me. Thank you! Thank You! Thank You! Yesterday, Rev. Ken Norcross, a Pastor in his eighties who continues to serve in a prayer leadership ministry role, dropped by to see me. He prayed fervently for me. What a great encouragement!

Paul mentioned Spain twice in our reading. I also have a vision for Spain. Back in 1992, we sponsored a soul-winning Pavilion at their World Expo. “La Pabillion de la Promessa” saw over 53,000 first-time decisions for Christ recorded, signed up for a Bible correspondence course and followed-up around the world by Scripture Union. Here’s another prayer, “Lord Jesus, would you let Paul know about this if he doesn’t already know? I believe he would be blessed to hear about this effective outreach for You in Spain. Thank You Jesus!” Thanks to all the Crossroads supporters who make many outreaches possible by giving so faithfully and generously. The current 7-channel Internet television outreach called Crossroads360.com needs prayer and support. Let’s rally around Don Simmonds, Ron Mainse, and the entire ministry team. YES LORD!!!!

Yours for paying attention to what God is saying to us as we read, and then praying for His will to be done in all things,

David

P.S. Remember the little boy who went to Heaven who was featured on 100 Huntley Street? Here’s a video clip of his Dad, Todd Burpo, and Jim Cantelon talking about prayer (click here). The full story is in Todd’s book “Heaven Is For Real,” which is available in our Crossroads eStore here.

THE KINGDOM OF GOD

Suggested Reading: Romans 14

(click scripture link to read online)

The Roman Forum is a rectangular forum (plaza) surrounded by the ruins of several important ancient government buildings at the centre of the city of Rome. Citizens of the ancient city referred to this space, originally a marketplace, as the Forum Magnum, or simply the Forum. For centuries it was the centre of Roman public life: the site of triumphal processions and elections, venue for public speeches, criminal trials, gladiatorial matches, and the nucleus of commercial affairs. Here statues and monuments commemorated the city's great men. This teeming heart of ancient Rome has been called the most celebrated meeting place in the world...and in all history. The Forum today is a sprawling ruin of architectural fragments and intermittent archaeological excavations, attracting numerous sightseers.

GOOGLE MAPS – To see where the photo was taken, click HERE.

Key Verse: Romans 14:17

…for the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.

What a contrast! …the kingdom of man (Rome pictured above) and the Kingdom of God. Man is impressed by great buildings, pomp and circumstance. God is impressed by humble people who can worship Him fully under a tree, or anywhere.

The emphasis in today’s reading is about food in Rome. Almost all the meat and vegetables sold in the markets had been presented to the gods as a sacrifice. This offended the consciences, particularly of Jews (remember the dietary laws we read about in Leviticus). Many new believers in Jesus who started off in peace and joy have had their freedom withered away by legalism. Paul deals with this issue in several of his letters, notably Galatians. Here, in Romans, he raises the same issue and warns believers against being bound up in rules about appropriate food and drink. While the legalist may strive for righteousness, he or she will never achieve it. This matter caused Paul to take a stand against Peter (read Galatians 2:11-21). Paul declared that Christ died in vain if righteousness comes through the Law.

PRAYER FOR TODAY:

Lord God, I’m learning that holy living comes through Your Holy Spirit living within me, not from keeping religious rules and regulations, not eating certain foods, etc. Please fill me up more and more with peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. By faith I am truly free to be a faithful follower of Jesus in Your Kingdom! In Jesus’ Name I pray. Amen!

100 PERSONAL WORDS:

I don’t believe that when Peter and Paul disagreed they considered forming a separate religious denomination. As a teenager, I saw the once mighty soul-winning “Holiness Movement” almost destroyed by legalism (e.g. a certain way of dressing, etc.). Perhaps the “Old Order Mennonites” would be a modern example of outward righteousness. The main body of these precious people have moved away from these restrictions and are a great example of “peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.” The “holier than thou” attitude produced by my own efforts is a huge turn-off for those people with whom I want to share Jesus. Every morning I open my heart to a new infilling of God’s Word and His Spirit. Then I just live life to the full. What peace! What joy! Early in my Christian life, I felt that I was dragging myself around by the scruff of my neck, trying to live as I should. One day, when I was 20 years old, I said to God, “I can’t live this way anymore!” I heard that inner voice of the Lord say to me, “Good, now relax and let Me live in you and through you.” What a wonderful freedom! I began to experience “peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.”

Yours for being filled, as much as our capacities will allow, with the Word of God and with the Holy Spirit. Lord Jesus, please grow my capacity. Amen!

David

P.S. Over the past few days I placed a link here to some videos. I’ve been asked by some of my blog readers to continue this. So I’ve asked our Crossroads team for a list of video clips that have been digitized for online purposes (like for our new website crossroads360.com). Perhaps we’ll succeed in enhancing the blog this way more often in the future through video clips dealing with topics from our blog readings. For example, here is a video regarding legalism by my son, Rev. Ron Mainse (click here). Enjoy!

GOVERNMENT

Suggested Reading: Romans 13

(click scripture link to read online)

The Temple of Hephaestus, also known as the Hephaisteion, or earlier as the Theseion, is a well-preserved Greek temple; it remains standing largely as built. The temple was officially inaugurated in 416-415 BC. It is a Doric peripteral temple, and is located at the north-west side of the Agora of Athens, on top of the Agoraios Kolonos hill. From the 7th century until 1834, it served as the Greek Orthodox church of St. George Akamates.

GOOGLE MAPS – To see where the photo was taken, click HERE.

Key Verse: Romans 13:8

Owe no one anything except to love one another, for he who loves another has fulfilled the law.

Not only does Paul not advocate the overthrow of the government, he actually tells us to be a good subject. Caesar, the Emperor, was the focus of the official religion. Social concerns such as human rights were unheard of. Paul was following the Lord Jesus, who said when asked about paying taxes, “Render therefore to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s…” (Matthew 22:21a). The state and man’s religion have gone hand-in-hand throughout most of human history. Imposing buildings, such as the one pictured above, have been created to impress the people with the authority of the state and the state religion. Those early believers in Jesus were meeting in their homes, not in magnificent temples. Paul taught that their power was in “Love”, not in revolution or in political activism. Loving is not an option for the follower of Christ. It is a debt that we must pay. No wonder thousands of Jews, Greeks, and Romans believed in Jesus as Saviour and Lord. Amen!

PRAYER FOR TODAY:

Lord Jesus, please remind me daily of my debt of love. It’s payback time. You have loved me and I need to love You and others in return. Please show me the practical ways to express love today. I pray this, dear Jesus, expecting Your Holy Spirit to motivate me. Amen!

100 PERSONAL WORDS:

I have a grandson-in-law who is a Toronto police officer. I pray hard for his safety each morning. He is responsible for 3 of my 7 great-grandchildren. The other day, he and his partner made a major drug bust. We could agree that he was acting, as Paul wrote, “as God’s minister to you for good” (Romans 13:4a). But what was my attitude when I was stopped for speeding? Not quite so positive. I asked forgiveness from the Lord, and I’m actually trying to obey the authority.

I received an e-mail recently which is a positive example of one way to influence government decisions. It was from Pastor Wally Magdangal, who was reflecting on our past involvement with him. It was in 1992, the day before Christmas, that I received a fax from Amnesty International that Pastor Magdangal was about to be executed by the Saudi authorities for the crime of baptizing Muslims into the Christian faith. While we were live on air, I was able to reach, by telephone, the Saudi Ambassador at his embassy in Ottawa. I read the fax on national television and, of course, he denied that his country would do any such thing. Thank God, the pastor was released on Christmas Eve and was on a flight back to his home in the Philippines Christmas Day. Here’s a quote from Wally’s recent e-mail. “You appealed for my life and freedom back in December of 1992. I am alive today and serving THE LORD JESUS CHRIST because of Christians like you who prayed for me and advocated for my release from the death sentence in Saudi Arabia.” All who gave financially to pay for the TV airtime, and even the long distance phone call, have a part in Wally’s release. Most days my “do what is good” is a little, unnoticed thing; but God takes notice, and that’s what counts.

Yours for loving one another,

David

P.S. In yesterday’s blog I mentioned that something special happened to me one year ago today. Following a week of fasting and prayer, which ended with the Sunday evening service, I went to sleep as usual. At exactly 4 a.m. Monday I was awakened abruptly. I know that the Lord downloaded His call to do this blog. It happened again the same way two months later. On the digital clock it read “4:00 a.m.” … the Lord was reconfirming to me the start date of Sunday, June 3rd, 2012 (you can click here to find out more details from the “About 100 Words” section of my blog).

YOUR REASONABLE SERVICE

Suggested Reading: Romans 12

(click scripture link to read online)

The Pantheon (from Greek meaning “all gods”) is a building in Rome which was originally built in 27 BC as a temple to the seven deities of the seven planets in the state religion of Ancient Rome. It is the best preserved of all Roman buildings, and perhaps the best preserved building of its age in the world. It has been in continuous use throughout its history. Since the 7th century, the Pantheon has been used as a Christian church.

GOOGLE MAPS – To see where the photo was taken, click HERE.

Key Verse: Romans 12:1-2

I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.

“Beseech”… We are strongly urged to make a 100% do-or-die commitment to God. Paul did this. He practiced what he preached. The daily discipline of participating with me in this blog is a renewing of our minds. We are being exhorted here in chapter 12 to a very practical Christianity. Here is the way to get along well with others. Here is the recognition of the spiritual gifts that we receive from God. No believer is left out. We can find our place here. Let us take time right now to consider our position in this list. Are we using these gifts which differ “according to the grace given unto us”? If not, why not? By exercising our gifts every day, we will, with absolute certainty, “overcome evil with good.” AMEN!

PRAYER FOR TODAY:

Lord Jesus, our reading for today is a perfect example of how You lived Your life while functioning as a Human Being here on earth. You never used Your Divine Essence to lift Yourself above the struggles common to mankind. I give myself anew right now to Your life within me. I ask for an increased measure of faith and grace to live minute by minute as a person who is becoming more like You. In Your all-powerful Name I pray, AMEN!

100 PERSONAL WORDS:

Something truly life-changing happened to me a year ago this week. I plan to tell all about it in tomorrow’s blog. It came directly out of a week of fasting and prayer led by our Pastor, Rev. Wayne Blackburn, here in Lakeland, Florida, where Norma-Jean and I are just now. We have a mobile home in a Senior’s Park and the weather is absolutely wonderful, sunny and warm. It’s January and this Canadian from the frozen north has worn a t-shirt outside since arriving 4 days ago. I may graduate to short pants today, although my brother-in-law, Reynold Rutledge, who is coming to stay with us shortly, describes my appearance in shorts this way, “I’ve seen better legs hanging out of a nest!” Needless to say, we have a great deal of fun here in this Park. We’ve even produced a seniors TV series from here called, Really Good Medicine. Here is a short sample clip that features Wayne Gretzky’s father, Walter, as our “Super Senior.” How do we all get along? Well, today’s reading is as good an answer to that question as any. It works! I’ve tried it and my enjoyment quotient has gone way up!

Yours for overcoming evil with good,

David

P.S. Below is a photo of the interior of the Pantheon in Rome (see the photo caption above for a brief historical summary).

OF HIM, THROUGH HIM, TO HIM (Romans 11:36a)

Suggested Reading: Romans 11

(click scripture link to read online)

In St. Peter's Basilica in Rome, this statue is probably the world's most famous religious sculpture. Michelangelo carved it when he was 24 years old, and it is the only one he ever signed. He called it "Pieta" (meaning "pity"). The beauty of its lines and expression leaves a lasting impression on everyone, as it portrays Mary holding the lifeless body of Jesus after he was taken down from the Cross.

GOOGLE MAPS – To see where the photo was taken, click HERE.

Key Verse: Romans 11:33

Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgements and His ways past finding out!

We might want to read the key verse at least twice more, stopping and meditating on the words, “depth,” “riches,” “wisdom,” “knowledge,” “unsearchable,” “judgements,” and “His ways.” There are many ways to describe God, but let us think of just three of them. (1) omnipresence, (2) omnipotence, and (3) omniscience. These are fairly common words amongst believers, but we may need a reminder: (1) being present at all times. (2) all powerful. (3) all knowing and all wise. (1) He is everywhere and sees everything, and we have a very limited perspective. (2) He creates and sustains everything, and we are weak in every sense. (3) He knows all, and we know very little. Colossians 1:9-18 is an excellent expansion of these thoughts. We should not judge ourselves too harshly if we do not understand some things we read in Scripture. We simply need to rely on our ever-present, all-powerful and all-knowing God to teach us the things we need to know.

PRAYER FOR TODAY:

Lord God, I pray with King David, “Teach me Your way, O Lord…” (Psalm 27:11). As Jesus said, “My sheep know My voice,” and I’m doing my best to listen to Your thoughts. I’m a slow learner, but I believe I am learning. I ask for more of Your presence, more of Your power, and more of Your wisdom, at least as much as You know I can handle. Thank You Lord. Amen!

100 PERSONAL WORDS:

When Norma-Jean and I went to plant a congregation in Canada’s atomic energy centre (Chalk River – Deep River, Ontario), one of the first things I did was to buy an old school bus to pick up children for Sunday School. On one side I painted, “Teach me Your way, O Lord,” and on the other, “Study to show yourself approved unto God.” I had taught public school in Chalk River seven years earlier, and I learned some valuable lessons. For example, I met almost daily for several months at 7 a.m. with a boy who some would say was a slow learner. I knew that was not true. He was very intelligent, but totally distracted from his studies by other things. With the school inspector’s permission, this boy gained two whole years worth of lessons in six months and as a result, he caught up with his age group. I’ve been easily distracted throughout my life, but God has given me “special ed.” It happens early in the morning and has become a pattern in my life for decades now. This blog is part of the personal tutoring God gives me. Another area of learning for me has been interviewing for TV about 14,000 people. I’ve learned so very much. Below is a link to one of those interviews with a former criminal and maximum security prisoner, Ernie Hollands. God was so pleased that He moved my friend, Stan Watrich, to put that interview into Russian and distribute it in the prisons in the countries of the former Soviet Union. Ernie and I have the Russian language recorded over our English words. How amazing is that! (click here for part of the interview) Talk about God giving special attention. WOW!!!!!

Yours for experiencing God’s special attention,

David