MORNING BY MORNING
Suggested Reading: 1 Chronicles 8-9
Click scripture link to read online or HERE to listen online (then click the symbol of the audio speaker above the scripture portion).
This is the ancient Hippodrome at Jerash, where today tourists can enjoy re-enactments of chariot races and fighting. Recent excavations show that Jerash was already inhabited during the Bronze Age (3200 BC - 1200 BC). After the Roman conquest in 63 BC, Jerash and the lands surrounding it were annexed by the Roman province of Syria and later joined the Decapolis cities. In 90 AD, Jerash was absorbed into the Roman province of Arabia, which included the city of Philadelphia (modern day Amman).
GOOGLE MAPS – To see where the photo was taken, click HERE.
Key Verses: 1 Chronicles 9:27-28
And they lodged all around the house of God because they had the responsibility, and they were in charge of opening it every morning. Now some of them were in charge of the serving vessels, for they brought them in and took them out by count.
Names, names and more names are found in our readings. Perhaps this is tedious for some, but not for God. Every person is of infinite and eternal importance to Him, including each of us! The Chronicles are not written with a specific timeline in mind; rather it moves back and forth with the stories of various families. The key verse is not about the Temple of Solomon but about its successor built under the leadership of Ezra. This was the Temple which was extensively renovated and enlarged by King Herod, in which Jesus would have worshipped. Notice the care given to the management and operation of the Temple.
Consider our responsibility to the sanctuary in which we worship. This is not the earthly building built for the purpose of meeting together as believers to worship corporately, to learn the Word of God, and to have fellowship one with another, but rather the Tabernacle, “not made with hands.” The earthly building was a copy of that which exists in Heaven. It is to the heavenly building, the Church in the heavenly place, in which each one of us have the responsibility to serve every day. “Morning by morning” with consistency is so very important. Let us take the time, if possible, to read from Hebrews 9:1-28. Let us meditate on our place of service in Christ’s Church.
PRAYER FOR TODAY:
Lord God, even as those who served You in Your earthly building called the Temple, so I desire to take responsibility in serving in Your eternal building of Your Church. Please show me my specific responsibility, and I pray for grace to faithfully do my job. In the Name of the One who carries out His responsibility with total faithfulness, the Lord Jesus Christ, I pray, Amen!!!
100 PERSONAL WORDS:
Everyone reading this blog has a job to do, as did those who lived around the Temple in Jerusalem. While I have some responsibilities currently at the Crossroads Centre here in Burlington, and every morning to write this blog, and of giving top priority to my wife, my children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, my over-arching job is to serve in that Tabernacle “not made with hands, eternal in the Heavens” (2 Corinthians 5:1). Faithfulness in prayer, in meditating in God’s Word, in bringing others and their needs before God daily is my first job every morning before most people are up. It is a quiet time before the morning rush hour traffic begins on the street outside. The telephone does not ring and this present age does not intrude with a newscast, today’s newspaper, or a knock on the door. My human life, and my responsibilities for today, come into focus as I meet God in His Sanctuary into which He welcomes me.
Yours for faithfully carrying out our responsibility to God and to people,
David
Dubbed the "Pompeii of the East," ancient Jerash is a Greco-Roman city located 80 miles north of Amman Jordan. The impressive, beautifully preserved ruins of Jerash include places of worship and other buildings from the Hellenistic, Roman, Byzantine and early Muslim periods. In this photo you can see the full length of the Hippodrome. The ruins of earthly buildings can be contrasted with the eternal importance of the true Temple "not made with hands, eternal in the Heavens" (2 Corinthians 5:1).
It has been a blessing to be up early, pray and meditate with your blog each morning. It establishes my day and nourishes my soul. Today I opened the scripture tab and then opened the sound tab for listening and reading along. Never realized from the beginning there was so many names to read! Even so, there are gems enbedded in our readings such as the responsibilities of the gate keepers and musicians today. Enjoy this day, fellow bloggers!
God’s promise to Abraham was “I will make you a great nation; “I WILL BLESS YOU AND MAKE YOUR NAME GREAT; AND YOU SHALL BE A BLESSING.” (I AM). Genesis 12:2. This is our promise, too! Hold fast to this scripture as your profession of faith over your own life as an heir to THE BLESSING. God’s faithful Love abides now and forever.
Pressing the search button on the Bible reference gives choices for Bible versions. I went back and clicked on the modern version which clarified some things for me. How wonderful is that? Thank you for your dedication and steadfastness David M. God richly bless you all and Norma Jean – can’t forget her. She has a large part in being considerate of your time alone, I’m sure, along with her support.
How much more, then, will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself unblemished to God, cleanse our consciences from acts that lead to death, so that we may serve the living God! For this reason Christ is the mediator of a new covenant, that those who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance–now that he has died as a ransom to set them free from the sins committed under the first covenant. Heb 9:14-15
Praise God! We are so blessed by Your Word. Thank you, Jesus! We are so honoured to be called after you and saved by your precious blood, sacrifice and ransom. God’s love is so amazing! Amen! Let us all be gatekeepers and serve, holding our crosses high!
The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God stands forever. Isa 40:8
Bless you, David Mainse, and fellow saints…
Once I bought a used book from Goodwill and I found inside it a bookmark with a poem on it. I recently rediscovered it in my prayer book, and it reminded me of everyone on this blog and seems to fit today’s readings so I thought I would share it with all of you. Unfortunately I do not know who wrote it, perhaps one of you does, but either way I hope you will enjoy it and be blessed by it as I was.
The Cross in My Pocket
(Author Unknown)
I carry a Cross in my pocket
a simple reminder to me
of the fact that I am a Christian
no matter where I might be.
This little Cross in not magic
nor is it a good luck charm,
it isn’t meant to protect me
from every physical harm,
it’s not for identification
for all the world to see,
it’s simply an understanding
between my Saviour and me.
When I put my hand in my pocket
to bring out a coin or a key,
The Cross is there to remind me
of the price He paid for me.
It reminds me, too, to be thankful
for my blessings, day by day
and to strive to serve Him better
in all I do and say.
It’s also a daily reminder
of the peace and comfort I share
with all who know My Master
and give themselves to His care.
So, I carry a Cross in my pocket
reminding no one but me
that Jesus Christ is Lord of my life
if only I’ll let Him be.
The author is Verna Thomas.
Thanks for sharing that poem, Donna. I remember it, too. God bless you, sister in Christ!
Correction: Verna Mae Thomas
Thanks Beverlee I will make sure I note that on the copy I found. Obviously it is well known, and has blessed many Christians over the years. The copy I found seem old, so it is nice to feel this unseen connection to a brother or sister in Christ who kept it and now I have it. I know I also kept a cross in my purse for a while after I first found that poem, then I stopped; I might just do it again. Again, thanks for letting me know who wrote it.
I remember carrying a mini copy of that poem with a little steel cross in my purse, years ago, too! 🙂
A beautiful poem with much meaning and history behind it, Donna. Thanks for sharing, Donna!
Thanks Donna it does suit all of us and we appreciate you sharing. Catherine
Hi David, Thank you for directing us to Hebrews 9. It’s all there! Christ is our High Priest! He offered not the blood of goats and calves but with HIS OWN BLOOD, he offered HIMSELF to pay the price for our sins!!! JESUS DID IT ALL! Pure and Holy! Yes David, we need to spread the good news, each one according to their gifting.
So many strange names to read, at times it is overwhelming to me.
But Psalm 139 came to mind, God knew us before we were even born, and He knew about the people with the difficult names in the past readings as well. He cared for them, as He cares for us.
Now I see His compassion reflected in those names.
Blessings to all my fellow bloggers.
Hi David,
I love reading your blog each day. Could you please consider making a book out of your blog. I remember you mentioned in 2 years you will cover the whole bible from your blog. If so I will be the first customer to buy your book.
Thanks so much for your comments, prayers and wisdom.
Kamini
Thank you David & thank you Norma Jean for all the “joy” you have brought to us through your ministry since July 1980. We remember still that sunday afternoon when you took 2 baby Christian “artists” from from Vancouver & Montecatini Italie around the “art scene” in Toronto. Followed by a powerful David Mainse message at Queensway that has influenced us right up to this day. We send our love and blessings to both of you. The Lord strengthen you and give you the victorious healing in your present battle.
We continue to create paintings that show the “love of God” for all of His creation & Lord willing for another 20 years if He does not return soon.
Like you we are trying to give more time to our children, grand children & great grandchildren in beautiful BC as we reduce our travels to slower pace. Please email us your phone ##’s it would be great to talk in person.
Baci,baci e grazie tante!!
James & Joy
Fantastic every day!! Don’t ever quit!!
Thank you David & thank you Norma Jean for your love and encouragement to us since July 1980. We still remember that Sunday in July 1980 when you took the time to show 2 “baby” Christian artists from vancouver & Montecatini Terme Italie around the Toronto artscene. Followed by a powerful message by David that evening at Queensway.
How the time has past so quickly and we have fond memories of the brief times we have been together with you both—1986 Pavillion of Promise & with the “healer” painting at !00 Huntley stewarship week–we still use this print to minister to the “hurting”. At the St.Louis meeting in Ottawa in 2000 (all the Portraits of the Israeli Prime Ministers and Presidents are permanently on display outside the Cabinet offices in Jerusalem).
Like you we are trying to spend more time with our children,grandchildren & great grandchildren in Vancouver.
We pray that the Lord continues to strengthen you and heal you in your present battle with the enemy.
Please email us your phone ##s so we can have a few words with you.
God bless you and do not quit—-baci baci
Joy and James
(this is our 3rd attempt to send a post hopefully it gets to you)
“Jesus paid it all; all to Him I owe; Sin had left a crimson stain, He washed it white as snow.”(Elvina M. Hall).Thank you David M. for reminding us of our greatest responsibilty before God and man. Will be meditating about that today. Thank you fellow bloggers for all your comments. Like your poem, Donna and say Amen to you, Kamini. From the beginning until May 3rd last month, I wrote everything down except, I summarized the personal words part in a journal, filling almost two journals as I did not want to miss anything. Now I write the key verse and a few points and closing. It does help me to remember the Word. However, a book would be great! Have a great day fellow bloggers; a rainy one in the Maritimes.
Hi David, Thanks for directing us to Hebrews,chapter 9. All l could do was to praise and thank Jesus because he really did DO IT ALL as is so wonderfully explained in this piece of scripture. Furthermore, Whosoever will may come! Everyone is invited to accept Jesus as their personal Saviour and Lord. It’s the best thing l’ve ever done! Have a great day everyone!
There is nothing more to add to this blog ,every one of you have said it all,
I too have a cross in my pocket ,have for years,.Our strength comes from our Lord Lesus Praise His Holy Name…R..
🙂
Thank you once again David, for sharing that with God every name and person is important, and He know everyone. May we prayerfully remember everyone God places on our hearts and minds.
Sometimes we can’t physically do the Lord’s work but PRAYER is powerful and needed so when I can’t physically do some tasks I am excited to bring others before His Throne through several prayer chains I belong to.
Thank you David and fellow bloggers ……… JESUS did do it All!!
Great comments today fellow blog-buddies! Indeed Christ did pay the penalty for our sins, both past, present and future … isn’t this amazing grace?!!! The problem for some is that it’s too simple, they can’t believe that there’s nothing they can add to complete their salvation. I think this is very sad, an example of this problem is reflected in the book of Galatians. Many new Jewish converts to Christianity believed they still needed to be circumcised in order to both fulfill the requirements under Jewish law; they enforced their beliefs on the new Gentile converts, thereby enslaving them to rules that Jesus had never intended. These were legalists and didn’t know or didn’t fully understand the new freedom found in Christ. Legalists still operate in the Church today, don’t let them steal your freedom in the Lord with a bunch of binding unnecessary rules. Have a great Lord’s Day tomorrow friends, God Bless!
Amen!! It is really a rich spiritual journey God granted me by directing me to this blog. Pastor David Mainse and all of you servants of God are a huge blessing to me. Yes, a book for the blog will be great… ! and thanks so much for the “Cross” poem, that can be a great outreaching tool as well! God bless everyone!
Thank you Donna for sharing that poem. Thank you bloggers for your prayers in regards to taking care of a little boy for the first time, everything went smoothly. God bless each one!!!!