A LAMP AND A LIGHT
Suggested Reading: Proverbs 6
Click scripture link to read online or HERE to listen online (then click the symbol of the audio speaker above the scripture portion).
On display at the Convent of the Sisters of Zion in the Old City of Jerusalem on the Via Delarosa are several oil lamps from ancient times. Today, here in Nazareth, every member of our group of 100 was given a lamp like the ones above by the people at the Nazareth Village. A wick came with the lamps, but we must fill the lamps with olive oil and light our lamps. Olive oil is the symbol of spiritual life! The Spirit of God is symbolized by fire. Let's be energetic in shining our lights in the darkness of this world!
GOOGLE MAPS – To see where the photo was taken, click HERE.
Key Verses: Proverbs 6:6, 9
Go to the ant, you sluggard!
Consider her ways and be wise…
How long will you slumber, O sluggard?
When will you rise from your sleep?
Solomon encourages industry and hard work! He mocks the “sluggard” and tells us to learn from the “ant.” Discipline, diligence, perseverance and co-operation are all evident in the energetic work of an ant. The next person Solomon describes is one who is not slothful, but even worse. He devises evil. He busies himself with stirring up dissension and deception. Everything he does with his mouth, eyes, feet, and fingers (possibly referring to rude gestures) reflect the perversity of his heart. He sows discord and will reap calamity upon himself. God loves the sinner but hates sinful ways. Solomon lists these ways in the form of a numerical proverb. The six that are listed are a background for the seventh which is: “He sows discord!” The opposite of this is the prayer of Jesus found in John 17:20-26.
The oil and fire are a “Lamp” and a “Light” (Proverbs 6:23a)! God’s Spirit and His Word will keep us from the totally destructive activities of the last twelve verses of Proverbs chapter 6! Amen!!!
PRAYER FOR TODAY:
Lord God, I pray that by Your Spirit and by Your Word I will learn to not be slothful in the way I use my brief time here on earth. Grant the grace to me sufficient to keep me trusting You and obeying your Word! I pray for these mercies in the Name of the One who always obeyed You throughout eternity past, during His earthly life, and who will continue to obey You, Father God, throughout all eternity, the Lord Jesus Christ! Amen!!! (Hebrews 5:7-9).
100 PERSONAL WORDS:
I’m in Israel as I type this blog. Here at 5 a.m. Tuesday it’s 10 p.m. Monday evening Toronto time. Israel is 7 hours ahead. For our British Columbia tour group members we’re 10 hours ahead. I’ve heard that when I travel, it will take one day for every hour of time change to re-orient my inner clock when I return home. That’s seven days. However, I have found that this has its benefits. Through the years, it has been easier for me because of this time change to, as our key verse says, “Rise from your [my] sleep.” The question is asked, “How long will you slumber?” In my final years as the daily host of the 100 Huntley Street daily live telecast, I would rise at 3:30 a.m. to prepare my heart and mind for the new day. Now at 4 a.m. I awake with no problem to read God’s Word, pray and write this blog. It is said that it takes two weeks of constant repetition to form a habit, good or bad, and less than that to break a habit.
Today, our group travels south from the Galilee following the Jordan River to stay tonight at a hotel on the Dead Sea shore. The political tensions between Israel and the Palestinian Authority have lessened, and I expect that for the first time in several years we’ll be able to visit the world’s oldest city, Jericho.
Yours to help us all “RISE and SHINE!”
David
P.S. The photo below is at the Nazareth Village in front of a 430 year old olive tree with some more wonderful members of our tour group family. (left to right) Pam and Wilf from Niagara Falls, Ontario – Ken and Liz from Squamish, British Columbia – Darren and Margaret from Surrey, British Columbia – Milan and Vera from Toronto, Ontario – Lois from Simcoe, Ontario – Alice from Toronto, Ontario. The Nazareth Village is an effort to recreate life as it may have been at the time when Jesus was a Child, a Teenager, and a working Man until He was 30 years old and began His public ministry.
In Nazareth Village yesterday with a shepherd.
From today’s verse in Proverbs we learn of the importance and value of having a goal and working busily to accomplish the tasks at hand. The old saying “Idle hands are the devil’s tools” certainly won’t be found in the Bible, but this saying or proverb does convey a truth for us in our age. God values good and honest work; to those who learn this truth, constructive and purposeful lives will be had. God will bless labour and will provide a way if it’s within His will. This verse also tells me that time spent with God will never be wasted time, for spiritual labour cultivated from our efforts to know God through His Word, can only produce good fruit in our lives.
Great picture of you today with the Shepherd, David! Looks like everyone is having a great time!
I read this morning that the first day of Hanukha and the U.S. thanksgiving are on the sameday this year. It is a very rare occurence according to Thresa Schriefer, the person who shared a blog about it , on Google+. “Did you know Thanksgiving & Hanukkah, it is a meeting of holidays so rare it will be ten of thousands of years before it happens again. Thanksgiving is the first day of Hanukkah — the Jewish Festival of Lights — fall on the same day this year. I feel blessed to live in a country where we are free to celebrate our religious beliefs however we want. And that is not something one should take for granted in this world. And keep faith in God (Theresa Schreifer)”
By the way, I often make a rude gesture to show hate for people who harass me but I confessed to this when I first starting reading this blog. It is to the people who spend their time planning evil and strife that I show that gesture. I know that it is not repentance to continue to do it, but I am quite faithful to God in all the other ways mentioned in today’s Proverb. Except for the proud look. While I write this, a full sentence that I did not write appeared on the screen. This has also happened before. I think it was the first or second day that I commented here last summer.
Its great to see all the smiles of the travellers in the Holy Land and the picture of you David is wonderful
The aun works all year to prepare for the winter
And the cricket sang all summer
And now the cricket has no food for winter
So now he has to sing and dance
Im not sure if isaid it right but it means not to ne lazy work while you can and the day will come when there will be no work
I enjoy the daily blog and it is nice to read all the responses
God Bless every one on this blog and the travellers and David , Norma Jean and your family
While reading today’s Scriptures, I too was reminded of the saying: “Idle hands are the devils workshop”, but there was honour in doing something for others out of love for the Lord.
Thankful for mentor’s in the past, and in the present!
Loved the picture of the shepherd.
Blessings to all.
Praise God for this day. Your photo is amazing, David. You look so healthy, and full of vigor–thank you, God! The bark in the 430 year old olive tree is incredible! Praise God you will be able to visit Jericho because there is peace in the area–everyone looks joyful. I will be away for the rest of the week. Thank you for your prayers. Bless you, fellow saints!
Great pictures! Proverbs truly is a book of life telling us the dynamic consequences of our actions, or lack thereof. It is so helpful to read your commentary afterwords which has helped me gain deeper understanding day by day! I appreciate your early rise in the mornings to prepare each days readings. It has allowed me to wake up with enthusiasm anticipating what is in store for today! Right now it is 6:47 here Phoenix time. Have a great day, to all!
An excellent reminder to be FULLY ready to have the lights prepared for immediate use. Here in Newmarket, Ontario; we were subject to a power outage last Sunday night from 10pm to almost 5.30am the next morning ( residual effects from the US storms ). My wife Ruth, being an enterprising Newfoundlander, has collected ( and kept family treasures ) of old spirit lamps. We also had ‘LOTS OF SPIRIT’ ; an enlightening experience and a flask of hot tea !
A day or so later, I was most definitely moved to challenge old schoolfriend who had ‘run in the faith’ so well as a teenager at our Grammar school in the UK some 48 years ago, and both he and his family had nurtured me in my early days in Christ. Sadly they were caught in continual criticism of our local church. The parents died and my once-fervent friend drifted away from his faith. We recently reconnected through Facebook, but his postings were all to do with Hinduism and Buddhism. I have thanked him for his friendship and encouragement in our early days, but have not failed to issue a call to repentance and first love.
I’ve privately advised that I cannot receive his current content, but I have supplied my email address should he choose to stand again on the same Rock as myself.
Although I do agree in principle the idea behind idleness we must be clear there is a difference between being lazy and taking a rest. So many Christian workers in various ministries get burn out so quickly because they are so eager “doing things for God” they forget God and never go to His presence for nourishment and rest. Also the devil does use idle hands but he can also use busy hands. If we are so busy doing whatever we have to do that we never really see those around us, is our work of any value? I have seen pastors so busy they missed parishioners crying in their pews. And how many of us have avoided a lonely neighbour because we are “too busy” to chat? Also how many of us have not taken the time to call back a customer or client in the workplace because we are too busy for this simple courtesy? My point being, if we are too busy to love then are we certain the kind of work we are invested in, is really the work of God?
Thank you Donna,
You are so right.
Yesterday I went to a friends home for computer maintenance on her computers as I have done before.
As usual, she asked me to visit with her. Normally I say that I am to busy. This time I said yes and we had a lovely time.
I was able to witness to her.
Praying the Holy Spirit touches her and leads her to Christ Jesus.
Amen.
All you kids look like your having a great time 🙂
Beverlee Kay commented on the bark of the olive tree and I agree.
The texture is beautiful.
Would someone be willing to take a picture of the bark only. I think it would make a beautiful photograph.
Mr. Mainse, If so could you post the picture on your nourishing daily blog for us stay-cationers here.
So good Diane, that you decided to stay and visit with your friend and even were able to witness to her!
Amen Donna.
Please pray for mayor Ford ofToronto that Gods will be done .
So great to see you looking so well. I enjoy those pictures of Israel. I was there last year with my granddaughter Ashleigh on a trip with Pastor John Tweedie. It is a wonderful experience. May the Lord bless you and keep you in His care.
My first thought seeing you all in the picture & David w/ the shepherd was that is “very cool”. What an experience & a blessing! : ) I have to admit I was a ‘sluggard’ yesterday. Exhausted & played out from tears & praying fervently for my sister, Laurie, that she would call, text or at least be found alive somewhere in California. Well, she called my sister-in-law yesterday! The very next morning after you all had prayed! Was that God?! Of course – it was prayer. Thank you all so much for joining your prayers w/ ours. Laurie ‘happened’ to come upon a mission called ‘Brother Bennos’ (what a great story there if you want to check it out online – ‘Soup, soap, hugs & hope’). They helped her out w/ a bit of gas money, & food & – a phone. She said she has felt the Lord protecting her. (My Dad ran the Edmonton skid row House of Refuge Mission for many years so we know about missions & the need – it was the best place for her to seek help – God provides). Please, if you remember, continue to pray that we will be able to convince her to come home to Alberta & get help. It will be like talking someone off a window ledge (who is thinking they can actually fly), before they can hurt themselves! Please pray God will give us wisdom to help her to get her back on solid ground! Also, reading through the other prayer requests, I join my prayer w/ yours always & agree for your needs & answered prayer. Specifically, a young man named Christopher along w/ his mother & brother. And Diane’s friend, who she was able to share the Lord with. Praying that friend will be saved because of Diane’s witness. Thank you Lord for using Diane because she was willing to take time out to share the things that are important with her friend. Thank you Lord for honouring & blessing Diane for her faithfulness to you. God keep you all, Carol
Thank you Carol 🙂
I just talked to my sister on the phone & she has agreed to start home. We will send her money for gas, etc. I just wanted to report another miracle to uplift you all. I asked Laurie how she found her way to the mission. She said she had never asked anyone this before but she was prompted to go up to a ‘grandmotherly’ lady & ask her if she knew of a Christian Mission in the area. This lady turned out to be a very precious sister in the Lord – a very devout Catholic believer in Jesus. They had a great talk together sharing & she told Laurie about Brother Benno’s & that she had even received help there. It was close by. A miracle? You bet! What are the chances in the natural. Just wanted to share that report … May that be a blessing!
Thank you, Carol, for sharing the latest information on your sister, Laurie. A great answer to prayer. I am sure a great relief – just knowing that she is ok and that God was taking care of her – leading her to part of the body of Christ – the Mission – available to those in need. Praise God from Whom all blessings flow!” – Now for a safe journey home. Have a great day! Samuel
Praise the Lord– thank you Heavenly Father for watching over Laurie and leading her by your Holy Spirit back to her to family. And continue to bless the work Brother Benno’s and supply all their spiritual, financial and human resources needs to keep their ministry fruitful and productive to help others like they helped Laurie in her time of need.
Thank you Carol, for sharing answered prayer for Laurie with us. We pray that God will continue to watch over her and that she will be grateful to the Lord for looking after her. We pray also that she will return home safely soon.
What a AMAZING GOD we serve JESUS could not be more alive and present than this!
God bless you sister Carol
Wow! God is so good! Our amazing father in heaven! How he protects us! Thank you for the update Carol.
Dear Rev. David M. Such a joy seing you looking so good beside the shepherd. Donna is quite right to warn us about becoming overzellus and even missing Our Lords mission for us so let use God’s gifts of Wisdom, Discernement spending time in prayer with Our Savior,Our King Jesus !… God bless you all
Praying for all fellow bloggers and their personal request in Jesus’Name Amen
xxx Carole
Have I not seen the pictures in yesterday’s blog before? The women who waited for the groom to return made sure they had oil in their lamps.
God loves sinners we need to pray for the mayor of Toronto he needs God
Yes, Rob Ford and is brother need the Lord!!!
Thank you Carol for sharing, and I join in your prayer for a safe journey home for Laurie…for the Lord’s angels to protect her.
oh, praise the Lord for answered prayer,He knew all along where Laurie was. And now is bringing her home for Christmas, how wonderful is that…Enjoying the
Hloly land trip through this blog….Thank you all you bloggers and thank you David M for your faithfulness to this wonderful blog…..R….
The Bible is the true Word of God. The weird things going on and people don’t even see or don’t care what they are doing to give power to the antichrist. It really is a dark time.
And don’t underestimate the man of faith. To do so is to forget the power of God.
The blog is wonderful….and the comments of the readers are so uplifting. Thank you all. You look terrific David! I had my photo taken with that shepherd too, a few weeks ago. Am LOVING the pictures of the places I also visited. Am wondering if you are at the same hotel we stayed in at the Dead Sea. The Sea is amazing!!!
A friend gave me your book, this far by faith and I found your blog, thank you.
For 11 years my husband and I have owned an R.V. park ,we have just retired ,sold it and moved to our new home. Every day after reading and prayer I prayed for each person,there rigs and pets that he would protect them on their travels, that the Lord would send workers that they would listen to into there lives to teach and instruct them so that each one of them would receive him as their personal saviour. At 68 I’m now looking foward to his next assignment…I am encouraged to read how he has always had a new chapter for your life and I know he is no respector of persons……Shirley….Kaleden, B.C.