SUBSTANCE/EVIDENCE

Suggested Reading: Hebrews 11

Click scripture link to read online or HERE to listen online (then click the symbol of the audio speaker above the scripture portion).

On the side of the replica of Moses' Tabernacle at Timna Park in Israel, you can see Cherubim designed into the side curtains that keep the sun off the Holy Place and Holy of Holies. Our readings in Hebrews teach us about the activities which took place in the first tent Tabernacle. These ancient people had faith to believe that the design of their tent of worship and sacrifice depicted the actual approach to God, which is in Heaven above. They illustrated our key verse for today.

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

Key Verses: Hebrews 11:1

Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.

“Faith” is absolutely essential to our eternal salvation and to enjoying success in our temporary life here on earth. Nicodemus, of the Jewish denomination of the Pharisees, and “a ruler of the Jews,” came to Jesus secretly and confessed his faith struggles. Jesus summed up His teaching to Nicodemus with these words, “He who believes in the Son has everlasting life; and he who does not believe the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him” (John 3:36). We may want to take the time to read the entirety of John’s third chapter (click here). Eternal life is the most far-reaching result of our faith, and there are many other results as well. Take, for example, the vitally important matter of answered prayer. James 1:6-8 tells us, “Let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. For let not that man suppose he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double minded man, unstable in all his ways!” Before we despair of our lack of faith, let us remember that “faith” is both a gift of the Spirit of God to us (1 Corinthians 12a), and also a fruit of the Spirit (faithfulness), which grows in our lives as branches that are securely attached to the vine (the trunk) of the Lord Jesus Himself (Galatians 5:22). God does this in us! Rest in Him! Faith is produced in us as we read the Word of God daily. Romans 10:17 encourages us to keep reading God’s Word. We can all do that! “So then faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God!”

PRAYER FOR TODAY:

Lord God, Help me to rest in You, knowing that as I soak in Your Word every day, I am receiving Your gift of faith, and as a result I am full of faith (faithfulness). I pray for greater hope and confidence than ever as I take this journey through Your Word each day. I rest on this secure “Substance/Evidence.” In Jesus Name I pray, Amen!!!

100 PERSONAL WORDS:

Yes, I read the Scriptures every day, but I know it has an increased impact on me when I hear the Scriptures read, either out loud by my own voice or by the voice of the one who reads for me when I click the spot at the top of the blog. It may be that by taking in the Word of God by both my eyes as well as both my ears, there is a double impact on my heart and mind. I’d like to hear from blog participants as to whether or not you find it to be true that you receive more if you both read and hear God’s Word. It does seem to be reasonable that if two of my senses are active in receiving, it will have a greater influence than just one.

I remind myself regularly that Hebrews 11 may be the only chapter in the Bible that seems to assume that many more names will be added in future generations. I know of people whose names would fit in with the heroes of faith listed here. I long to follow their examples faithfully.

Yours for the “Substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things not seen.”

David

P.S. Behind me in the photo below is the “Shrine of the Book.” It encloses, under the clay jar shaped dome, the complete scroll of the book of the prophet Isaiah. Isaiah is filled with prophecies predicting the birth and the ministry of the Messiah. On Monday we start our Isaiah readings. Starting today I want to attach the first of five Christmas specials I hosted from Bethlehem (click here).

ONCE FOR ALL

Suggested Reading: Hebrews 9-10

Click scripture link to read online or HERE to listen online (then click the symbol of the audio speaker above the scripture portion).

The Tabernacle of Moses replica can be visited at Timna Park in the Jordan Valley in Israel. You can see the divide of the Holy of Holies curtain through the Holy Place. The Golden Lampstand is on the left, and the Table of Showbread on the right. This picture illustrates the first five verses of today's reading.

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

Key Verse: Hebrews 9:12

Not with the blood of goats and calves, but with His own blood He entered the Most Holy Place once for all, having obtained eternal redemption.

In 100words.ca we have taken note of repeated words which help us to understand the “main point!” (Hebrews 8:1). In today’s reading “once” is repeated several times. In the Old Covenant, the High Priest would enter the Holy of Holies “once a year” (9:7) with the blood of animals, but now “ONCE FOR ALL.” Hebrews 9:7 tells us that “Christ was offered once to bear the sins of many.” Our Lord Jesus cried out from the cross, “It is finished!!!” Hebrews 10:12 tells us that “He offered one sacrifice for sins forever.” Then He “sat down at the right hand of God.” The words “sat down” indicates that the work is complete. Hallelujah! Believe it and rest in full confidence of salvation as believers in Jesus!

We have read words here in Hebrews 10, as well as back in Hebrews 6, such as “If they fall away…it is impossible…to renew them again to repentance…” (Heb 6:4-6), and Hebrews 10:26 which tells us, “If we sin willfully after we have received the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins.” How are we to understand this and maintain the assurance of our eternal salvation? Remember, Hebrews is addressed to Jewish believers in Jesus who faced tremendous pressure to return to traditional Judaism and the animal sacrifices which, as these words were being written, were still being presented daily in the Temple in Jerusalem. This continued up until the Temple’s destruction in 70 A. D. The writer wants his readers to understand that since Jesus cried, “It is finished,” those sacrifices were null and void. If a person goes back to trusting those sacrifices, as Judaism taught, there is no eternal salvation there. This is why the last verse of today’s reading tells us, “But we are not of those who draw back to perdition [back to trusting the animal sacrifices], but of those who believe [in the once for all offering of Jesus] to the saving of the soul” (Hebrews 10:39).

PRAYER FOR TODAY:

Lord God, I pray for Your ministry gifts to enable me, more clearly than ever, to share with others the “once for all” salvation which gives me such confidence. May I fall into the loving, saving, nail-scarred hands of Jesus, trusting Him alone. I know that without Jesus it would indeed be “a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God!” (Hebrews 10:31). With complete assurance of salvation in Jesus Christ, I pray this in His Name! Amen!!!

100 PERSONAL WORDS:

I believe that God wants me to have as a goal putting my thoughts down in as close to 100 words as possible. That goal keeps me much more brief that would otherwise be the case. When my Pastor stands before our congregation to preach and teach the Word of God, I expect several thousand words. Rev. Kevin Shepherd has excellent gifts from the Holy Spirit which enable him to fulfill his ministry. I am faithful in attendance. I’m very mindful of Hebrews 10:24-25, “And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.” I presume the writer is referring to the Day of the return of Christ!

I think that this blog and other daily devotionals are supplemental to the teaching and preaching of my Pastor. “Assembling of ourselves together” is the main thing!!!

Yours to help us all to “Hold fast [firmly] the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful!!!”,

David

P.S. Our television network stations, the Crossroads Television System, are unique in approach to sharing the Good News of Jesus. There is great variety in the content. For example, the entertainment shows draw people to watch CTS who would not tune into a 100% Gospel ministry channel. With a broad appeal to a wide audience, there is much more “new good ground” (as in Jesus’ parable of the sower) in which to sow the seed of God’s Word. Here are some of the things happening on CTS for the Christmas season. This is the time of year when many who would not otherwise watch Christian content are open to do so. Let’s spread the Good News!

Here is a summertime photo of the Crossroads Centre in Burlington, Ontario, with "CTS" on the big rock out front. This is the home of the Crossroads' Ministry and of the Crossroads Television Network. The architect took the inspiration for this design from the victorian buildings which used to be on Huntley Street downtown Toronto. On the plaque at the bottom of the rock is the Scripture, "Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls" (Jeremiah 6:16).

The Brazen Altar is placed before the replica of Moses' Tabernacle. You can see the Timna Cliffs and wilderness in the distance. The actual tabernacle was pitched in the wilderness by the children of Israel, taken down and moved many times. Hebrews 8:5 calls the earthly tent, "A copy and shadow of the heavenly things." This was very temporary, but the building in Heaven where Christ, our High Priest made His entrance, bringing his own blood, is eternal! Jesus, the lamb of God, is the final and complete sacrifice for sin!!!

FOREVER

Suggested Reading: Hebrews 7-8

Click scripture link to read online or HERE to listen online (then click the symbol of the audio speaker above the scripture portion).

Just outside Jerusalem's Old City walls is the Garden Tomb area. It is thought that this could be where Jesus was laid after His death. The hymn comes to mind, "Up from the grave He arose with a mighty triumph o'er His foes." Another line says, "Death could not hold its prey, He tore the bars away." YES!!!

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

Key Verses: Hebrews 7:24-25

But He, because He continues forever, has an unchangeable priesthood. Therefore He is able to save to the uttermost those who come to God through Him, since He ever lives to make intercession for them.

The words, “EVER LIVES” in our reading stand out as does “FOREVER,” and “ENDLESS LIFE!” Rev. Jim Cantelon writes in “Day Unto Day,” published by Crossroads in the 1990s, these words about Hebrews 7: “The writer speaks of Melchizedek as ‘without father or mother, without genealogy, without beginning of days or end of life…’ (7:3a). What is he telling us here? If he intends us to take it at face value, he’s telling us that Melchizedek is God (for only God has no parents, no genealogy, no beginning or ending).” Jim is founder of the great “King of Kings” congregation in Jerusalem. Many scholars believe that Melchizedek was Jesus trying on the garments of humanity in a relationship with “The Friend of God,” Abraham. There are eight volumes in the “Day Unto Day” series. They are out of print but some used copies can be found for on Amazon.ca here. These books and others published by Crossroads over the years have served a high purpose for God and His people, but they do not claim to be exhaustive commentaries on Scripture. Such works as those of Matthew Henry, 1662-1714, are exhaustive, having many 3-inch thick volumes with tens of thousands of pages of detailed teachings on every verse of Scripture. Check online Matthew Henry’s commentary on Hebrews 7 on line here. The publishing efforts of Crossroads, including this blog, are for 99.9% of people who are not full-time seminarians or Bible teachers.

PRAYER FOR TODAY:

Lord God, I do want to study Your Word faithfully. Help me in my commitment to read Your Word every day without fail. I may not be able to read exhaustive commentaries, such as that penned by Your servant, the ordained Presbyterian Minister Matthew Henry, but I intend to, at the very least, take some time daily to spend with You in prayer and in study. I ask You for grace to be consistent! In the Name of the totally consistent One, Jesus Christ, I pray, Amen!!!

100 PERSONAL WORDS:

About 55 years ago my Dad gave me a set of Matthew Henry’s commentaries, and I used them for years in my sermon preparation, but not for my daily devotions. I came to the conclusion that preachers and Bible teachers who stand before congregations need both a rich devotional life and an in-depth study of God’s Word. These are not the same. One is for personal daily spiritual strength and the other is for the accurate impartation of Truth to others.

Norma-Jean and I live now in an 1100 square foot apartment. In checking the walls, I realize that from floor to ceiling, they would not hold the books I once had. In 2005, when we sold the farm in which Norma-Jean was born, I invited our children to raid my library first. They probably helped themselves to about 100 books each. Then I contacted the Emmanuel Bible College in Kitchener, Ontario, and invited the students to do the same. One of the students was excited to get my old set of Matthew Henry commentaries. I look at my bookshelves now and they would measure about four feet high and five feet wide. Books are still a priority in our family budget, but I tend to give them away after I’ve read them. I’m looking around my shelves now, and I think it’s time to give more away. I thank all who read this blog from the bottom of my heart, for taking the time to join me each day. You are very special to me!

Yours for the glory of the One Who is Forever, and ever, and ever. The indestructible One!!!

David

P.S. For an advance peek at the Christmas Eve show I am hosting from Bethlehem, click here. Be sure to watch, if possible, each night, December 23 to 27, at 9:30 p.m. right after the 100 Huntley Street telecast, on CTS television. Help me share the Good News with others. Thanks!!!

IMMUTABLE

Suggested Reading: Hebrews 5-6

Click scripture link to read online or HERE to listen online (then click the symbol of the audio speaker above the scripture portion).

This manger scene is not much different today than it was 2,000 years ago at the birth of Jesus. Bethlehem shepherds had the contract to provide lambs for sacrifice, which the priests in the Temple at Jerusalem (5 miles north of Bethlehem) would sacrifice on the altars. Once a year, the High Priest would enter the Holy of Holies with a bowl of the blood of a Bethlehem-born sacrificial lamb, offering the blood for atonement for the sins of the people. Jesus, born in Bethlehem, is our sacrificial Lamb. John the Baptist said of Jesus, as recorded in John 1:29, "Behold the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!"

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

Key Verses: Hebrews 5:4-6

And no man takes this honour to himself, but he who is called by God, just as Aaron was. So also Christ did not glorify Himself to become High Priest, but it was He who said to Him: “You are My Son. Today I have begotten You” [Psalm 2:7], and in another place, “You are a Priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek” [Psalm 119:4].

Just imagine, we are let in on a conversation between God the Father and God the Son, which took place in eternity past. Wow!!!

In today’s reading, the words “according to the order of Melchizedek” are repeated twice. The name of this King of Salem (Jerusalem) and this Priest of God, literally means, “King,” “Priest” (read Genesis 14:17-20). This King-Priest offered bread and wine to Abraham and to those with him. This may have been the first eucharist or communion service. Tomorrow’s reading also features Melchizedek. We might want to read ahead in Hebrews 7. Reading these Scriptures at least twice is an excellent practice.

The other twice-repeated word for today is “immutability” and “immutable” (6:17-18). This means “impossible to change”! The promises of God are totally reliable because they are grounded on the very bedrock of His Divine Nature. If it were possible for God to lie, He would no longer be God. Absolute TRUTH is an essential quality of His character. Every evidence that is necessary to confirm the eternal Priesthood of the Lord Jesus Christ has been provided. Our Bethlehem-born Lamb of God has offered His own Body and Blood in the very presence of God in Heaven. His sacrifice for sin has been accepted by God on our behalf. What assurance!!!

PRAYER FOR TODAY:

Thank You, Jesus, that You are my Priest. You have presented Your own Body and Blood to God as the eternal, once for all, Sacrifice for my sin. You represent me before the throne of God in Heaven. Back here, on Earth, I pray for grace to present myself to You daily in full assurance of the Salvation You have provided. Thank You that You’ve given me permission to use Your Name for entrance into “The Holy of Holies” as I pray. Amen!!!

100 PERSONAL WORDS:

I had the opportunity to answer a question from Helmut Kohl, former Chancellor of Germany. He asked me, “Can a person know here in this life that they are going to Heaven?” I quoted Hebrews 6:18 to him…”It is impossible for God to lie,” and then I proceeded to give Him several of God’s promises about eternal life. You can read a fuller account of this God appointment in my book, This Far By Faith, pages 64-66. I’ve given copies of this book to people who lack assurance of their Salvation and pointed them to the Chancellor’s story. Extra copies could be made available. Here’s how to order my book.

Next week, December 23rd to 27th, I’m hosting five Christmas specials from Bethlehem on CTS television, 9:30 to 10:00 p.m. eastern standard time. Also, it is scheduled for release at 9:30 p.m. Alberta time. Many Christmas carols will be featured with commentary. I recorded this while in Jerusalem and Bethlehem at the end of November. I particularly enjoyed the first show. I was in Christ’s Church, Jerusalem, when a Pastor and several of his people from Germany entered the church. I asked them to sing for us “Silent Night,” a carol written first in their language. One precious person with cerebral palsy in the group touched my heart deeply as with a shining face, filled with joy, she sang her carol. Please don’t miss this first show, Monday, December 23rd. I will let you know when these specials are available online and I’ll include links on my blog.

Yours for a most “Merry Christmas.” “A merry heart does good like a medicine” (Proverbs 17:22).

David

THE BUILDER OF LIVES

Suggested Reading: Hebrews 3-4

Click scripture link to read online or HERE to listen online (then click the symbol of the audio speaker above the scripture portion).

At the traditional site of the baptism of Jesus at the Jordan River, a priest conducts a service. The Hebrew people, to whom the book of Hebrews was addressed, would have been very familiar with the ceremonies conducted in the Jerusalem Temple by the High Priest. The vestments of the Jewish priests were carried into the Christian church all over the world by priests who were believers in Jesus. The liturgy of Temple worship has influenced the rituals of all the ancient churches as they see the sacrifice of Christ on the cross portrayed in their traditional forms of worship. The service pictured above is conducted by a Coptic Priest from Egypt.

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

Key Verse: Hebrews 4:14

Seeing then that we have a great High Priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession.

The first verse of today’s reading urges us to “Consider the Apostle and High Priest of our confession, Christ Jesus.” We are encouraged to examine carefully the role of Christ Jesus in His absolutely essential work of presenting the sacrifice of His own life to Almighty God. There is no salvation apart from Christ. Therefore, believers in Jesus are exhorted not to depart from their faith in Christ.

Hebrews chapter four repeats the word “rest” seven times. We may want to look up the word “rest” in the dictionary and ask ourselves, “Are we resting in Jesus?” The ultimate importance of the bedrock of Jesus on which we “rest,” and upon Whom we build our lives, is obvious. It is the Word of God (4:12) which provides the blueprint for the structure of our lives. The importance of considering God’s plans daily cannot be overstated. This blog should help us focus our attention on how we are building and then on the “rest” that is ours.

PRAYER FOR TODAY:

Christ Jesus, You are the Builder of my house, the place where I dwell. I’ve read, Lord, that “every house is built by someone, but He who built all things is God” (Hebrews 3:4). I pray that I will rest 24/7 in the knowledge that You are my Foundation, my Builder. I need You! May I not be a “do-it-yourself” builder. I rest in 100% confidence in Your commitment to build my life as something of beauty for Your glory. I pray this in the Name of the Builder of Lives, Jesus Christ, Amen!!!

100 PERSONAL WORDS:

Yesterday afternoon Norma-Jean and I were invited to what the Crossroads team billed as a “TOWN HULL MEETING.” That’s a play on the name of our new Crossroads Global Chief Executive Officer, Dr. John Hull. Dr. Hull spent about 90 minutes answering questions from Crossroads employees. I marvelled at the wisdom and grace with which he answered each person. He demonstrated a thorough knowledge of the times in which we live, and He is committed to continuing to implement and grow the original vision and mission of Crossroads. Here is a short bio of Dr. John Hull from our Crossroads website. I have no doubt that Jesus is the Builder of John’s life and ministry. He told us that the focus of Crossroads will always be, “Jesus, Jesus, Jesus.”

At the staff gathering we honoured 10-year, 15-year, 20-year and 25+ year employees. Norma-Jean, our son Ron, and I had the privilege of posing for the picture (below) with our 100 Huntley Street Executive Producer, George McEachern (35 years on the team!) and Johanna Webster, who for 30 years has selected, booked, and cared for all the guests who appear on the 100 Huntley Street telecast. These are all people whose “house has been built by God.” It has been a huge honour for me to work with such wonderful people.

Yours for Jesus! Jesus! Jesus! Remember He was a Carpenter, a Builder, the Builder of the lives of all of us who invite Him to construct our lives to His glory and purpose,

David

P.S. John Hull’s wife is down in Atlanta with family this week, so Norma-Jean invited him over to our apartment for a bowl or two of her famous stew last night. Our son, David Reynold, was in the area and dropped by to spend some time with Mom and Dad. Mother’s stew is his favourite! Norma-Jean took this picture on her iPhone (second photo below). You see John, my son and me with the bowl of hot stew just before we partook of it on a cold night outside.

GOD SPEAKS

Suggested Reading: Hebrews 1-2

Click scripture link to read online or HERE to listen online (then click the symbol of the audio speaker above the scripture portion).

An Orthodox Jew and another less religious person pray at the Western Wall in Jerusalem, which is part of the original retaining wall of the Temple Mount during the time of Jesus. During Jesus' three years of teaching, preaching and healing the sick, thousands of Jews believed in Him, and many thousands more believed following His death and resurrection. Jesus proclaimed Himself to be the Temple of God. When asked, "What sign do You show to us?" His answer was, "Destroy this Temple and in three days I will raise it up" (John 2:19). John went on to say, "But He was speaking of the Temple of His body"... His death and resurrection.

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

Key Verses: Hebrews 1:1-2

God, who at various times and in various ways spoke in time past to the fathers by the prophets, has in these last days spoken to us by His Son, whom He has appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the worlds…

What we used to call “the bare subject” of the key sentence is “God.” The bare predicate or verb (action word) is “has spoken.” How does God speak in the present? The literal words in the Greek language of the writer describes how God speaks now. He does not say that He speaks in Greek, Hebrew, or for us in English, but God speaks “by His Son.” Jesus is, in Himself, what God has to say to the human race. Jesus is the living “Word” – God’s means of communication with us (read John 1:14-18). “The Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.”

Today’s reading contains 15 direct quotes from the Hebrew Bible, which lets us in on what God said to His Son in eternity past. For example, Hebrews 1:8a, “Your throne, O God, is forever and ever.” This reminds us of the prophecy of the Jewish prophet Isaiah, who wrote in Isaiah 9:6, “Unto us a Child is born. Unto us a Son is given…His Name will be called…Mighty God.” In the light of dozens of such prophecies, no wonder thousands of those who practised Judaism became followers of Jesus as their promised Saviour and God.

PRAYER FOR TODAY:

Lord God, I’ve just read in Hebrews 2:1 words which I pray that You’ll write indelibly on my heart. I “must give the more ernest heed to the things we [I] have heard, lest we [I] drift away.” Keep me, Lord Jesus, close, so very close to You always. In Your Name (Your Person) I pray, Amen!!!

100 PERSONAL WORDS:

I often quote to myself and to God the words of Hebrews 2:9, “But we see Jesus…” I think that one of the reasons we don’t have a physical description of what Jesus looked like recorded in Scripture is that the Holy Spirit, wanting us to see with insight rather than physical sight, deliberately avoided telling us of the outward appearance of Jesus. I ask myself, can I say to Jesus, “I see You!”

I can’t pass by these chapters without a warning that there are false teachers who will come to every door sooner or later, who believe that Jesus was the archangel Michael. That’s right, they teach that Jesus is an angel! I’ve just read again Hebrews 1:5-14. How dare they teach such lies? Let’s love these people who are deceived by the one who comes as an “angel of light,” but in reality is the fallen angel, Lucifer or Satan (read 2 Corinthians 11:13-15). Any teaching that seeks to lower the Person of Jesus from being 100% God as well as 100% Human is “the spirit of antichrist” (read 1 John 4:1-6).

Yours to help open the eyes of our hearts to see, carefully observe, and take in every detail of His Person as revealed to us through our daily Bible readings,

David

P.S. Many artists have tried to represent Jesus in a painting. My favourite one is of Jesus knocking at the door of the human heart. It hangs in St. Paul’s Cathedral in London, England (see photo of the painting below). It carries a powerful message, but of course, it is not an actual likeness of Jesus in His human Person. We do have a word picture of Jesus in His glory given by the Apostle John who saw Him in a vision and did his best to describe Him for us (read Revelation 1:12-20). I am eagerly looking forward to seeing Jesus face-to-face soon (1 Corinthians 13:12). The Angels said, as Jesus’ followers watched Him leave earth, “This same Jesus…will so come in like manner as you saw Him go onto Heaven” (Acts 1:7-11). If any reader has not opened your heart’s door to invite Jesus inside, please do so now as you consider the painting below. There is no handle on the outside of the door. It’s only on the inside. You may choose to open the door. He will never break the door down and forcibly enter. He loves you and waits for your decision. There is a little chorus that says, “Into my heart. Into my heart, come into my heart Lord Jesus. Come in today. Come in to stay. Come into my heart Lord Jesus.” Make this you prayer (click here for the song, “Into My Heart”).

Christ at Your Heart's Door by Warner Sallman.

MY BELOVED

Suggested Reading: Song of Solomon 7-8

Click scripture link to read online or HERE to listen online (then click the symbol of the audio speaker above the scripture portion).

Sheltered from the sun, a lady sitting in a tree keeps watch over her donkey at Nazareth Village. The Shulamite maiden in our readings was such a farm girl.

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

Key Verses: Song of Solomon 7:10, 8:6

I am my beloved’s and his desire is toward me…Set me as a seal upon your heart, as a seal upon your arm.

For the culture of 3,000 years ago, the imagery used to describe the bride’s beauty was understood. For example, “Your nose is like the tower of Lebanon” may seem humorous to us, but to them it meant,”exquisitely sculptured and well formed.” Solomon considered her entire body to be beautiful from her feet up to he hair on her head. For us, we can learn that complimenting our spouse is good for a happy life. Our first key verse is a wonderful statement which describes a relationship of true wedded love, and it is also true in our love for God and His love for us. He loves us with an everlasting love, and may we do the same toward Him. “We love Him because He first loved us” (1 John 4:19).

In much of middle-eastern culture, a brother and sister may kiss in public, but never a married couple (8:1). Our second key verse can be understood to be as an engagement and wedding rings in our culture today. A mark, perhaps a tattoo, was placed on the arm of the bride. A tattoo is there for one’s entire life; unfortunately a wedding ring can be removed. May God help us to keep our vows “until death do us part.” In 8:8-10 our reading takes us from the Shulamite’s childhood to her maturity as a woman. Her brothers protected her purity as a “wall” around about her. May our families form a shield of protection, particularly around our youth.

PRAYER FOR TODAY:

Dear Lord, I love You with all my heart. I have loved ones for whom I care most deeply. May I be as a wall of wisdom, love, and protection around them and not an over protection, which would hinder their development into all that they can be. I pray this in the Name of the One who made His own decision at 12 to stay behind in the Temple, a boy (young man) who “increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and men,” Jesus Himself (Luke 2:52). Amen!!!

100 PERSONAL WORDS:

The verse, “Increased in wisdom…,” is the motto of our Circle Square Ranches, which are located across Canada. Crossroads gave them as a gift to “Inter-Varsity Christian Fellowship,” which has operated Christian summer camps since 1928. They are doing a great job in reaching more and more children and teens for Christ. An excellent Christmas gift for children would be a week at camp next summer. Check out “Pioneer Camps” and “Circle Square Ranches.” Click here for information on purchasing a week at camp as a surprise gift. Good suggestion!

Tomorrow, God willing, we move back to the New Testament and start the book of Hebrews. Hebrews ties together the two Covenants (Testaments) of God with His human family in a powerful way that shows clearly that in Messiah (Hebrew), or Christ (Greek), Jesus is the absolutely essential bridge over which all must cross in order to embrace the eternal plan of redemption and everlasting life available to all humanity. Acts 4:5-12 is an excellent reading for our consideration as we move into Hebrews.

Yours because we can say, “My Beloved is mine and I am His” (Song of Songs 2:16a),

David

RETURN, RETURN!

Suggested Reading: Song of Solomon 4-6

Click scripture link to read online or HERE to listen online (then click the symbol of the audio speaker above the scripture portion).

The Church of All Nations, also known as the Church or Basilica of the Agony, is a Roman Catholic church located on the Mount of Olives in Jerusalem, next to the Garden of Gethsemane. It enshrines a section of bedrock where Jesus is said to have prayed before His arrest (Mark 14:32-42). In the garden, there are some extremely old olive trees; perhaps they were there at the time of Christ. In 4:12a of today's reading, the spouse is likened to a "garden enclosed." This is a term of endearment indicating the exclusiveness of the marriage relationship. Here, in the Garden of Gethsemane, Peter began his human efforts to fight for Jesus, which ended in his denial of Jesus at the High Priest's palace. For a brief time Jesus and his beloved Peter were separated, as were the "lovers" in today's reading.

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

Key Verses: Song of Solomon 4:10

How fair is your love,

My sister, my spouse!

How much better than wine is your love,

And the scent of your perfumes

Than all spices!

Whether we read this poem as simply a love story between Solomon and the lovely Shulamite maiden, or a portrayal of the love between God and His people, we will not find a more tender and moving expression of love. The young woman, having missed her opportunity to welcome her beloved on his unexpected visit, goes out to search for him. Deep within her heart, she is certain of his love.

Could it be that we, who say we love God, do not respond to His presence immediately, and we miss the relationship He desires to have with us. Like the Shulamite we can search in many places for Him, but the message is clear in the last verse of our reading (6:13a): We are called to “Return, return…Return, return!” Let us return to the place where we first met Jesus, not to the physical location, but the place of repentance as did Peter after he had been challenged for the third time by a waitress in the courtyard of the High Priest (read Luke 22:47-62).

PRAYER FOR TODAY:

Dear Lord, like the Shulamite, I realize that I don’t deserve Your love, but I also recognize that You have chosen to love me. Please forgive me for not responding instantly to Your presence and Your love. I pray for grace to learn to return and to remain constantly in Your presence. I thank You that You have promised to never leave me nor forsake me. I’ve read this Lord, both in Deuteronomy and quoted in Hebrews 13:5. I pray this in the Name of the One who said, “I am with you always,” the Lord Jesus Himself, Amen!!! (Matthew 28:18-20)

100 PERSONAL WORDS:

Just before I awoke this morning, I had a dream. Like the Shulamite says in the song, “I sleep, but my heart is awake.” Her dream involved searching for her beloved, and of being beaten and wounded during her search (5:2-7). My dream was of a current person, constantly in the news, Mayor Rob Ford of Toronto. His “veil,” cover up, has been ripped off and surely he has been severely beaten and wounded by his own poor decisions and by the enemy of his soul. In my dream I saw him restored, in good shape physically, and he was telling of his return to the God of his fathers. He was sharing that he had encountered Jesus and his life had been transformed. He was smiling and people were beginning to respect him once again, because he had changed so dramatically for the better. Dream over, and I awoke. I thought, “Wouldn’t that be great!” I’ve tried to call him and I wrote to him about a month ago. I offered to come and see him if he was interested, but I’ve not heard back. I don’t know whether or not he has any connection with a pastor who could help him. He really, really needs Jesus. Let’s all keep praying for him to return. He did say on TV that his father was a Bible teacher.

Yours for the “return” to God of all who have known Him as children but have run far away, where they have been beaten and wounded,

David

SONG OF SONGS

Suggested Reading: Song of Solomon 1-3

Click scripture link to read online or HERE to listen online (then click the symbol of the audio speaker above the scripture portion).

On this coin that was minted in Jerusalem is Yehonatan the King surrounding a lily flower. It is a Bronze prutah of the Hasmonean king Alexander Jannaeus and is dated 104-76 BC. Song of Songs, chapter 2, verse 2, likens the beloved to a "lily among thorns."

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

Key Verses: Song of Solomon 2:10

My beloved spoke, and said to me:
“Rise up, my love, my fair one,
And come away…”

The story is told of the conference of Jewish Rabbis who were faced with the decision as to which writings were to be included in the Bible. One Rabbi said that the Song of Songs, as it is called in the Hebrew Bible, was much too sensuous and should be excluded. Then the aged Chief Rabbi stood to his feet and said, “Brothers, all the other books we are including in the sacred Scriptures are like the Holy Place in the Temple, but the Song of Songs is the Holy of Holies. It is all about intimacy with our God.” Of course they included Song of Songs! For our readings, it is vital to understand that all expressions of affection and physical lovemaking are pure, true love, not to be taken in an erotic, lustful way.

Historically, this is the courting and marriage of a shepherdess to King Solomon, and the delights and heartaches of wedded love. Later in life, Solomon married many women. This special person may have been Solomon’s only true love. Allegorically, it pictures Israel as the object of God’s love and as His bride. Israel was unfaithful to her Husband. The Prophet Hosea lived out God’s relationship with Israel. God instructed him to marry an unfaithful woman (read Hosea 2:19-23, Hosea 3:1). Make no mistake about it! “GOD IS LOVE!” For a New Testament reading check out 1 John 4:9-19.

PRAYER FOR TODAY:

Lord God, just as You chose Israel as Your “Spouse,” so You have chosen all who believe in Jesus as Your “Bride.” I pray for Your grace so that I will be faithful to You, not prostituting myself by yielding to temptations to commit spiritual adultery with a world that is opposed to You, and living in a way that is so dishonouring to You. I love You, Lord Jesus, and I pray this in Your Name and for Your sake, Amen!!!

100 PERSONAL WORDS:

Today, I’m going to the Go Train shortly and heading to downtown Toronto to a clinic for treatment for MDS leukemia. I know that every time I go to make a call or click an icon on my iPhone, up will come a picture of my bride, my spouse, and me. Norma-Jean is my love. I think of her when I read the song of the Shunamite maiden and Solomon. That same picture is on the back cover of my latest book, This Far By Faith. As you can tell, I’m very fond of that picture. If you haven’t received your copy of my book yet, here’s how to get it (click here). I’ll ask Ron to put that picture here at the bottom of today’s blog.

I’ve just read all 85 responses to Wednesday’s blog where I asked, “What do you think?” in relation to my continuing this blog past March, the month predicted by the doctor for this normally terminal illness. I’ll quote just one comment. David L. said at 9:47 a.m. these words, “Blessings to you David, Bloggers, and though you probably won’t read this blog, everyone who follows the Bible reading through 100words. Our God is a God of miracles. Obviously, David, you have work here on earth that is not complete.” I have not been able to read every response since I began on June 3rd, 2012, but lately I’ve been faithful to read everything readers say. You are a great encouragement to me. Keep them coming!!!

Yours, as the Scripture says, “And to communicate, forget not!” (Hebrews 13:16 KJV),

David

REMEMBER YOUR CREATOR

Suggested Reading: Ecclesiastes 10-12

Click scripture link to read online or HERE to listen online (then click the symbol of the audio speaker above the scripture portion).

When we see the Creator's handiwork, our hearts are filled with awe. The First Nations peoples of our land refer to God as "THE GREAT CREATOR," and have done so since before the European explorers arrived on this continent.

Key Verses: Ecclesiastes 12:1, 13-14

Remember now your Creator in the days of your youth,

Before the difficult days come,

And the years draw near when you say,

“I have no pleasure in them.”

…Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter:

Fear God and keep His commandments,

For this is man’s all.

For God will bring every work into judgment,

Including every secret thing,

Whether good or evil.

“Dead flies” – Chapter 10 begins by warning us that some foolishness can destroy much of the good that wisdom has accomplished. The consistent application of our minds and hearts to wisdom, such as this daily blog encourages, will help keep us on track. As 10:4b instructs us, “Do not leave your post!”

In order to help his large family understand the Scriptures, Ken Taylor created a paraphrase called “The Living Bible.” He renders Ecclesiastes 11:4 this way: “If you wait for perfect conditions, you will never get anything done.” Someone has called this “the paralysis of analysis.” God has given us the ability to asses a situation, make a decision, and move forward boldly.

The final chapter gives us Solomon’s conclusions. The wisdom God gave him is summed up in our key verses. Let’s take time to meditate on “the whole matter!”

PRAYER FOR TODAY:

Lord God, You have created me, according to the Scriptures, in Your likeness. Therefore, I ask that I will be conscious minute by minute of Your presence so that I will fulfill Your plans for my life. You expect me to make my decisions with a confidence that if I’m going wrong, You will steer me by giving me Your wisdom, so that I will make course corrections. Thank You that You give purpose and meaning to my life. I pray in the Name of the One who “set His face like a flint” to go to the Cross for me, Jesus my Messiah! Amen!!! (read of the decisions of Jesus in Isaiah 50:6-7 and Luke 9:51-53).

100 PERSONAL WORDS:

I have often spoken to teens and young people in their twenties from Ecclesiastes 11:9-10, as well as from Chapter 12 verse one. “REMEMBER!” and again in verse six, “REMEMBER!” For my own life I’ve sought to “REMEMBER!” Solomon’s conclusion after trying all kinds of things is clear and concise. I realized as a teen that I don’t have to go through all the things that messed up Solomon’s life, concluding in his old age as he stated at the beginning Ecclesiastes, “Vanity of Vanities, says the preacher, all is vanity.” Instead of emptiness, I am full. Instead of a vacuum in my life, I overflow with the presence of the Lord. As Ephesians 5:18 says, “Do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation, but be filled with the Spirit” (read Ephesians 5:15-21).

Yours for being filled with God’s presence and for keeping filled 24/7,

David

P.S. In today’s reading, we are told, “Cast your bread upon the waters…” Traditionally this has been understood to mean that we are to give, give, and give some more. My wife, Norma-Jean, did the voice for an animated character in an excellent production for children which teaches giving. During this Christmas season when most children are expecting only to receive, they can learn the joy of giving by watching this GodRocks production called “Rock-A-Bye Christmas.” It’s in our Crossroads e-Store HERE. I suggest that you also check out other items on our e-Store for some of your Christmas shopping this month.