WHO IS BILLY GRAHAM? (a waitress asked me this question)
Suggested Reading: Revelation 18
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 a view from high up in the Roman Col0sseum looking towards the Arch of Constantine. It is one of the triumphal arches in Rome. This one is situated between the Colosseum and the Palatine Hill. It was erected by the Roman Senate to commemorate Constantine I's victory over Maxentius at the Battle of Milvian Bridge on October 28, 312. It is probable that the Christians who read or heard the "Revelation" believed that Rome was the manifestation of the ancient tower of Babel and the city which grew around it, Babylon (Revelation 18:2a).
GOOGLE MAPS – To see where the photo was taken, click HERE.
Key Verse: Revelation 18:17a
For in one hour such great riches came to nothing…
Jim and Kathy Cantelon write today’s 100 Words segment (originally published in Crossroads’ Day Unto Day devotional series)…
In this chapter we read of two angels shouting poetically over the “fallen” earthly kingdom of Rome. The first angel speaks in verses 1-20 and the second in verses 21-24. They express the lament of sailors, sea captains, merchants, workmen, and all “the world’s great men.” They also express the joy of “saints and apostles and prophets.” The truth of 11:15 is symbolized in the fall of Rome – “The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of His Christ” (KJV). The Lamb has conquered! And great is the fall of any and all kingdoms outside of His rule.
Recent events (I write this in the summer of 1991) have made the suddenness of the fall of earth’s kingdoms appear less shocking. Over the course of the past 36 months, we have seen the fall of the Berlin Wall, the destruction of the Iron Curtain, the end of the Warsaw Pact, and, most recently, the disintegration of the Soviet Union. Most surprising of all was the demise of the Soviet Communist Party in less than one hour! President Gorbachev simply signed its death warrant with one stroke of a pen.
We have entered an era of instant wars and instant victories. Things have speeded up to an almost breakneck pace. No longer does it seem impossible, nor improbable, that kingdoms and “kings” rise and fall in “an hour” (verse 17).
We who believe in the return of the Lord had better “lift up our heads – for our redemption draweth nigh” (Luke 21:28).
PRAYER FOR TODAY:
Almighty God, as I read Revelation 18 I am in awe of the messages of Your angels, and of John’s recording of what he saw and heard. I pray for my mind to comprehend, and for wisdom to interpret these words correctly and to apply them to my personal life. I surrender voluntarily to Your purpose for my life. I ask this in the Name of the One who always, without fail, fulfilled Your purpose, Your Son and my Saviour, Jesus the Messiah (Christ in Greek). Amen!!!
100 PERSONAL WORDS:
The other morning after I finished my blog I left home for my workout at a local gym, stopping on the way for a hearty protein breakfast which was recommended for building up muscle in what had been a rather dilapidated body, which was predicted by the Oncologist would probably have died before now. Surprise! The Cancer specialist’s words were, “Jaw dropping remarkable!” Anyway, as I ate breakfast, the waitress, a lovely and efficient young lady in her early twenties, asked me what I did. I mentioned that I had had the honour to interview thousands of people for national television in Canada. She asked, “Who was the most famous person you interviewed?” She had told me on another occasion that she was a Baptist, so I thought of the great evangelist who is a Baptist minister, and answered, “Billy Graham.” Then she said, “Who’s he?”
It is a fact that the human family is in big trouble if we rely on past ministries, even those as powerful as that as Billy Graham. We must pray fervently that God will raise up in this second decade of the 21st century strong prophetic voices, not necessarily a big name, but millions of us (tomorrow’s reading will explain “the spirit of prophecy”). Will Graham, Billy’s grandson, asked his grandfather what he would do differently if he had his life to live over again. Billy answered, “I would pray more, and read my Bible more!” To me this is just another reason to continue strongly to encourage prayer and reading God’s Word, as proposed by this blog, which starts its second two year journey through the Bible (Matthew, Genesis, Mark, Exodus, etc.) on June 3rd. I would consider it a great honour if some of God’s people stay with me for more fresh bread taken out of the oven and posted at 6 a.m.
Yours for taking more time (the earlier the better, before the phone starts to ring, etc.) in God’s Word and in prayer,
David
There is a remote chance that someone reading this does not know of Billy Graham. Here’s a link to tell us about Billy. And here is a tribute to him from 100 Huntley Street on his 95th birthday last year (hosted by my son Ron and his wife Ann).
The view looking north across the Agora in Rome. The monument to Victor Emmanuel, the king that unified Italy, is seen on the horizon. As pointed out in today's reading, man's kingdoms are temporary and with the weapons of modern warfare can be destroyed in one hour.
I will certainly join in on the second two year journey through the scriptures. I really appreciate all the hard work involved in pulling together the daily blog and the insights you provide, together with the photos and personal stories. So glad you are continuing with it.
The suns up,the birds are awake and singing beautifully. Then I received my contact, my blessings have already begun today.Now it will start again for two more years Thankyou David
Do you think the young waitress would have
been any more familiar with the name
Paul Henderson?
Just a thought.
Hmmmm…who is he?
I know three Paul Hendersons. One is a famous hockey player. Another is my cousin and another a friend. Seems to be a common name. Did I miss something?
Will consider it an honor to continue with you for another two years, David. It has been an awesome journey so far and looking expectantly for the future. Also amazed at the photography and all the monuments in Rome. Visited there in 1970 on an European tour but it would be more significant to me now. Thank you Reynold for your work. Exercise and good protein diet are important and was on the treadmill this morning. Have a great Sabbath friends!
Thank you David, Ron, Reymond was the wonderful work putting this blog together. I have a better understanding of God’s word and knowledge, discipline time each morning meeting with God in His word and praying before starting my day. Blessings Irene
God’s Word, prayer, and a balanced diet – that’s a healthy start to the day. Along with fish Jesus ate bread! What did He (they) dip the bread in? Gravy? Any way, looking forward to starting another two years. My eyes are great now (cataract surgery). Lord help me to “see” Your Word clearly (and my blog friends to see clearly as well). That young waitress would enjoy movie (God is not Dead). Very little advertisement out now, unfortunately.
Thanks for the movie recommendation sister… Blessings from Heaven …
Although a two year journey, this blog is a daily refresher in scripture and insight, a nourishment for mind and soul. I hope you will continue to write your thoughts again over the next two years in the 100ish word segment so we can follow your wisdom, your opinions and your life. Reynold’s contributions have been awesome, and perhaps we may see some new additions? Thanks again to everyone involved! The cards sent in the mail about 100words.ca will certainly be distributed. Have a great day, everyone!
I am glad you got to talk to the waitress maybe there will be an opportunity to witness
when its time.
I will continue to be on the journey with you thank you ,Ron, Ann and Renald for put
up our blog daily .
Have a good day with the Lord today
Lianne
oops sorry Reynold I misspeld your name
Looking forward to a full 2-year program with you Rev. Mainse.
Rather sad but amusing that the waitress claims to be a Baptist but has never heard of Billy Graham. At least she’s a Christian.
I always thought ancient Babylon was modern Iraq. Wow, destroyed in an hour. All I can think of is earthquake or atomic bomb which could destroy so quickly, butif a person is speaking metaphorically, then yes, maybe a pen.
Thank you so much DM et al for this daily submission and all the effort you put into it.
God bless.
I have heard Billy Graham’s name, but I can’t tell you anything about him either.
One good thing I have realized is that no matter how manny times you read the bible, you always fine something new when you read it again, therefore I will be delighted to start this new journey with you and by the Grace of God, complete it and start a new one! Amen! This is now part of my routine for the day and I want it to stay that way:) May our God Lord continue to Use you sir, and bless us all. Amen!
I am so happy that you are continuing your daily study. I look forward to starting my day with your blog. It helps us to be disciplined . I am reading Matthew and look forward to reading it again as you start your next two year journey.
Thank you for all you faithfulness to the Lord’s call on your life.
Thank you so much David Mainse. I had the wonderful privilege of meeting you on your ‘Thank You’ Canada Tour. I’ve been following the 100 Words and look forward to the next 2 years, Lord willing, unless The Trumpet blows this fall and we are called home. I so appreciate the daily prayers also!! Keep pressing on, there are many with you in our race of faith!
P.S. The photography is spectacular as well…
I have particularly enjoyed the pictures of Rome and have spent a few minutes
looking around on the map, It felt like having a miny tour of Italy. And also of
Israel how fantastic is that? When I started this blog I could hardly use the computer and because of all the links from you and the links of fellow blogers
I vave learned so much. thank YOU DM AND ALL INVOLVED THE KNOWLEDGE I LEARNED IS PRICELESS.GOD BLESS YOU ALL.
Maria
A great way to start the Day!!! Thank you all!!
Praise God for healing and strengthening you David Mainse…for His service and Glory!
You often say “Lord willing.” Now I am going to say that Lord willing I will be joining you, and everyone else on here, on another two year journey through the Bible. I’m glad that you take the two year journey, because we’ll not only be able to delve deeper into the Bible, but we’ll all be able to spend more time together here on your blog. Thanks for everything, David.