SUNSET (two blog years) and SUNRISE (two more years, God willing!)
For those just joining us, today we re-start the TWO-YEAR DAILY BLOG! My name is David Charles Mainse, born August 13th 1936, in Quebec, Canada. If you’re new to this blog and just might possibly be interested in finding out more, you can check me out here. You may also want to view a brief video where I describe what “100words.ca” is all about…click here.
So, I’m now 77 years old. This new two-year plan shows that I’m an incurable optimist (because in 2012, the doctors gave me two years to live). You can tell a lot about the company you’re keeping when you are sharing a coffee. Someone may say, “Is there any milk in that jug?” The one who says “pass the cream please” is me! I’m not a total Pollyanna clone, but I am an optimist. I will call it like I see it, honestly and factually. I may be wrong from time to time. Only God is always right, and I am definitely one of His imperfect children. It’s not God’s fault that I come short of His high standards. According to surveys, the #2 most recognized song in the world is “Amazing Grace.” #1 is “Happy Birthday”. The composer of “Amazing Grace” used the words, “that saved a wretch like me.” Not too complimentary. But, the song is hopeful. The blind can see and the lost are found. I believe that I fit in there somewhere.
Yesterday was the 52nd birthday of the ministry of Crossroads. I’m excited to report that it is “HAPPY!” I’m honoured, along with my wife Norma-Jean, to be the Founders. I can report good things about Crossroads. I expect to report in this blog, God willing, from time to time on the vision, the persons God has called to lead, and the results of the Good works of a ministry that is supported by God’s people. “Happy Birthday, God bless you!!!”
Now, here’s the plan for this blog:
- Beginning today, God willing, I’ll be starting our new, fresh bread, two-year journey through the WORLD’S OLDEST BOOK, STILL THE WORLD’S BEST-SELLER – – THE BIBLE. We will start in the New Testament, go to the Old Testament, back to the New and then back again to the Old. To start, I suggest joining me in reading St. Matthews Gospel chapters 1 & 2… a good place to start, THE CHRISTMAS STORY. In the 1970s, I led a “Through-the-Bible-in-One-Year” program. Unfortunately, when we reached Leviticus, Numbers or Deuteronomy, more than half dropped out! After much prayer, I believe I heard from God to extend the reading to two years. This change, along with the New to the Old and back again approach, reversed the drop-out rate. I knew because new materials needed to be ordered in order to continue with the program.
- I read the suggested chapters at 4:00 am. At approximately 4:30 am, I’ll spend time in prayer. This early start has been a habit of mine, most days, since I turned 40.
- Around 5:00 am, I am usually at my computer keyboard where I expect to write my blog (or re-edit my original writing from our first two-year journey). First, I’ll write “100 Words” (forgive me in advance as I usually go over 100 words) on the theme of the key verse which I’ve chosen from the reading for the day. Second, I’ll include a “Prayer for Today” that we can pray together. Then third, I’ll probably include another section called “100 Personal Words,” which might be a personal meditation or a story from my life.
- My son Ron, who is Chief Ministry Officer for Crossroads, will format the blog in advance, and add a photo(s), taken by my other son Reynold, who is a professional photographer, as well as an ordained minister. He has spent much time in the lands of the Bible shooting photos for the blog. His website is www.reynoldmainse.com.
- At 6:00 am, the day’s “Fresh Bread” comes out of the oven and is delivered from my place to yours.
- Each day, comments and replies to my post are encouraged (I do read all the comments, although I don’t usually get to personally reply…sorry about that!).
- NOTE: You can sign up for the daily email version of my blog by completing the subscription info on the home page at www.100words.ca. If for any reason it does not appear in your inbox, sign up again.
TOMORROW’S READING: Matthew Chapters 1 & 2
Yours for thinking God’s thoughts as we read thoroughly His Words,
David
Full forward on the journey with you, and fellow saints, David Mainse!! In sunset and sunrise–thanks for the great photo Reynold! Praise God through whom all blessings flow! Amen!!!
Good Morning David! Was listening to “The Scroll” this morning and wondered how are Bruce & Elaine…miss them.
Off on another grateful footstep along this two year journey! Our Lords blessings and strength to all participating!
Enlisted as well for Sunset-Sunrise David Mainse and fellow saints. Lord, give us fresh strength and determination. “But those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.”( Isaiah 40:31). Beautiful photo, Reynold. Blessings!
God bless you, David, as you,and the rest of us, begin a fresh 2-year journey together through God’s Holy Word! Thank you so much for the inspiration to start our day the very best way possible, and to stick with it! Sincere hugs to you and Norma-Jean! Ken and Sharon
May God continue to bless you as you start another two year series. My wife has been a faithful follower and has several three ring binders full of your daily inspiration. With God’s help I plan to join her on this two year journey.
Wow! I am excited! I get to start from the beginning and by His grace go all the way to the end with you this time 🙂 that was important and detailed information Sir, thank you for that detailed introduction. By the grace of God we will have more members this time and instead of people dropping out, more people will be signing in althrough the 2 years! Amen
Sometime last year, I asked if it was ok for me to share the daily pictures on this blogg on Facebook and make sure to quote you on every one of them, I didn’t get a reply but then I assumed its a way of spreading the WORD so you probably wouldn’t mind. Sometimes I still have doubt as to whether or not you approve of my actions ( sharing the daily pictures, the daily verse of the day and prayers), so if you can please give me permission before we start our next journey, that would be very helpful. Thank you sir and may we all have a blessed day.
Patricia, all the photos have http://www.100words.ca on the bottom left hand corner, which is a watermark, meaning it is copyrighted. It is okay to post things on facebook because that watermark means it is the property of 100words; you are not copying it. Same things for prayers and comments. The original post made on the blog shows ownership of the material on the internet.
thank you Beverlee Kay
Thank you so much for continuing to devote yourself to God, then to us in this blog David! Thank you for sharing the knowledge of the Bible, wisdom, understanding & discernment. The many stories along the way of life that you share, the clips of others’ & bits & pieces of interest are so encouraging to us to ‘keep on’ & help to teach us also. I hope God ‘heaps’ the blessings upon you from all sides, for your family & the ministry!!! Thank you , thank you, thank you!!! Big hugs.
Thanking the Lord for being able to start another 2-year journey through the Bible. May the Lord bless you, and all those who assist you!
Saw you on Huntley St. DM and you looked so healthy. I still wouldn’t take on Ron;he looks pretty healthy too:-)
May you help many others to follow the Christian lifestyle which affords us all a meaningful, happier life.
Looking forward to the next two-year study!
Blessings on us all.
I am thankful that our Lord has willed that you carry on His work through this blog. I look forward to your blog as part of my devotions. Bless you and your family.
I would be surprised if people dropped out of the first time through this blog. It’s so interesting. One year through would not be as good, for one thing, there’s things to digest and think about and possibly research. I often read in more than one version. Looking forward to 2 more years! Thanks all.
I’m pleased to be here from the beginning of a new 2 yr reading of God’s Word. Thank you David Mainse and family for keeping this wondrous faith-filled blog going for another 2 tears…
God Bless everyone in this new fresh bread journey through the Holy Bible! Amen!
Today’s subtitle has moved me to compose a poem–
As I watch the setting sun
and ponder all that I’ve done
my daily work, my earthy toil
my joys, my sorrows, my dreams unspoiled
I am moved to think of thee
My God, who was, who is and will always be.
As the shadows of night begin to creep
and I lay myself down to sleep
I can do so without fear of man or beast
knowing my soul Lord is yours to keep
As I slumber and as I wait
for blessed dawn, for new light’s fate
I pondered plans and goals not yet devised
until morning’s glory and the sun faithful rise
Then I am moved to think of thee,
God of all, what was,is and yet to be.
Beautiful Donna!!! Bless you sister-in-Christ!!!
Awesome poem Donna. Thanks and bless you sister-in-Christ.
Praise God I love to ve a part of your blog and Savid you lokk amazing Praise God for your miraculous healing
Looking forward to the fresh bread every morning. The last two years I have to admit I was not reading everyday as I was on another plan for God. This time I am going to, God willing, read every morning. Thanks David, and thank you LORD for Davids heart to share your word.
Thank you for the last two years of freshly baked bread every morning David M…….nourishment for our souls. Looking forward to following along for another 2 years of sunsets and sunrises and all else inbetween! May the Lord continue to bless you with health, strength, and fresh insight each day.
I am very happy to begin again with you another two year journey through God’s Word. Thank you David for providing fresh delicious warm bread every morning for us. Blessings everyone!!!
Onward and Upward!!!!… it has been a wonderfully meaningful journey and am ready to continue…. it’s the first time l have been able to journal consistently…”thank you” David and your crew and fellow bloggers…looking forward as we continue ….love pictures of the Eastern Gate… always brings to mind the awesome history ad future !!! 🙂
Thank you David for your commitment, thank you Lord for your healing and giving him thrength to look forward to it and thank you for the many that you will bless through the fellowship in your Word. Blessing Max
Yes!!!!!!!!!!! Congratulations on reaching our goal!! And now we start again!! I am still here too! Yeah!! Amazing Grace how sweet the sound!! Praise God indeed!!
This is Awesome! Canada needs this information very badly, I thank God for all He is doing in this ministry may God continue to Bless you all. Romans 8:28 For I know that all things work together for good for those who love God and are called according to His purpose. For Jesus said “I will build my Church and the gates of Hell shall not prevail against it. And as we pray for the Peace of Israel. All is Well. Amen
Yes!!!!!!!!!! – we completed the first 2-year journey!!!!!! Thank you to all involved and to all our blog-buddies. You are a great bunch of people!!!! May God richly bless each and every one of you. You have all been a blessing to me!!!!!!
Now to do it all over again!!!!
Thank you David, for your daily faithfulness in leading us through Scripture. I participated in the first 2 year journey through the Bible, and eagerly look forward to continuing this daily discipline. I confess that this was the first time that I actually read the entire Bible, cover to cover (without skipping the hard parts). Through this process, I learned so much about the history of mankind, and our glorious hope for the future. Thanks again and God bless you richly.
Excited as we have just completed our first two year journey and can’t wait to begin our second!!!!!!. I praise God for you Pastor David and everyone who contributes to this blog. Beautiful picture this morning Reynold.
This new fresh bread is the kind I hope to gorge on each day as I join once more with all of you. To the glory of Our Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
what a beautiful photo Reynold Mainse…thank, glorious sunset…
looking toward the sunrise and sunset coming my way…thank you David Mainse for your faithfulness in the Lord!
Yes I’m also ready ,God willing for the next 2 years PtL for people like you
David and all you blogging buddys which makes this blog
Please sign me up to be part of this- thank you!
Let’s Go!
So eager to begin this two year journey with you. Last time my husband and I started about half-way through.
This is a scripture that spoke so well of your healing, David.
It’s from Deuteronomy 10:21 which says:
He is the One you praise. He is your God, who performed for you those great and awesome wonders you saw with your own eyes.
May His name be glorified!
Blessings on another two years to you and all those who assist you.
God Bless you, David, as you continue this Daily Blog for the next two years (as you would say, God willing!). You are touching many lives by reaching out in this way. Thank you for your devotion to God and to your fellow man (and woman).
I have been following (almost every day) for the past two years….I’m not perfect either. I’m amazed that the two years has passed seemingly so quickly. I have tried many Bible reading plans but have not continued consistently as I have with this blog. I plan to continue following with you in God’s word and will strive to not miss a day. Thank you for being so faithful. I am so grateful that God has given you your health and the desire to continue to lead us.
Dear David:
I just wanted to Thank you for the two year journey, I can’t believe I’ve read the entire Bible… But now I’m going to start it again and fly solo, so again thank you for getting me there. God Bless, Brenda
Praise the Lord
Congratulations! You are an inspiration beyond measure.