A BEAUTIFUL EXAMPLE
Today’s Reading: Matthew 8
Click scripture link to read online or HERE to listen online (then click the symbol of the audio speaker above the scripture portion).
These are believed to be the ruins of Peter's house, excavated in Capernaum. They are now protected by a church that is built over what was once a house. Scripture tells that Capernaum was also the home of the Apostles Andrew, James and John, as well as the tax collector Matthew. Most notably, it was the hometown of Jesus during His ministry years (Matthew 4:13).
Key Verse: Matthew 8:15
So He touched her hand, and the fever left her. And she arose and served them. [Peter’s mother-in-law]
In French, the words for “Mother-in-law” are “la belle–mere” – “The beautiful mother.” Peter’s wife’s mother is beautiful in three ways.
First: She was touched by Jesus. His touch always brings beauty.
Second: She arose. It’s beautiful to see a person who is ready for action.
Third: She is beautiful in her desire to minister back to Jesus.
The touch of Jesus is not just for personal benefit, it’s for “OTHERS.” Has the touch of Jesus blessed you spiritually, physically, financially, socially, etc. Yes, it’s a gift for you, and it’s for God’s purpose of blessing “OTHERS.” That’s the primary word expressing gratitude to God for His blessings.
PRAYER FOR TODAY:
Lord Jesus, You lived Your life for others. You suffered, died and rose from the dead for others. I truly want to give my life in whatever way You lead me in the service of others. Grant me the grace to give myself away to others. Amen!
100 PERSONAL WORDS:
My mother, Norma Hazel Pritchard, died when I was 12. My most vivid memories were of watching her pray on her knees for long periods of time. I was aware of the presence of God and I would never disturb her. She had traveled to Egypt in 1924 to marry my Dad, and she used her degree in music to minister with music lessons to the girls of Egypt who had very little opportunity. Always, without exception, the first item she placed on our wall when we moved was a white and black mother of pearl motto that simply said, “OTHERS.”
God bless you,
David
P.S. Today, God willing, I plan to ride my motorcycle along a beautiful stretch of highway known as “The Billy Graham Parkway” in Charlotte, North Carolina. As a statement of confidence in God’s healing power in my life, I’m on my way to Canada. I expect to be met by Will Graham, Billy’s grandson, who is also a biker. He is to accompany me to Asheville, North Carolina, where I’ve been invited to be a guest at “The Cove,” the Billy Graham Retreat Centre. Yes, my motorcycle and I left Lakeland, Florida, yesterday with the blessing of a motorcycle escort made up of the clubs from First Baptist Church and Victory Church (see photos below). These are both great churches! The older I get, the more I’m blessed by the sunshine, the Florida heat, these congregations and their Pastors. Norma-Jean is a very wise woman. She opted for flying home to Canada, rather than riding behind me on the bike. She assures me that she still loves me. “Amen” to that! I do understand! 
Thunderstorms were everywhere during the ride from Lakeland to St. Augustine, where we spent the night. I met a fellow biker under this bridge, where we were both taking shelter.
Praying for a safe trip and much joy! We would love to do that. Some folk here are waiting for the Sunday night services to start. God prepare the way back for you, David, with a shield of protection around you. May He strengthen you and keep you in His care every km of the way.
Amen!
Amen!
Amen
Father, I ask that, as David travels in this very unique way, give him the opportunity to win souls, to build up your kingdom. Keep him safe Father, command your angels for an edge of protection around him and those that are travelling with him, fill his family with peace. Thank you Father, in Jesus’ name I pray. Amen and Amen.
Amen!!
Amen.
Anen to your prayer Claudette.
Sorry….Amen!!!
Enjoy your visit at “The Cove”. I was there many years ago!
Pastor David : You are an amazing man and an example to each of us. Your faith in The Lord is so inspiring. I am praying that you will not run into any more rain storms for the rest of your journey. God Bless you and keep you in His care.
You are truly blessed of the Lord David I know God will keep you safe and well and used to Glorify Our Lord . When Jesus touches you you are never the same To God be all the Glory
God Bless you and thank you
we love you ♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡
Wow! Looks like a great time! I once rode all the way around the Great Lakes and found American’s very receptive and cautious with motorcycle’s. Now with more bikes on the road here, Canadians are more cautious and respectful as well. Piloting an aircraft and riding the wind have much in common! Enjoy!
God bless you, David and give you a safe journey. I admire your faith and courage and enjoy your visit at the “Cove”. I remember when that opened up.
Wishing you safety on your journeys, and blessings to you as you will visit The Cove.
Enjoy your motorcycle expedition back to Canada Rev. DM. What a great logo on the leather jackets! When I was 16 I had a small motorcycle and would tear around the Ottawa countryside with it. No comparison to a car.
Went to school with some Pritchards.
Thank you for today’s study of Jesus loving works.
Blessings to all.
There is a favorite mountain that I like to climb each year and some years multiple times. I try to be the first one on the mountain. Just me and my Maker Jesus Christ. I marvel at the “brush” from the hand of God. It is my opportunity to praise Him!
I liken that to your solitary bike ride David Mainse… Time to think and reflect – bask in His presence! Enjoy your ride! Praise God! Amen!
This is so wonderful! How inspirational to see this take place! God Bless each and everyone of you! May He strengthen you all more & more each day! 🙂
May God go before you and prepare the way for you on your motorcycle trip. You are truly a blessed child of God. I could even picture you witnessing about Jesus when you took cover under the bridge.
Great to be doing this blog with you from the beginning.
You and all the blog-followers are highly favoured, deeply loved and truly blessed. Have a great day in The Lord!
Dear David, May God keep you safe on this trip Love ….Rosemarie…
Praise the LORD!!!! Yes, God does work in us for OTHERS to see His great glory! We all have a “God story” to tell, and we need to share it with OTHERS.
Happy to see you are enjoying your bike, “keep the rubber on the road” as the saying goes. God bless and safe journey. I was in Charlotte a few years ago for a business conference and my “regret” is not taking the initiative and going to see the Billy Graham museum, another time perhaps.
Thank you again Mr. David Mainse! (and you have a wise wife)
Your sister in Christ
Linda L. Price
OTHERS!!! What a great lesson today, and I agree,we all have something to share what Jesus has done for us.
Praying your journey will be safe and fruitful for The Kingdom of The Lord.
Enjoy The Cove.
As you “fly” home on your motorcycle, I think, like Norma-Jean I would fly home another way, which still needs a prayer for safety.
Do you all know the hymn
Others, Lord, yes others,
Let this my motto be.
Help me to live for others,
So I might live like Thee.
All glory be to our Lord Jesus for His amazing healing power. May you ride on the heights with Him today.
Jesus touched Peter’s Mother-in-law reminds me of the song “He touched me and Oh the joy that filled my heart”
Have a blessed trip to the “Cove” may many be blessed as you share. And may the “Joy of the Lord fill your heart” as you travel with His angels guard over you.
A safe flight back to Canada for Norma Jean too…
“He touched me and made me whole” is another part of that song.
Dear Rev. David M.
What an inspiration to all of us you are.
Heavenly Father we give you thanks , we give you praise for your faithful servants healing .Thank you Jesus, thank you Lord for letting David be a witness of Your great love to all those that he will come across , guided by The Holy Spirit. Amen, Amen.
Have a wonderful visit at The Cove.
Keeping you and all your family in prayer .
Have a blessed day everyone.
xoxoxo Carole.
I am back again it feels that I have been gone forever from our blog.
( I hope my computer will still continue to cooperate/work)
I pray for you David that God will protect you on your trip, and will
enjoy your visit to the Cove.
Lianne
Ride with God, David. Thinking about you this week. 🙂
Pray for God’s protection on your brave journey. Have a wonderful and blessed time!!!