“FOLLOW AFTER ME!” ~ JESUS
Today’s Reading: Matthew 10
Click scripture link to read online or HERE to listen online (then click the symbol of the audio speaker above the scripture portion).
Located in modern-day Nazareth, "Nazareth Village" re-enacts daily life from the time of Jesus, 2000 years ago.
Key Verse: Matthew 10:38
And he who does not take his cross and follow after Me is not worthy of Me.
One thousand years before the crucifixion of Christ, King David, in Psalm 22, wrote, “They pierced my hands and my feet” (verse 16b). Crucifixion was unknown at that time. Yet at least 10 statements in that Psalm describe the sufferings of our Lord. Likewise, God knew in advance all about your journey bearing the cross. His provision of Grace for you is all you need for today. So whatever sacrifice you are called to make will be worth it. Joy will be yours. Hebrews 12:2 tells you of Jesus, “Who for the joy that was set before Him, endured the cross.” This is your “Journey into JOY!”
PRAYER FOR TODAY:
Dear Lord Jesus, I am Your follower. Therefore, I have no alternative but to “Take up my cross.” I do so in obedience to You. Please grant me the grace not only to endure, but to enter into JOY! Amen!
100 PERSONAL WORDS:
A response from one of my blog participants was “How can I have a faith like yours?” I don’t claim great faith…childlike faith, yes! I’m convinced that the maximum and the minimum faith is simple OBEDIENCE. Last night and again this morning I made this confession, “I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me” (Galatians 2:20). This confession has been my habit for years. I don’t plan to stop as long as I live.
In Christ’s Love and Service,
David
P.S. Today, with what I believe is a gift of strength from God, I rode my motorcycle from Asheville, North Carolina to Lexington, Kentucky, and the “Sleep Inn” where I’m typing this message. Yesterday it was my joy to stop in Berea, Kentucky, to meet with my sister Elaine, and her husband, Dr. Frank Boudinot. Today’s reading tells us of a time when family members will turn on each other, but in my case, Elaine, as an 18-year-old, took on the challenge of mothering her 12-year-old brother after our mother’s death. My other sister, Willa Hodgins, of Pembroke, Ontario, was home on weekends during that time, as she was teaching school some distance away. With Father’s Day coming this weekend, I think of my Dad who did a great job with me, but I think he leaned on my sisters big time to help with his 12 year-old son. “Berea” is also a city in Greece (see Acts 17:10-12). According to Luke, Bible searchers are “fair-minded,” and they do as you who read this do. They “searched the Scriptures daily to find out whether these things [Paul’s teachings] were so.” Frank and Elaine do this at home and in the fellowship of a great Baptist Church in Berea, Kentucky, U.S.A.
Yesterday in Berea, Kentucky, with my sister Elaine and her husband Frank. I'm holding a musical instrument called a "dulcimer" that Frank made by hand.
Thanks David. I always find your blog interesting, informative and helpful, but today especially so. Just the encouragement I needed
Great picture with your sister, Elaine, and her husband Frank! Frank is obviously passionate about music, musical instruments and woodworking! The timing of meeting with your sister ties into the congeniality of the apostle brothers Peter and Andrew, and James and John. Enjoy the rest of your journey, and avoid “homeitis” (determination and pressure to get to our destination) if the riding weather is poor. Safe riding in Our Lords protection!
Amen!
Great to see you sister, Elaine and husband Frank with her little brother, David. Safe journey!
Such a great picture God Bless you and your sisters and I love Jesus with all my life my life is no longer mine but Christs who bought and paid for me Amen ♡♥♡♥♡
Praise God for your wonderful visit with your sister and brother-in-law, yesterday, David Mainse. God’s continued blessings and protection of angels with you as you journey through the States!
I especially love the prophecy of Psalm 22, and the most powerful proclamation Paul instilled that we make in Galatians 2:20: “I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.” We follow the reigns of righteousness through our obedience as servants, here on earth as it is in heaven, Lord!
Most of all, the clarity and power of the decree Jesus gave his disciples in Matthew 10, spoke volumes: “Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves. Therefore be wise as serpents and harmless as doves….The student is not above the teacher, nor a servant above his master….So do not be afraid of them, for there is nothing concealed that will not be disclosed, or hidden that will not be made known. What I tell you in the dark, speak in the daylight; what is whispered in your ear, proclaim from the roofs. Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul…And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.” Mt 16-31 Thank you, Jesus!!! So enriched by the teachings You gave your disciples to carry on the work for us here, on earth, for the glory of Your Kingdom to come!
Blessings dear fellow saints! May your day be especially fruitful and precious as each of you are!
It’s fun to see that good looks run in the Mainse family…
The 12 disciples did not have an easy job to do. Unfortunately, times haven’t changed much. But for the glory of God go I.
We must pray for our loved ones so that no one needs to turn against anyone. Actually an ingenious precept to bring our relatives, at least, to God.
I second your Prayer for Today Rev. DM.
If you and your sister both love and obey Jesus, no sword will separate you. That is my understanding of today’s study. I can see a resemblance of you and your sister.
Have a great trip back to Ontario and so happy to hear there’s a crew travelling along with you.
Watched 100 Huntley yesterday and hope to get the book “A Dad’s Prayers for His Daughter” by Rob &Joanna Teigen. What a wonderful aid it would be to many fathers.
Blessings on each of us this beautiful day.
So much love and encouragement in today’s reading. Thank you.
Wonderful of you to share your personal stories with us Pastor David. Lovely picture of you with Elaine and Frank. God bless all of you.
May God’s protection surround you as you journey on.
Go Out With Joy – Maranatha Singers
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XrBSDlDrJt8
Have a great day bloggers…
Thank you David. Beautiful song and scenery.
Love without obedience and obedience without love are both dangerous to a Christian’s faith journey. I know I have struggled with both in my walk with the Lord. Right now I am struggling with obeying the Lord’s voice about changing my eating habits– to chose a healthy lifestyle.
I have been overweight most of my life, but lately I have been gaining and I am dangerously close to limit then Lord told me if I passed it he would remove His protection from me and I would suffer the consequences of my poor choices.
The last time I passed this limit I ended up in the hospital and a previous time before that I ended up with shingles. So I know the Lord isn’t bluffing but despite all the resources and advice available, in the end I still make the choices I know aren’t in my best interest, like yesterday I ate four candy bars in a row–
After that I knew that was my tipping point, the point where I promised our Lord to ask my fellow bloggers for prayer in helping remove the blockage that is preventing me from being obedient and is taking me in opposite direction that Lord asked of me. I am in process of examining myself for hidden sin and rebellion that might be in my way– so any prayers anyone wishes to offer on my behalf that might help the Holy Spirit to help me will be gratefully received.
Praying for Donna M to have the victory in her life over her struggles, Lord Jesus, help Donna to remember she can do all things through Christ(You) who will give her the strength to overcome in temptation to over eat. Help her when she feels weak and love on her in repentance. In the mighty name of Jesus, Amen.
In our walk with the Lord, we are challenged to be more Christ-like each day along our individual journey here on Planet Earth. In all his ways, He cast out evil spirits, healed the sick, and even raised the dead. He gave those same gifts to his disciples and in turn his disciples were to do the same works as their Lord who taught them. This is true today as it was then and will be tomorrow…
It would appear that the spirit of over-indulging in the wrong foods has a very strong foot-hold on you sister…
In the name of Jesus and by His Power and His Gifts that WE (the body of Christ) have joyfully received WE cast out this negative spirit on our sister Donna!
Praise God! Amen!
Amen , Amen. and yes healing all for His Glory until His Return.
Carole.
Donna, I applaud your courage in sharing with us of your struggles that I am sure many of us have. You have taken the first step.
Lord Jesus I bring our sister before you and ask that you give her the tools to overcome her struggles. Draw her near and may she feel your Holy Spirit urging her to better habits.
We are praying for you Donna. Catherine
You’re not alone in this struggle Donna. I believe half the battle is won when you are aware that something needs to be done. May God give you the strength and determination to seek the help you request. You’re on my prayer list. God bless.
Just an after-thought Donna-I find it hard to believe but if your doctor hasn’t checked how your thyroid is working, he/she should.
Mathew 10:32 Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven.
33 But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven.
May the Good Lord help us to always be consistent in our faith and to always, no matter the circumstance, confess Him before men. Amen!! For the many times that we have failed to do that which You expect of us oh Lord, Have mercy on us all, and help us to not repeat our sins but give us the grace to over come temptations…in Jesus’s name! Amen!!
Following your progress on your ride to Canada. Enjoying the ride vicariously.
Hi David, Bravo, you are having a ball! How wonderful to have visited your amazing sister Elaine and brother-in-love Frank. Donna, most of us are in a bit of a struggle to keep our weight down, me too. l went up to 188lbs, when l should be at no more than 150lbs according to my doctor, so l joined T.O.P.S.(taking off pounds sensibly) it’s similar to weight watchers(mindful eating instead of mindless eating) the difference is, it is non-profit and run by volunteers.lt costs only $l.50 a week for the room cost) as a senior. l have managed to lose 22lbs and it has not been difficult. There are T.O.P.S. chapters in most in the U.S.A. and here in Canada. Check it out. The first meeting is free.Blessings!
Dear David
What wonderful blessings that God has given you with
this ride home, this meeting with your darling sister, Elaine and Frank and
smiles, laughter, hugs and joy.
Bravo!
Love, Bev.
Donna, I have lost 28 lbs since March 10 th, 3 months, the amazing thing is I do not have the cravings for the foods I should not eat.
I started on the Actkins diet, which is very restrictive for the first two weeks.
Then I discovered the Wheat Belly Diet, you can find it on line.
North American wheat is modified for greater yield, but it causes addictions!!!
This diet allows you low carb veggies, some fruit, some nuts, beans, sweet potato, brown and wild rice, and much more. Proteins, eggs, cheese and all meats and most fish.
I have just attended my nieces 25 the wedding anniversity, and had no problem with my food choices. When I go out with my husband to eat, I have protein and salad. I do not eat reg potatoes (and I am Irish!!!), any bread, cakes, or candy, and I have chocolate in my fridge since Easter. I am so content with my food choices, I am amazed. I still need to loose quite a few more lbs, but with God’s help I intend to keep going. Hope you find your own path to loosing, but perhaps this will encourage you to try something new. Mary.
Dear Donna,
Change of eating habits and change lifestyle (move!)
I think you will have to get moving. Your heart will give you what you ask of it. If you ask your heart to consistently sit on the sofa and watch TV, it will do so and atrophy in the process. If you ask your heart to consistently walk, ride a bicycle, to swim, to walk on a treadmill, your heart will respond and give you what you ask of it. You need to start pushing your heart to do more and it will respond. Can you start with 15 minutes a day every day this week?
Start moving and lose the candy bars! Start with what is achievable for you today and expand the intensity gradually.
God bless you, Donna
G. Groom
Dear Rev. David M.
Such a joy to see your radiant smile in the company of your sister Elaine and your brother-in-law Frank. Thank you for sharing with us these exquisite moments .
Lord Jesus, as I take my cross with obedience , give me the grace not only to endure but to enter in it with joy. Amen.
PS… Dear sister Donna M.
thank you so much for sharing your struggle with us, know that you are not alone and I will be asking all my sisters and brothers in Christ at church tonight to pray for you for complete healing in the name of the One and Only Jesus Christ . Amen.
Have a blessed day everyone.
xoxoxo Carole
God Bless You! We are so blessed as a Country to have you and all the work you have done for the cause of Christ. I thank my God upon every remembrance of you!
What divine encouragement you embody Pastor David! And a prayer immediately bursts forth:
“Bless the Lord, oh my soul, and all that is within me, bless His holy name!
Bless the Lord, oh my soul, and forget not all His benefits:
Who forgives all your iniquities, who heals all your diseases,
Who redeems your life from destruction,
Who crowns you with loving kindness and tender mercies,
Who satisfies your mouth with good things,
So that your mouth is renewed like the eagle’s.”
This has informed my overall prayer life exuberantly! Tis only a portion of Psalm 103 NKJV, but was harvested in its entirety from endearingly responsive sister-in-Christ, Beverlee Kay (the day that you were traveling to the Mayo Clinic, Phoenix, Jan 27, 2013). Beverlee I was so heartened to read your inspiring response again today! And back in 2013 I was so glad to capture the Psalm remembering that a wonderful gentleman, WWII Veteran, then Police Officer, would often burst into a joyful & inspiring acclamation of the first 2 verses of “Bless My Soul”! All the more poignant as Canada, yesterday, honoured the luminous lives (in character & service) of the 3 young RCMP Officers who died so tragically – yet so honourably – protecting their community. One of the ministers, an anointed Baptist Pastor, proclaimed salvation through Jesus Christ so convincingly… so convictingly… that anguished hearts must have been consoled. In closing, I’d like to thank Beverlee for her faithfulness and generous spirit; whilst, at the same time, petition to Our Heavenly Father for the favour of a safe journey through the action of multitudes of angels who continue to encircle David’s motorcycle, Amen!
Linda, dear sister-in-Christ, the Spirit called me to look at the blog, before closing my laptop, after an especially long day. Your words are so moving and filled with such undeniable heartfelt love that is surely God-given–how truly divine. You must be an angel! 🙂 Thank you, dear fellow saint and God bless your beautiful soul!
A Great family picture…a pleasure to see families that enjoy and appreciate each other!!!
How comforting it is to know that Jesus knows all about us, even the number of the hairs on our head, and we can trust Him to guide us and direct us through each and every moment of every day…ours is only to yield to that guidance. He says.
“follow Me”.
We are praying for a safe trip back to Burlington and also full healing for you!
We do pray for 100 Huntley Street programs and all who share there! Praise God for all the faithful servants who share- Blessings to you and Norma Jean and family– Glory to the Lord