OUTSIDE AND INSIDE
Today’s Reading: Matthew 23
Click scripture link to read online or HERE to listen online (then click the symbol of the audio speaker above the scripture portion).
Here you see the Western slope of the Mount of Olives covered by thousands of Jewish graves facing toward the Temple Mount and the Eastern Gate of the Old City of Jerusalem. Those buried here desired to be first in the resurrection. The valley between is the Kidron Valley. This slope of the Mount of Olives has been used as a Jewish cemetery for over 3,000 years and holds approximately 150,000 graves. The Pharisees believed in the resurrection but Jesus said that by their traditions they caused the Scriptures to be ineffective in their lives.
Key Verses: Matthew 23:25b & 26
“Inside they are full of extortion and self indulgence. Blind Pharisee, first cleanse the inside of the cup and dish, that the outside of them may be clean also.”
Learn to see as God sees by learning to think as God thinks by making the Word of God a daily part of your thinking process. This is the eternal value of what we’re doing together in this blog. Over 3,000 years ago the prophet wrote, “For the Lord does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but God looks at the heart” (1 Samuel 16:7). It’s true, we do look on the outward. Therefore, it’s important to groom our appearance so we do not draw undue attention to ourselves and hinder the shining forth of the inner beauty of Christ. Cleanse the inside in two ways: The washing of God’s Word (Ephesians 5:26) and by confessing our sins, “The blood of Jesus Christ, His Son, cleanses us from all sin” (1 John 1:7).
PRAYER FOR TODAY:
Dear Lord, thank You for washing me inside with Your Word which I’ve just read, and thank You for washing away my sin by Your precious blood. I believe Your promises. You cannot lie. Therefore, it’s done. Amen!
100 PERSONAL WORDS:
A few blog entries ago, I mentioned a woman named May, who asked me, a public school teacher, to conduct her husband’s funeral, even though I was not an ordained minister at the time. May had been born and raised in Northern Ontario. As a young man, Win, who was a railroad engineer, on almost every trip across that most northerly section of the tracks would notice a young girl running out of the bush, standing beside the tracks and waving at him. Eventually they met at the water tank (steam engine), and later Win and May married. May’s usual stance was hands on her hips and normally a cigarette was dangling from the corner of her mouth. She was probably 65 when I met her. Win was in his eighties. It would’ve been easy to see May only from her outward appearance; but there was a deeper May. One day I asked her why she would not allow an ordained minister or priest to conduct Win’s funeral. She said, “I knew what you were doing out in that boat with Win besides fishing. He told me you prayed with him and he became a believer in Jesus and was not afraid to die anymore.” I had the great honour of leading May to Christ also. The inner beauty of Jesus was evident as she lived to serve others. Sorry, I’m well over 100 words!
Love,
David
People see the outside, God looks inside! Do we just appear to be religious or do we have a genuine inner experience with God which shines out through ordinary looking people who have the reality of God’s Holy Spirit within.
Jews praying, no doubt very sincerely. Jesus, a Jew Himself, spoke of those who "Love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the corners of the streets, that they may be seen by men. Assuredly they have their reward. But you, when you pray, go into your room, and when you have shut your door, pray to your father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly" (Matthew 6:5b & 6).
Utterly profound. Much of what I have been dealing with has been expressed, here. It is the outside appearance by which we are judged by others. Our inside heart is so in love with God, and we are fed His riighteous bread each morning on the blog, and share and encourage one another through prayer; bible study groups; and church. We lift each other up, to hold onto the veil, and stand on the higher ground of life through our faith and connection with Jesus Christ. And yet, at the same time, we must truly look within and lay down our faults and sins to the Lord, seeking His forgiveness and constant cleansing through Jesus’ blood. Many of us are limited, as I, with the despairing grip of chronic pain. It weighs me down because I am not always happy to be around. I lash out and judge and blame others and see their faults because of the pain I am struggling with. In the end, I am honest about recognizing my own faults and laying them down and asking for forgiveness from others. Yet the whole process is tiring; it is not an easy life to live. I hold onto Jesus and it keeps me closer to Him. Church is our place of worship and we sing with incredible harmony and absolute love for our God–it is inspiring, beyond what words can express. I feel disconnected when I am not able to be there. It is disheartening that some members present with perfect appearances and yet their hearts are not right with each other. And yet, I cannot worry about anyone but myself. Keeping my eyes on Jesus is the only way. I was so encouraged, this morning, by the spirit at 5 am, that things will get better. We started our morning swims in the lake, yesterday, and God’s majestic creation stirred my heart so deeply. The sunrise, birds, fresh air, cool water and looking up at the array of clouds across the sky as I swim backstroke. I sang Holy, Holy, Holy, is the Lord!! I wish love for all saints, today. Knowing that Jesus loves us and that we are here on earth as His servants means everything. He will never leave us nor forsake us.
Blessings to all saints, today, as we worship and praise! Amen!
Hear a just cause, O Lord,
Attend to my cry;
Give ear to my prayer which is not from deceitful lips.
2 Let my vindication come from Your presence;
Let Your eyes look on the things that are upright.
3 You have tested my heart;
You have visited me in the night;
You have tried me and have found nothing;
I have purposed that my mouth shall not transgress.
4 Concerning the works of men,
By the word of Your lips,
I have kept away from the paths of the destroyer.
5 Uphold my steps in Your paths,
That my footsteps may not slip.
6 I have called upon You, for You will hear me, O God;
Incline Your ear to me, and hear my speech.
7 Show Your marvelous lovingkindness by Your right hand,
O You who save those who trust in You
From those who rise up against them.
8 Keep me as the apple of Your eye;
Hide me under the shadow of Your wings,
9 From the wicked who oppress me,
From my deadly enemies who surround me.
As for me, I will see Your face in righteousness;
I shall be satisfied when I awake in Your likeness. Psalm 17:15
Thanks, David, for your precious story about Win and May. Once the seed is planted, it takes root and flourishes! Amen!
Psalm 17
You remind me of the woman who broke her expensive bottle of perfume and poured it all over Lord— Today you broke the illusion that Christians need to be perfect and by doing so the fragrance of your humility and your humbleness has brought Glory to our God and in my Spirit I know He is greatly pleased with you.
Some try to present Christianity like it was a beautiful professionally decorated Birthday Cake, the kind that no one wants to eat because it looks too good. But in reality Christianity is the lumpy looking home made cake baked with love– it doesn’t always look pretty, but it tastes great that everyone is licking their fingers to get to the crumbs.
Thank you for sharing– God bless
Amen to that! I’ve also heard that people think salvation in Christ is like a cruise ship, all your sins are forgiven, and nothing but prosperity ahead, but when they get to the docks they realize they are on a battleship, which is an entirely different thing.
Dearest sister in Christ, Beverlee, such a God we serve. This is the exact Psalm that was our sermon this morning in church. You have just confirmed also it’s wonderful message that our God hears us and gathers us close.
I pray you will sense His healing hands on your chronic pain, and that it will be eased, or taken away, in the mighty name of Jesus.
Thank you David for sharing once again from
your caring heart.
Thank you dear Beaverly Kay…you are such a
blessing. An early morning swim with such
beauty in nature all around is indeed a place
that touches our heart and causes grateful
worship to our God, the Creator of all things.
Continue to enjoy the blessing of His goodness
mercy, and presence today.
I just was reminded of a chorus, sang in Sunday
School years ago…”All things bright and beautiful
The Lord God made them all”. Praying for you
dear one…chronic pain is difficult. Love,
Faith
Our Lord changes our life, not just our status. This happens on the inside and permeates to our outermost being. In Him, we have life. May your day be filled with peace, joy and happiness!
Thank you David. I love the story you tell of Win and May. Thank you also Beverlee for your inspiration. The Lord Jesus gave me a wonderful plan this morning for my grandnephew who has just graduated from high school. “With God all things are possible”(Mark 10:27). Out of this came the truth that we are called to build the true Kingdom of God not any particular church or denomination. Amen? Have a blessed Sabbath fellow saints!
Don’t be so concerned about going over 100words David. It is the icing on the cake. Love this daily bread.
The world our Father created is truly beautiful. The beauty is absolutely incredible. His Word is incredible, encourageing, supportive, and is His guiding Voice to us. Without Him, where would we be?
Wow! Double blessing this morning!!
Thank you David for the reminder to be faithful to our precious Lord by seeing with His eyes. Please never worry about going over 100 words : ) I learn so much from your stories as they serve as the parallels to illumine further what God is saying to us in His Word. Loved the story of May & Win! Thank you for your faithfulness to writing this blog each day David. Your witness & stories have taught me so many things that our great God wanted me to know about through the Bible, through your personal life actions & words & through the stories you share about how God does things. You’re a shepherd, a teacher, a cheerleader, a brother & wear many other hats but thank you for being the you that God has moulded & uses to point the way to others. God bless you.
And thank you Beverlee Kay for sharing your heart. Have you had your priest & the elders come & pray over you & anoint you with oil for healing? As I read your response to David’s blog this morning I thought you should also write your own blog, maybe you do already but if not, you might think about it. I started writing a blog at the encouragement of my wonderful daughter-in-law who lives in California a few years ago & people from almost 50 countries have been reading it. You have much to share & as David has encouraged all of us – use the technology to get the gospel out there – it is amazing how God uses it for His glory. Even though it makes you vulnerable to the world & might be difficult to arrange the words some days, I just pray that God uses what He gives me & that the people of HIS choosing read it. At first I was upset to see all these porn-types looking at it but I began to pray for them that God would plant the seeds, water them & deliver these particular readers from their cesspools. These people are up at night surfing around the net looking for….what…I don’t know. But God is out there with His net looking to fish for men & women so who am I to pick & choose. God bless you Beverlee Kay!
Woe unto the Pharisees! Jesus certainly exposed them to their colossal faults. It would have been so difficult to get away with anything wrong in Jesus time for sure.
Such a beautiful story of May and Win. Thank you so much Rev. DM for telling us about this. There are lots of Mays in the world not interested in putting on a religious or societal show but merely plugging along, doing their best to serve their fellow man and most importantly our Heavenly Father. Here’s to prayer in private and being filled with the peace and joy of the Holy spirit so that it shines through for the benefit of others.
Shalom to us all in Jesus name.
David please never worry about going over 100 words when you are sharing a story it is these encouraging stories that has made 100 Huntley so wonderful over the years it encourages my heart when i hear or see a story of someone coming to Christ and how the Lord has changed their lives
The readings and your personal words were so interesting I barely noticed you were over a 100 words. God bless you Sir! May we all have a wonderful and blessed Sunday !
Thank God for you, David Mainse. You are a soulwinner(, which we all need to be). Your lifes work is such an amazing example of that. I remember years ago when my mother in law was living with us. I asked her if she wanted to call 100 Huntly St.( and she did) and I was able to listen as she spoke with a counsellor on the ministry line and gave her heart to Christ. God Bless You!
Thank you Mr. Mainse,
What May had said to you about when you were in the boat brought tears to my eyes.
Diane 🙂
Im so glad can see my heart and correct my life to become more like Jesus Praise God
Dear Rev David M,
What a wonderful story of how you listened with great obedience to the Lord’s calling. Let us all take example on what we can accomplish if we just let Him lead and empower us to do His work, all for His glory.
Dear sister Beverlee K,
My prayers are with you, having also had to cope with chronic pain for 30 years. But God is good all the time! And is always there so hang in there, girl! Enjoy those magical moments like you had this morning on the lake. ”We know He is able, more than able to do much more than we could ever say…”
So, Thank You, Lord, Thank You, Jesus, for leading us move on with joy in our hearts.
Amen and Amen.
I have a little favor to ask of you: could you all add the name of Sarah to your prayers. She is battling with a recurring breast cancer among other things. But she is also trusting the Lord.
I could not comment this past week but thanks to my daughter today, I’m able to give you an update.
Have a great day and be blessed!
xxCarole
Carole, I have just completed my reconstruction after a double mastectomy and by God’s grace and mercy, am doing well, so I will pray that Sarah will experience The Saviour’s healing touch and half the battle has been won when you trust in Him. Blessings Catherine
The clouds in the photo of the cemetery, so spectacular, makes me think of Jesus coming back in the clouds as the disciples saw Him going up to heaven!!!
Thank you for May’s story.
Jesus did not mince His words when He rebuked the pharisees; that was quite an impact on me when I first began to read God’s word, fear, I think, until I learned that it was because of His Great love
Thank you saints, for your encouraging comments and prayers. All for Jesus!