Saturday, August 2, 2014

POSSIBILITIES

Today’s Reading: Mark 10

Click scripture link to read online or HERE to listen online (then click the symbol of the audio speaker above the scripture portion on the right-hand side).

The Jordan River is 251 kilometres (156 miles) long and flows from the Galilee (approximately 600 ft below Sea Level) south to the Dead Sea (approximately 1300 feet below Sea Level). Currently, the river serves as the eastern border of Israel and the Palestinian Authority West Bank. On the east of Jordan's waters is the Kingdom of Jordan.

GOOGLE MAPS – To see where Reynold took the photo, click HERE.

 

Key Verse: Mark 10:27

But Jesus looked at them and said, “With men it is impossible, but not with God; for with God all things are possible.”

 

God has established humanly impossible standards. Why? Because He desires that we will learn that “with God all things are possible.” We can’t reach those standards on our own. “All have sinned and fallen short of the Glory of God” (Romans 3:23). Jesus is the perfect manifestation of the Glory of God (please read John 1:14). In His response to the rich young ruler, Jesus establishes God’s standard. Our possessions must never become more important than our obedience. This young person found it impossible to surrender his wealth for the sake of Jesus. Notice two insights into this story: (1) Jesus loved this man. (2) The youth was truly sorry that he found it impossible to obey Jesus. Perhaps after Jesus’ death, resurrection, the coming of the Holy Spirit to empower people, and the establishment of the Church, this man was among those who gave away their possessions for the sake of Christ (Acts 2:45). We don’t know, but remember, “with God all things are possible!”

PRAYER FOR TODAY:

Dear Lord Jesus, I can’t follow You on my own. Therefore, I’m asking for special grace every day. With Your presence and power, “I can do all things through Christ Who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13). Amen!

100 PERSONAL WORDS:

When my great-grandson, Myles Neilson, was four years old, he announced to me that he would never kill an animal. I said, “What if a lion was about to eat you and you had a gun…would you shoot the lion?” He thought about it and said, “No. I would raise my hands and say, ‘Stop!’ and God would tell him to stop!” He paused again and then said, “Well, maybe lions don’t listen to God very well.” This gave me the opportunity to tell him the story of Daniel in the lion’s den (Daniel 6). In verses 13 to 16 of today’s reading, Jesus gives a profound truth about children. I have learned much from children. Once, I’m sure I heard God’s still small voice speak to me saying, “David, you’ve become far too sophisticated. Be childlike as you once were, and you’ll see many more of My mighty works than you do now.”

Yours from a childlike heart,

David

P.S. Here’s a video from 1988 that touched my heart yesterday. It’s my minister/photographer son, Reynold, along with his wife, Kathy, and their miracle baby, Rachelle, who was born 13 weeks premature at 2 lb. 12 oz. It’s Saturday and I thought readers may have time for an extra six minutes (Click HERE).

 

14 thoughts on “Saturday, August 2, 2014

  1. How beautiful! Amen to all you shared with us this
    morning David. I can testify that with God, ALL
    things ARE POSSIBLE. God is utterly trustworthy
    and is faithful to accomplish all He has promised
    in His Holy Word. I could not live without faith in
    Jesus Christ. Rejoice in His never failing love for
    us. God is good all the time!!!

  2. Now that’s a pic to dream on! Thank you Reynold. Reminds me of Psalm 23.
    Love this daily study of God’s word. Thanks so much all involved.
    God bless.

  3. What a beautiful video, thank you for sharing! It touched my heart. I am travelling to the Okanagan with my family this weekend. If you have a moment, could you please ask the Lord for safe travel. Thank you ! God’s blessings to you and yours.

  4. Loved the clip on Rachelle! Praise God through whom all blessings flow! Thanks for sharing that with us, David! Love the photo of the Jordan River!

    Thank You, God, for helping me get my art exhibit up at the Foyer, 2nd floor, Kingston Frontenac Public Library, 130 Johnson Street; which is showing for the entire month of August. I am so pleased!! Meet the Artist–that’s me–with a gathering, snacks and social is Saturday August 16th, 1-5 pm.

    I will make all my mountains a way (Isaiah 49:11).

    “God will make obstacles serve His purpose. We all have mountains in our lives. There are people and things that threaten to bar our progress in the Divine life. Those heavy claims, that uncongenial occupation, that thorn in the flesh, that daily cross — we think that if only these were removed we might live purer, tenderer, holier lives; and often we pray for their removal.

    “Oh, fools, and slow of heart!” These are the very conditions of achievement; they have been put into our lives as the means to the very graces and virtues for which we have been praying so long. Thou hast prayed for patience through long years, but there is something that tries thee beyond endurance; thou hast fled from it, evaded it, accounted it an unsurmountable obstacle to the desired attainment, and supposed that its removal would secure thy immediate deliverance and victory.

    “Not so! Thou wouldest gain only the cessation of temptations to impatience. But this would not be patience. Patience can be acquired only through just such trials as now seem unbearable.

    “Go back; submit thyself. Claim to be a partaker in the patience of Jesus. Meet thy trials in Him. There is nothing in life which harasses and annoys that may not become subservient to the highest ends. They are His mountains. He puts them there. We know that God will not fail to keep His promise.” Streams in the Desert 1, Cowman, August 2.

    “God understandeth the way thereof and knoweth the place thereof. For he looketh to the ends of the earth, and seeth under the whole heaven”; and when we come to the foot of the mountains, we shall find the way.
    –Christ in Isaiah, by Meyer

    Blessings, dear saints! Wishing each and every one a splendid day, in the Lord!

  5. Thank you for your blog! It is uplifting,thought provoking and inspiring!
    This is my second year of reading.
    The video this morning was so touching and lovely!

  6. Just the verse I needed to hear today, “With God all things are possible. I too have found children fascinating and have learned so much from them. Have a new great-grandchild born in this family, Norah Kate, the middle name being my English Christian maternal grandmother’s name who loved to fast and pray. Saw your last day of your trip and God’s plans for you in future, David. How wonderful! Congratulations on your writing and art show, Beverlee! Having my sister visit me today. Will pray for outbreak of ebola, Patricia. Can understand how concerned you must be! God bless you dear saints!

  7. What a beautiful picture of the River Jordan…in 1975 when my three sons and I were in Israel, my sons Emilian and Peter were baptized in the River Jordan, they were ages 9 and 12 at the time.

    In Mark 10 there is much to chew on…Jesus’ compassion for the Rich man…for the little children…and much more…what marriage is, and is not

    Thanks you again Reynold for the beautiful photo…and Rev. David for this blog, and teaching us how to pray!

  8. thank David, you for the video of Reynold, Kathy and baby Rachelle…I remember when prayer went out for the safe delivery of Rachelle…Thank you Jesus for bringing her through safely…how beautiful she is, then and now. What a precious family.

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