THE WORKS OF GOD
Today’s Reading: John 9
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 southern tip of the Dead Sea in the Jordan Valley with the Mountains of Moab in the distance.
GOOGLE MAPS – To see where Reynold took the photo, click HERE.
Key Verse: John 9:3
Jesus answered, “Neither this man nor his parents sinned, but that the works of God should be revealed in him…”
It is so typical of human nature that Jesus’ disciples wanted to lay blame on someone for the blindness of this man. A particular kind of venereal disease can cause blindness in a newborn. So often we see scandal when we should be seeing an opportunity to help. We fall into gossip instead of falling on our knees in prayer. For Jesus, this was an opportunity to bring glory to His Father. The Judge of all the earth did not judge. He who knows all things rejected speaking of the past sins of this man or his parents. Jesus did a creative miracle! The Pharisees are often seen as the bad guys, but here the followers of Jesus were acting like their opponents, abandoning compassion for criticism.
PRAYER FOR TODAY:
Dear Lord Jesus, I pray that You’ll grant me grace always to see human need with compassion and prayer. Help me to think, “What would Jesus do?” and act accordingly. Amen!
100 PERSONAL WORDS:
My mother died when I was 12 years old. My most vivid memory of her was not of her making dinner, but was of seeing her on her knees in prayer. After her death, my Dad was silent as we drove down Bank street in Ottawa, and finally he said, “I can never remember hearing your mother say anything bad about anyone.” This reinforced my positive memories of her. I do know that she visited the most needy families in the little village where we lived at the time. I marveled at the glowing eulogies given her. I didn’t think it was exceptional. I thought all mothers were like that. I know now that this is not the case. I also know that Jesus changed my heart to make me more like Him, and yes, more like Mother, Hazel Pritchard Mainse. Norma-Jean’s mother was killed by a drunk driver in a car accident when Norma-Jean was just 17. All reports are that Lillian Davies Rutledge was a woman of God. Neither Norma-Jean nor I have met our mothers-in-law. Just yesterday, as I meditated, I thought that no doubt they’ve met in Heaven. What a wonderful truth it is that I’ll see them both someday soon.
Yours for ministering to the needs of others,
David
P.S. Ron Mainse here, because Dad asked me to add a P.S. to his blog today. He wants me to give you some details on what we’ve been up to on 100 Huntley Street over the last 10 programs. This has been our Fall membership campaign, where we provide an opportunity for our TV viewers to join with us through their giving, especially as monthly supporters. This enables the overall ministry of Crossroads to continue to reach out through television, 24/7 prayer lines, internet broadcasting, relief & development projects, and other ministry opportunities, both near and far (including making possible this daily blog!). Our theme of 10,000 REASONS alludes to the upcoming milestone of our 10,000th episode of 100 Huntley Street (next October). It has been through God’s grace and the generosity of many like you that the daily TV ministry has flourished for over 37 years…and counting! Pivotal days are ahead for this ministry. God is opening new doors and there are opportunities to shine the light of Jesus in brighter ways than ever. HERE is a link to yesterday’s program, which was the final day of our membership drive. If the Lord should lead you to become a monthly donor or to send a special gift, that would be so appreciated! HERE is a link for your donation options (online, phone or mail). May God bless you for your faithfulness to His work! – Ron Mainse
WOW!
What a powerful link to Joe’s spiritual journey at age 17. He said that Isaiah 53:5 was instrumental in his transformation – “But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed”.
I enjoyed Joe’s teaching all week and will definetly order the book “Understanding Jesus”,
Shalom,
Graham.
2012 Holy Land yellow Bus.
I just watched Joe’s TV show First Centruy Foundations on Yes TV this morning, it’s very well done, informative and entertaining at the same time.
Really enjoying the book of John. Once again Jesus is my hero.
Looking forward to seeing my parents in heaven also. Never told them how much I loved them enough, if ever.
Praying for Prime Minister Harper and his beautiful family. What a heavy load he has to carry in governing this majestic country of ours. Also praying for Israel.
Blessings on us all.
This study is very helpful, I’ve read this chapter before on my own but I don’t think I ever picked up that Jesus had realy done more than restore physical sight to this man, he opened his eyes to “the light” or truth and the poor Pharisees couldn’t understand, like when it says in John 1 that the light shined in the darkness but the darkness did not comprehend, very cool.
PS: these daily photos are really fantastic, you should put them together into a large “coffee table” book and sell them to help support your ministry. they’d make a super Christmas gift.
I work with disabled adults and lately my spirit has been telling me that I should pray for these disabled adults instead of accepting their situation. The truth is I believe in the power of prayers and i do pray but honestly just the thought of seeing a bright light or a gigantic angel infront of me when I close my eyes to pray, really frightens me. I always feel like I am not ready. Please remember me in your prayers so God’s will be done in my life. Stay blessed my wonderful family
Another man paid the price for acknowledging Jesus, being put out of the synagogue, but gained so much more; coming to know Jesus and receiving his sight. Thinking about and praying for you Beverlee; may the grace, peace, strength and healing of God be yours today as you rest in Him. Always enjoy listening to Brother Joe. He baptized me in the River Jordan so is very special. God bless him and his work for the Lord. Have read his books. Blessings David and fellow bloggers.
The man was healed not only from physical blindness, but also spiritual blindness: Jesus brought life and light into him..
Once I was blind, but now I see, that is what Jesus for me. Thank you Jesus!!!
So I sing…
“I love You Lord, and I lift my voice to worship you, O my soul rejoice, take joy my King in what you hear, let it be a sweet, sweet, song in your ear”
Praising My Saviour all the day long. What blessings to feel the comfort Jesus brings and to know he does not only look after our health needs but mainly our spiritual needs.
It’s wonderful to be a part of the Crossroads family and to give to such a God oriented ministry. Thanks for all the years of blessings.
Praying for Beverlee’s recovery process and for Ross Doreen’s dear husband. Any updates?
To Carole Pony Meunier. You are a remarkable lady and please forgive me if I have offended you or any one else by my recent comments about my gender. I value your fellowship so much and you have been such a blessing to me in helping me through rough spots in my life. GOD BLESS YOU AND ALL MY FELLOW BLOGGERS AS WELL AS YOU DAVID WHO HAS MADE THIS ALL POSSIBLE.
You have no idea( well yes you do)how much you blessed me as you prayed for me in the hospital bed here in Winnipeg !well I out of the hospital now 2wks! An other bone marrow test next Friday trusting to confirm remission ! No more that ,my complete healing! You have been a big inspiration to me! And was blessed again by your 100 words today!keep up your great work! Yours in Christ,Jake
dear Ger thank you for your comment I have realized that we really need to s-t-r-e-t-c-h- on this blog because we don’t see each other face to face. I have sometimes felt very uncomfortable posting my comments sometimes reading the replies and sometimes I feel way out of my league….sometimes I feel that people just want their comments out there and not care about hurting anyone…..this is a different type of a blog that is for sure!!!!!! I understand somewhat the comment from Patricia! I do have a disability and sometimes I feel that some of the comments are very curt and sharp HOWEVER this is indeed a different kind of blog! So, once again thank you Ger for your comments, thank you for everyone who takes the time to post a comment. I think above all else it is very important to pray for one another; pray without ceasing. And the msot beautiful thought of the day is that at the end of the day, we can come to Our Saviour Jesus Christ, and be comforted by His Word and confess our sins and receive His everlasting forgiveness now and for always! Tomorrow is a new day. PRAISE GOD!