2015, AN EXCITING FUTURE
Today’s Reading: Deuteronomy 31
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).
Children surround a mother as she tells of the past and shares wisdom. Moses said to gather the "little ones" that they may hear, learn and observe (Deuteronomy 31:12). These followers of Jesus encourage all who visit "The Nazareth Village" to follow Jesus too!
GOOGLE MAPS – To see where the photo was taken, click HERE.
Key Verse: Deuteronomy 31:23b
Be strong and of good courage; for you shall bring the Children of Israel into the land of which I swore to them, and I will be with you.
Twice Moses said the words of our key verse to Joshua. We need to speak words of encouragement to leaders…Happy birthday Moses! (verse 2). For a reluctant leader, you’ve done fairly well. Yes, you’ve had some failures, and for that reason you are not leading your people into the Promised Land. You were a war-time leader. The nations through which you led the former slaves were determined to destroy you, but with the help of God, you won many battles. Now it’s up to the new leader to win the war. Moses, you showed up on the Mount of Transfiguration to encourage Jesus as He faced death in the most decisive battle in human history (Matthew 17:1-8). Thank you, Moses, for your faithfulness to God’s call.
It’s interesting to note the words “God said” and “Moses said.” Believing in the verbal inspiration of Scripture means that we have an accurate account. It’s good history. It doesn’t mean that Moses always, without fail, said and did all that God wanted him to say and do. After all, he was a human leader. Jesus always got it right. He’s the Leader we seek to follow (check out John 8:25-29).
PRAYER FOR TODAY:
Dear Jesus, You ALWAYS said and did what pleased Your Father. Like Moses, I’m very human. I confess I made mistakes in my leadership. Because of these errors in judgment, I’ve not entered into all of Your perfect plans for me and for those I have led. I’ve asked forgiveness and You have granted it. Now I pray that You’ll guide and direct the new leadership, and please give me the grace to encourage them more and more. Amen!
100 PERSONAL WORDS:
I remember the old song, “Home On The Range.” Some of the words are, “…where seldom is heard a discouraging word.” I want so very much to be an encourager, particularly of our leadership in the Church, in missions and evangelism, yes, even in government, and specifically in the ministry that sponsors this blog, Crossroads Christian Communications Incorporated, both in Canada and in the USA. Our Global CEO is Dr. John Hull. He has a worldwide vision for communicating the message of Jesus, both for people’s eternal salvation and also in obedience to Jesus, caring for those who need food, water, medical care, and in general all who need deliverance from evil. Click here to learn more about John.
Yours for encouraging God’s leaders. Let’s help them all to have the best year ever in God’s cause during 2015!!!
David
Happy New Year David, Family and !00 Huntley St. Ministry!
Your blog is a source of encouragement & inspiration at the end of the day or in the middle of the night. Thank-you! May 2015 be an awesome year for us all. And may we too find Superman onesies to wear for the Lord 😉
C.
Thank you, God, for speaking these words to Moses, who spoke them to the people of Israel, and repeated them to encourage Joshua in leadership of future generations to come. These precious words have been written in scripture as eternal guidance for us-amen! Thank you David Mainse, for reminding us!
“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Be strong and courageous… The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged” (Deut 31:6-8). “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go” (Josh 1:9). And do not be grieved, for the joy of the Lord is your strength” (Neh 8:10). Paul… thanked God and took courage (Acts 28:15). And so must we, saints–so must we! Amen!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F2emsPPCH4c
I’m Pressing on the Upward Way
I’m pressing on the upward way,
New heights I’m gaining every day;
Still praying as I onward bound,
“Lord, plant my feet on higher ground.”
Lord, lift me up, and let me stand
By faith on Canaan’s tableland;
A higher plane than I have found,
Lord, plant my feet on higher ground.
My heart has no desire to stay
Where doubts arise and fears dismay;
Though some may dwell where these abound,
My prayer, my aim, is higher ground.
I want to live above the world,
Though Satan’s darts at me are hurled;
For faith has caught the joyful sound,
The song of saints on higher ground.
I want to scale the utmost height
And catch a gleam of glory bright;
But still I’ll pray till rest I’ve found,
“Lord, lead me on to higher ground.”
Thankyou Beverlee , I haven’t heard this song for years and it really lifted my spirits this morning. The singing was beautiful and the pics were wonderful.
thnx Beverlee for posting these words and link to the music with video.I also find a oneness with God when I am the first one on the mountain… just me and my maker…
I trust in our Lord Jesus… that your strength is returning stronger each day as you continue to recover from your recent surgery… Amen!
Thanks, David; definitely getting stronger and working at it. Thank you and everyone for your prayers. Bless you!
Thank you Beverlee…..A Very Blessed 2015 to you for better health. Catherine
Thanks, Catherine! Wishing you, your husband and family a Happy and Blessed 2015!
Happy New Years to all. Missed the podcast but made a donation just previous to this and bought a number of books “52 Weeks with Jesus” for myself and to disperse as the Lord leads. Blessings to you, Pastor David and Norma-Jean and all the Crossroad Staff and ministries. Greatly blessed by reading these OT Books. Enjoyed again,reading Deuteronomy. Noticed how many times God speaks through Moses and warms them “to be careful” (a great challenge to us as well) and the promise “of blessings” if they “fully obey the Lord” and “carefully follow His commands” (28:1)and the constant encouragement to Joshua “to be strong and of good courage”. (31:3, 7-8, 23; 32:44; 34:9) oops..I have been reading and re-reading ahead these last chapters and committing myself to Deut. 30:19-20 that I might glorify God in and through my life and trust the Lord for “courage for the battle”. May God bless all the bloggers. Have a great year! Samuel
Another good message, David, Chris Beverlee and Samuel. Going to request that song in church. Love to all.
Thank you Beverlee I have never heard that song before and I love it . It does
boost my spirit
Again the pictures are wonderful Renold
Lianne Hogg
Used to feel sorry for Moses that God wasn’t allowing him to cross over into the promised land. But, after realizing he was 120 years old, I think God was being kind to him.
God works in mysterious ways. He lovingly watched over and cared for His people 40 years thru the desert and then tells Moses they’re not going to behave themselves when they get into their promised land. With further study of our bible I hope to come to greater understanding.
Loved the group singing on 100 Huntley the other day, Tenore. Hope to visit Italy in Sep.
Blessings on our Christian leaders and fellow saints now and always.
Yes Lynda… God does work in mysterious ways… Sept. 2014 for us was a gifted blessing from God as we holidayed in Italy… May your upcoming trip this September also be an amazing blessing to you and yours as you explore Italy…
Thank u David. I’m takig God with me for sure. This is a family reunion on my dear husband’s side….quite distant relatives up in the Turin area. We are going to try and learn Italian thru Rosetta Stone. Word has it learning another language helps stave off Altzheimers so we’ll kill two birds with one Stone:-)sorry. Blessings.
Psalm 23 King James version:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pWBqXmqYFTo
PASTOR DAVID; YOU ARE OUR GREAT INSPIRATION EACH MORNING.
THANK YOU GOD FOR ALLOWING HIM TO LEAD US!
Amen!
While I was away during the past 17 days, I was able to receive the blog but was unable to respond and say “thank you, Rev David Mains for your faithfulness in presenting this blog, and thank you to all those who assist in bringing it to us.”
I pray your Christmas celebration with your loved one was special, and I wish you and Norma-Jean as well as all your family “A HAPPY AND BLESSED NEW YEAR”!!
A Happy New Year to all you bloggers!!
Like Doreen we are a grieving family but God is faithful to comfort through others and their prayers, and this blog is a tremendous comfort as we know others are bringing us before The Saviour’s Throne. Praying for Doreen and her family as they say goodbye to Ross today, and for all who are grieving a loss, in the coming days. Also praying for Dr. John Hull and his family during this time with his dad and to encourage him that he be strengthened knowing others are praying too.
Happy 2015 and many blessings to all.
Yes, praying for you and your family, Doreen, and continued prayers for you and your family, Catherine. One of our seniors at church, who was just about to turn 90, passed the day before Christmas. We were planning a birthday party after church for him. I felt so sad but our Pastor said he went home to be with the Lord, and his mom and dad, and wife, for Christmas. That made it feel all the more beautiful. Know that we love you, Doreen.
Thank you folks for your encouragement and reminder that Jesus will never leave us. He sticks closer than a brother. The funeral was amazing. Old friends from years ago and from communities and churches in our past came. It was a joy to see them. Ross would have been so happy and Jesus was with us! Thank you, Lord.
May the Lord Jesus Christ continue to hold you in the Palm of His hands at this time Doreen and comfort you through the days to come!
Irene