A HOLY KISS
Today’s Reading: Romans 16
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).
Here is an interior view of the ancient Colosseum in Rome. A partial floor has been built at the far end. You can see in the middle the corridors and rooms that once were under the Colosseum floor. The floor in ancient times was covered in sand to absorb the blood. Also, animals and gladiators were held under the Colosseum floor, awaiting their turn to kill or fight to the death.
GOOGLE MAPS – To see where the photo was taken, click HERE.
Key Verse: Romans 16:16
Greet one another with a holy kiss. The churches of Christ greet you.
Our reading today should be a great encouragement to all of us who serve the Lord in any capacity, particularly to those who work behind the scenes and receive little attention. Be assured that God pays attention, and so do wise leaders like Paul. This letter to the believers in Rome was written from Corinth where Paul’s partners in ministry and in tentmaking were Aquila and Priscilla. Do you remember them from the book of Acts? They, along with Phoebe, probably carried Paul’s letter to Rome, and then served as missionaries to Rome. Phoebe’s work was key to soul winning in Rome. She had been entrusted with social service among needy people. Paul knew she would need the help of others to accomplish the call of God on her life. We all need help. The “holy kiss” speaks of genuine affection one for another. Only as all of us serve God and each other will the cause of Christ flourish. The book of Joshua, which we begin tomorrow, God willing, will continue to emphasize the need to work together.
PRAYER FOR TODAY:
Lord Jesus, thank You for Mary, who is mentioned in verse six. She laboured much for Paul and the team. This Mary is a VIP to You, Lord. Please help me to labour much to serve also. Please guide me to those You want me to serve. In Your Name I pray. Amen!
100 PERSONAL WORDS:
The summer I turned 20, with the help of others, I initiated a series of tent meetings in the village of Chalk River, Ontario. That led to planting a Church in a local hall. I had not yet met my beloved Norma-Jean, and I was working on my theological studies by correspondence. My Dad gave me back-issues of the Nazarene “Preacher’s Magazine,” and from it I learned how to construct my sermons. I lived in one room built on the side of the house where the Leach family lived. I thank them for their kindness to me. I was eating my own cooking from Monday to Saturday, and the Stan Thomas family took me to their home every Sunday for dinner. That lasted until I went back to college in Peterborough a year later. Mrs. Thomas, Doreen, was what we called a “war bride.” She met and married Stan in England during WW2. What a great cook! These are two families I think of when I read Romans 16. Thank You to everyone who has helped me through the years. Syd, who gave the first $300.00 to start us on TV in 1962, and Sharon, the teenager who made the first pledge of $5.00 per month to support the TV outreach. God has recorded the names of all others who have served as Partners of the ministry. If I could, and if it was appropriate, I’d greet you all with a “holy kiss.” I’ll try to greet each one when we meet in Heaven, if not down here.
Yours with deep gratitude for your partnership in ministry,
David
In 1863, Jean-Leon Gerome painted this depiction of the ancient Roman Colosseum, entitled, "The Christian Martyrs' Last Prayer".
P.S. I don’t have a video attachment for today, but this painting is worth 1,000 words. Behind the hungry lion, a tiger is about to emerge from beneath the floor of the Colosseum. This scene speaks volumes to me about my commitment to our Lord Jesus Christ.
Thank you Pastor David. I love this Chapter, Romans 16. All the special words of ‘thank you” to so many who were channels of spiritual blessings. For my Christmas Letter this year, instead of the usual family letter, I shared a testimony of ‘thanks” describing a number of people leading up to my conversion at age 17 that God used in my journey of faith. I just never want to forget to say ‘thank you” to so many – but most of giving glory and thanks to God.
Blessings to you, David & Norma-Jean, and the whole team at Crossroads. I was especially blessed with Romans 15:13 and pass it on to you and all bloggers:
“Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” -Samuel.
Good morning to you Reverend David Mainse. When I view that picture of the christians praying and “that old serpent-the devil as represented by the lion, I am reminded of the scripture in 1 Peter 5:8 which warns us to- “Be sobre, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour.” Thank God, he only roars, walks about and seeks and the reason he only roars, walks about and seeks is because our lovely LORD JESUS has defeated him and rendered him toothless and powerless by virtue of JESUS’ shed BLOOD and victory on the cross when “HE” defeated the enemy of our souls- that is the devil and by doing this, CHRIST has given us the victory as long as we stay close to JESUS and allow the blessed HOLY SPIRIT to guide us daily by feasting on HIS WORD. Thank GOD for this blog which gets us into GOD’S HOLY WORD everyday ! In a few short few days, my wife and I together with another precious couple, will be travelling to INDIA as “invited guests” to “greet the church that is in their house” and rejoice with brothers and sisters who love CHRIST with all of their hearts as we do here in this beautiful country of Canada. Thank you Rev. Mainse for this precious Word this Sat. morning.
So desperately needed in this day and time in which we are living.
Rev. Terry and Rev. Marianna
“The Christian Martyrs’ Last Prayer” in the ancient Roman Colosseum by Jean-Leon Gerome says it all! However, the lions and tigers that were used were kept starving beforehand so the torturous display of eating the Christians alive would be even more exciting to the Roman crowds! The beasts in this painting are far too plump, yet I can understand the artist’s desire to make them look stronger and fiercer in appearance. The evilness in humanity is shown in the painting so vividly. Oh, those dear martyrs of Christendom!
“….let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us.” Hebrews 12:1
Wishing everyone warmth, today!
So enjoyed the interview with the African tribal chief yesterday. She is such a brave Christian lady and such a credit to the human race.
Can’t believe man’s inhumanity to man when souls aren’t guided by Jesus and God’s word.
Blessings fellow saints.
Another beautiful song:
Just a Closer Walk With Thee [Live]: http://youtu.be/KStZ40DlOQc
To be a martyer for Jesus Christ Our Lord would be a privilege for me because I love the Lord and wiling to do whatever it takes to proclaim Hes alive Thank You David for your faithfulness every day God richly Bless you and your precious family ☆★☆☆★♡♡♥♥
WOW!
The picture in your PS immediately reminded me of Paul Maier’s excellent book “Eusebius – The Church History” which I recommend to all bloggers.
Thank you for your daily commitment to provide us with your wisdom and fresh “bread”.
Shalom,
Graham.
2012 Holy Land Yellow Bus.
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Thanks for that reference, Graham! I was at the library following the YMCA; looked up the book, and read the introduction. An excellent book!
A heart felt “Thank You” to all who make this daily blog happen.
Often I am so blessed by it!
The picture of seeing the martyr’s pray, made me think of many of our dear fellow saints who are persecuted today, may we all be found praying for them!!
Blessings to you all.
As I look at the photo today, I am thinking of the people of Nigeria who have been slaughtered. Last night I was praying for them, and I had a dream, which I won’t tell all the details but there was a change in the heart of the leader of this Boko Haram. Thought of the scripture, “I am the God of all flesh.” and Is anything too hard for the Lord?” (Genesis 18:14). Let’s keep praying. Blessings David and fellow saints.
Yes, as I thought of the many that have been there for me, especially through the early days of my walk with Jesus, I’m amazed at how many the Lord brought to mind, including the ministry of 100 Huntley Street; and especially I thank You Holy Spirit for your teaching and guidance in presenting the Truth and Life to me, Jesus Christ My Lord and Saviour!!! Thank you all. AMEN and AMEN!!!
The Painting of the ancient Martyrs, truly says it all!! As in your prayer
I’ve been a supporter of 100 Huntley St. for many years over time..There are thousands of people who have heard the Word of God and lives have been changed..only eternity will tell who they are..Many of the books I order when I donate, I give away and so other lives are blessed as well..God bless the staff and supporters for this program..
WHENEVER I SEE A LION–I THINK OF THE
LION OF JUDEA….WHO BREAKS EVERY CHAIN AND GIVES TO US THE VICTORY, AGAIN & AGAIN!!
THESE PRAYER WARRIORS WERE DELIVERED INTO THE ARMS OF JESUS FOR WHOSE NAME THEY GAVE THEIR LIVES!!
G
DAVID MAINSE;
HI,I LOVE AND ENJOY READING YOUR 100 WORDS THAT I RECEIVE IN MY EMAIL BOX 5 DAYS A WEEK,AND THE PICTURES ARE REALLY BEAUTIFUL TO LOOK AT AS WELL.WHERE CAN I BUY YOUR BOOK THIS FAR BY FAITH?HOW ARE YOU AND NORMA-JEAN AND YOUR FAMILY DOING?I ALSO ENJOY WATCHING 100 HUNTLY STREET,AND LIFE TODAY WITH BETTY AND JAMES ROBISON FIVE DAYS A WEEK.AS LONG AS MY HEALTH ISSUES AND MY COMPROMISED AND WEAK IMMUNITY IS GOOD AND I AM NOT REALLY SICK I GO TO THE STELE HEIGHTS BAPTIST CHURCH VERY SUNDAY MORNING TO LISTEN TO THE SERVICE THAT OUR TWO PASTORS DO FOR AN HOUR AND A HALF,I ALSO VOLUNTEER AT THE THE EVENTS AT THE CHURCH AND I GO TO CHAT NIGHT WITH EIGHT TO TEN LADIES FROM THE CHURCH EVERY WEDNESDAY EVENTING AND NOW I GO TO A LIFE GROUP BIBLE STUDY WITH EIGHT TO TEN DIFFERENT LADIES FROM THE CHURCH EVERY THURSDAY EVENING.
HAVE A NICE DAY AND EVENING
KIM