Friday, April 10, 2015

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WHITER THAN SNOW

Today’s Reading: 2 Samuel 11-12

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

 

Mount Hermon is the only ski resort in Israel and is located in the north. Even in Summer a snow cap can still be seen. King David prayed, “Wash me and I shall be whiter than snow” (Psalm 51:7b).

GOOGLE MAPS – To see where the photo was taken, click HERE.

 

Key Verse: 2 Samuel 12:7a

Then Nathan said to David, “You are the man!…”

In today’s Bible reading we learn that it is impossible to hide from God. God told the prophet Nathan all about David’s sin. David had tried to cover it up. God will rip the covers off in His time and for His purpose. Perhaps because David had been so blessed by God, he thought he would be an exception, and that God would let him get away with his sin. When we read together the Psalms, we’ll see that David has a special relationship with God. Is it possible that David thought God would let him get away with adultery and the deliberate act of ensuring Uriah’s death? Perhaps David no longer feared God as he once did. Psalm 111:10 tells us, “The fear of God is the beginning of wisdom.” Jesus is quoted in each of the first three Gospels saying, “There is nothing covered that will not be revealed” (Matthew 10:26). This should put “the fear of God” into us. David, when he was caught, repented. He wrote Psalm 51 at this time. Let’s take time to read it together. In 51:7b he states his confidence that God washes away his sin and makes him “whiter than snow.” While God forgives, the circumstances don’t always forgive, as we will see in tomorrow’s reading.

PRAYER FOR TODAY:

Lord God, I join King David in his prayer of repentance: “Have mercy upon me” (Psalm 51:1). “Cleanse me from my sin” (51:2b). “Create in me a clean heart” (51:10a). I pray this through Jesus, who bore my sin on the cross and who washes me clean in the blood that He shed (1 John 1:7b – let’s read all of 1 John chapter one). Amen!

100 PERSONAL WORDS:

I believe that “repentance” is a constant in my life. John the Baptist began his ministry with the word “repent” (Matthew 3:2). Jesus did the same (Matthew 4:17). Is this a top priority for a believer? That’s for sure! To me, “repentance” means a 180 degree turn! 179 degrees and I’m still moving away from God. Daily Bible reading and prayer keeps me focused like the surveyor I saw with a transit scope the other day. I must not look away from God’s will for my life. David did, and look what it cost him.

On one occasion, I had the joy of skiing at Whistler, British Columbia. The lifts were full and I found myself sharing a three-person chair with two young ladies from Quebec. The move to separate from Canada was big then. They told me they would vote for Quebec as an independent country. I said, in my best French, “Look around you. B.C. is your country now. It won’t be if you separate. How could you possibly give up all this beauty?” They answered, “We’ll think about that.” Then I asked them to think about someone else…God. I quoted Job 38:22 – “Have you considered the treasures of the snow?” (that’s my rough translation from French). That opened the conversation for the next few minutes to talk about the Lord! Good seed was planted in their hearts. I saw them from a distance twice more that day, and they waved and gave me their biggest smiles. Perhaps they we’re laughing at my accent, but I think not! Je pense non! Oui?

Yours for “Whiter than snow,”

David

P.S. Over a three-year period some 50 years ago, I read the French Bible daily in my time of devotions. I suggest that this is a great way to learn a language, holding in one hand the English text and the French in the other. Here’s a link to a French and English parallel version of today’s reading (click here).

 

11 thoughts on “Friday, April 10, 2015”

  1. Find these readings about David disturbing but thankful for your explanation, David Mainse; looking forward to tomorrow’s reading. Holding onto You, oh Lord, as our rock salvation and strength. The Lord reigns; let the earth rejoice; let the multitude of isles be glad!,,,, For You, Lord, are most high above all the earth; You are exalted far above all gods.Ps 97:1, 9. Blessings, dearest saints!

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    • I agree Beverlee.

      Today, Lord, help me see beyond my own problems to the needs of others. Guide my hand to give instead of get, to offer instead of ask, and to bless instead of seeking blessings. May Your name be honored. Amen.

      Bless u Rev. Mainse and other saints.

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  2. This French – English idea of reading is a great suggestion! Thank you so much, David!
    What a blessing this blog is to me! Thank you and thank you and thank you again.

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  3. What a blessing to read the prayer together, and the extended scriptures you present…thank you Rev. David.
    May you be refreshed and strengthened in the Lord this day…Amen!

    To know that the Lord is faithful and forgives us when we confess our sin and turn from that way!!!! THANK YOU JESUS FOR FORGIVING ME AND CLEANSING ME WHITER THAN SNOW THIS DAY!!! AMEN!!!

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  4. Amen! Prayed your prayer and read your message Rev. David. Thanks to you and fellow bloggers. Just reached for my English and French combination New Testament from Gideons and will read some. Studied French five years but don’t speak it. Was going to celebrate a friend’s birthday who is 97 today but it is freezing rain at present. God bless all of you.

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  6. WOW!
    I find it difficult enough to read the Bible in my mother tongue.
    You are truly a great Canadian ambassador and I am so impressed that you take every opportunity to evangelize the good news of Jesus Christ.
    Shalom,
    Graham.
    2012 Holy Land Yellow Bus.

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  7. WHAT A GREAT IDEA! French and English! I wished I had thought of that years ago! Brilliant idea!
    Asking in Jesus Name for miraculous financial windfall to clear debts, help family and some charities and invest rest and be able to “breathe” and not have the financial pressure Thank you to everyone God bless this ministry!

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  8. I checked the French/English texts of the Bible and I realized a person has to learn what the words mean which is a good thing when people are very young! Also it is important to know how to pronounce the words! It is a great idea for young people and they should be greatgly encouraged to read the Bible in both languages and IMAGINE bIBLEGATEWAY.COM HAS THIS ELEMENT AVAILABLE! AMAZING

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