Friday, August 14, 2015

HAPPY…BIRTHDAY

Today’s Reading: Job 5-6

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

 

in present day Nazareth, first century life is acted out at Nazareth Village.

In present-day Nazareth, first century family life is re-created at a place called Nazareth Village.

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

 

Key Verse: Job 5:17

Behold, happy is the man whom God corrects; Therefore do not despise the chastening of the Almighty.

 

The above statement was made by Eliphaz to Job. Eliphaz had a good grasp on truth, but let us remember that the words of Job and his friends are their opinions. They are accurately recorded in the inspired Scriptures as being what Job’s friends said. Our key verse can be considered to be “Truth” because when we compare Scripture with Scripture, it stands the test. For example, we may want to read Hebrews 12:5-11.

In everyday life we know those (maybe ourselves) who are suffering because of the sins and failures of others, or because of circumstances beyond control. Job did not know why he was going through such testing, but in it all he retained his faith in God. Someone has said, “A believer is like tea; real strength only comes out when we are put into hot water.” The Apostle Peter wrote in 1 Peter 2:19-25 about the example of Jesus in enduring suffering. God’s plan is to make us like His Son and our Saviour, Jesus. Suffering temporarily is included in that plan. It is not meant to defeat or destroy us but to strengthen and refine us as gold, purified in the fire.

PRAYER FOR TODAY:

God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, I pray for strength to endure any suffering that may come to me. I worship You, Lord God! In the Name of Jesus, the One who “learned obedience by the things which He suffered,” Amen!!! (Hebrews 5:7 & 8).

100 PERSONAL WORDS:

Today is Norma-Jean’s birthday. Happy Birthday my darling wife! Thank you for sticking with me throughout 57 years as of this September 19th. God has allowed testing in your life and you have come through as fine gold. I think that I’ve been a big test for you. Thank you for passing the test and continuing to love.

Yesterday our family started to gather at our eldest daughter’s cottage at Wesley Acres Free Methodist Campground in Prince Edward County, Ontario. I’m the guest speaker here September 11-13 for the 50 plus weekend. Norma-Jean and I would be delighted to meet my blog partners at the camp! (click here for information). Below is a picture of Norma-Jean and also of the firstborn of three more generations in our family taken yesterday here at the camp.

Yours to celebrate! If you keep reading to the end of the book of Job, you’ll find a happy ending with a family larger than the original one.

David

Left to right is Sheryl Stacey, our granddaughter, her daughter Noelle, Norma-Jean known as GG, and our daughter Elaine Stacey.

Left to right is Sheryl Stacey Neilson (our granddaughter), her daughter, Noelle, Norma-Jean (known as “GG”), and our daughter, Elaine Stacey.

Happy Birthday Norma-Jean! Recently, she received the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Award. It’s a commemorative medal given to honour significant contributions and achievements by Canadians.

45 thoughts on “Friday, August 14, 2015

  1. WOW! I have a similar picture of four generations and it’s SO precious! Happiest Birthday Ever Norma-Jean!! Joy in your celebration!!!

  2. Happy Birthday Norma Jean , and congratulations on the Queen’s Diamond Jubeliee award you deserve it . Hope you have a wonderful celebration with
    family , and friends
    God Bless
    Lianne Hogg

  3. happy birthday with all of Gods Blessings and have a Great time at the Campgrounds!!,Dick and Nellie DEJonge,Chatham,ON

  4. Happy Birthday NJ. Happy anniversary coming up too. Great awards you two have been given (rightly deserved). Have a Wonderful weekend in Bloomfield. Much thanks for everything you do.

  5. Happy Birthday Norma Jean, what a beautiful woman you are inside and out. Loved the pics and congratulations on your Queen’s Jubilee Award. Much deserved as Doreen has said. Hope you have a wonderful time with family and friends.

  6. Happy Birthday Norna Jean,
    May you have a wonderful day with your husband and family. You are certainly Blessed to have such lovely people in your life.

  7. Happy blessed birthday to you Norma Jean. The scripture that came to mind was Proverbs 18:22, He who finds a good wife finds a good thing, And obtains favor from the LORD. You definitely have found your path together and may God continue to bless you richly in days to come.

  8. Blessings galore Norma-Jean on this your birthday and being honoured with the medal Queen’s Diamond Jubilee! Have a spectacular day with family and friends.

    Beautiful pictures.

  9. Happy Birthday, Norma Jean. Beautiful photos and congratulations on your Queen’s Jubilee Award. I am glad I got to meet you in person and enjoyed our conversations. God’s special blessing on your day!

  10. Happy Birthday Norma-Jean and Congratulations on your well deserved
    Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Award!

    May God bless you and all your family, Amen.

  11. May you have a blessed birthday Norma-Jean and have a wonderful time surrounded by your family and friends. God has blessed you and Pastor David for your faithfulness to Him over these many years. May the two of you have many more!!!

  12. Happy Birthday Norma Jean! Congratulations on your award as well. Many Blessings to you and your family. These devotions are a wonderful blessing and encouragement to my son and myself. 🙂

  13. Wishing you a Happy Birthday and wonderful week-end and year, ahead, Norma-Jean! God’s continued blessings to you and your family; love the four generations photo! Congratulations on the Queen’s Jubilee Award!

  14. Congratulations to both of you! May God continue to bless you in the days ahead! Thank you for the daily inspiration!

  15. Happy Birthday Norma-Jean. May the lord continue to Bless you and your Family.
    Have a Blessed weekend celebrating David and your birthday together.

  16. Happy Birthday Norma-Jean. Also, congratulations on the Queen’s Jubilee Award. I am thrilled for you. You are a very loving person. I can say this because I experienced your loving disposition on one of your tours to The Holy Land many years ago. God Bless You for many more years to come.

  17. Happy Belated Birthday David. I meant to send this yesterday, and I missed. Please forgive me. I read your blog every morning. Thank you. It is my first meditation of the day. David, you have played a very important part in my Christian Walk. since i979. 100 Huntley Street Program was on my T.V. every
    day. I have been a member ever since to this day. Crossroads is still my favourite program, it is great, but I still miss you and Norma-Jean.
    I thank you again for your daily blog.

  18. Happy Birthday Norma-Jean!! What a lovely picture of you and your children. Norma-Jean…you never change…your beauty never fades.
    Congratulations on the special award.

    Thank you Pastor David for giving us the pleasure of celebrating
    Norma-Jean’s birthday with you.

    The wisdom and guidance you presented in today’s blog is much appreciated!! and every day as you give of yourself that we might grow in the knowledge and understanding of the Word of God in a greater way. Thank you.

  19. Happy Belated Birthday Norma Jean! You are so beautiful inside and out and haven’t changed at all throughout all of these years. I started watching 100 Huntley Street in 1978!

  20. Happy Birthday Norma-Jean and congratulations on the Queen’s Jubilee Award
    May you be blessed as you spend the weekend at Wesley Acres Campground . May GOd speak to the hearts of those in attendance as you, David bring God’s message to them

    GOD bless you & yours as you so faithfully serve HIM in so many ways.

  21. Happy Birthday David! I thank our Lord that He had His Hand on your life and that you were obedient to Him for ‘100 Huntley Street’! This ministry has been such a Blessing to me throughout the years (since 1978) and has helped me through many difficult times in my Life. Even when times were good, this Ministry and Blessed and encouraged me! I am enjoying your blogs and the wonderful photography! These blogs are also an encouragement to me and I look forward to them each day!

  22. Happy Birthday Norma Jean and congratulation on your
    Award.you are truly a beautiful lady.inside and out.
    Happy Birthday David.you also are a beautiful man.
    You care so much for others.thank you so much for the
    Blog it has helped so much.
    Blessings too you both
    Veronica.

  23. It is so precious to have husband & wife celebrate birthdays this way! God ordained this marriage indeed, I think it is very cool! Blessings to David and Norma-Jean Mainse! God bless the entire family! Praise and thank God for leading this family to share the Gospel to the world! AMEN

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