AWESOME
Today’s Reading: Psalms 64-66
Click scripture link to read online or HERE to listen online (then click the symbol of the audio speaker above the scripture portion).
The Mediterranean Sea beach and distant ruins of Caesarea Maritima.
GOOGLE MAPS – To see where the photo was taken, click HERE.
Key Verses: Psalm 65:5, 66:1-3
By awesome deeds in righteousness You will answer us,
O God of our salvation,
You who are the confidence of all the ends of the earth,
And of the far-off seas;
…Make a joyful shout to God, all the earth!
Sing out the honor of His name;
Make His praise glorious.
Say to God, “How awesome are Your works!
Through the greatness of Your power
Your enemies shall submit themselves to You…
Teens went through a phase a while back when it seemed that everything was “awesome!” In today’s reading the word “awesome” is appropriate. It’s used three times!!! Is it any wonder that we are encouraged to “Make a joyful shout to God!”
Meditate and wisely consider Psalm 64:1 & 64:9b. These are daily instructions for us all. God’s deeds are surely worthy of the utmost AWE!!! Consider the following facts – (1) Victory over enemies (66:3) – our enemies are not nations around us, but self and sin within us. Jesus is our AWESOME Deliverer! (2) The Lord rules, therefore, we can trust Him always (66:7) – verse 66:5 assures us that “He is AWESOME in His doing toward the sons of men!” (3) In an AWESOME way God has brought us out to rich fulfillment! (66:12b) – God is AWESOME in His answers to prayer! (66:19).
PRAYER FOR TODAY:
Thank You, Lord God, that You have “not turned away my prayer,” and You have not turned away Your “mercy from me!” (66:20). I know that the reason I can come before You in prayer and know that You hear me is not because of any righteousness in me, but only because of Your Son and my Saviour, Jesus Christ. I confess my sin before You! I have Your assurance that You have heard my confession and that I’m forgiven. I believe You when You spoke these words about Yourself through Your Apostle John, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9). Amen! Amen! Amen!
100 PERSONAL WORDS:
Again first thing this morning I confessed my confidence in the Lord Jesus by quoting Galatians 2:20, “I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.” The gift of faith from God that allows me to truly believe this statement also allows the truth of this statement to be lived out throughout the next 24 hours.
Yesterday I decided to check for mistakes in my recent book, This Far By Faith. I found several misprints, etc. Because of a deadline the book was rushed into print before I had a chance to critically read with care what I had typed into my laptop computer. For example I read that I had given my life to Christ in December of ’52, been filled with the Holy Spirit in June of ’53, and called into the Christian ministry in August of ’53. But there was a wrong date in print. I had mistakenly typed that I had lost my temper in the Fall of ’53 and punched out a football player on the opposing team. Doesn’t sound like a teenager who had already been saved, filled with God’s Spirit and called to be a minister, does it? The fact is that I was kicked out of the game for unnecessary roughness (fighting) in the Fall of ’52. This was one of the reasons I knew I needed God in my life, and why I was desperate for God’s help. In the fall of ’53, the next time I met that player on the field, I asked for and received his forgiveness. If you don’t have a copy of This Far By Faith, here’s how you can get a copy sent to you. After reading my confession here, my fellow bloggers may have lost interest in reading my book.
Yours for honesty and getting my words typed here in my blog correctly,
David
Thank you David for your usual transparency and honesty.
In a few days’ time ( October 10 ), I’ll have reached a recognizable milestone in my own lifetime. This is one of the few definite anniversaries which is forever fixed in my memory. It was around 9pm that Sunday evening in 1965 ( fifty years ago very soon ) that I was stirringly awakened to the reality of the Risen Christ, who would be returning for His Church one day. Was I ready ? No, I was NOT !
It was a Youth Rally in a small independent Evangelical church and took place several miles away from my regular church , where I’d attended the evening service. As encouraged, I witnessed to my mom ( a non-Believer ) at home late that night. It wasn’t well received, but she and HER father graciously allowed me to lead them to Christ years later.
I say this, to acknowledge that there have been subsequent occasions ( God knows those instances ) when I have offended others. In certain instances, I have been able to ask forgiveness and re-establish fellowship / friendship.
Our God is so gracious and forbearing.
Yes He is! Thank you Lord God for loving us unconditionally and that Your Word says You will never forsake us! Thank you Lord, thank you!
That confession only shows you are human and fallible.No matter when that occurred,did you not set a good example by getting back on your feet to continue the struggle.Should you expect yourself to be equal to Christ?…No!
Thank you for everything.Blessings
Forgiveness
Forgiveness is a gift we receive,
And freely we must give it too,
To prove to Him we do believe,
Forgiveness also works for you.
When a friend stabs your back,
Do not turn and choose to attack;
But smile and take up his slack
To show the faith you do not lack.
When you forgive it then returns,
For your heart is then lightened
While given the freedom it yearns
And your mind is then enlightened.
Let His healing hand touch your soul,
Then may His love render you whole,
For Satan will try to collect a toll
If your faith is weak you give control
But someone you may overlook
Is one you may be least kind to;
For mistaken paths that you took;
The one you forgive must be you.
GW (Bill) Marshall (before Aug,2012)
Lest You Be Judged (GM)
Unless you have been in my shoes,
I’ve been on paths I did not choose,
So do not judge what I may do,
For one day soon this could be you.
Fortune has not been my friend,
Nor has my heart had help to mend,
Misfortune has never been far away
The scars I bear,too many to say.
Not many smiles are without a blade
And when you’re down quickly fade,
So remember,to thine own self be true,
And be honest in all things you do.
G W(Bill) Marshall
Dear David, I don’t think reading your confession here, in the blog, has prevented anyone from reading your book, This Far By Faith. I read a number of typos and misprints in it, but never suspected you of dishonesty in anyway. I remember thinking it was too bad it had been rushed to print, as I would have loved to edit it first, for you; myself, having been an editor. I have heard your testimony over and over, and have never lost interest in being fed by your ministry. Just yesterday, I was going through my books and noticed yours: New Direction Volume 1, Bible Reading Guide with David Mainse; 100; Salt, Flavouring the Moral and Spiritual Climate of Our World; and This Far By Faith. I know those are only a few of the numerous books you have compiled with the intent purpose of spreading the Word of God and glorifying Him. “The Lord bless you and keep you. The Lord make His face shine upon you and be gracious to you; The Lord lift up His countenance upon you and give you peace.’ God’s blessings fellow saints, on this Holy Sabbath Day, as we worship our risen Lord and Saviour. Amen!
“I shall know by the gleam and glitter
Of the golden chain you wear,
By your heart’s calm strength in loving,
Of the fire you have had to bear.
Beat on, true heart, forever;
Shine bright, strong golden chain;
And bless the cleansing fire
And the furnace of living pain!”
Streams in the Desert 1, October 4, Adelaide Proctor
“Be Unto Your Name” by Robin Mark
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RSPwjMv_-5k
This Far by Faith. I have a CD with Ralph & Evelyn Rutledge singing it. It has been so helpful to me as I drive in heavy traffic 4 or 5 times a week. The words (and memories of the time we spent with them) give me comfort. I’m pretty sure I have your book, David. I’ll have to look for the errors. I saw a very, very, very, troubling program (W5 or 5th Estate) last night re: addiction to porn so very available to kids (& anyone) with computer. A must see. “PRAYER” a must
Five years ago our daughter had a cardiac arrest. She had a 7 month son, 2 years old daughter and 7 year old son and her husband. She was flown by Stars and in hospital for three weeks. She wouldn’t be with us today if it wasn’t for prayer. Praise be to God for the Christian Ethiopian staff that could see our faith and walked beside us. As we were travelling in our car to get to our daughter we opened our Bible asking God to speak to us. God gave us psalm 66 and we prayed that psalm throughout the five days of our daughter being in an induced coma that she wasn’t coming out of. Doctors did not give us hope but God did. The end of psalm 66 says that God hears our prayers and does not withdraw his unfailing love from me. We knew that no matter what happened to our daughter GOD would still be our GOD! But praise be to God our grandchildren have their Mom and we are enjoying our daughter.
God is God but we have to fight our battles with satan. There was a battle going on over our daughters hospital bed. We are so thankful for faith in a loving God that hears our prayers and who speaks to us through His Word! Thank you David for your 100 words that I enjoy every day.
Blessed be God, who has not turned away my prayer, nor His mercy from me. Amen, Darlene! Praise God!!
Thanks Sah for praying for our dear Monica. I should know the results of her biopsy around 4pm tomorrow. They will be picking up their two boys after the appointment. Thank you Pastor David for your words and honestly, we love more for that. Bless all today. We sang as our last Hymn at church this morning Stand up stand up for Jesus. It was like a big army of voices, beautiful. I love the new songs as well but I notice that we raise our voices louder for the old hymns . However, we are praising The Lord either way.
THANKS AND PRAISE TO OUR HEAVENLY FATHER! THANKS AND PRAISE FOR COMPLETE HEALING OF MONICA!
THANKS AND PRAISE FOR ALL MUSIC THAT WE SING TO WORSHIP OUR LORD GOD ALMIGHTY!
NEVER DOUBT THE POWER OF PRAYER!
I have and read your book “This Far By Faith”. I don’t think the few errors are what stand out; what comes forth is your testimony of what Jesus has done in and through your life. I also have your book “Standing on God’s Promises” and often use the scripture verses in my morning meditation. As well as others you have written, or been a part of their existence.
Thank you Rev. David for your faithfulness and integrity.
What a ministry this blog is, bringing us together from all across Canada and perhaps the US, sharing our faith and walk with Christ Jesus. And praying for each others’ needs and praising God in one accord.
For your obedience Rev. David to follow through on what God laid on your heart for His Glory!!! Thank you and God bless you may He continue to strengthen you in all you do!
Thanks for your honesty, integrity, faithfulness and obedience Rev David. No one can and should use a few mistakes against you. We should always remember we are all human, and we will always make mistakes. Just reading this blog, your teaching and your testimonies shows that you are a very sincere person.
May the Lord continue to Bless and Keep you and you Family safe.
yes yes yes Doreen! I saw that program about the young boys who watch porn and the effect it has had on their lives! yes yes yes we must PRAY. i ENCOURAGE EVERYONE TO FIND THAT PROGRAM ON GOOGLE AND SEE WHAT IS HAPPENING TO OUR CHILDREN!
I was thinking of how effective David Mainse might be in on his program with John Hull and put on a series of maybe 2-3 of what porn is doing to our children and how easy it is to watch!
We realize that through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ the devil is a loser! He has no hold on anyone on earth or in Heaven! PRAYER, PRAYER AND MORE PRAYER!
I feel helpless, may God in His mercy wipe out the evil on TV!
I only count 2 times the word “awesome” in the Scriptures above!
I am areally surprised that David Mainse would let the publishing of his book go ahead without him checking it over! That’s odd!
It’s odd Mr. Mainse because you have been so methodical in posting your blog and your sons and their families have been on top of all the publications of the blog, I find it very odd!