CONTENTIOUS
Today’s Reading: Proverbs 21
Click scripture link to read online or HERE to listen online (then click the symbol of the audio speaker above the scripture portion).
This stone bridge is located in eastern Turkey at the entrance to Tarsus, home of the Apostle Paul, on the Ankara – Adana Road. This bridge, with three arches, was restored in 1978 and continued to handle all of the traffic until very recently. Because goods to be sold were taxed when crossing this bridge, it was given the name “Bac” (tax) bridge. With Christmas shopping underway, our governments will take in huge amounts in taxes on the goods we purchase. It’s great to give of our own free will to meet human need and, in our country, receive a charitable receipt which can help lower the amount of taxes we pay.
GOOGLE MAPS – To see where the photo was taken, click HERE.
Key Verses: Proverbs 21:13
Whoever shuts his ears to the cry of the poor
Will also cry himself and not be heard.
Today’s reading contains instruction for the proper use of wealth. God does not condemn the possession of riches as long as they are procured in a legitimate manner and used in a God-honouring way. Our key verse makes it clear that one of the proper uses of wealth is to help people in need. Failure to do this is so serious a matter that the person who does not help when it is in their power to do so will cry someday and not be heard in their day of trouble. This same thought is presented to us by the Apostle John in 1 John 3:16-18. If we are blessed with this world’s goods and fail to share them, we do not know the love of God!
PRAYER FOR TODAY:
Dear God, I pray for a greater measure of Your love so that I may love others as Jesus loves me! John wrote that You loved us so much that YOU GAVE Your only begotten Son for my salvation! THANK YOU!!! I ask for the grace of giving sacrificially. In the Name of the One who gave His all, Jesus Christ, I pray, Amen!!!
100 PERSONAL WORDS:
I am deeply moved by the current refugee crisis. Mary, Joseph and Jesus were refugees from the violence of King Herod. They travelled into Egypt where the gifts from the wise men probably cared for their needs. Now there are refugees coming into Canada. As our key verse says, respond to “the cry of the poor.” Norma-Jean and I are looking for ways to help the refugees arriving from Syria, Iraq, Jordan and Turkey. May the Lord protect from any terrorists who may try to spread their evil by posing as refugees.
Yours for opening our hearts to the needs of others,
David
Thank you for promoting giving to help refugees and praying that those who would seek to do violence will be stopped. Let’s all pray for our immigration officials who are diligently working to help sort the good from the bad. They need great wisdom.
Amen !
So true about Mary and Joseph as refugee’s. I echo your sentiment, and am reassured how Our Lord is victorious in the end of every battle. Hope you are keeping well, David. Thank you for sharing your thoughts, insight and prayers with us!
Amen!
I am pleased to report that we expect 1,100 refugees in the Waterloo Region and possibly four families of four in our local Anglican Waterloo Deanery of churches.
We will need many volunteers to assist with finding accommodation, driving, shopping support, ELL (English Language Learning), hospitality etc. etc.
All prayers are very welcome.
Shalom,
Graham.
Amen David N!!
Amen I pray that all refuges will find enough warm clothing for this time of year that they feel welcomed, and not subject to prejudice or anger. Because of what the enemy is dong.
Amen!
Thank you, David, for your comments, today. Love conquers all fear. Let us put our faith in Jesus that the refugees coming to Canada will feel our Christian love and come to know and claim our Lord and Saviour–just think of how many more lives will be saved. We seek You, Lord and Your strength. We seek Your presence continually. Blessings dearest saints.
“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.” Gal 2:20 NKJV
Here I Am, Lord
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EcxOkht8w7c
Here I Am, Lord, by Dan Schutte
Also known as “I, The Lord of Sea And Sky”
Its words are based on Isaiah 6:8 and 1 Samuel 3
“I, the Lord of sea and sky,
I have heard My people cry.
All who dwell in dark and sin,
My hand will save.
I who made the stars of night,
I will make their darkness bright.
Who will bear My light to them?
Whom shall I send?
Here I am Lord, Is it I Lord?
I have heard You calling in the night.
I will go Lord, if You lead me.
I will hold Your people in my heart.
I, the Lord of snow and rain,
I have born my peoples pain.
I have wept for love of them, They turn away.
I will break their hearts of stone,
Give them hearts for love alone.
I will speak My word to them,
Whom shall I send?
Here I am Lord, Is it I Lord?
I have heard You calling in the night.
I will go Lord, if You lead me.
I will hold Your people in my heart.
I, the Lord of wind and flame,
I will tend the poor and lame.
I will set a feast for them,
My hand will save
Finest bread I will provide,
Till their hearts be satisfied.
I will give My life to them,
Whom shall I send?
Here I am Lord, Is it I Lord?
I have heard You calling in the night.
I will go Lord, if You lead me.
I will hold Your people in my heart.”
I love this Beverlee.
“Commit thy way unto the Lord; trust also in Him ;and He shall bring it to pass.(Psalm 37:5). Yes, we need to pray for the refugee crisis, then act as the Lord wills as you said David. Beautiful poem you posted Beverlee.
Agreeing in prayer Pastor David and bloggers for our hearts to be open with love to those in need. For a safe place in this Nation of Canada!!!
Thank you Rev. Mainse for the great pic of the lovely old bridge in today’s blog.
Praying for all the refugees.
Found this old gospel song which was running thru my mind of late:
https://youtu.be/3_QIHY64MaI
Blessings.
Thank you Lynda for this link…I clicked “He Raised Me UP” one of my favorites!!!
You’re very welcome Irene. Glad u enjoyed it and went on to listen to one more of your favourites.
Hi David
For some reason I am not receiving the morning email for 100 words. I wonder if it would be possible for someone to start delivering the email to me each morning I tried re-signing up but am still not getting it.
thank you
Joy Henniger
Joy H. If you Google “100 Words” it will take you to David’s blog.
I for some reason are not getting the morning e-mails to your blog anymore. I tried re-signing up but still not getting it.
Today’s blog has been such a blessing and an answer to prayer for me. I have been struggling with some of my fellow Christians voicing their opposition to the Syrian refugees coming to Canada. Thank you Pastor David and fellow saints for your comments. I feel these Christian are fearful of sone terrorists slipping through but their fear overtakes their trust in Our Lord to guide those who are working diligently to take careful steps to process those who desperately need us to welcome them into our beloved country. God says where you see a need. Meet it! Let us all prayer for this.
Blessings to all.
That’s exactly what I have been dealing with, too, Catherine. It has been surprising. Thank you for sharing that. God’s continued blessings to you!
Amen
Amen!
WHEN ALL OF THE HOMELESS PEOPLE IN CANADA, STARTING WITH MY COMMUN ITY WHICH HAS 7 HOMELESS YOUTH, THE NEXT TOWN HAS 18 YOUTH AND 187 PEOPLE IN FAMILIES ALL HAVE A HOME, A GOD JOB, ARE SAFE, AND THE TENT CITIES ARE GONE!THEN AND ONLY THEN SHOULD CANADA TAKE IN ANY MORE REFUGEES! AND ONLY ONE FAMILY PER COMMUNITY!
CANADA IS GOING TO HAVE SO MANY PROBLEMS WITH THE PEOPLE COMING FROM SYRIA! YOU CAN’T EVEN IMAGINATION WHAT IS GOING TO HAPPEN!
IT IS USED TO BE THAT WHEN A PERSON TOOK THE COURSE AND BECAME A CANADIAN CITIZEN, THEY ACCEPTED THE CODE OF A CANDADIAN LIVING IN CANADA! TO LIVE AS A CANADIAN!
HOWEVER WHAT HAS HAPPEND OVER THE LAST 10-15 YEARS WHEN PEOPLE BECOME CANADIAN CITIZENS THEY IMPOSE THEIR CULTURE ON US!
I ABSOLUTELY OPPOSE WEARING OF TURBANS, VEILS, COVERING OF THE FACES! IT IS VERY UNCOMFORTABLE AND MAKES FOR A VERY UNSAFE ENVIRONMENT! THIS IS NOT HOW WE LIVE IN CANADA! THOSE WHO WEAR THESE ITEMS CAN WEAR THEM ON THEIR SPECIAL HOLIDAYS, BUT WHEN OUT IN THE PUBLIC, WE ALL NEED TO SEE EACH OTHER FACE TO FACE!
I DO NOT AGREE WITH REFUGEES RECEIVING 5 YEARS OF FREE MEDICAL, EDUCATION AND RENT WHEN THEY COME TO CANADA!
IF PEOPLE TELL YOU OTHERWISE THEY ARE NOT TELLING THE TRUTH!
SOUTH AMERICA, OTHER PARTS OF THE MIDDLE EAST SUCH AS SAUDI ARABIA, AUASTRIALIA, NEW ZEALAND, ENGLAND, CAN TAKE REFUGEES.
AND PLEASE DO NOT COMPARE THIS TO MARY AND JOSEPH!
THIS IS TOTALLY A DIFFERENT SITUATION!
AND ALSO REMEMBER THER IS A BIG BIG BIG DIFFERENCE TAKING IN ONE OR TWO FAMILIES COMPARED TO 12,000 FAMILIES!
AND DON’T BELIEVE FOR A MOMENT THAT THESE PEOPLE WILL BE SCREENED! THAT IS AN ABSOLUTE LIE! IT CAN’T BE DONE! TOO EXPENSIVE!
I’VE SAID MY SIDE! BEWARE! ALSO IF A PERSON HAS LOTS OF MONEY, DONATE TO THE SALVATION ARMY, WELLS FOR WATER, CANADIAN LUTHERAN WORLD RELIEF, GROUPS THAT DO SOMETHING POSITIVE FOR PEOPLE!
BE CAREFUL PEOPLE! I KNOW WHAT GOD SAYS ABOUT HELPING OTHERS BUT HE ALSO TELLS US TO BE WISE AND PRUDENT! I AM BEGINNING TO SEE A SLANTED SIDE TO DAVID MAINSE! HE REALLY SHOULD NOT BE MAKING ANY COMMENTS REGARDING THE REFUGEE SITUATION.
I AM IN THE PROCESS OF LOCATING SOME FUNDING FOR A GAL WHO BROKE HER LEG AND FOOT AND HAS 15 PINS AND HAD 3 SURGERIES AND WILL REQUIRE 3 MORE! SHE WILL NEED REHAB AND I AM CONTACTING 3 CHURCHES TO FIND IF THEY WILL HELP HER TO GO TO RECOPE LATER IN THE NEW YEAR! I AM ONLY ASKING FOR $100 FROM EACH CHURCH, SO WE WILL SEE HOW THAT WILL GO, AS I SAID, PEOPLE ARE VERY FUNNY, HELP THOSE WHO ARE NOT CANADIANS, BUT WHAT ABOUT HELPING THOSE WHO LIVE RIGHT HERE, BORN IN CANADA, ARE WORKING AND HAVE FAMILIES TO SUPPORT! LORD, YOU KNOW MY HEART, I LOVE PEOPLE, BUT I REALLY NEED TO HELP THOSE RIGHT AROUND ME, WHEN THEY ARE HELPED AND ON THEIR WAY, THEN I CAN RACH OUT TO OTHERS. IN CHRIST’S NAME I PRAY AMEN
I totally agree ….. I too am not against helping and caring but as mentioned we do also have to be careful and not just accept anything and/or everything. Exactly, David Mainse should not be getting politically involved.
I am sorry you feel so badly, Sah, however it is completely disrespectful to say such harsh things about the founder of this blog, David Mainse. In addition, speaking in CAPS is similar to shouting, and it is very hard to read entire comments in that manner. Canada is a multi-cultural country–always has been, always will be. Telling people they have to assimilate to white Canadian ways is not the answer, as has been proven by the legacy of institutional racism against Canada’s Native Indians. We are reminded by Prime Minister Stephen Harper’s official apology to the Native Indians in 2008. It is normal for Canadians and every country, for that matter, to have fears. Satan feeds off fear. However Jesus taught us that love conquers fear. Love is the ultimate answer to bring an end to hate. You are sadly mistaken about refugees receiving everything for free. Refugees do not receive free education–no one in Canada does–you can be guaranteed of that. They might receive student loans but that money has to be repaid to the Canadian government the same as it does for Canadians who are born and raised here. I call to God in prayer for you, Sah, and everyone who reads this blog.
Sah and Milvy
The whole world is in turmoil. Thank God for all that we have in Canada.
WWJD Lets all go to God in prayer He will make a way Praise The Lord
MY KEYBOARD IS NOT WORKING PROPERLY! BELIEVE I AM NOT SHOUTING!
I SIMPLY SAY THAT WHEN EVERYONE ELSE IN OUR COUNTRY IS TAKEN CARE OF AND ALL THE HOMELESS HAVE HOMES, JOBS, AND THE TENT CITIES ARE DOWN AND GONE, THEN A FEW PEOPLE CAN COME IN AND BECOME CITIZENS OF CANADA!
AND AGAIN MR. MAINSE SHOULD NOT BE MAKING ANY COMMENTS FOR OR AGAINST THE REFUGEE SITUATION!
ALSO IS NOT HIS SON REYNOLD IN THE MIDDLE EAST AND DO THEY NOT HAVE A MINISTRY FOR PEOPLE IN NEED! THEY ARE DOING A SERVICE FOR THE LORD THROUGH THEIR MINISTRY! ENOUGH SAID OF THAT SITUATION!
I SIMPLY SPOKE MY PIECE! MANY PEOPLE WILL NOT SPEAK BECAUSE THEY FEAR RETRIBUTION!
IN CANADA WE STILL HAVE FREEDOM OF SPEECH! IN REGARD TO FREE EDUCATION, I KNOW OF MANY WHO HAVE BEEN RECEIVING FREE EDUCATION FOR 2-3-4 YEARS AND WILL CONTINUE TO RECEIVE THIS FOR ANOTHER YEAR!
ALSO I STRONGLY BELIEVE THAT WHEN A PERSON COMES TO CANADA AND WISHES TO LIVE AS A CANADIAN AND THEY TAKE THEIR CANADIAN CITIZEN TEST AND BECOME CITIZENS OF CANADA, THEN THEY TAKE ON THE CANADIAN WAY. NO HIDING!
EVERYONE IS FREE TO PRACTICE THEIR BELIEFS BUT NOT INTRUDE ON THE RIGHTS OF ALL CANADIANS!
I AM GLAD CONVERSATION IS TAKING PLACE! IT IS PERFECTLY OKAY TO AGREE TO DISAGREE!
AND AGAIN IN NO WAY IS THIS A SIMILAR SITUATION TO WHAT MARY AND JOSEPH WENT THROUGH!
IF PEOPLE THINK ABOUT THE SITUATION, I BELIEVE WHAT IS UPSETTING PEOPLE IS THE NUMBER OF REFUGEES CANADA IS TAKING!
AND YES SAFETY IS ANOTHER ISSUE!
AGAIN, WE ARE FREE TO AGREE TO DISAGREE, I FEEL THAT AS A CANADIAN CITIZEN I WANT MY COUNTRY TO STAY STRONG AND BE AT PEACE WITH IT`S PEOPLES!
Reynold and Kathy’s ministry WE World Embrace, is in Uganda, Africa, not Syria.