TRANSMITTING TRUTH
Today’s Reading: Proverbs 23
Click scripture link to read online or HERE to listen online (then click the symbol of the audio speaker above the scripture portion).
This is the facade of St. Catherine’s Church, with statues of Jerome and the Virgin Mary out front. Midnight Mass, carried around the world on TV Christmas Eve, originates from this church. Jerome translated the Holy Scriptures from Hebrew and Greek into Latin, the language of the Roman Empire, in a large cave located under this church. It is located next to the cave which we are told served as the stable where Jesus was born. Jerome’s cave stretches under the Church of the Nativity and is adjacent to the stable cave. This church is connected, wall to wall, to the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem. Like Elijah’s statue on Mt. Carmel, Jerome’s statue is depicted as trampling on death. The last enemy, death, is defeated!
GOOGLE MAPS – To see where the photo was taken, click HERE.
Key Verse: Proverbs 23:23
Buy the truth, and do not sell it, also wisdom and instruction and understanding.
Jerome (347-420 AD), who is depicted in the statue above, invested most of his life in producing the first complete translation into Latin from the original languages of Hebrew and Greek. His work became the official translation of the Bible for the lands of the Roman Empire. In a very real sense, Jerome bought the truth with an investment of 20 years of his life. He gave “truth,” “wisdom,” “instruction,” and “understanding” to the whole world. Other translations were made into other languages from Jerome’s amazing work.
Today’s reading may contain the longest section on any one topic in all of the book of Proverbs. Verses 20 and 21 refer to “winebibbers” and “the drunkard.” Then verses 29 to 35 are all about those “who linger long at the wine.” It’s a most serious warning which wise people will take to heart.
PRAYER FOR TODAY:
Lord God, I pray for (1) truth, which is manifested in the gifts of (2) wisdom, (3) instruction and (4) understanding, to be constantly active in my life. I ask for Your protection against the temptation of too much alcohol with its mind-muddling effects and any other substances or activities that work against these four gifts. I pray this in the Name of the One who always demonstrated these qualities, Jesus Christ, Amen!!!
100 PERSONAL WORDS:
Recently I stood in front of Jerome’s statue in Bethlehem as I was videotaping a Christmas show (click here and scroll to 29:00 near the end of the program). As I thought about Jerome, I thought about the great price paid by him and many others to give us our precious Bibles. My earliest memories of the Bible were of my mother opening her Bible each day at breakfast and at dinner while my Dad was overseas (1938-1944) reading lovingly and carefully. I had no doubt that this was the most important thing we did as a family. When my Dad arrived home in time for Christmas, he took upon himself the task of leading our family devotions. These influences are probably the main reason why I’m doing this daily blog!
Yours for publishing, reading, and learning the “Word of God,”
David
Dear Lord manifest Your gifts in our lives Truth , Wisdom , Instruction , and Understanding God Help Us in every area of our lives for without You we can do nothing
We Praise You and Your mercy endures forever
Merry Christmas everyone ♡♥♡♥♡♡♡♡♡♡
God bless you David Mainse, all your family and everyone at100 Huntley. I pray for God to bless all that you do to promote His son Jesus Chist.
David my prayer is the same as yours
God bless you , and your families
WOW!
I really enjoyed the full 30 minutes of the Christmas video (especially the grandchildren who wanted Norma-Jean to sing Jingle Bells and Frosty).
The wall is very disturbing but I am reminded that we are all asked to pray for the peace of Jerusalem and John tells us in the Book of Revelation that in the end God wins.
Shalom,
Graham.
Amen, Graham!
Amen! Lily May Phillippon.
Dear Lord Jesus,
I pray for peace in Jerusalem & the rest of the world.
May Your Will be done on earth as it is in Heaven, Amen.
Shalom Dear David and Norma Jean,
Always try to read your blog, David. It is a blessing! No, you are a huge blessing to so many. We really enjoyed having your son Reyn with us when he taking some of photos in Israel that so beautifully illustrate your blog.
Seeing you singing with your grandchildren reminded me of when our eldest son David was in Grade Two in Canada while we were on the way to Israel with our other sons. He was with Meridel’s Mom and Dad in Red Deer and whenever he was feeling lonely Grandma Joy Fowler would put on a record of Norma Jean singing hymns and especially Christmas songs and this was the only thing that really perked him up. Thank you dear and precious Norma Jean. We send our love and best wishes from Jerusalem, especially at this season.
Jay and Meridel Rawlings and sons and grandchildren.
Jerome did a wonderful work in translating the bible. And Paula did a wonderful work as the editor. Blessings to all saints on this beautiful December day.
I enjoy your reading your blog not only because of your comments on the scripture but also because of the many interesting historical facts you bring to light. This all helps to make the scriptures much more meaningful. Thank you and please keep up the good work!!
How special!!! David seeing you and Norma-Jean with your children enjoying and singing together. And the story of Christmas filmed right in Bethlehem where it all took place. Thank you!!!
Great lesson in proverbs…and I prayed together with in you. God
bless you!.
and blessings on all bloggers for sharing!!
Amen, David! I no longer drink; the liking of the taste of alcohol left me many years ago, which I am ever so thankful for! Amen! The Herodian stones are amazing!! Thank you for sharing that clip with us! Oh, to think of Jesus when He was a baby–how joyful!!
Noel, noel, noel, noel! Born is the King of Israel!!! Amen!!
WHAT A BLESSING TO SEE HOW PEOPLE HAVE EXPRESSED THEIR FEELINGS ON THE WALL!
WE ALL PUT UP WALLS OF SOME SORT! THEY ARE EASY TO PUT UP, TAKE LOTS OF PATIENCE TO TEAR THEM DOWN.
FORGIVENESS ONLY INVOLVES ONE PERSON!
PLEASE PRAY FOR A FAMILY THAT IS IN A FLURY. PARENTS SEPARATED, DAD IS IN COUNSELLING OF HIS OWN CHOICE!
CHILDREN ARE HURTING! ONE SON WENT INTO COUNSELLING ON HIS OWN!
I TRULY BELIEVE THIS MARRIAGE AND THE FAMILY WILL BE RESTORED!
IT HAS TO DO WITH THE WALLS, THEY WILL COME DOWN AND WITH GOD’S HELP!
CHILDREN ARE HURTING ALSO! ONE SON ASKED FOR AND IS RECEIVING COUNSELLING ALSO!
WHAT A BLESSING! IT WILL TAKE TIME BUT I DO BELIEVE GOD WILL RESTORE THIS MARRIAGE AND THIS FAMILY!
THANK YOU
OOPS! sorry messed up some words!
Continuing to pray for stability in health.