WHO IS BILLY GRAHAM? (a waitress asked me this question)
Today’s Reading: Revelation 18
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 a view from high up in the Roman Col0sseum looking towards the Arch of Constantine. It is one of the triumphal arches in Rome. This one is situated between the Colosseum and the Palatine Hill. It was erected by the Roman Senate to commemorate Constantine I’s victory over Maxentius at the Battle of Milvian Bridge on October 28, 312. It is probable that the Christians who read or heard the “Revelation” believed that Rome was the manifestation of the ancient tower of Babel and the city which grew around it, Babylon (Revelation 18:2a).
GOOGLE MAPS – To see where the photo was taken, click HERE.
Key Verse: Revelation 18:17a
For in one hour such great riches came to nothing…
Jim and Kathy Cantelon write today’s 100 Words segment (originally published in Crossroads’ Day Unto Day devotional series)…
In this chapter we read of two angels shouting poetically over the “fallen” earthly kingdom of Rome. The first angel speaks in verses 1-20 and the second in verses 21-24. They express the lament of sailors, sea captains, merchants, workmen, and all “the world’s great men.” They also express the joy of “saints and apostles and prophets.” The truth of 11:15 is symbolized in the fall of Rome – “The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of His Christ” (KJV). The Lamb has conquered! And great is the fall of any and all kingdoms outside of His rule.
Recent events (I write this in the summer of 1991) have made the suddenness of the fall of earth’s kingdoms appear less shocking. Over the course of the past 36 months, we have seen the fall of the Berlin Wall, the destruction of the Iron Curtain, the end of the Warsaw Pact, and, most recently, the disintegration of the Soviet Union. Most surprising of all was the demise of the Soviet Communist Party in less than one hour! President Gorbachev simply signed its death warrant with one stroke of a pen.
We have entered an era of instant wars and instant victories. Things have speeded up to an almost breakneck pace. No longer does it seem impossible, nor improbable, that kingdoms and “kings” rise and fall in “an hour” (verse 17).
We who believe in the return of the Lord had better “lift up our heads – for our redemption draweth nigh” (Luke 21:28).
PRAYER FOR TODAY:
Almighty God, as I read Revelation 18 I am in awe of the messages of Your angels, and of John’s recording of what he saw and heard. I pray for my mind to comprehend, and for wisdom to interpret these words correctly and to apply them to my personal life. I surrender voluntarily to Your purpose for my life. I ask this in the Name of the One who always, without fail, fulfilled Your purpose, Your Son and my Saviour, Jesus the Messiah (Christ in Greek). Amen!!!
100 PERSONAL WORDS:
The other morning I stopped at a local restaurant for breakfast and the waitress, a lovely and efficient young lady in her early twenties, asked me what I did. I mentioned that I had had the honour to interview thousands of people for national television in Canada. She asked, “Who was the most famous person you interviewed?” She had told me on another occasion that she was a Baptist, so I thought of the great evangelist who is a Baptist minister, and answered, “Billy Graham.” Then she said, “Who’s he?”
It is a fact that the human family is in big trouble if we rely on past ministries, even those as powerful as that as Billy Graham. We must pray fervently that God will raise up in this second decade of the 21st century strong prophetic voices, not necessarily a big name, but millions of us (tomorrow’s reading will explain “the spirit of prophecy”). Will Graham, Billy’s grandson, asked his grandfather what he would do differently if he had his life to live over again. Billy answered, “I would pray more, and read my Bible more!” To me this is just another reason to continue strongly to encourage prayer and reading God’s Word, as proposed by this blog, which starts its second two year journey through the Bible (Matthew, Genesis, Mark, Exodus, etc.) on June 3rd. I would consider it a great honour if some of God’s people would stay with me for more fresh bread taken out of the oven and posted at 6 a.m.
Yours for taking more time (the earlier the better, before the phone starts to ring, etc.) in God’s Word and in prayer,
David
There is a remote chance that someone reading this does not know of Billy Graham. Here’s a link to tell us about Billy. And here is a tribute to him from 100 Huntley Street on his 95th birthday in 2013 (hosted by my son Ron and his wife Ann).
The view looking north across the Agora in Rome. The monument to Victor Emmanuel, the king that unified Italy, is seen on the horizon. As pointed out in today’s reading, man’s kingdoms are temporary and with the weapons of modern warfare can be destroyed in one hour.
Dear David:
My husband and I will definitely be reading your blog again starting on June 3rd. I have my friends and relatives all over the world, including India, whom I send this Bible blog to. God bless all of you. We use to come to Confederation, 100 Huntley St., when you first started and have been on most of your shows with several people from our St. John Fisher Catholic,Charismatic P.G. We have the Divine Retreat Centre, Toronto, which you should google on their website. Do visit it on Fridays for their service, where 500 people attend.
Thank you and many blessing of closeness to the Lord and good health. I also am looking forward to start the new two year blog.
I am praying the Lord will lead me to get more people to start June third as well.
I will follow along on June 3rd as well your pictures are wonderful Renold
God bless you and your families David
Yes, the photo’s are great. Thank-you.
I will be following your blog as well. Everyday I look forward to reading it.
I will God willing to read between 6:00 and 8:00 am what an amazing and knowledgeable way to learn our scriptures spreading the word growing our faith stronger. David you are a blessing, God bless you.
Yes! me too.
I will definitely be following your blog on June 3rd. It is my second time around and it has been a blessing. Thank you and may the Lord keep you strong in His mighty power. Xoxo
Thank you for the tribute to Billy Graham. I was at his first Toronto Crusade in the fall of 1955 and heard the true gospel preached for the very first time even though I had been in church all my life up until then. I wonder how many of your followers were at that Toronto Crusade.
I was there in 1955!
I only followed part time the first go around but haven’t missed a day the second time. So very looking forward to time number 3! Thank you for your faithfulness!
God willing will be following along for the third time David and looking forward to what the Lord has ion store for us. These photos Reynold bring back memories of my first overseas travels, a Teacher’s Tour to England and Europe, including Italy and Rome in 1970. Also met some of my English relatives for the first time. God bless your day saints!
Thank you for your prayers and encouragement for my friend Evie.
Thank you heavenly Father, we Praise You !
Diane 🙂
Dear David,
Thank you for all you do for us, I look forward to starting our third year of the bible.
I pray for your continued health, I love you and Huntley St I watch it every night.
God Bless all of you.
Is June 3 the beginning of year 2 or year 3?
June 3 is the beginning of the third time through the two-year Bible reading program.
Thank you David for your tireless endeavour to encourage people to study God’s word. I started half way through your first round. Looking forward to round three. A great start to my day.
I will definitely keep on with the blog and reading of God’s Word. Blessings! David
Watched the whole video “7 Days in Kosovo” & was very impressed to see the good work done by the Peace-Keeping Canadian Troops.
May God bless them for their efforts to create peace, Amen!!
Praying for all those in need of God’s healing & salvation.
Looking forward to following the blog 3rd time around as it has been a true
blessing to me & many others!
Thankyou Pastor Mainse for your faithfulness to do God’s will.
Thank you David for the 100 Words and a wonderful way to go thru’ GOD’S WORD. I still have 8 months before I complete my 1st time completing it. Will continue next January/17 to have a 2nd time around. I pray for your strength and good health to complete another year. GOD bless you & your family and all they do to support this blog.
God bless you and your family David for this daily bread and I pray for good health and strength for you and all of your family as you continue this ministry.
Dear David,Thank you for your great effort in continuing this
blog. Yes I sure will be doing this blog for the third time
and enjoy every word of it…R…
God bless you, dear David, and thank you for another two years of the daily Bible study and blog–looking forward to it, with fellow saints.
“Blessed be the LORD!
For he has heard the voice of my pleas for mercy.
The LORD is my strength and my shield;
in him my heart trusts, and I am helped;
my heart exults,
and with my song I give thanks to him.”
Psalm 28:6-7 ESV
Holy Holy Holy Lord God Almighty .. [Agnus Dei]
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UWndDW_271g
I wouldn’t think of not following the blog. It is a habit now (from the beginning). Thank you David and family. God bless you and keep you.
Looking forward to starting my third time around. Also planning God willing to be able to start early. For some time I have had to wait until evening. Setting my alarm and praying God will bless with enough sleep to start my day with the blog, just as I used to.
Blessings and thanks to everyone.
Dear David. Looking forward to another two years. It’s what I wake up to and start my day. Blessings to you and your family and all the bloggers. Beautiful pictures from Reynold.