Sunday, July 3, 2016

BELIEVE

Today’s Reading: Genesis 14-15

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

 

The view while descending to the lowest point on earth – The Dead Sea. On the far side of the Dead Sea is the Kingdom of Jordan with the mountains of Moab seen along the horizon. Abraham would’ve seen this view, minus the modern highway.

Key Verse: Genesis 15:6

And he believed in the Lord, and He accounted it to him for righteousness.

 

The Apostle Paul picks up this story (Romans 4:2-3): “For if Abraham was justified by works, he has something to boast about, but not before God. For what does the Scripture say? ‘Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him for righteousness.'” If you have the time, read the entirety of Romans 4. Our works will never gain us a place in Heaven, nor will they guarantee the presence of God here and now. However, our actions are noticed by God and can result in God’s action towards us (e.g. Cornelius Acts 10:4b, “Your prayers and your alms (donations) have come up for a memorial before God”). James 2:20 says, “Faith without works is dead.” Works provide an outward and tangible confirmation of the inward motivating force behind them, belief and trust in God.

PRAYER FOR TODAY:

Father God, thank You for Your unconditional love and for Your righteousness given to me as a result of my faith in You. Like Abram (His name was not yet changed), I believe in You. Thank You for Your friend, Abram, who is a great example for me. I pray this in the Name of Jesus, Who is the greatest Example. Amen!

100 PERSONAL WORDS:

I’m so impressed by Abram’s attitude toward God and people. Yes, he believed God! He also showed this by works. I hate to admit this, but I think that Abram may have had something in common with an Afghan Warlord (a righteous one). Abram had a private Army. He was definitely not your average farmer. In today’s reading he risked his own life to rescue his nephew Lot and the other Sodomites. He tried (unsuccessfully) to turn the King of Sodom and the Sodomites he had rescued to God by introducing them to the priest of the most high God, Melchizedek. He paid his tithe. Abram’s attitude, overall, was impressive.

One of our 13 great-grandchildren, Autumn Neilson, is six years old now. I remember when she was two and she visited us. She sang over and over a song about attitude based on Philippians 2:5, written by her grandfather, Bruce Stacey, husband of my daughter Elaine: “Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus.” All but the newest of my great-grandchildren have memorized dozens of Bible verses because of these songs. Check out God Rocks Bibletoons Scripture songs online HERE. You can go to the Crossroads e-store to order a CD or DVD HERE.

Your friend and brother in Christ,

David

8 thoughts on “Sunday, July 3, 2016

  1. If by faith Abraham could move mountains having not seen God, imagine what Christians could move with the witness of the Holy Spirit living within?

  2. Oh, we thank you, our creator God. And we lift up our hearts in worship and praise, this morning. Indeed, mountains can be moved by your greatness. We know the hour has come for us to wake from our sleep. For salvation is nearer to us now than when we first believed! Amen! Blessings dearest saints in the Lord! We love you, David Mainse! May your day be blessed beyond all measure, knowing you have been a formidable servant of God!

    Who is wise and understanding among you? By his good conduct let him show his works in the meekness of wisdom. James 3:13 ESV

    Cannot get this song out of my head, this morning:
    We Will Not Be Shaken (song) // Brian Johnson // We Will Not Be Shaken Official Lyric Video
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3KHPIZOdrjIf

  3. Amen David and fellow saints! Went to two homegoing meetings this week and I thank God for the privilege of having a part to play in each one. All Glory to our Saviour and Friend the Lord Jesus Christ. Taking note of Acts 10:46: “Your prayers and alms have come up for a memorial before God.” Appreciate the song Beverlee; will play it again and have put it on facebook. Blessings!

  4. Prayed with you this morning Pastor David…yes Abram is a great example …but Jesus is our GREATEST EXAMPLE!! …You Pastor David are not too far off either…as our example:)

    We are blessed to be ‘CANADIANS” … I pray this Nation will once again be a “Nation under God”
    Have a Blessed Day all you saints!

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