Thursday, July 7, 2016

STARS & SAND

Today’s Reading: Genesis 22-23

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

 

The sands from the Mediterranean have blown through the aqueduct arches at Caesarea.

Key Verse: Genesis 22:17

…blessing I will bless you, and multiplying I will multiply your descendants as the stars of the heaven and as the sand which is on the seashore; and your descendants shall possess the gate of their enemies.

 

After a long period of testing, Abraham and Sarah had their own little son. How they rejoiced! How they loved him! But now a new test confronted Abraham. He probably spent the whole night in tears, wrestling in prayer. Would God really make such a request? Finally, as the sun began to rise, Abraham obeyed, took Isaac up Mt. Moriah, and placed him on the altar. Then God gave the boy back to his Dad and promised great blessing on Abraham and his descendants. God is faithful! He has provided the Sacrifice of His own Son, our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ! Abraham said to his servant, “Stay here and I will go yonder and worship, and WE will return.” He knew God would be faithful to His promise about Isaac. He also knew that the highest expression of worship is OBEDIENCE!!!

PRAYER FOR TODAY:

Father God, here I am to worship You. Yes, I worship with words of praise and thanksgiving; I worship You with songs; I gather with other believers to worship You in public gatherings; but grant me the grace to always worship You through my obedience to Your revealed will. Through Jesus Christ, my Lord, I pray. Amen!

100 PERSONAL WORDS:

Since 1968, Norma-Jean and I have taken groups of our friends to Israel. This year, my son Ron and his wife Ann are leading a tour from October 28th – November 6th (for tour details, click HERE). In the picture above is one of Israel’s sand beaches. Can you imagine counting each grain of sand. When in Jerusalem in the vicinity of Mt. Moriah where the Temple once stood, I’m filled with strong emotions each time I have spoken to brothers and sisters in our group about the Sacrifice of Jesus on the very place where God said to Abraham, “Because you have done this thing, and have not withheld your son, your only son, in blessing I will bless you.” Tears fill my eyes as I type this, for God did not withhold His only Son, but gave Him as the final Sacrifice. No wonder Abraham was called the “friend of God” (James 2:23).

In Christ’s love and service,

David

P.S. Today is the 32nd wedding anniversary of Ron and Ann, the blessed couple who help me daily. Ron formats the blog (I fill in the blanks) and Ann is my proofreader. Congratulations! I love you my son and daughter-in-love!

20 thoughts on “Thursday, July 7, 2016

  1. “If you tell God no because He won’t explain the reason He wants you to do something, you are actually hindering His blessing. But when you say yes to Him, all of heaven opens to pour out His goodness and reward your obedience. What matters more than material blessings are the things He is teaching us in our spirit.”
    – Charles F. Stanley

  2. Congratulations Ron and Ann ! What blessings you are !

    I am particularly struck this morning by ‘ the highest expression of worship is obedience’ and the fact that God provided a lamb to spare Abrahams son and then gave his own Son as the final sacrifice for our sin. Thank you David, Ron and Ann for this reminder and blessing today ! May God bless each of you in a special way today.

  3. Happy blessed Anniversary to Ron and Ann. I can see why they are such a blessing to you. Continuing to be blessed by your blog and your faithfulness to it.
    All about Jesus….no other God. I pray through my obedience that it will always give Him glory.
    God bless you and all the readers today!

  4. Happy Anniversary, dear Ann and Ron. May God continue to bless you for many years to come. You both come from wonderful heritages. Thank you for all you do to further the Kingdom.
    Blessings Pastor David and Norma Jean. You are such a witness to all, your love and many years of marriage is a great example to all.

  5. The Lord will provide–amen!! When we obey and follow Your instruction, Lord, Your blessings and abundance will multiply in our lives. We are so grateful, indeed!! Stunning photo from Reynold and beautiful wedding photo of you, Ann and Ron!! Congratulations on your anniversary. God bless you, both! Love to all dearest saints in the Lord.

    “The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me, because the Lord has anointed me to bring good news to the poor; he has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound.”
    Isaiah 61:1 ESV

    You are Holy, Lord by Christ for the Nations–so awesome!
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=emF4yPS0GXM

  6. TO RON AND ANN MAINSE: CONGRATULATIONS ON YOUR 32ND WEDDING ANNIVERSARY…II PRAY CONTINUED BLESSINGS ON YOUR LIFE ON ALL YOU DO!! THANK YOU JESUS, AMEN!!

    WHAT A BEAUTIFUL COUPLE!!!

  7. Thank You Father in heaven for Your Great love for us…You Gave all that You had …the Greatest sacrifice …Your one and only Begotten Son, JESUS!! WHAT LOVE!!! THANK YOU!!!

  8. Thank you Rev. David Mainse for your godly life and the blog of sharing your story and your heart to brothers and sisters in Christ. God is so faithful and Ron and Ann are beautiful godly couple. Hallelujah, hallelujah, God be the glory, honor and praise.

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