O JERUSALEM
Today’s Reading: Luke 13-14
Click scripture link to read online or HERE to listen online (then click the symbol of the audio speaker above the scripture portion on the right-hand side).
This is a Somali wild donkey with the signature horizontal black stripes on its legs. This was photographed at Hai-Bar Yotvata Nature Reserve in Israel, where you can see a variety of biblically referenced animals. From time to time Jesus used His creatures (today, a hen and her brood) to illustrate His message. James 3:8 says that no man can tame the human “tongue,” and it is said that this wild donkey cannot be tamed. In today’s reading Jesus refers to the tamed variety of “donkey.”
GOOGLE MAPS – To see where Reynold took the photo, click HERE.
Key Verse: Luke 13:34
O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the one who kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to her! How often I wanted to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, but you were not willing!
At the beginning of chapter 13, Jesus repeats for emphasis His call to repentance. Repentance essentially means that we are to turn from our own way and go God’s way. It means a Godly sorrow for sin, sorry enough to quit sinning; sorry enough to ask God’s forgiveness immediately when we sin. God reaches out to us as individuals, and He also reaches out to entire communities. The woman with the spirit of infirmity was ministered to individually. She responded, but Jerusalem, as a whole, did not. The heart of Jesus yearns also for our city, for our country, as well as each precious person. Jesus points out the hypocrisy of many religious leaders in the way they keep the Sabbath. He cares about donkeys and oxen (14:5), and how much more for people? Judgment and justice are inevitable. We need to come to Jesus humbly in repentance.
PRAYER FOR TODAY:
Lord Jesus, You’ve invited me over and over to come to You. I do this now in repentance for my sin. Grant me a constant attitude of repentance. I fervently desire to live this life pleasing to You. I pray these mercies in Your Name. Amen!
100 PERSONAL WORDS:
Fall is in the air. I marvel that God, who put stars in place and arranged the seasons, would care for me individually. The story is told of the astronomer who spent his life studying the stars and who came to the conclusion that a God big enough to create the stars could not possibly care for him as an individual. As a retirement gift, he was given a microscope. As he studied that which was too small for the naked eye, he came to believe that a God who would create the molecule was even bigger than he had thought. He concluded that God cared about the little things, as well as the great big universe, and therefore, God cared about him. He opened his heart to the fact that God became Human in Jesus Christ.
Yours, marvelling at God’s great universe and marvelling even more at His care for me,
David
P.S. Yesterday was the 58th wedding anniversary for Norma-Jean and me. Some of our children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren came together to celebrate with us at the hospital (see photos below). At such times I get to speak what’s on my heart. Yesterday I shared with my family my deep love for Norma-Jean and how blessed I’ve been to have her by my side for these 58 years. I also shared that in the last few weeks I’ve been meditating a lot on the historical accuracy of Holy Scripture. There is much evidence from historical writers that the Scriptures give us factual information. For example, Jesus was executed by crucifixion (denied by Muslims). The fact that this happened is stated by the Roman historian Tacitus, who was not a believer. He wrote that this happened during the reign of Emperor Tiberius, and that Pilate was the Governor of Judea at the time…confirming what scripture says. Be assured, the writings chosen for inclusion in the Bible are historically accurate!
congratulations on your anniversary. Love and God is good- to both.
So wonderful to see your family gather to celebrate your 58 years together.
Thank you Lord for this beautiful couple and all they are doing and have done.
Love you both. Irene
Thanks for those incredible photos and personal message, David. You and Norma-Jean (and family) look amazing!! The joy is written on your faces!! Thank You, Lord!! Amen to the historical accuracy of scripture. Our Jesus reigns!! Wishing all saints a blessed day in the Lord!!
Children of God
“Behold what manner of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God. And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know Him. Beloved, we are now children of God, and what we will be has not yet been revealed. We know that when Christ appears, we will be like Him, for we will see Him as He is. And everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just as He is pure.” 1 John 3:1-3 Berean Study Bible
Hidden, Will Reagan
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cqa8O1ktxk8
Congratulations to you and Norma Jean.
I’m so glad you were able to celebrate with so many family members and hoping and praying you will be well enough to go home soon
Congratulations David and Norma Jean on your 58th Anniversary.
God has blessed me by your faithfulness to Him and one another.
Encouraging me and others, I’m sure, to stay the course come what may.
May God strengthen you in the days ahead.
Blessings.
Great family photo’s!! What a meaningful time shared with family ❤️
Congratulations to you and your darling, Norma Jean.
What a precious picture of you and all of your family, how they honour you as the Godly priest of your home, and what a wonderful example you have lived out all of your dYs. Aman after God, just like King David.
Praying for you today David.
Beautiful pictures – thank you for sharing with us, and may God bless and strengthen all His people throughout this world. In Jesus’ name, amen
I am moved while looking at your pictures about what a blessing it shall be for you David, when you meet Jesus face to face! (hopefully/prayfully not for awhile yet though, for all of our sakes!) You have been so faithful to Him and you are dear to His heart and to all of those you have touched with your ministry. God bless you and keep you well!
Congratulations on 58yrs,what a great looking family.Thanking you for keeping me in the Bible.Look forward to each morning!Thank you God for pastor David!
How blessed you are, a blessing that perhaps did not come too easily, as you and Norma-Jean stood firm in your faith, through thick and thin. May the Lord continue to uphold you and your loved ones. Thanks for the wonderful photo of your 58th Wedding Anniversary celebration.
A photo that reveals the joy and love that exists in your midst the; the Love of Jesus. Be strengthened in His Love, David and Norma-Jean and family I pray, Amen and Amen!!
The scripture today reveals the heart of Jesus for His people as he cries in: Luke 13:34 “Jerusalem, Jerusalem…How often would I have gathered your children, as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, but you were not willing!”
Lord I pray we would surrender to Your call willingly and run into your open arms of Love!! Thank You for Your Great Love for us!!!
what a wonderful looking familyyour and Norma Jean are
so Blessed , Your qiver is full ,May God keep on Blessing
you both….R…..
Catch The Fire (4 David Mainse)
Though you have walked many oceans
And spread My word to many nations,
I saw in you and your devotions
A servant of joyous exhalations.
You have not asked for earthly wealth,
But just to be my most humble voice
And when adversity was kept in stealth
You still worshiped Me out of free choice.
So out of free choice I give you
More time upon the stage of learning,
Whereby My word you show to be true
And catch the fire that’s forever burning.
G W(Bill) Marshall / 01 February, 2014
Congratulations on your 58th Anniversary and the wonderful legacy that has developed as you have been faithful to Jesus! Your photos tell volumes of the love and devotion that has been passed on to your family and to many, many others, including me! The 100 words blog is especially meaningful. Thanks so much!!
What a beautiful and wonderful family photo God bless you all a man
Blessings to all this day….yes God is interested in the smallest detail of our lives, right down to finding my glasses;keys;wallet…now askin Him where are the r]ear rings? they are very small, have searched swim bag, Lord You know where they are, guide me to find them TY Lord
I also look at the Heavens, the stars, how the seasons are designed and I wonder if God realizes the pull of the Moon, tides roll in with the pull of Moon, sailors use the stars for guidance, it is amazing!
Full moons are very difficult for those who have a mental illness! Never stop praying for each other!
God bless the Mainse family!
SAH..you are an inspiration to me!
you are so ..down to earth.. and honest!
I have been praying for you, God Bless your finances and your neighbourhood!
And may you have joy and peace in your heart!
GOD BLESS YOU ANNA! PLEASE PRAY THAT I WILL BE BLESSED WITH A BIG FINANCIAL WINDFALL, WOULD LIKE TO GIVE SHAWN $5,000 to take family to Disneyland, would like to clear my debts and help my family also and need a newer 2nd hand vehicle! Maybe even go and visit my family! Lord God hear our prayers
also praying for healing for Livvy, she has cancer of the pancreas, surgery is removing the cancer next Wednesday, all will be healed by Jesus;
also pray for healing for Eva, she had surgery of the rectum to remove cancer, she is recovering nicely, again, pray she is healed by Jesus also.
Thank you Lord for all the blessings of this day! AMEN AMEN AMEN
Congratulaciones David and Norma-Jean, blessed and happy anniversary and happy and blessed birthday David. What a great legacy from you both, for your family and our great family in Christ.
God bless you and your family! Congratulations on your anniversary!
Beautiful picture of a wonderful family. Praying God’s continued blessing on each of you and His healing hand on Pastor David.