YOUR REASONABLE SERVICE
Today’s Reading: Romans 12
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).
The Pantheon (from Greek meaning “all gods”) is a building in Rome which was originally built in 27 BC as a temple to the seven deities of the seven planets in the state religion of Ancient Rome. It is the best preserved of all Roman buildings, and perhaps the best preserved building of its age in the world. It has been in continuous use throughout its history. Since the 7th century, the Pantheon has been used as a Christian church.
GOOGLE MAPS – To see where the photo was taken, click HERE.
Key Verse: Romans 12:1-2
I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.
“Beseech”… We are strongly urged to make a 100% do-or-die commitment to God. Paul did this. He practiced what he preached. The daily discipline of participating with me in this blog is a renewing of our minds. We are being exhorted here in chapter 12 to a very practical Christianity. Here is the way to get along well with others. Here is the recognition of the spiritual gifts that we receive from God. No believer is left out. We can find our place here. Let us take time right now to consider our position in this list. Are we using these gifts which differ “according to the grace given unto us”? If not, why not? By exercising our gifts every day, we will, with absolute certainty, “overcome evil with good.” AMEN!
PRAYER FOR TODAY:
Lord Jesus, our reading for today is a perfect example of how You lived Your life while functioning as a Human Being here on earth. You never used Your Divine Essence to lift Yourself above the struggles common to mankind. I give myself anew right now to Your life within me. I ask for an increased measure of faith and grace to live minute by minute as a person who is becoming more like You. In Your all-powerful Name I pray, AMEN!
100 PERSONAL WORDS:
Some Great News for me! I’m being discharged from hospital today! Norma-Jean is coming in for 10 a.m. to be instructed by the M.D. on caring for me, giving IV’s at home, etc. Our daughter and son-in-law, Ellen and Nizar Shaheen, have built an extension on their house for us. Ron was there yesterday putting up the blinds. We’re ready! Our bed, dresser, chairs, are in place. I’m finding it hard to contain my enthusiasm!
I’ve just read on my lap-top the blog postings of Julia Bayer, who died December 21st, just three weeks ago. One of my nurses directed me to Julia’s blog. HERE is a link to her writings so you can see and hear what has been blessing me for the last two hours (scroll down for previous posts). I know it will bless you too. That’s why I’m passing this onto you. Julia was just 26 when diagnosed with ovarian cancer. 100 Huntley Street did a video feature on Julia a while back (click HERE to watch it). The following is a quote that jumped out at me from this young lady’s blog…
“He’s not a god detached from human experiences and emotions. He’s not a god eager to rule with an iron fist. God, who created the universe by spoken Word, chose suffering. In doing so, He chose relationship instead of vengeance in response to our rebellion. I don’t know of any other religion where the god chooses suffering out of love for humanity. The humility and unconditional love demonstrated by Jesus’ death on the Cross is my ultimate source of hope and joy. As I experience some of the darkest moments of my life, I will continue to fix my eyes on Jesus, because He knows suffering and He loves me. Praise God!” (Hebrews 12:1-3).
Yours in praising God for the lives of precious people like Julia Bayer who are now in His presence,
David
P.S. Below is a photo of the interior of the Pantheon in Rome (see the photo caption above for a brief historical summary).
Oh, amen! So happy to hear you are returning to your new home with family, this morning, dear David. Thanks so much for the link to Julia’s blog and video on 100 Huntley St. Excellent words of wisdom from Paul in Romans 12 and wonderful photos of the Pantheon in Rome. Wishing all a wonderful day. Blessings dearest saints, in the Lord.
I will rejoice and be glad in your steadfast love… Psalm 31:7a ESV
I Sing Praises To Your Name! Jentezen Franklin
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VXl7BNyYP2w
I’m happy too !
Thank you Beverlee for the music link!!!
Yes, Amen, good news!!
Good Morning David
We are so happy that you are able to leave the hospital and go to your “new home” with the Shaheen’s today. We have been tracking your progress with Elaine and have been praying diligently for you and for Norma Jean everyday. Your daily blog continues to help us start a God centered day and your stories are a constant source of inspiration to be intentional in exercising our duty as Christ followers to love God, love People and love our neighbours as ourselves. You have modeled such a great love for all and we admire this tremendous quality in you and Norma Jean and your family. We pray for strength and relief from that pain as you recuperate in your new surroundings. We believe God still has great plans to use your annointed giftings for His glory in the days ahead.
much love and our prayers
Janet and Eldon
Amen!
David I have been praying for you, and I am so glad that you will be going home today. God is a Good God. His Will was Done, and will always be done. He knew we need you so he is letting you stay with us a little longer.
Take care of yourself. Love you also Norma-Jean and the rest of the family.
Thank you God for this Family, please continue to Bless and keep them.
WOW!
Good News about you being discharged today and I am sure that Norma-Jean will be a fabulous care giver.
Thank you for your on-going dedication to provide us with fresh bread daily even under challenging conditions.
Shalom,
Graham.
Amen!
Wonderful news David! I am so happy for you and Norma Jean; first of all for your release from the hospital and secondly for your new home. What blessing from the Lord for you both who have given your all for the sake of the Gospel. Will keep praying that the Lord will give you both strength for you to improve and for Norma Jean to be your nurse. God bless you and all the family who are taking good care of you.
We are praying for a speed recovery with the Lord’s grace and strength. God bless you, your family and the ministry at Crossroads. To God be the glory!
Just watched Julia’s video and it is very moving. Thank you for the link David.
Such good news to hear that you will be discharged today Pastor David. Will continue to pray for you and for Norma Jean as she will do the caring for you.
Blessings to both of you!
Amen and Amen!!!!
Amen!! Wilma.
Wonderful
:)!
🙂
We are rejoicing with you and your family today and thanking the Lord!!
1. David – so good new that you were discharged from hospital today and arrangements made for ongoing medical care by Norma-Jean and to be able to live with your daughter, Ellen, and son-in-law, Nizar. Psalm 121 NIV “The Lord watches over you..watches over your life…watches over your coming and going…”
2. Rob re: prayer request for your brother Neil. Is there any more news on your brother Neil selling his house by today..or other arrangements to prevent it being taken by the bank?
3. How are you feeling Eleanor as you struggle with Vertigo (dizziness & nausea). Lifting you up before the Lord.
4. 100 words emails. I have not had the 100 word email posts for Jan 10, 12 or 13. Wondering why this keeps happening. I had to register again today. Samuel
someone said one time is depends on the server! I will pray that the technology gets straightened out for you; another gem is when the internet acts up I use this as an opportunity to keep things shut down! feels good!
God bless you.
Prayer for Norma-Jean for new strength, courage, patience and encouragement as she adjusts to this new responsibility in helping David with his IV medical care.
Amen.
Amen !
Rejoicing with you Pastor David and Norma-Jean as you leave the hospital to be with family. Praise God for your family and for the home they have prepared for you to recover in!!!
Thank you for the video and blog of Julia Bayer!! As she shares her story of God’s faithfulness through every moment of her life…and our lives. What a Gracious and wonderful God, who loves us in and through every area of our lives!!!. Praise His Holy Name!!!
We are not receiving David’s blogs in my email since Tuesday. What can I do to get the blog sent to my email address. I hope you can help me. I enjoy reading your blogs everyday.
Praise God that you are going home and to a new experience. I pray you will gain strength each day and what a wonderful “nurse” you will have in Norma-Jean????????
Amen
Thank you so much David for coming into my home and encouraging me to stay focused and read the word each day, I am turning 60 and have never read the bible from cover to cover, my hearts desire…so happy you are returning home to be with your beautiful family….
God bless you Betty! Thank you for sharing! EVERY TIME someone shares a portion of their life it is VERY ENCOURAGING FOR OTHERS! also God blesses our every move each and every day and when we draw closer to Him,He is happy also! There is a dance of celebration going on!
Dear David,
I’m happy to hear that you’ll be heading home with Norma Jean. Speaking from personal experience, while it may not be the familiar “home”, being with loving family and friends makes it so much easier to accept the changes that are necessary to allow to us to leave the hospital. Our home had to be rearranged to allow me to come home. I’m living in our living room as I’m unable to walk and our bedrooms are all upstairs. Our family had everything arranged to allow me to come home. They truly are a blessing.
I’ve been trying to complete the “two year reading plan”. This is my third attempt. The first two times I was unable to continue because I had lengthy hospital stays. It’s not possible to access the internet in our hospitals. After a little more than 3 months the first time and a little over two months the second time I was just too far behind to catch up.
I was delighted when you began a third trip through the Bible. I’m praying that I remain at home long enough to actually complete this third trip. I really appreciate the clarity you you add to the readings. You shouldn’t worry about keeping the Blog to “One Hundred Words”. When you do go over you usually have added useful or enlightened information.
Aren’t we blessed to have such caring families?
God Bless you David,
Valerie
PS. A reply is not necessary.
Thank you so much for linking us to this story. It is deeply impacting.
Thank you so much for connecting us with this story. It is deeply impacting.
Praise the Lord you are leaving the hospital! I was getting excited for you! How wonderful you have family that will care for you, God bless your entire family! PRAISE GOD FROM WHOM ALL BLESSINGS FLOW
i AM WONDERING HOW DO YOU BLOGGERS PUT THOSE LITTLE PICTURES AT THE END OF YOUR BLOG, SOMETIMES IT IS A HAPPY FACE, YESTERDAY DAVE N. HAD A CROSS, CAN SOME ONE GIVE ME AN IDEA HOW TO DO THIS?
Thanks and God bless.