OFFERING WILLINGLY

Today’s Reading: 1 Chronicles 29

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

The Dome of the Rock is a shrine located on the Temple Mount in the Old City of Jerusalem. The structure has been refurbished many times since its initial completion in 691 AD. Many believe the Temple of the Jewish people will be rebuilt just to the left of the gold and blue structure, directly inside the Eastern Gate.

GOOGLE MAPS – To see where the photo was taken, click HERE.

Key Verses: 1 Chronicles 29:9, 14

Then the people rejoiced, for they had offered willingly, because with a loyal heart they had offered willingly to the Lord; and King David also rejoiced greatly… But who am I, and who are my people, That we should be able to offer so willingly as this? For all things come from You, And of Your own we have given You.

“Offered willingly” is repeated three times in our key verses, plus twice more in this chapter. There is a message here for us to do the same in our support of God’s work. The focus of this book shifts here to God Himself. Twenty times God is addressed directly. We are treated to a foretaste of the Psalms of King David. Let us worship with David by reading out loud, if possible, verses 10 to 15 (click here). We exalt You Lord! Blessed be Your Holy Name forever!

Tomorrow, God willing, we start reading the second book of Chronicles. Thirty-six chapters later we will move back into the New Testament book of Philippians, known as the “Epistle of Joy.” Then we move back again to the book of Ezra. Ezra is believed to have compiled the books of First and Second Chronicles. He was God’s man to build a new Temple. The Temple of David and Solomon was destroyed by the Babylonian conqueror, Nebuchadnezzar. If we take a look ahead to Ezra, we will see a similarity in style of writing, and in Ezra 6:11-28, we can learn more about the author of Chronicles who was a priest and a scribe. God is never without someone who is faithful in His service.

PRAYER FOR TODAY:

Lord God, I pray that I will “offer willingly” my life, my service, my resources, and my all! As David prayed, “All things come from You, and of Your own we have given You.” I am Yours Lord! You have given me a free will, and I willingly present myself to You for Your purposes. The Lord Jesus did this and I follow Him. In His name I pray, Amen!!!

100 PERSONAL WORDS:

I want to invite every blog partner to read the story of the present Archbishop of Canterbury. Along with Queen Elizabeth, he leads the Church of England. It was at Holy Trinity Brompton Church in London that I had my most powerful encounter with the Holy Spirit. The current Archbishop was a member there when he entered the priesthood. Cannon Andrew White, who is quoted in the article, has been a guest on the 100 Huntley Street telecast several times. God always has someone for His purposes (click here for the story of Justin Welby, the first Archbishop of Canterbury to have Jewish roots).

Yours for “offering willingly” our lives in service to God,

David

P.S. My son Ron posted a video on Facebook that his wife Ann recorded from our family’s Father’s Day celebration. I took the time to share some thoughts with my precious children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren…as well as sing a duet with Norma-Jean. You can watch it by clicking HERE (a Facebook account may be required to view it).

LOYAL HEARTS AND WILLING MINDS

Today’s Reading: 1 Chronicles 28

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

Zedekiah’s Cave, an extension of Solomon’s Quarries, is a 5-acre underground meleke limestone quarry that runs the length of five city blocks under the Old City of Jerusalem. It was carved over a period of several thousand years and is a remnant of the largest quarry in Jerusalem. Here is the path that leads down into the depths of the quarry.

GOOGLE MAPS – To see where the photo was taken, click HERE.

Key Verse: 1 Chronicles 28:20

And David said to his son Solomon, “Be strong and of good courage, and do it; do not fear nor be dismayed, for the Lord God — my God — will be with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you, until you have finished all the work for the service of the house of the Lord…”

Young Solomon must have been overwhelmed by the challenge facing him. God had called him to follow his father as king. His first task was to oversee the building of the Temple in Jerusalem on Mt. Moriah. But, along with the calling, God gave Solomon instructions and a promise.

First, Solomon was to know the God of his father and to “serve Him with a loyal heart and with a willing mind” (28:9).

Second, Solomon was encouraged to “Be strong and of good courage and do it” (28:20a).

Third, his father assured him that God would be with him and that God would not leave him or forsake him (28:20b).

When God calls us to do His work we must do it without fear, knowing that He will accomplish His purpose through us.

PRAYER FOR TODAY:

Lord God, I need Your provision in order to accomplish Your purpose. Here I am, Lord, at Your service. Please grant me a loyal heart and a willing mind. With heart and mind focused on doing Your will, I know I will succeed. In the Name of Jesus, the One who did Your will 100% of the time, I pray, Amen!!!

100 PERSONAL WORDS:

When I saw the number “100” on the front of the building on Huntley Street in downtown Toronto, I knew, without a doubt, that God wanted Crossroads to renovate and occupy that building. Recently I walked down that street and marvelled at God’s provision back in 1977. The building where the 100 Huntley Street telecast originated is gone now and the head office of the cable TV and telecommunications giant, Rogers Communications, is there. Our lease on the building at 100 Huntley Street ended and, like Solomon might have been with the Temple, I was almost overwhelmed at the building challenge that faced us. I marvel at God’s call and His provisions! In the Spring of ’92, we dedicated to God the new 143,000 square foot building known as the “Crossroads Centre” in Burlington, Ontario. God has done amazing things through the faithful support of His loyal people, our partners in ministry. If you have not had the opportunity to visit the Crossroads Centre, we would love to see you.

Yours because of God’s gift of loyal hearts and willing minds,

David

Another view inside Zedekiah’s Cave/Solomon’s Quarries.

You can see the walls of Jerusalem above the bedrock of the Quarry. Here is one of the entrances to Zedekiah’s cave. Just to the south is the area where the Temple was built, and to the north on the other side of the quarry is the rock wall considered by many as the Place of the Skull. This is Mt. Moriah where Abraham was about to offer Isaac as a sacrifice when God said that He would provide the sacrifice. Jesus, the Son of God, was that Sacrifice offered on this mountain (Genesis 22:1-18).

STARS IN THE SKY

Today’s Reading: 1 Chronicles 27

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

Capturing a golden moment over the beautiful Old City of Jerusalem.

GOOGLE MAPS – To see where the photo was taken, click HERE.

Key Verse: 1 Chronicles 27:23

But David did not take the number of those twenty years old and under, because the Lord had said He would multiply Israel like the stars of the heavens.

Abraham, known as the father of faith, was given the promise from God at least three different times that his children would be like the “stars of the heavens.” With the continued listing of names in today’s reading, we may want to read Genesis 22:1-17. God promised Abraham, Isaac and Jacob (Israel) to multiply their people, and King David believed God’s promise. A thousand years later, the writer to the Hebrews picks up the story and reaffirms the fact of God’s promise (Hebrews 11:8-19). God’s promise has come true and is continuing to be fulfilled. The people of God are uncountable. All of us who are believers in the God of Abraham, and in the One who said, “Before Abraham was, I AM,” are in the heavenly census (read John 8:56-59). We too, along with David, are part of that number, “like the stars of the heavens.”

PRAYER FOR TODAY:

Lord God, I thank You that by faith I am numbered in Your census, which shows Your children are more in number than the stars of the heavens. I pray that I will be a help in Your work of adding even more people to that number. I’m reminded, Lord, that Your prophet Daniel wrote, “Those who turn many to righteousness [shall shine] like the stars forever and ever.” Grant me the gift of faithfulness in prayer, in witness, and in supporting those who are also winning precious souls to You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen!!!

100 PERSONAL WORDS:

I have a vivid imagination. I can imagine the scene in Heaven when I first confessed Jesus as my personal Saviour and Lord. Jesus said, “Therefore, whoever confesses Me before men, him will I also confess before My Father who is in Heaven” (Matthew 10:32). So here’s the scene. It’s a Monday in the locker room at high school. The past Friday evening in the Glebe Collegiate auditorium, I had gone forward to receive Jesus as Saviour and Lord, and now I was determined to tell my fellow basketball players about it. I said something like this,”I have an announcement! You’ll see a different Mainse from now on. I have given my life to Jesus.” There was silence, some teasing, and then life went on. However, things happened in Heaven. I believe Jesus kept His Word and said something like this: “Father, David Charles Mainse has just confessed Me in front of his high school teammates.” According to Scripture, there was rejoicing in Heaven. Then I can imagine one of the angels, who was listening to Jesus, writing my name down in the Lamb’s Book of Life. I was counted in God’s census. Okay, it may not have been exactly like this. I’ll find out some day. I do believe that I’m in that number…a greater number than the stars of the heavens!

Yours for increasing daily the number of the children of Abraham,

David

MAKING MELODY

Today’s Reading: 1 Chronicles 25-26

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 the site of the Qumran Caves where the Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered. You can see Cave Number 4 in the middle where the first scrolls were found.

GOOGLE MAPS – To see where the photo was taken, click HERE.

Key Verse: 1 Chronicles 25:2

Of the sons of Asaph: Zaccur, Joseph, Nethaniah, and Asharelah; the sons of Asaph were under the direction of Asaph, who prophesied according to the order of the king.

Asaph, along with David and others, wrote Psalms (click here for Psalm 50). Giving thanks and worshipping the Lord was a very important element of the services in the Temple. The Psalms were the content of their hymn book. We may be sure that if they had modern technology, the words of Asaph would have often been projected on a screen so that the congregation could sing along. The words and music of the hymns and Gospel songs have endured as instruments of worship sung directly to God (e.g. How Great Thou Art). They are a form of prophecy born in the inspiration of the Spirit of God. The Apostle Paul, who would have regularly participated in the music of the Jerusalem Temple, wrote these words: “…speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord” (Ephesians 5:19). Some translations start this verse with the words, “Encourage one another.” Verse 21 goes on to describe the content of the singing: “Giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the Name of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

PRAYER FOR TODAY:

Lord God, I pray today the words written by Fanny Crosby and then put to music for congregational singing…“Thou, my everlasting portion! More than friend or life to me, all along my pilgrim journey, Saviour, let me walk with Thee. Close to Thee, close to Thee, close to Thee, close to Thee, all along my pilgrim journey, Saviour, let me walk with Thee.” I pray this in Jesus’ Name! Amen!

100 PERSONAL WORDS

While writing this blog, I’ve found myself breaking out singing the hymn, How Great Thou Art! Also, I have just sung the song of personal experience, Amazing Grace. This weekend I’ll be singing the world’s most popular song, “Happy Birthday”, to one of our great-grandchildren.  I’m so happy that my great-grandchildren are learning the Scriptures by singing them. We regularly sing God Rocks songs, which consist of Bible verses. Dozens of Scriptures have been put to music by the God Rocks composer, Bruce Stacey. When I need a lift for my heart, my attitude, and my spirit, I’ve proven that “singing and making melody” is a sure remedy. Here is a link to a video of one of the God Rocks Scripture songs.

Yours for “singing and making melody,”

David

LAST WORDS

Today’s Reading: 1 Chronicles 23-24

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

At the base of the Timna Cliffs in Timna Park (in the south of Israel), you can see a replica of the Tabernacle of Moses.

GOOGLE MAPS – To see where the photo was taken, click HERE.

Key Verses: 1 Chronicles 23:27-28

For by the last words of David the Levites were numbered from twenty years old and above; because their duty was to help the sons of Aaron in the service of the house of the Lord, in the courts and in the chambers, in the purifying of all holy things and the work of the service of the house of God…

The leadership of God’s people was about to be handed over from father to son, from David to Solomon. David was not only passing on the crown, but also his cherished dream of building the Temple. While God did not permit David to build it, He did allow David to assemble the building materials. David was able to leave financial resources for Solomon as well. Most importantly, David left to Solomon people who were prepared to worship God and work in unity with each other, making sure all the details were cared for. Before long, our daily readings will be in the Psalms, where we will discover the true secret of what made David a great man. Psalms 22, 23 and 24, the cross, the crook, and the crown, came from David’s relationship with his Father God. As not everyone will find today’s reading very inspirational, we may want to read those writings of David (click here). Many blog participants will be able to quote the Psalm of the shepherd’s crook by memory. If not, why not memorize it today. David was about to “walk through the valley of the shadow of death.” He declared, “I will fear no evil; for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff they comfort me.” We can have that same confidence! Amen!

PRAYER FOR TODAY:

Lord God, Your servant, David, never lost his vision for Your cause and specifically for the building of the Temple. I pray that I will never lose a vision for the future. May the exciting possibilities of Your work always be in my sight. May I be diligent to leave my affairs in order, providing what I have prepared for my family and for the ongoing success of Your work. In Jesus’ Name I ask for wisdom and guidance, Amen!

100 PERSONAL WORDS:

Norma-Jean and I have passed onto our children lots of pictures and keepsakes. We’ve also sent mementos and pictures to the churches and to Crossroads, places where we’ve worked through the years. We even came across a copy of our Last Will and Testament. The children and God’s work are remembered in our bequests. There is not much money, as we’ve tried to live modestly and to give sacrificially all along. Nevertheless, remembering King David’s last words have caused me to think again about these things.

When my Father stepped aside from his responsibilities in the college, he took on two country churches, his first love. I was 12 years old. My mother died just five months later. Dad would take me with him as he visited the farmers in his congregation. It was common to see in large letters on the barns signs like, “James Thompson and Son.” I knew that I would never see such a sign reading, “Roy Mainse and Son.” At the same time I was aware that my Father was giving me the inheritance of a life lived for God. If I can, I’ll attach below a copy of one of his hundreds of handwritten poems from his journal.

As a Father myself, I bear a huge responsibility for helping to bring four children into the world. I love you Elaine, Ellen, Reynold and Ron. I love your spouses, your children, and your grandchildren. Life goes on! I know I would be a basket case without the Lord. I can say with King David in Psalm 23, “Surely goodness and mercy will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.”

Yours for honouring always, “Our Father who art in Heaven, hallowed be Thy Name,”

David

P.S. Norma-Jean and I were on yesterday’s 100 Huntley Street program, helping to celebrate 40 years of the daily program. If you missed it, you can watch it online HERE.

A handwritten poem by my Father, Roy Lake Mainse (click on photo to enlarge).

NOW!

Today’s Reading: 1 Chronicles 21-22

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

From Joppa you can see modern Tel Aviv and the beautiful beaches. Today Israel is a prosperous modern state. Obviously God is not finished with His ancient people. He still has a purpose for Israel. Joppa, or Jaffa, as it is called today, is a Palestinian suburb of Tel Aviv. Jesus taught in word and by example that His Father cares for all people.

GOOGLE MAPS – To see where the photo was taken, click HERE.

Key Verses: 1 Chronicles 21:1, 22:19

“Now Satan stood up against Israel, and moved David to number Israel…” “Now set your heart and your soul to seek the Lord your God. Therefore, arise and build the sanctuary of the Lord God, to bring the ark of the covenant of the Lord and the holy articles of God into the house that is to be built for the name of the Lord.”

The first and last verses of today’s reading begin with the word “now.” “Now” is an action word. Satan moved David to action, and God urged David into action. In the first instance there is no record that David prayed about his action; he acted without God’s blessing. In the second action, he had clear instructions from God. David learned a very hard lesson, repented, prayed much, and then he started action preparing for the building of God’s Temple. David did his best to rectify the problem resulting from his failure, but not without cost. Ornan offered David the land for the erection of the Temple for free, but David wisely refused and paid the costs himself (21:23). Would any of us do the same? This sacrificial act by David showed his repentance was sincere. Let us ask ourselves, “Are we as ready as David to recognize our sin and do something to make wrongs right?” We will bring judgment upon ourselves and others if we fail to genuinely repent. It’s like the natural laws such as gravity. We break these laws and we suffer the consequences. What we sow we will surely reap (Galatians 6:7). Here’s a suggested New Testament reading: Galatians 6:1-10.

PRAYER FOR TODAY:

Lord God, grant me, I pray, the grace of true repentance, whatever the cost. I want to do Your will NOW and FOREVER! In the Name of the One who always did what He saw His Father doing, the Lord Jesus Christ, I ask. Amen!!!

100 PERSONAL WORDS:

As a result of today’s reading, I ask myself this question…What on earth could be wrong with taking a census? Here in Canada, the present government has introduced a much shorter census form, asking less intrusive questions of us. There was harsh criticism of this action by the political opposition. Why? Does anyone in authority today actually pray about the decisions that impact millions of people? I pray daily for those who are in authority over us as the Scriptures teach me (1 Timothy 2:1-8). A census is far more than simply finding out how many people live in Canada. It’s about political control. It’s about identifying the concentrations of people power, so that by catering to certain interests, political leaders can perpetuate themselves in power. Of course, some of those in authority have better motives. They want to know the census results so that they can serve in a better way.

Recently, my friend, Lois Neely, an excellent journalist, author and editor, sent me a copy of The Toronto Daily Star from the year of my birth, 1936 (the paper would later be renamed just The Toronto Star). The entire front section of that 1936 paper was filled with the passing of King George V and Prince Edward’s ascension to the throne. Lois also sent me an even older copy of a newspaper, The Globe (later becoming The Globe and Mail). I was surprised to read the date on the paper being Monday, July 1st, 1867…Canada’s Confederation Day…when the original four British colonies of New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Lower Canada (Quebec) and Upper Canada (Ontario) joined together in unity (I also noticed the paper referring to a recent census that had been taken).

I’ll ask my son to take a couple of pictures of these yellowed and tattered papers, and if possible include them below. In case the print is not readable I’ll quote from a portion of the 1867 Globe: “Let us gratefully acknowledge the hand of the Almighty Dispenser of Events in bringing about this result, pregnant with so important an influence on the condition and destinies of these provinces, and of the teeming millions who in ages to come will people the Dominion of Canada from ocean to ocean, and give it its character in the annals of time.” I believe God has a purpose for all the nations on earth!

Yours for God’s will being done “on earth as it is in Heaven,”

David

P.S. It’s 40 years ago today that the 100 Huntley Street daily TV ministry first went to air on the Global TV network. For 15 years before that, our weekly Crossroads program was on the CBC independently owned stations and on the CTV network, and for several years with the Circle Square children’s productions. PRAISE THE LORD! Norma-Jean and I will be on today’s 100 Huntley Street program for the 40th celebration! If you miss it, click HERE later in the day and watch the June 15th program online!

P.P.S. Below are the photos of the newspapers I referred to above. Click on them to enlarge them (and print a copy if you wish)…

The Toronto Daily Star newspaper from Tuesday, January 21, 1936.

The Globe newspaper, July 1st, 1867 – Confederation Day

Photo zoom in of The Globe front page article. Note the teaser copy related to some of the census information contained inside the paper.

Another excerpt from The Globe article.

SHAME!

Today’s Reading: 1 Chronicles 19-20

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 the ancient mosaic floor in the Greek Orthodox Church of Saint George, located in the ancient Moabite city of Madaba. It is the oldest map of Jerusalem and biblical locations. Madaba is a Christian city, today located just east of Mt. Nebo in the country of Jordan. Amman is the capital city of Jordan. This is the area occupied by Israel before their conquest of Canaan. The Bible spelling of these names in today’s reading is Medeba (19: 7) and Ammon (19:9).

GOOGLE MAPS – To see where the photo was taken, click HERE.

Key Verse: 1 Chronicles 19:4

Therefore, Hanun took David’s servants, shaved them, and cut off their garments in the middle, at their buttocks, and sent them away.

King David’s first choice for Ammon was kindness and peace. However, when these were refused, war was practically inevitable. Even today, the war option should be absolutely the last resort. War should be avoided almost always. The shame inflicted on David’s ambassadors of kindness was too much for Israel to bear. It was war!

The key verse makes the point that shame is often considered in some cultures to be much worse than an honourable death in battle. David’s instructions to his ambassadors was for them to come half way to Jerusalem (Jericho) and wait there for further instructions. In 19:19, as we saw in an earlier reading, David brought about peace through strength. This was President Reagan’s approach to end the Cold War with the Soviet Union.

When we recognize that Almighty God is all-powerful and that all we have is human strength, we should make an intelligent choice and say to God, “I surrender.” Oh yes, we can persist in our own will. We are made in His image and likeness, and we have the right to say “no” to God. We must not blame God when we bear the consequences of our own decisions. God, Himself, comes to us with offers of kindness and peace.

We may want to read from the New Covenant Colossians 1:19-22. Like David with the King of Ammon, God took the initiative in sending to us ambassadors of kindness and peace, Jesus and the Apostles.

PRAYER FOR TODAY:

Lord Jesus, I know that in rebelling against You, I will bring disastrous consequences upon myself and others. Therefore, I pray that in all things I will be Your subject, a citizen of Your eternal Kingdom. You are my forever King! Amen!

100 PERSONAL WORDS:

Here’s a “loss of face” story. In the orient, “loss of face” is particularly offensive. A TV crew from America arrived in Seoul, Korea. They were met by a delegation on behalf of Pastor David Yonggi Cho and driven to their hotel. When they asked about their TV production equipment they were told, “We’re looking after that for you.” Later that evening they met Pastor Cho and they asked about their cameras and TV gear. The pastor said, “As you leave Korea, your equipment will be restored to you. It’s locked up safely in a room at the airport. I will not allow you to use our Korean church to raise money for yourselves in America.”

About two years earlier, Cho had been a guest on that particular American show, where the host had raised a great deal of money to build a TV studio for Cho in Korea. Cho had gone home and told everyone what this generous U.S. TV host had offered. However, not a cent was ever sent to Korea. About a year after the American TV crew was sent home, Cho was a guest on 100 Huntley Street in Toronto. The entire telecast was on the theme of forgiveness. The moment we were off the air, Cho said, “God has just given me the grace to forgive ______.” He headed straight for the airport, changed his flight to one flying to the city where the promise had been made to him, and asked the forgiveness of ______. Cho did what God required of him. Cho had lost face with his Korean people and felt deeply shamed, a most serious issue. I wondered how I would have reacted in a similar circumstance…and still wonder. Cho, in my opinion, is one of the truly great Christian leaders of our time. Since that time, God has blessed Cho in an unprecedented way. His church building now seats about 40,000 people and is located on Yeouido Island, next to the South Korean Parliament. He has several services every Sunday in order to accommodate their massive congregation. It was called “The Full Gospel Central Assembly” and in the 1990’s was renamed, “Yoido Full Gospel Church” (click here).

Yours for learning to avoid causing anyone to be shamed or to lose face,

David

The altar area of the Church of Saint George, located in the ancient Moabite city of Madaba.

The outside view of the same church.

THE FOREVER BUILDING

Today’s Reading: 1 Chronicles 17-18

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

Here is a view of the Temple Mount in the Old City of Jerusalem. Above the Western Wall (or Wailing Wall), where you now see the trees and the golden Dome of the Rock, was once the location of Solomon’s Temple.

GOOGLE MAPS – To see where the photo was taken, click HERE.

Key Verses: 1 Chronicles 17:4

Go and tell my servant David, “Thus says the Lord: You shall not build Me a house to dwell in.”

What if David had gone ahead and built God’s house? Chaos would’ve resulted and, because of disobedience, the favour and the presence of God would be gone from David and Israel. We must make absolutely sure we’ve heard from God, and then we must move forward boldly, trusting that if God is not in the move, He will stop us if we are willing to listen and obey.

David’s son, Solomon, built the Temple. Solomon composed Psalm 127 in which he writes, “Unless the Lord builds the house, they labour in vain who build it” (verse 1). The Temple in Jerusalem was destroyed twice, the first time by the Babylonians and the second time by the Romans. How do we understand the word “forever,” which is repeated five times in our reading? According to Nathan the prophet, God desires a place in which to dwell. The Apostle Paul informs us that, “In Him [Jesus] dwells all the fullness of the Godhead [Father, Son, and Holy Spirit] bodily” (Colossians 2:8-10). God promised David that his dynasty would be “forever.” Only in the Son of David, Jesus, is that true. Because of Jesus, we, as believers in Him, are the building in which God dwells. Ephesians 2:19-22 tells us that we are “built together for a habitation of God.” Rejoice!!!

PRAYER FOR TODAY:

Lord God, grant that I may ever be conscious that my fellow believers and I are Your dwelling place, Your temple. May I never dishonour Your temple, which is my spirit, soul and body. Also I pray that, like King David, I will know when to take initiatives and when to stop. Lord Jesus, great Builder of Your Church, use me for Your building, and also use the next generation. In Your Name I ask these mercies, Amen!!!

100 PERSONAL WORDS:

Looking down from my bookshelves are five faces. Three of them are on books. There’s Wilberforce, who led the heroic campaign to end slavery in the British Empire. There’s Lincoln, who took the lead in ending slavery in the United States. And there’s John A. MacDonald, a builder of Canada. I believe that all of these were servants of God to accomplish His purposes. The other two faces I see are peeking out from two wooden shoes. The shoes were presented to me in the Netherlands (Holland) on the occasion of a speaking tour, sponsored by a TV station. Inside the shoes are Caspar the Cop and his Uncle Jasper, puppets I used for years in ministering to children. Both Caspar and Jasper are very old now in puppet years and they’ve lost their hats somewhere. However, in their time they did a fine job of grabbing the attention of children so I could share the story of Jesus in a way that was not boring and that they would remember for a lifetime. Caspar and Jasper do not have the stature of Wilberforce, Lincoln, and MacDonald, but they did their job. All of us have a place in God’s grand purposes. I recognize that all I have to do, like the puppets Caspar and Jasper, is to be available for God’s hand to use me at all places and at all times, and God’s will shall be done in and through me. Amen!!!

Yours to learn to obey God, being willing to build with Him as He directs,

David

P.S. Below is a photo of the bookshelf view that I described, including the puppets Caspar and Jasper. The mark on Jasper’s forehead is the glue that held his hat in place. Under the wooden shoes is the Bible. I deliberately placed the shoes there as a message to me every morning as I do this blog. My understanding is that Holy Scriptures are the foundation of my life. This picture symbolizes the solid Rock of God’s Truth on which we take our stand every day in 100words.ca, as well as our daily walk with God; it also symbolizes a variety of methods of sharing God’s Word. The message never changes, but the methods do.

PURPOSE

Today’s Reading: 1 Chronicles 16

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

The most recent excavations in David’s City are just to the south of the Temple Mount. If only these stones would sound an echo from David’s time, we would have a tune as well as the words of David’s songs, which we have in today’s reading.

GOOGLE MAPS – To see where the photo was taken, click HERE.

Key Verse: 1 Chronicles 16:29

Give to the Lord the glory due His name; Bring an offering, and come before Him. Oh, worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness!

King David blesses the people in the Name of the Lord! (verse 2). He declares, “‘Blessed be the Lord God of Israel…’ and all the people said, ‘Amen!'” (verse 36). “David returned to bless his house” (verse 43). Webster’s dictionary says that bless means, “invoke divine favour; approve; make happy; praise.” Let’s take our pick of those meanings and “bless” people, our house, and God! David’s words and music accomplished this. He was good at it! Everyone is good at something. Let us bless others with our abilities whatever they are. We can all bless God (receive His approval and make Him happy) as our key verse says, by giving Him glory, by bringing an offering, coming before Him, and worshiping Him in the beauty of holiness. Being holy is to consecrate oneself to God for His purposes. This is true beauty!

We see the purposes of God in verses 23 & 24…First, “Sing to the Lord.” Second, “Proclaim the Good News of His salvation from day to day.” Third, in verse 29… “Give the Lord the glory due to His Name.” Fourth, “Bring an offering.” Fifth, “Worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness.” Sixth, in verse 31b… “Say among the nations, ‘The Lord reigns.'” Seventh, in verse 34… “Give thanks to the Lord.” We bless God by fulfilling His purposes! “And all the people said, ‘Amen!’ and praised the Lord” (verse 36 b).

PRAYER FOR TODAY:

Lord God I praise You! Hallelujah! Amen! Please grant me the grace to consistently fulfill Your purposes for my life. I pray these mercies in and through the One who fulfilled all Your purposes, the Lord Jesus Christ. Amen and AMEN!!!

100 PERSONAL WORDS:

I’ve often made up songs for the Lord’s ears only. I would sing them when I was all alone with the Lord. I felt that He appreciated my effort. Once only did I venture to sing one of my songs in front of my college buddies, and it did not go over too well. I gave up on the idea of ever being a songwriter for other people. However, it was not so with my wife, Norma-Jean. She has had many songs published, which have been sung by her and others. I’ll never forget when, about a year after we were married, she went to the piano in our little church building in Brighton, Ontario, and here are the words I heard her sing:

Verse 1: “Oh Saviour hear my prayer– and make me more like Thee– to walk this narrow way– to higher heights in Thee, Oh Lord I want to shine– forth with thy love sublime–Oh make me more like Thee…That those who are blind might see.

Chorus: Christ in me–and Christ in you—we will a witness be–as He shines through–Let self not darken –His radiant face—Let Christ shine through–in every place.

Verse 2. Oh Saviour hear my cry–and help me e’re I die–to walk with Thee each day–and never stray away. Oh Lord I want to speak–though in my flesh I’m weak–cast out each doubt and fear–That those who are deaf might hear.

Chorus: Christ in me–and Christ in you–We will a witness be–as He shines through–Let self not darken–His radiant face.–Let Christ shine through–In every place.

The theme of this Gospel song is Jesus Christ. The first verse is a prayer that He may be seen in our lives. The second verse, that He may be heard in us. The chorus calls upon us to yield, allowing Christ to shine through. Norma-Jean said, “Inspiration for this song came from a life which exemplified this experience. Therefore, I dedicated this song to the memory of my mother, Lillian Rutledge.” This was one of Norm-Jean’s songs published in sheet music by “The Gospel Publishing House” of Springfield, Missouri. Two years later, I heard the choir from the Bible College in Peterborough, Ontario, sing her song. I was so very blessed.

Yours for striving to live a life where Christ shines through,

David

P.S. Below is the published sheet music of Norma-Jean’s song that I referred to above (You can click on them to enlarge and print, if you wish).

CELEBRATE

Today’s Reading: 1 Chronicles 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).

Across the Kidron Valley and Facing the Mount of Olives on the eastern side of the Old City of Jerusalem is the Golden, or Eastern Gate. Jesus celebrated with the people as He entered through the Golden Gate on Palm Sunday. Jewish religious tradition teaches that the coming Messiah will enter Jerusalem through this gate. To prevent this, the Muslims sealed the gate during the rule of Suleiman.

GOOGLE MAPS – To see where the photo was taken, click HERE.

Key Verses: 1 Chronicles 14:15; 15:16

And it shall be, when you hear a sound of marching in the tops of the mulberry trees, then you shall go out to battle, for God has gone out before you to strike the camp of the Philistines…Then David spoke to the leaders of the Levites to appoint their brethren to be the singers accompanied by instruments of music, stringed instruments, harps, and cymbals, by raising the voice with resounding joy.

Scripture records more commendations for David than for any other king. Today’s reading may indicate the reason for that. Most of the time he kept in touch with God, listened and obeyed. In this story, David is under attack from the Philistines. Most military strategists would first enter a planning session, but not David. First, he began to pray! Before he did anything to defend his people, he inquired of the Lord. God gave him the battle plan, which resulted in victory. David honoured God, then God honoured him. Back in 1 Samuel 2:30b God says, “Those who honour Me I will honour, and those who despise Me shall be lightly esteemed.”

Is it any wonder that David and the people also knew how to celebrate, as we read in chapter 15? One who did not celebrate was David’s first wife, Michal, the daughter of King Saul. No doubt, in human terms, she had reason to be bitter. She started her marriage to David with great hope, then was given to another man by Saul. She was forced back to her first husband, David, when he took power. In the meantime, David had married another wife. Now David had more wives. It’s sad for Michal. Our attitude and our confidence in God can turn the most difficult circumstances around for good, and we can rejoice if we choose to.

PRAYER FOR TODAY:

Lord God, help me to be “praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit” (Ephesians 6:18). I pray that I will pray, listen and obey. Grant that my attitude will be one of celebrating other people’s joy, and that I will celebrate Your work in me also. In Jesus’ Name, Amen!!!

100 PERSONAL WORDS:

Back in the mid-1990s, I was not celebrating as I should. The lease on our downtown Toronto television studio building was not being renewed and we were forced to move elsewhere for the continued operation of Crossroads. God had clearly indicated to me, and all the others in leadership, that the right move was to buy land in Burlington and build, according to the vision God had given us for the future. The new Crossroads Centre was opened in May of 1992, the same year we built and financed an amazingly successful soul-winning outreach at the World Exposition in Spain. However, we were not having success in controlling the costs, and we ended up in humanly-impossible debt. Nevertheless, God had a plan.

First, he sent Norma-Jean and me to Argentina, with all costs paid for by a great Argentinian congregation. That church was experiencing a mighty Holy Spirit revival with thousands coming to know Jesus as Saviour and Lord. I expected to be in Church 24/7, but that was not to be. The Pastor’s daughter was having her “coming out party” at a local hotel the first night there, and we were invited. During one of the games, Norma-Jean was asked to get up and imitate an animal, and the guests were to guess the animal. She was moving like and elephant and they guessed right! Everyone was having lots of fun, except me. I thought, “This is foolish. We came down here to experience a spiritual revival, and now this?” Perhaps my attitude was like that of Michal. Then the master of ceremonies called me up and quietly asked that I, along with my table (they had separated Norma-Jean and me), should mimic a creature. The table decided on a crab. There I was moving sideways in a most awkward way. Initially, I was not happy. I thought, “Life is too serious for this.” Then God spoke to my inner being, and this is what I heard: “David, you don’t have fun any more. You’re too serious. I want you to be much more childlike and enjoy life. This is why I arranged for you to come to Argentina.” My attitude changed then and there, and I really got into the crab mimic routine (without being ‘crabby’!). We all laughed heartily and the celebration continued. That trip changed me forever. I came home rejoicing.

Yours for celebrating God’s plans and provisions,

David