Friday, July 28, 2017

CONFESSION

Today’s Reading: Nehemiah 9

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

 

Another view of the Wetsern Wall of the Temple Mount (also known as the Wailing Wall). Many Jews come to this special location regularly to pray because it is close to where the Temple once stood which housed the Presence of God.

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

 

Key Verse: Nehemiah 9:2

Then those of Israelite lineage separated themselves from all foreigners; and they stood and confessed their sins and the iniquities of their fathers.

 

Not only did the people confess their sins (a prerequisite to effective prayer), but they also confessed the history of God’s “amazing grace” through the centuries since Abraham. This is a thorough review of the past. Verse 36 brings the story to the present, “We are Your servants today!” “We are in great distress” (9:37b). Then we read the conclusion for the future: “We make a sure covenant and write it.” A “covenant” is the most solemn and binding agreement possible between two or more parties. In this case, it was a legal document between God and the individual person. It was most important that the “covenant” be witnessed and sealed by leaders, priests and Levites. We may want to conclude our meditation on chapter 9 by reading out loud from Nehemiah 9:5b to 9:38, the end of the chapter. Next, we may want to write our covenant with God and others over the next few days. For those people in Jerusalem, this process took 12 hours. Don’t rush it. You may want to share it with me and others as a comment on this blog at www.100words.ca (just click on the comments bubble at the top, then scroll down to where it says “Leave a Reply”)…and also share it with your leaders in faith. Perhaps this could even be a part of your last will and testament. Be generous with your family members, and then they’ll pay close attention when, by law, the lawyer is required to read it out loud. On second thought, it may be too personal to share it with me. You can leave that out, but I would be very interested to know that readers have taken me up on this suggestion. Believe me, it will be worth the huge effort required.

PRAYER FOR TODAY:

Lord God, I confess my sins and trust You for the forgiveness You promised (2 Chronicles 7:14 and 1 John 1:9). I also confess as the people did. It is taking longer today, but You are not in a hurry. I pray that I will slow down and take more time with You. I pray this in the Name of the One who told the story of the Jew who collected taxes for Rome and prayed a short prayer, “God be merciful to me a sinner,” and who, according to Jesus, went to his home justified (made right in God’s sight), Amen! Amen!

100 PERSONAL WORDS:

I confess that I’ve gone well over my goal of 100 words. Please forgive me, and I’m sorry to report that I’ll probably do it again. I’m so full of God’s Word!

From time to time I have written out a statement, put it in my top centre drawer in my desk, opened the drawer first thing each day, and read the statement. It was a very effective way to focus myself on those things that are really important! That statement was not what I want put in my will, but a sentence, using as few words as possible, to describe my commitment to God and to others. For example, when the Crossroads Ministry had a big financial need, I would write something like this: “I am absolutely sure that God will meet the needs of the ministry, providing sufficient funds to pay every bill!” What about that! The ministry is still moving forward after 55 years. Thank You, Lord!

Yours for spending whatever time is necessary on putting first things first, and as someone has said, “Keep the main thing the main thing!”

David

6 thoughts on “Friday, July 28, 2017

  1. God Bless You Pastor David Mainse and your whole family may God give you the strength to do His will and grant you floods of favor and great health and God’s peace
    Thank you for always giving us great things for us to do Bless the Lord all my soul in Jesus name Amen

  2. Very timely message Pastor David as I am trying to do just that, do 100words and attend some Campmeeting(Rev. Cernero is speaking tonight) even though I am trying to make the right decisions about repairing the foundation of my house which weighs heavily on my mind and keeps me awake at night. Am going to make a declaration that it will be done well without damage. Would appreciate your prayers again saints. Thanks and God bless you. Thank you David for your dedication and faithfulness in teaching the Word. Have a great day everyone!

    • I pray for peace of mind for you Ger…as you cast your burden of the repairing of your house foundation on the Lord. for his word says “Come unto me, all you that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and you shall find rest unto your souls. For My yoke is easy, and My burden is light” Matthew 11:28-30

    • Ger, Praise and Thank God for all His mercies which are new each day!
      Lord we thank for a home to live in; we ask You to provide for all repairs to be done correctly, and properly and promptly; we pray for the right people to work on these projects,
      Ger can you talk to anyone in your local politician’s riding and find out if there are any monies available for house repairs; depending on the age of the person and their financial picture!
      Lord I know all about these concerns! I also have to get some work done and yes, Lord it does weigh heavy on my mind and I come to You Our Lord God Provider to help both Ger and myself with these repair issues! Provide all that we need, finances, workmen and other piece we may need to complete these repairs!
      We thank you Lord! We love You Lord, we pray in Jesus name AMEN!!!!!

  3. Thank you for your prayer and blog this morning Pastor David. Your comments and thoughts are always welcome and appreciated.

    Have a blessed day in the Lord all you saints!

Leave a Reply to Irene Ochotta Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.