I AM WITH YOU

Today’s Reading: Genesis 28-29

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

REMINDER: You can now watch the new video version of 100words.ca on the 100 Huntley Street website HERE.

Three tourists standing on the Mount of Olives enjoy the view as the sun sets over the city of Jerusalem.

GOOGLE MAPS – See where Reynold took the photo – Click here.

Key Verse: Genesis 28:15

…Behold, I am with you and will keep you wherever you go, and will bring you back to this land; for I will not leave you until I have done what I have spoken to you.

God makes promises! In this way He encouraged Jacob. Jacob had heard the stories of God’s promises to his grandfather, Abraham, and his father, Isaac, over and over again. It has been said, “God has no grandchildren.” In other words, every generation must enter into a personal relationship with God. Jacob needed to hear from God. He was in a place of turmoil, running away from home, driven to desperate measures because of his own bad decisions. Jacob may have been blaming his disfunctional family. No doubt, trying to sleep that night with a stone as his pillow was truly a “dark night of the soul.” But “between a rock and a hard place,” God took the initiative and gave Jacob assurance of His Presence. From this place going forward, Jacob knew he would never be alone again. God would fulfill all of His promises.

PRAYER FOR TODAY:

God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, I humbly call on You. Please speak to me. I need You! Please give me a promise for my life, for my future as You did for Jacob. In the Name of Your Son, Jesus, I pray. Amen!

100 PERSONAL WORDS:

Throughout my life I have received promises from God that moved me forward in His plan. For example, Norma-Jean and I had been producing a weekly telecast for 14 years, plus a children’s telecast for 3 years, when I became aware that it was time to move into a daily production. I believe I had heard that “still small Voice” about this, but I was still not prepared to move out of my comfort zone, taking on a challenge that would involve creating the first professionally equipped TV studio in Canada devoted exclusively to Christian productions. It was at a prayer meeting in August of 1976 that God spoke clearly through two Scriptures, Psalm 19:2 and Acts 2:47. The first says, “DAY UNTO DAY utters speech,” and the second says, “The Lord added to the Church DAILY those who were being saved.” The combination of God’s communication with my spirit and the confirmation of Scripture was enough. On June 15, 1977, the daily 100 Huntley Street telecast was first broadcast live from that address in downtown Toronto, and it’s still going strong daily today! (click here for a 100 Huntley Street program from the 50th anniversary of the TV ministry a few years back. My son Ron and his wife Ann showed some video clips from the very first daily program in 1977). To watch current programs, go to www.100huntley.com.

Yours, believing God with you for God to speak to you today,

David

REMINDER: If you are reading the email version and wish to post a comment on my blog, go to www.100words.ca and click on the “comments” bubble at the top. Then scroll down to the bottom and type in the space provided.

Today’s Reading: Genesis 27

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

REMINDER: You can now watch the new video version of 100words.ca on the 100 Huntley Street website HERE.

A man stepping out from his home in Nazareth Village, located in modern-day Nazareth, where life in the first century A.D. is re-enacted.

Key Verse: Genesis 27:19

Jacob said to his father, “I am Esau your firstborn; I have done just as you told me; please arise, sit and eat of my game, that your soul may bless me.”

This painful, destructive experience with husband, wife, and twin sons could’ve been avoided if Isaac and Rebekah had been communicating. Look at the mistakes. Rebekah listens in on a private conversation. She then plots dishonestly; she encourages Jacob to deceive and tell an outright lie. As a result, Esau is filled with hatred and contemplates murder. Jacob is forced to run away from home and his character is twisted and bent so badly that he spends years in deception and deceit. The lesson here must be this… Mom, Dad, Husband, Wife, communicate in Christian love and understanding. Are you working together with God to make your family truly blessed?

PRAYER FOR TODAY:

Dear God, please use this daily blog to teach me to listen to You as I read Your Word and then talk to You about what I’ve read. Good communication with You will make all the difference in my ability to communicate with my loved ones. Therefore, I throw myself on Your love and grace. Through the Name of the greatest Communicator, Jesus Christ, I pray. Amen!

100 PERSONAL WORDS:

It was at the Church of England in London where the “Alpha” course originated, Holy Trinity, Brompton, that I experienced most deeply the answer to the prayer I’ve just typed. While at the altar, the Lord showed me clearly that I had hurt Norma-Jean deeply. Until that moment, I was blissfully unaware of what I then realized was a truly stupid, uncaring action. It had happened shortly after our wedding. Without going into detail, immediately after my return to Canada, I humbly and honestly asked Norma-Jean’s forgiveness. I also repented before God. I pray fervently that I may communicate well and wisely with my beloved wife. The Apostle Peter, a married man whose wife accompanied him, according to Paul, wrote very wise words as found in 1st Peter, chapter 3. Please take time to read verses 1-7. In particular, verse seven has been a word from God to me. My prayers were being hindered by my insensitivity to my wife. That must never happen again.

Your continually repentant servant,

David

P.S. Please encourage your family and friends to subscribe to my blog to receive daily emails. Send them the link www.100words.ca or consider posting it on your Facebook wall. Thank you!

PLEADING WITH GOD

Today’s Reading: Genesis 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).

REMINDER: You can watch the video version of 100words.ca on the 100 Huntley Street website HERE.

A couple at the Nazareth Village in modern-day Nazareth, exhibiting life as it may have been in Bible times.  In today’s reading we learn about what must have been many animated conversations between Isaac and Rebekah. Can you guess what the woman in the picture may be saying? If you have an idea, write it as a comment on this blog. It could be a very serious matter, but we can all appreciate some humour as well.

Key Verse: Genesis 25:21

Now Isaac pleaded with the Lord for his wife, because she was barren; and the Lord granted his plea, and Rebekah his wife conceived.

Isaac and Rebekah had been married for 19 years but had no children. Isaac became desperate in his prayers. He believed the promise and God gave double…twins. Rebekah prayed also and she received a special word from God (25:23). However, the girl with the ambition to water the camels now took things into her own hands and tried to produce God’s plan rather than letting God do it. Human effort is necessary, but to revert to our own resources alone, after having prayed and received God’s provision, may not change the final outcome, and will cause heartache along the way.

PRAYER FOR TODAY:

Father God, above all I desire Your will as expressed in Your promises. Grant me the grace to wait on You, making my time and effort available to You, and at the same time to know that You are working all things according to Your will. Like Isaac, I plead fervently with You in prayer. Thank You for hearing and answering my prayer. In Jesus’ Name, Amen!

100 PERSONAL WORDS:

Over the years in the service of Christ, I’ve done my best to plan and work for the fulfillment of God’s purpose as revealed in His Word. Twice, during the time I served as Chairman and President of Crossroads Christian Communications, I pushed initiatives through the Board of Directors which a majority favoured, but not all. Both times proved to be mistakes. I learned to ask the Directors to take the issue home, pray fervently, and come back to the next meeting to vote again. If we still could not agree unanimously, we dropped the matter or changed course. Like Rebekah, I’m a “Get it done” person. God has used this drive, but I must be careful. The Crossroads Directors approved the sponsorship of this daily blog. Granted, it was not a huge and costly outreach like our participation in four World Expositions (all unanimously approved), but it illustrates the fact that unity brings the blessing of God on our lives and ministry decisions.

In Christ’s love and service,

David

P.S. With unity we can see the fulfillment of big and little visions. As a result of having a Christian Witness at four World Expos, over 100,000 precious people registered first-time decisions for Christ at our pavilions in Vancouver, Brisbane, Seville, and Hanover! Below is a photo of our first such effort…Pavilion of Promise at Expo ’86 in Vancouver.

CAMELS

Today’s Reading: Genesis 24

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

Camels are mentioned 17 times in Genesis chapter 24. In some parts of the world these unusual creatures are still very important in travel and commerce.

Key Verse: Genesis 24:58

Then they called Rebekah and said to her, “Will you go with this man?” And she said, “I will go.”

Sarah, Isaac’s mother, had passed away three years earlier. No doubt Isaac was lonely. In fulfillment of God’s promise to Abraham, it was necessary that Abraham become a grandfather to Isaac’s children. God’s purposes in the human family are developed by human co-operation. So Abraham’s right-hand man travelled from present-day Israel, through Jordan and Iraq to Kuwait (Mesopotamia) to find family and a bride for Isaac. What a beautiful story of God’s choice…a faithful servant, an amazing young woman (watering those camels was not an easy task), and willing parents. The words, “The camels are coming” (verse 63), speak to the fact that people, even animals, may do God’s will if they make the right choice.

PRAYER FOR TODAY:

Father God, just as the faithful servant worshipped You every time another step was taken in fulfilling Your plan, so I worship You for Your will being done in and through me. Amen!

May I suggest that we all pray the “Our Father,” or as it is known, “The Lord’s prayer” (Matthew 6:9-13)?

100 PERSONAL WORDS:

There are sermons that I’ve heard which I’ve never forgotten. One was by Rev. Anders Nisbel, assistant to Lutheran Bishop, Martin Lonebo of Linshepping, Sweden. Anders was a student at our Crossroads School of Broadcasting and Communications in Toronto. I team-preached with Bishop Lonebo in Sweden and he spoke of the absolute necessity of using TV for Jesus’ message. In his message to our staff, Anders said, “Have you ever met a camel? They smell bad. They have a bad temper. They can be unpredictable, and they never forget. They are like television; it may be a big challenge, but we must ride the camels. The reason Christian North Africa became Islamic was that the Muslim missionaries were on camels winning the desert tribes to Mohammed, and the Christians were comfortable in their coastal cities, unconcerned about those in the interior who did not know Christ.” I say, “Let’s get on those camels and ride.” (Our School of Broadcasting has graduates in over 80 countries).

Yours for all our grads and those who have gone through our Intern program at Crossroads,

David

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:

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. My son Ron and his wife Ann were married on this day in 1984 (photo below). They are 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! Ron & Ann now lead a marriage ministry called Heart to Heart Marriage & Family Ministries (click HERE for info).

Today’s Reading: Genesis 20-21

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

One of the many stone covered walkways in the Old City of Jerusalem.

Key Verses: Genesis 21:2-3

For Sarah conceived and bore Abraham a son in his old age, at the set time of which God had spoken to him. And Abraham called the name of his son who was born to him, whom Sarah bore to him, Isaac. 

Abraham named the baby Isaac, which means, “laughter,” for good reasons. (1) When Abraham was promised by God that he would have a son with his wife, Sarah, Abraham “fell on his face and laughed” (Gen. 17:17). (2) When Sarah heard the promise of God she laughed also, but it was a different laugh. Abraham laughed for joy and Sarah laughed because of unbelief (Gen. 18:12). (3) The promise, of which Isaac was the heir, has become a cause for laughter as an expression of joy down through the ages. Isaac was born “at the set time.” God is rarely early in fulfilling His promises, but He is never late! God is punctual. His promised mercies may not come on our schedule. They will come in His timing. “Wait on the Lord; be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart; wait, I say, on the Lord!” (Psalm 27:14).

PRAYER FOR TODAY:

Lord, I heard that someone prayed, “Dear Lord, give me patience, and please hurry up!” That thought brings me laughter, and that’s okay with You. I pray that Your joy will fill my heart. Amen!

100 PERSONAL WORDS:

I make sure I watch the 100 Huntley Street telecast every day. Even if I’m not near a TV set, I can watch it on the internet at www.100huntley.com. I pay close attention to every word spoken, to the body language, and to the visuals shown. You see, these television productions were promised to Norma-Jean and me years ago. My wife had the vision of a continent-wide TV ministry before I did. I laughed at her definite statement. I had unbelief, but God did it anyway. There we were, in a small congregation in a small village. How could this ever be? I look back now and marvel at the plan and grace of God. If you want to see what God has done over the years, click here and browse around the website. Now I laugh for joy realizing that God has done “more than we could ever ask or think according to the power that works within us” (Ephesians 3:20).

Yours with joyful laughter,

David

A RIGHT ATTITUDE

Today’s Reading: Genesis 18-19

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

Mount Sodom runs along the southwestern part of the Dead Sea, where Lot’s wife looked back from the mountain and was turned into a pillar of salt. It is most remarkable, because the mountain is made almost entirely of halite, or rock salt. It is approximately 8 km long, 5 km wide, 742 feet (226 m) above the Dead Sea, yet 557 feet (170 m) below sea level.

Key Verse: Genesis 18:17

And the Lord said, “Shall I hide from Abraham what I am doing…”

Before judgment, God always gives an opportunity for mercy. Abraham interceded with the Lord, asking Him to spare Sodom, and He finally settled on ten righteous people who would be sufficient to protect the city from destruction. Lot probably had at least that number in his household. However, only Lot, himself, was found to be righteous. God reveals His plans to someone so that they can pray fervently and give warning of impending judgment. For example: Noah before the flood; the increasing severity of the plagues before the final judgment on Egypt; the warnings of Jesus Himself before the destruction of Jerusalem, and others that I could mention. Abraham’s attitude (NIV) or mind (NKJV) was for mercy and not judgment. He experienced mercy himself in the promise of the birth of a son with his wife Sarah.

PRAYER FOR TODAY:

Lord, I intercede through the Person of Jesus Christ, Your Son and my Saviour. I pray for the protection of people everywhere. I pray for all to open their hearts to Your mercy shown in sending Your Son to save them. I pray for the soul-winning outreach of the ministry sponsoring this Blog, Crossroads Christian Communications Inc. I pray for Lorna Dueck, our Chief Executive Officer, and for all who work with Crossroads, in order to bring men, women, boys and girls to Yourself. Amen!

100 PERSONAL WORDS:

The cause of protecting humanity’s oldest covenant, “marriage between one man and one woman,” has moved me deeply. First of all, with permission from the owners, I did several focus groups about same-sex marriages with mechanics at garages during their lunch hour. When I asked them about “marriage” they would talk about their parents and grandparents, and even their own marriages. Then one of them would say something like this, “#*@!!, I guess marriage doesn’t mean anything anymore.” I went into prolonged prayer most of one night, and I believe God said to me, “You must not go public on this issue unless you have the ‘attitude’ which Abraham showed toward Sodom.” I believe God gave me a gift of a loving approach to all who support same-sex unions, while standing firmly for traditional marriage. According to Jesus, one man/one woman is God’s plan (Matthew 19:4-6). When God’s purposes are deliberately violated, the human family eventually brings judgment upon itself. I pray fervently for God to hold back judgment and to continue to extend mercy.

Yours because of His mercy,

David

THE COVENANT

Today’s Reading: Genesis 16-17

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

This spectacular view looking across from the Mount of Olives toward the Eastern Gate of the Old City of Jerusalem is taken from the Dominus Flevit (Latin for “the Lord wept”) Church which is built on the traditional spot where Jesus wept over the city (John 11:35).

Key Verse: Genesis 17:1

When Abram was ninety-nine years old, the Lord appeared to Abram and said to him, “I am Almighty God; walk before Me and be blameless…”

Chapter 17 contains the articles of the covenant between God, on the first part, and Abram, on the second part. A covenant is the most legally binding agreement into which two parties can enter. This covenant was sealed with blood, Abram’s in circumcision and God’s in the shed Blood of Jesus. Our key verse provides the introduction to the long-range purpose of the covenant. It is a covenant of grace, which God continues to implement for all who believe in the Lord Jesus Christ. In making Himself known as “Almighty God,” we are told what we may expect God to be to us; namely, God Who is Enough: an all-sufficient God. Our part is to walk in integrity. God, as recorded in 1 Samuel 2:30, tells us, “Those who honour Me, I will honour”!!!

PRAYER FOR TODAY:

Father God, I am blameless in Your eyes because of the blood of “Immanuel,” “God with us.” Father, I am confident that according to Your Word, “The Blood of Jesus Christ, His [God’s] Son, cleanses us from all sin” (1 John 1:7). Thank You for initiating the covenant, and thank You for the grace You’ve given me to say “Yes” in response. Amen!

100 PERSONAL WORDS:

Yesterday I introduced  who provides pictures each day which he photographed in Israel. I’ll never forget the afternoon when God baptized my son Reynold with the Holy Spirit in our rec room. This was a powerful encounter with God which he experienced at eight years of age. God did Acts 2:4 (please it look up) after school that day before I arrived home from work. Just as I entered the room, I saw him holding up a kleenex tissue and saying, “Lord Jesus, You’ve made me whiter than this kleenex by Your Blood.” This was also the first long sentence I had ever heard him make without his usual stutter. His public school teacher called us the next day to ask, “What has happened to Reynold?” His whole life was transformed by an act of God. God initiated a similar encounter with Himself for me when I was 16. God said “I will pour out My Spirit on all flesh; your sons and daughters shall prophesy” (Joel 2:28). Peter quoted this in his message on the Day of Pentecost (Acts 2:17).

Yours because of God’s covenant!

David

P.S. Happy Independence Day to all our USA blog readers!

BELIEVE

Today’s Reading: Genesis 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).

The view while descending to the lowest point on earth – The Dead Sea. On the far side of the Dead Sea is the Kingdom of Jordan with the mountains of Moab seen along the horizon. Abraham would’ve seen this view, minus the modern highway.

Key Verse: Genesis 15:6

And he believed in the Lord, and He accounted it to him for righteousness.

The Apostle Paul picks up this story (Romans 4:2-3): “For if Abraham was justified by works, he has something to boast about, but not before God. For what does the Scripture say? ‘Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him for righteousness.'” If you have the time, read the entirety of Romans 4. Our works will never gain us a place in Heaven, nor will they guarantee the presence of God here and now. However, our actions are noticed by God and can result in God’s action towards us (e.g. Cornelius Acts 10:4b, “Your prayers and your alms (donations) have come up for a memorial before God”). James 2:20 says, “Faith without works is dead.” Works provide an outward and tangible confirmation of the inward motivating force behind them, belief and trust in God.

PRAYER FOR TODAY:

Father God, thank You for Your unconditional love and for Your righteousness given to me as a result of my faith in You. Like Abram (His name was not yet changed), I believe in You. Thank You for Your friend, Abram, who is a great example for me. I pray this in the Name of Jesus, Who is the greatest Example. Amen!

100 PERSONAL WORDS:

I’m so impressed by Abram’s attitude toward God and people. Yes, he believed God! He also showed this by works. I hate to admit this, but I think that Abram may have had something in common with an Afghan Warlord (a righteous one). Abram had a private Army. He was definitely not your average farmer. In today’s reading he risked his own life to rescue his nephew Lot and the other Sodomites. He tried (unsuccessfully) to turn the King of Sodom and the Sodomites he had rescued to God by introducing them to the priest of the most high God, Melchizedek. He paid his tithe. Abram’s attitude, overall, was impressive.

When one of our 13 great-grandchildren, Autumn Neilson, was two years old, she would sing over and over a song about attitude based on Philippians 2:5, written by her grandfather, Bruce Stacey, husband of my daughter Elaine: “Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus.” All but the newest of my great-grandchildren have memorized dozens of Bible verses because of these songs. Check out God Rocks Bibletoons Scripture songs online HERE. You can go to the Crossroads e-store to order a CD or DVD HERE.

Your friend and brother in Christ,

David

LOOK UP

Today’s Reading: Genesis 11-13

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 self portrait…well at least those are my feet. I (Reynold Mainse) am looking southeast toward the morning sun. In front is the famous mountain of Masada, and beyond is the Dead Sea. At the bottom left of Masada you can see 2,000-year-old Roman Army encampment sites. The protective walls the soldiers built are in the shape of rectangles.

Key Verse: Genesis 13:14b-15

Lift your eyes now and look from the place where you are — northward, southward, eastward and westward; for all the land which you see I give to you and your descendents forever.

Abram (his name changed later to Abraham – father of nations) showed himself to be a generous man. His heart was being changed over time so that he now could give his nephew, Lot, first choice in land. God honoured Abram by promising him all the land for his descendants…eventually. Abram is father to both the Arabs and the Jews; his offspring have taken over the entire Middle East. Notice what happened before God made such a promise. Abram obeyed God! He left his home. Abram honoured God! He built altars with which to worship God and to make fresh commitments to God. Note the word, “ALTAR” (12:7,12:8,13:4,13:18). He “pitched” his tent, but he BUILT altars. The tent represents the temporal, but the ALTARS represent the ETERNAL! We need to ask this question, “Am I putting up and taking down eternal things and building only the temporary, or am I building that which will be permanent, forever?” Let us search our hearts, asking hard questions such as, “What are my priorities? Is God in first place?” Abram’s actions brought God’s blessings during his life here on earth and will continue to do so throughout eternity!!!

PRAYER FOR TODAY:

Lord God, You responded directly in proportion to Abram’s obedience and faithfulness. Please give me the grace to learn from Abram. Amen & Amen!

100 PERSONAL WORDS:

I think it’s time to introduce my eldest son, David Reynold Mainse. Reynold spent over three months in Israel, Jordan, Egypt, Italy, Greece, and Turkey (lands of the Bible) photographing pictures for this daily blog. He is a professional photographer & video producer. Thank you, Reynold, for your time and for sharing your gifts with us. His full time work is as a missionary in Africa. He is an ordained minister who has given his life to world missions. His wife, Kathy, his children, Rachelle, Elizabeth (and her husband David Lee), and his son David Peter (and his wife Tawny), share his passion to reach the world for Jesus. Check out www.worldembrace.org for more about their missions.

Building an altar for eternity,

David

P.S. Remember to watch my daily 100 Words “vlog” (video blog), which corresponds to this daily blog. HERE is a link to my vlogs, arranged by date, on the 100 Huntley Street website. You may want to watch the one from yesterday, July 1st, Canada’s birthday! All this month, the vlogs are originating from Braeside Camp in Paris, Ontario.