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
[NOTE: The P.S. below was written by David on September 20, 2016]
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 (a fact 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!
Deep are Your Words, Lord. Let us be still and loving and kind to one another. Wonderful photos and memories for you, Norma Jean and family. Missing David, along with you. Blessings fellow saints in the Lord.
Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth! Ps 46:10 ESV
Still – Hillsong United with lyrics
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z3wwWFsSlNQ
P.S. Praying for continued healing of your back pain, Luisa. May the Lord wrap His loving arms around you, dear sister-in-Christ. To all who are suffering with pain, rest in the love of Jesus. My tears are with you.
Amen Beverlee!
Thank you so much for your prayers, dear Beverlee!
By God’s grace, I am getting better.
Praying for you Doreen. May the Lord encourage you and bless you as you bring comfort to your sister.
May everyone who is in need, be filled with the hope that only our God can provide. God bless you, all!
Can’t read the blog on my smart phone today – print small & unreadable. Never happened before. Will fire up the computer which may rectify the problem.
Happy anniversary, Norma Jean! Thank you, all the Mainse family, for sharing the photos and the precious memories with us, and for keeping the blog going. It is such a blessing. May God richly bless you all.
Wonderful pictures of family. Many reasons to celebrate! Computer version of today’s blog came up (could not get it on I phone today – print way too small). Missing David too but so happy to have the blog each day – it’s like he is still here with us! Was in hospital this week – kind of serious, I think. I have 4 follow-up appointments. I must be strong and stay close to the Lord. My heart goes out for my sister who is very, very, dependent in a nursing home. I’m her only close relative and visit every day for a couple of hours. I’m trying to slow down a bit (heart issues) but it is hard to do.
I pray for the Lord’s strength to enfold you Ger: for “The Joy of the Lord is your strength”. Be strong in Him!!
oops, sorry this shoud say “enfold you Doreen”
‘Jesus is calling’.That is what today’s words boil down to;his message of repentance.Could any of us qualify to walk with Him today?
That is a great picture that shows how blessed a family can be.This same family continues to carry on this blessing for us (and for David).Thank you again.
The Kingdom Is Ours
Oh,Lord,though we have sinned against You
And have done evil in your sight,
You still love us the ages through,
Withholding from us Your just might.
To each of us You have been a Friend,
Your guidance led those who would hear
And shown Your mercy has no end;
As we repent,you draw us near.
Lord,restore to us a right spirit,
For You have washed away our sin
And we know we’re not to fear it
When evil seeks to come within.
Oh,my Savoir,You are always true
And we want to walk in Your light
But there is one who will undo
And e’er seeks to bind us in fright.
Oh Lord,we know Your word is our shield
But relentless thoughts from the snake,
Seek to steal what we must not yield,
For the kingdom is ours to take.
G W(Bill) Marshall/13 Sept, 2015
Amen, amen
Amen William, thank you for sharing!
Amen. Happy 60th Anniversary Norma Jean! Sure you are missing David and us too. But as Doreen says reading the blog makes it seem like he is still here. Lovely photos of you and David and the family. Prayers for you Doreen that the Lord will watch over you and help you. Lot to meditate on in scripture today. Good poem William. Blessings to all.
What Powerful scripture/warning by Our Lord Jesus Christ. The importance of repentance and not going the ways of the world. To stand firm in our faith. But to keep our eyes on Jesus, and be quick to repent of that which is not of You Jesus. I pray this in Your Mighty Holy Name!
Lord I ask You to keep me and my household in the Palm of Your Hand; Cover us with Your precious blood, under the Shadow of Your Wings. We can do nothing unless You keep us on the Paths of righteousness. I pray this in the Mighty Name of Jesus; Amen!!
Thank you Ron and Ann for posting those precious pictures of that special day: Your Mom and Dad’s 58th Wedding Anniversary. What a precious memory!!
May the Lord continue to bless you Norma-Jean and all your family and keep you in the Palm of His hand, and give you Peace always!!