A HOLY PEOPLE
Today’s Reading: Deuteronomy 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 on the right-hand side).
People praying at the rock in the Garden of Gethsemane where Jesus prayed all night before he was arrested. The church that now covers it is called the Church of All Nations.
GOOGLE MAPS – To see where the photo was taken, click HERE.
Key Verse: Deuteronomy 26:19
…and that He will set you high above all nations which He has made, in praise, in name, and in honor, and that you may be a holy people to the Lord your God, just as He has spoken.
We are a “holy people.” Believing in Jesus and following Him makes this a fact. Ephesians 2:21 calls us, “a holy temple.” To see how special we are in God’s eyes, read Ephesians 2:11-22.
Two practices stand out in today’s reading. First, the sandal and the kinsman redeemer. Note Deuteronomy 25:9 and then turn to a wonderful love story, Ruth chapter 4. Note verse 7 (click here). Second, paying the tithe, 10% of our increase. To read more about this practice, we may want to read Malachi 3:6-12. This last book in the Hebrew Scriptures has much to say about giving. The Greek Scriptures, our New Testament, speaks of giving in many places. The one that comes to mind is 1 Corinthians 16:2, where Paul encourages us to set aside our offerings on the first day of each week. It seems that the early believers in Jesus paid the tithe (they were all Jews) and then did much more in offerings above their tithe. Remember the words of Jesus to the rich young ruler. Jesus was asking for his all (Mark 10:17-22). Our question should not be, “How much should I give?” but, “How much of that which You, Lord, have given me should I use for myself?” Let’s meditate on that thought.
PRAYER FOR TODAY:
Lord God, please give me the grace of disciplined consistency in listening to You as I read Your Word each day and in faithful fervency as I talk with You in my prayer time. May I see spiritual input in my life to be even more important than physical food and drink. In Jesus’ Name I pray, Amen!
100 PERSONAL WORDS:
Because of the practice of giving produce to God, I asked my son, Reynold, for a garden picture. The Garden of Gethsemane was the place where Jesus gave everything back to His Father.
I find it interesting that throughout this present age, the age of the Church, a wide variety of giving practices has been employed. For example, my Father, Rev. Dr. Roy Mainse, in his ordination commitments, was not to own property personally. He was 40 when I was born in 1936, and he wrote that while his brothers received an inheritance, such as the family farm, he would not receive an inheritance. He was in the ministry (Methodist/Holiness Movement) and his needs were provided by the congregations, college, and missionary society which he served. During my time as a boy living at home, the residence, complete with old furniture from the 19th century, was provided. I remember the red-letter day when Dad came home with a new fridge. We actually owned it. Things changed along the way, and Dad and my step-mother owned a home when Dad retired. He passed away 42 years ago next month. I’m older now than he was when God took him home. He was removing the snow from his driveway and steps when his heart simply stopped. My memories of his total dedication to the cause of Christ are a motivation for me in my service to God and people.
Yours for learning how to give back to God that which He has given me,
David
Amen to David’s message, this morning, and photo, Reynold. “The word “tithe” comes from an Old English root meaning “one tenth.” It is the common English translation for the Old Testament Hebrew asar word group.” Indeed, we tithe, because we believe in giving of our first fruits to the Lord. Everything we have is from our Heavenly Father. Wishing fellow saints a blessed day. May you be safe if you have snow; still mild here in Prince Edward County, ON. God’s love peace and joy to you, all.
As a shepherd seeks out his flock when he is among his sheep that have been scattered, so will I seek out my sheep, and I will rescue them from all places where they have been scattered on a day of clouds and thick darkness.
Ezekiel 34:12 ESV
One of my favourites: Ever Be – Kalley Heiligenthal | We Will Not Be Shaken
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BhasSpSBdEE
Amen Beverlee! Well said!
Blessing in the coming New Year to Norma-Jean and all the Mainse family! May it be a Joyous and Prosperous one! Amen!!
What we have all belongs to God so we should be sure to pay…..give our tithes and other offerings.I rarely7 miss church but when I do I include the missed tithe the following week.I don’t want to cheat God.The roads are icy here today but rain is in the forecast.Yall have a good day.God bless
Mighty Tower
You created all,thus,all is yours,
And only You have supreme power,
For You alone open our doors,
And you are the mighty Tower.
You judge most fairly in truth and love,
For Your goal is for all to receive
Their mansions in Your home above,
Abundant to those who believe.
We see the stars,as yet unnumbered
And You know what each is called by name,
When You placed them unencumbered
And gave them light with holy flame.
Your creation is more than we see,
For we are Your children in school
Who will pass to eternity
Guided by Your holy Jewel.
(G W) Bill Marshall/20-Jan-16
Amen to David’s message and also of blogging friends. Mild here today after snow and freezing rain last night. Guess our 70 year anniversary services at the church I attend will go on. Have a great day saints!
Enjoy, Ger!
I pray that each and every participant in this blog will be blessed in their daily living and see this 2018 out and usher in the New Year,2019, praising God for all His mercies and blessings.
Blessed
Amen Blessed!
Blessings to everyone! PRAISE THE LORD! we had snow in the Okanagan Valley in British Columbia for the past 2 days! WONDERFUL! please pray we get a lot more snow so that the rivers & creeks in the mountains have enough water for the summer. we do not want any fires
Praise the Lord, pray the Lord will send the right person to be a room mate!
Praise and thank the Lord for swimming!
Pray for our leaders of our countries, praying for our Prime Minister Justin Trudeau as he carefully plans his meetings with China…….
Pray the Holy Spirit will enter the hearts of the Chinese people and that Christians will stand up and help with these precious talks
Pray for the families who have lost loved ones; pray the Holy Spirit enter their hearts also and that the peace of Jesus Christ will be with these families……in
Jesus Name we Pray amen amen amen
Amen Sah!
Amen Blessed!