CONSIDER THE YEARS
Today’s Reading: Deuteronomy 32
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).
An elderly man ponders Scripture while in the courtyard of the Western Wall next to the Temple Mount. He may be meditating on the words of Moses.
GOOGLE MAPS – To see where the photo was taken, click HERE.
Key Verse: Deuteronomy 32:7
Remember the days of old,
Consider the years of many generations.
Ask your father, and he will show you;
Your elders, and they will tell you…
The song of Moses, poetry in the Hebrew language, is a spectacular way to present his last words. We have no idea of the tune he sang. It was no doubt in the minor key. It’s a sad sounding melody. According to available information, the scale for the major key arrived at some point as a more joyous sound in early Christianity. What a dramatic impact Moses made with his message. Ever since, it has been impossible for Jewish people to forget Moses.
Our key verse tells sons and daughters, as well as the following generations, to “ask your father.” How should a father answer? Deuteronomy 32:6 gives fathers, and mothers too, their instructions…”Set your hearts!” In Matthew 12:34b Jesus is quoted as saying, “Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks.” Let us fill our minds with God’s Word and meditate on it. It will surely soak down into the very core of our beings, and the right words will flow out when we speak.
PRAYER FOR TODAY:
Lord Jesus, I pray that the Holy Spirit will continue to move the content of this two-year daily blog into my heart. May the thoughts expressed here faithfully communicate Your thoughts. Amen!
100 PERSONAL WORDS:
During the Christmas and New Year’s celebrations, I’ve had wonderful opportunities to follow Moses’ instructions. I’ve preached a bit to my children, my grandchildren, and my great-grandchildren. I didn’t preach a long sermon. Often it was just a sentence or two. Like Moses, I even sang a verse or two of a song.
One of my heroes is my uncle, Rev. Manley Pritchard, 21 years older than his sister, my mother (see photo below). My father was away during WW2 years, and my uncle filled in as a father sometimes. I can remember stern warnings, as well as good stories from him. He would be 138 years old if he was still here with us. His words still sound in my memories. He compiled a book which, in my opinion, should be back in print. It’s called, Pebbles From The Brink — “the brink” being the shore of the river of death (here is a link to an online version of the book…click on the pages to turn the page). The last words of dying people are often startling. Of course, Uncle Manley also included in his book the last words of Jesus, which were, according to John, who was there, “It is finished” (John 19:30). As a 12-year-old boy, I heard my dying mother’s last word. She laboured to say my name, “David.” I went to her side, kissed her and said through my sobs, “Mother, I’ll meet you in Heaven.” My dad reminded me several times that I added the words, “I will, I will.” I know I can have this assurance because Jesus “FINISHED” the work He came to earth to accomplish. His Cross is the bridge from this side of the river of death to the shores of Heaven.
Yours for wisdom to find the right words to say to our loved ones,
David
P.S. My sister Willa recently came across the photo below of our mother as a young girl with her parents and siblings (taken around the turn of the century). Mother is the precious little girl in the front (born Norma Hazel Pritchard). The man in the back is my Uncle Manley, whom I referred to above.
100 Huntley Street needs to get the telephone prayer line fixed, it is not working; and neither is the on line prayer request working; those who know the technology of today can fix this problem, soon I hope.
Please pray that the Lord will help me to forgive those who have hurt me recently; it is just petty stuff; but it hurts, I desire to forgive them
¨Please pray the Lord will send me the right person to rent the back room…..He knows who this person is; I trust the Lord to do this for me, will help alot with finances
God bless and a very happy and healthy New Year to everyone……
p.s. I really like the old pictures, what a blessing …..
I really like the old family photo, too. Sah, are you still playing with your ukulele group? There’s a really good movie I just watched called Amish Grace–true story–and about forgiveness. I think you will love watching it. I sure did. I am praying for you. God bless you, Sah.
Amish Grace
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wPxRLjHYxFk
“I Can Only Imagine” is another great movie based on a true story of the lead singer from MercyMe about foregiveness,
Yes, that is a great movie. I have seen it, too. I will try to find the link.
Sah,the person you forgive may not know nor care if you forgive them (and may not be aware they offended).The forgiveness you give is for you because when you forgive you ‘fore give’ it to the Lord (and He will smile).I wrote this for bereaved mothers and almost always included the second poem with it.God bless
Forgiveness
Forgiveness is a gift we receive,
And freely we must give it too,
To prove to Him we do believe,
Forgiveness also works for you.
When someone stabs your back,
Do not turn around to attack;
But smile and take up his slack
To show the faith you do not lack.
When you forgive it then returns,
For your heart is then lightened
While given the freedom it yearns
And your mind is then enlightened.
Let His healing hand touch your soul,
Then may His love render you whole,
For Satan will try to collect a toll
If faith is weak you give control
But someone you may overlook
Is one you may be least kind to;
For mistaken paths that you took;
The one you forgive must be you.
GW (Bill) Marshall/2012
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Lest You Be Judged (4 Grieving Mothers)
Unless you have been in my shoes,
I’ve been on paths I did not choose,
So do not judge what I may do,
For one day soon this could be you.
Fortune has not been my friend,
Nor has my heart had help to mend,
Misfortune has never been far away;
The scars I bear,too many to say.
Not many smiles are without a blade
And when you’re down quickly fade,
So remember,to thine own self be true,
And be honest in all things you do.
G W(Bill) Marshall/2012
Amen, Bill, amen!
Yes, Amen William!
Wow
What a cute little girl David’s mother was.I will finish reading the ‘Pebbles’ this evening,as I have necessary work to do.It’s very cold here today.God bless
Incredible scripture, today. Just heard Chuck Swindoll preach a wonderful sermon about Moses and forgiveness on UCB radio. “The church is full of forgiven people,” he just said. Oh gracious God, mighty Saviour and divine Holy Spirit, we praise You and You alone. We give You thanks and praise for Your undying love and forgiveness of us. Without You, where would we be? Wishing all the saints a blessed day.
Such a timely message from David, in heaven. Surely your mother and father were smiling upon your return to them with open arms. Amen. I, too, had wonderful words of good-bye with my parents upon their deaths and look forward to one day seeing them again. Our gift was learning forgiveness.
Sing to him a new song; play skillfully on the strings, with loud shouts.
Psalm 33:3 ESV
Tasha Cobbs Leonard – You Know My Name ft. Jimi Cravity–WOW!!!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t7owFiihXgg
Beautiful photo of David’s family! What a legacy they have left behind!
No doubt, David had a joyful reunion with them when he left this earth.
Thank you so very much to all who have prayed for the young couple having marital problems, Scott and Celia. Your prayers are truly appreciated and I am believing for a miracle in their lives. Scott is a believer in Jesus Christ but Celia has not made that commitment, yet. Please pray that she will surrender her life and her will to the Lord.
May you all be blessed, today and always!
The account of David’s mother’s passing is so touching; brought tears to my eyes. Little did that little girl in the front know that she would give birth to David Mainse who has been such a blessing to Canada, the world and even continuing to us today. Sad that the Jewish people have not accepted the New Testament and Jesus but thank God some have(I have visited some of the Messianic churches in Israel) and someday all Israel will be saved. How devoted Moses was to his own people, the little one who floated in the Nile in a pitched basket his mother made him. Snowing again today here after a big one on New Years day, but God supplies strength for each new day. Praise His wonderful name! Amen!
Amen sister Ger!! Stay safe!!
Thanks for the posts and links on here today.
Wonderful family photo; what a great keepsake!!
powerful words in Moses’ song! As he said, it is important to heed them!!
I haven’t been able to get on the internet when I usually do (early in the morning). With school being out for 2 weeks, the YiFi is overloaded. I am happy to say that I do eventually get on but it may be later in the day or even in the night. Love the picture of David’s heritage. So happy to be able to continue getting his teaching. Happy New Year all.