OF HIM, THROUGH HIM, TO HIM (Romans 11:36a)
Today’s Reading: Romans 11
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).
In St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome, this statue is probably the world’s most famous religious sculpture. Michelangelo carved it when he was 24 years old, and it is the only one he ever signed. He called it “Pieta” (meaning “pity”). The beauty of its lines and expression leaves a lasting impression on everyone, as it portrays Mary holding the lifeless body of Jesus after he was taken down from the Cross.
GOOGLE MAPS – To see where the photo was taken, click HERE.
Key Verse: Romans 11:33
Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and His ways past finding out!
We might want to read the key verse at least twice more, stopping and meditating on the words, “depth,” “riches,” “wisdom,” “knowledge,” “unsearchable,” “judgments,” and “His ways.” There are many ways to describe God, but let us think of just three of them. (1) omnipresence, (2) omnipotence, and (3) omniscience. These are fairly common words amongst believers, but we may need a reminder: (1) being present at all times. (2) all powerful. (3) all knowing and all wise. (1) He is everywhere and sees everything, and we have a very limited perspective. (2) He creates and sustains everything, and we are weak in every sense. (3) He knows all, and we know very little. Colossians 1:9-18 is an excellent expansion of these thoughts. We should not judge ourselves too harshly if we do not understand some things we read in Scripture. We simply need to rely on our ever-present, all-powerful and all-knowing God to teach us the things we need to know.
PRAYER FOR TODAY:
Lord God, I pray with King David, “Teach me Your way, O Lord…” (Psalm 27:11). As Jesus said, “My sheep know My voice,” and I’m doing my best to listen to Your thoughts. I’m a slow learner, but I believe I am learning. I ask for more of Your presence, more of Your power, and more of Your wisdom, at least as much as You know I can handle. Thank You, Lord. Amen!
100 PERSONAL WORDS:
When Norma-Jean and I went to plant a congregation in Canada’s atomic energy centre (Chalk River – Deep River, Ontario), one of the first things I did was to buy an old school bus to pick up children for Sunday School. On one side I painted, “Teach me Your way, O Lord,” and on the other, “Study to show yourself approved unto God.” I had taught public school in Chalk River seven years earlier, and I learned some valuable lessons. For example, I met almost daily for several months at 7 a.m. with a boy who some would say was a slow learner. I knew that was not true. He was very intelligent, but totally distracted from his studies by other things. With the school inspector’s permission, this boy gained two whole years’ worth of lessons in six months, and as a result he caught up with his age group. I’ve been easily distracted throughout my life, but God has given me “special ed.” It happens early in the morning and has become a pattern in my life for decades now. This blog is part of the personal tutoring God gives me. Another area of learning for me has been interviewing about 14,000 people for TV. I’ve learned so very much. Below is a link to one of those interviews with a former criminal and maximum security prisoner, Ernie Hollands. God was so pleased that He moved my friend, Stan Watrich, to translate that interview into Russian and distribute it in the prisons in the countries of the former Soviet Union. Ernie and I have the Russian language recorded over our English words. How amazing is that! Click here for part of the interview (the English version), and here for the Russian Version (the actual interview begins about 3 minutes in). Talk about God giving special attention. WOW!!!!!
Yours for experiencing God’s special attention,
David
Wow to today’s blog–scripture, message and David’s interview with Ernie Hollands. Such a powerful testament to Jesus’ coming in the flesh into prison cells. Ernie’s conversion reminds me of Paul’s conversion. Wishing all saints a blessed day.
He put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God. Many will see and fear, and put their trust in the LORD. Psalm 40:3 ESV
Sam Cooke – “Touch The Hem Of His Garment” (w/lyrics)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IEqk0aaPh-I
WOW! again I got the shivers Beverlee Kay!
Ernie mentions APRIL 14, 1976 when his miracle happened; well….my miracle was APRIL 16, 1995, Eva a Christian friend spoke these words over me;
WE HAVE THE HOLY SPIRIT THAT ENABLES US TO DO MORE THAN WE EVER DREAMT1
immediately smoking/alcohol was GONE Completely! Thank you Lord
one week later, APRIL 23,1995 I broke my leg and from rehab I learned to swim.
Yes the Lord God through His unconditional love for me, for Ernie Hollands changed our lives forever, I rejoice with Ernie Hollands, I do it every day,
Thank You Lord God for hearing all our prayers, for changing our lives, all I can say is THANK YOU, THANK YOU THANK YOU in Jesus Name amen
Hi this is Marilyn I understand that you have a sleeping disorder I’m just wondering are you under the care of a psychiatrist and are you on meds and does he or she recommend that it’s okay for you to go to bed at 4 in the morning and get up at noon as part of as part of their treatment this is the third time I have left a comment and have not received a response so could you could you please respond thank you very much and God bless
I remember the interview and other times with Ernie Hollands. Amazing. Thank you, Lord. I believe he married a Christian lady later. An amazing, amazing, life rescued and made clean by the blood of Jesus. I would ask you folk to pray with me to be able to get onto the internet easily. Since before Christmas I have not been able to get on my computer or smart phone without great difficulty. I live in a condo apartment community and I believe the problem may be overload in our buildings. I don’t have anyone knowledgeable about these things near me so I don’t know what I can do about it. To change a provider seems to be a drastic step and difficult to do. Thank you.
Doreen I understand your frustration, Lord You know Doreen and her situation regarding the computer and smart phone! What is the problem Lord? Can You send someone to her to help straighten this situation out so she can get onto the internet more easily?
Lord I do understand her issue, and I know that You also see, hear and know what is happening, so Lord we ask for Your help, clear this situation up and that Doreen can access the internet more easily.
Thank you Lord in Jesus Name we Pray amen
Amen Sah, agreeing with you in prayer for Doreen!
Wonderful blog today and this man Ernie Hollands blesses me whenever I hear his testimony. Shared it on fb so please pray that people’s hearts will be touched and they will see the reality of Christ through his life. Yes he married a Christian and I know her sister, a fellow Bible College student. Oh, the love of God! Will pray you will get your tech problem solved Doreen. Very cold the last few days but God is good. Amen!
Yes, wonderful blog today! Ernie Hollands blesses me every time I hear his testimony. Yes, he married a Christian lady and her sister was a fellow Bible College student. Oh, the love of God! Praying you will get your tech problem solved Doreen. Blessings!
I remember the interview, as well. He married and had a family after he got out of prison. Yes, WHAT A MIRACLE, And yes, the Lord is in the business of miracles, of saving lives. I am one of those who received the miracle of life through Jesus
Christ my Lord and Savior. Praise God!!!
He never leaves us or forsakes us!!! Holy is His Name, Amen!
Such promises in the “Key verse”!